June 14th 2009 So near yet so far I think it's fair to say that I'm known for having an excellent sense of direction. Coupled with superb map-reading skills, it is hard for me to get lost. Except in Guildford. And, it would seem, America. Alex, I could hear you laughing at me from afar on Wednesday morning. I simply couldn't find the entrance to the freeway. I could see it on the GPS. Sat in Betty Boy I could see the cars rushing by not a few yards away. But could I join them?! No. It would appear Milpitas was as reluctant to see me go as I was to leave. After 45 minutes and an unexpected detour to the city's sewage works I thankfully happened upon the south entrance to highway 880. Hallelujah! The ... read more

June 3rd 2009 Fond farewells What a couple of weeks! It is unbelievable that everything went so swimmingly and to plan. Thanks to everyone for all my send-offs, and for taking all the leftovers from Saturday's BBQ!! Portion-size clearly isn't my speciality. After a lovely, mad dash to Edinburgh on Sunday, I finally finished packing, tidied the house and at long last hopped on the plane to San Francisco on Monday afternoon. The 11-hour flight was unremarkable - certainly not the epic 24-hour voyage to Sydney I made in January! Sat next to a tall, strapping Irish man, I was, however, reminded of the joys of being petite. The poor guy just couldn't get comfortable. Me? I slipped into my pyjamas, put on the headphones and caught up on a few movies. There are much worse ... read more