And That's All She Wrote

Bravely stepping forth, to the departure gate. Farewell America, home of the brave, land of the free soda refill.

Last Day in Long Beach

With one last day of holidays to enjoy, we decided to explore part of LA neither of us had seen before - Long Beach. 

The weather was extremely obliging for strolling around the shore, shops and cafes.

Our last meal in America had to be something spectacular, and the Starling Diner sure didn't disappoint.

JUST LOOK AT THIS FRENCH TOAST - a marscapone-stuffed baguette, broiled to delicious perfection, with apples in brandy butter and cream. I DIE just thinking about how tasty this was!

I'm not going to be able to use quite as many adjectives about the feta cheese and mushroom omelette, but it really was excellent. A perfect final meal before 24 hours of aeroplane food!

Ok, before I go - look at this french toast again. OH LORDY!

Payday for Everybody!

What better way to start the last full day of the trip than with a final visit to Cinnabon?

Look at that roll-y goodness. Mmmm! Thank the lord that there isn't one of these in Sydney, because I would DIE.

I maintain the sustenance of Cinnabon is justified when one is about to cross the Mojave Desert on a hot summer day. 

A few hours of driving, and the desert transformed into downtown Los Angeles. Credit is due to Paul for not killing or being killed by any LA drivers - it seems changing lanes is regarded as a contact sport around here! Of course, after a few hours in the car, our first thought is of snacks:

My final root beer of the trip, SO delicious.

And the most amazing sandwiches from Mendocino Farms - here we have half a Drunk'n Goat in Paris and half an Heirloom TBL with vegie bacon. These guys have a few locations around LA so if you're in the area, The Earl of Sandwich commands you to GO THERE GO THERE GO THERE GO THERE!!  

Next up, Friday night baseball.

I love me a good dispensing crank!

It wouldn't be baseball without snacks, would it?

The Dodgers, looking Dodger-y

Raccoon in attendance, of course

It wasn't a super exciting game as the Mariners weren't playing, so we got a bit distracted

The Houston Astros, who, contrary to my predictions, kicked some Dodger butt.

After the game, the crowd was allowed on the field...

... to watch the Friday night fireworks. The home team didn't win, but the fireworks were sparkly and spirits were high.  The bus ride back downtown was certainly lively - among other hilarious outbursts, when we nearly collided with a wayward pedestrian one of our fellow commuters announced "Woohoo, payday for everybody!". Not sure they're clear on how accident compensation really works, but I'm totally using that as my catchphrase from now on.