May 19, 2012 - Our first morning in LA

Ok….now I have a bit more time let me update you on the trip over. Firstly, thanks to all who've sent messages via the journal - it's great to hear from you! Okay, back to our travel... We arrived in Auckland at 3.00pm on Friday, we had a good flight from Wgtn. We had a long wait for NZ2, which left at 9.30pm. It was our choice to get to Auck so early – I’m a nervous flyer and wanted to be in Auckland with lots of time to spare. We had passes for the Koru Club so we spent our time eating (both) and trying to calm the nerves (me). Soon...

May 18, 2012 - We've arrived in LA

After a 12 hour trip on NZ2, here we are in LA. We've just arrived at our hotel (Crowne Plaza LAX) and are settling in for an early dinner and an early night before collecting our Hertz rental and hitting the road Saturday morning. Premium Econonmy is better than last year - they have removed an entire row of seats so there is more room and it's far easier to get some rest...though we only got some light sleep in bursts. Expect some serious writings starting tomorrow. Cheers

May 18, 2012 - Day One - Wellington to Auckland to LAX

Hamish worked this morning and left me to finish the packing....he doesn't know yet that I unbolted the kitchen sink! We and our three suitcases and three cabin bags arrived at Wellington Airport (see pic) and had a safe flight to Auckland on NZ428. Jet planes consumed as per envelope label Margaret. We are now in the Koru Lounge at Auck International Airport. I'm starting to get nervous about the flight and Hamish is stocking up on food from the hot buffet. He did bring me a lovely piece of choclate cake.... Next step is dep Auck 9.30pm on...

May 13, 2012 - Rodeo drive

Today the goal was to explore Rodeo Drive and go to a beach. Rodeo drive was really neat but super expensive. There were so many nice cars that drove by and you better believe Eric was taking as many pictures as he could of them, even if that meant walking in front of them while stopped at red lights. The looks the drivers were giving him were hilarious but we didn't care. We got to see where the movie Pretty Woman was filmed and also Just Go With It. That was pretty cool. It was crazy to see the inside of some of the stores. Some even...

May 12, 2012 - Departing for Spain

Today, I set off for Europe. It has been crazy getting ready to leave as soon as the semester is over, but I think almost everything is in place. Really looking forward to the trip. Actually, I'm one of those weird people who really like time on the flight. I get to read, write, think, and, if I get bored with that, watch an on-flight movie. What could be better than that? The flight will be a long one. I have a direct from LAX to Madrid. I leave this evening and don't get to Spain until tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure what that is in...

May 12, 2012 - Los Angeles

After sleeping in, we woke up and decided to venture onto Hollywood Boulevard (which should be called Hollyweird). There were people that dressed up as action figures and let others take pictures of them. If a duplicate action figure showed up a turf war would begin. There was also seven thousand bums on one street. Strange. You think they could spread out a bit :). We took a TMZ tour based off the show. It sounded cool but our guide sucked. He didn't even look for celebrities. It was the passengers job to do so. I can't pick famous people...

Apr 30, 2012 - Back in Los Angeles today

Hi Everyone, Some of the kids have already returned this morning, some are returning tonight and a few are staying for the Tiferet program. It was an amazing last few days in Jerusalem. We spent Friday evening at the Kotel and Shabbat morning students were given an option of which Shabbat service to attend: Yoga service, traditional service, visit to an orthodox shul, and a discussion service with the survivors about their feelings about G-d. Saturday afternoon many students had family visit them at the hostel and others walked to the...

Apr 27, 2012 - Visiting the Griffith observatory with Auntie Mary Ann

April 27 Another great day! Today I got to see Auntie MaryAnn again. I was so excited. I have such wonderful memories playing with Tony and Anna so it was a real treat to see her again. It was so funny, I was in the room putting Julia in time out for being a little so and so and not doing her homework when all of a sudden out of nowhere Auntie MaryAnn was just standing there! What a treat! We talked for a while and looked at some pictures on my computer and I finally found out where one of my childhood memories took place. I remember as a...

Apr 21, 2012 - LA

April 21 Los Angeles 5 hour flight to Seol South Korea then 11 1/2 hour flight to LA. We had good intentions to go to Universal Studios for the day but jet lag won and we had a slow uneventful time. Only 2 more flights then we are home. Can't wait to see everyone!!!

Apr 18, 2012 - Leaving Oregon

April 18 Guess what we are doing right now? Well I guess I’ll tell you because you would never be able to guess. I’m sitting by the pool at our hotel in Ventura California watching Patric, Eric and Julia play in the pool. Our hotel or motel as Patric keeps reminding me is really nice. It’s a chain called La Quinta Inn. Our room is really nice, there is a nice pool area with a pool and a hot tub and the best thing of all is the Ice machine =) But I think I’m getting ahead of myself here. Our day started at the crack of dawn this morning...

Apr 16, 2012 - Los Angeles

Despite our concern about the winds when we awoke, the trip down the coast to Santa Barbara was not a problem. Was so nice to have to put on our sun glasses for a change. In Santa Barbara we went straight to the waterfront walk. We caught the tail end of a 5/10k run but were still able to find a parking spot. The “rig” is such a curiosity that we get so many questions “Do you like it?” and after we say “we love it!” the conversation ensues. One fellow who stopped to talk gave us his day parking pass. Nice! The day was clear and crisp with...

Apr 16, 2012 - Day 12

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