Day 11 - Friday 30th September 2005

The day began with a welcome lay in, before we returned the rental car. Promising ourselves we would have a big final night together, it meant a quiet day on the beach. The weather did not agree with us, and did its best to dissuade us with the fog and visibility of 50 yards, but the San Diegans were not put off, and neither were we. Taking to the beach with boogieboards and beach towels, we didnt really see the sun, but it was a pleasant enough way to spend the afternoon.

After a few hours laying on the sand and watching Chris create a masterpiece sand sculpture, we had the impetus to get out amongst it and celebrate the holiday. We had a few beers on the veranda of the hostel (trust me, veranda makes it sound better than it was), then went for dinner at the American institution known as Hooters! After some good food, we went to the Hooters girls recommended bar, The Tavern.

Although it was quiet when we first got in there, it soon filled up. The night passed quickly and it was soon time to grab our bags from the hostel and head for the airport. When we got there, Flan, Sam & Dave checked in, and it was time for them and I to go our separate ways.

The final goodbyes were quick, but the memories of an absolutely class holiday remain. All thats left is for me to thank the three of you for making it what it was. Cheers boys, I owe you one.

Day 10 Thursday 29th September 2005

We checked out of the Orbit Hostel and made our way to the airport to return the rental car and catch a bus to San Diego, setting for the movie of the moment, Anchorman.

On the way we pulled over at Denny`s for yet another breakfast. Two things were accomplished here, firstly that I wont be having any more Dennys, and secondly we would keep the car for the drive to San Diego. This made sense as we could do our own thing and the cost difference would likely be not worth worrying about.

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Day 8 - Tuesday 27th September 2005

Having checked out of the Hotel, we were picked up putside by the Budget Car Rental bus, who ferried us to their main depot so we could pick up a 7 seater which we would use to make the trip to Los Angeles.

Fresh from driving the 400bhp Dodge Viper, I think Sam was brought down to earth pretty quickly, but he volunteered to drive anyway.

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Every weekday morning, the Stratosphere hold a $25 no limit holdem poker tournament. I decided I would play as I was up early. Not really having played live poker poker before I was a bit nervous I`d give my hand away too easily, but it turns out that at that low limit the players are pretty average.

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Sunday was a bit of a write off sue to our lack of sleep Saturday night. I layed in until around 2 when I got up and went to the pool for an hour. I then got Sam and we went to a Nascar themed diner for Chilli Dogs. I dont think Dave and Flan managed to get out of bed until we got back when they went for McDonalds.

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With a 13.45 flight from JFK to Las Vegas, wechecked out of the hostel and headed straight to the airport. I thought our airline, JetBlue, would be a small outfit but they had their own terminal with excellent facilities.

The only bad thing I can say about the airline was due to the incident I had read about in the New York Post a few days before when having breakfast.

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The previous evening, whilst on our quest to find where New York’s beautiful girls went in the evening, we had stumbled into the San Gennaro street festival in Little Italy. This was a huge street festival which consisted mainly of every type of food you can imagine. As it was held in Little Italy, it was a meatball sub for me.

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