USA - The Sequel - 2019 Edition

After having the most amazing time in the US last year, I knew I had to head back again this year for one helluva amazing sequel. Was heading over for the New Jersey Web Fest, but also was going to have a nice relax and explore more of the US. Read my travel diary below.

Friday September 20, 2019

Travel days are big ones, long ones. But at least when you are heading there you are driven by the excitement of the trip to come. My wonderful brother, Gary, picked me up at 6am and I was on the way to the airport. The bag drop line was longer than usual and seemed to be not moving, then I heard talk of delayed flights and my heart dropped. By the time I got to the front line, I asked one of the staff what was happening. Flights to Austin were being majorly delayed due to rain but San Francisco flights were just fine, phew.

After breezing through security quickly and having breakfast and coffee, it was time to board. It was a full flight but not too bad. I was planning on catching up on movies, and caught a heap. Sleep, maybe 30 minutes, ouch.

We landed on time in San Francisco, which was great since I had 2.5 hours until my next flight. Then I got to customs, what a line. I had been here 11 months before and it wasn’t this bad. Nearly 90 minutes later, and I was through. Last time my San Fran drama was at security, it took forever. This time, breezed through, not waiting at all. So had time to look around the airport a little.

The next flight had no screens, so it looked like it was just going to be my book and iPod, but tiredness hit and I dozed a lot through that nearly 6 hour flight. But I arrived, Newark, New Jersey. And we even landed early, Into the Uber and I was off to West Orange to find my hotel. I went down for a bite to eat and my first drink, a lovely cocktail. Then I was off to catch the tail end of day one of New Jersey Web Fest.

I got to sneak into the cinema for the last few series and then headed to the opening night party at the Montclair Social Club. What a great night, got to catch up with friends I made last year and meet some new folk. This small taste made me realise that this was going to be a special weekend.

Saturday September 21, 2019

The day began with breakfast in the dining hall, and this would become my favourite daily event. A delicious buffet breakfast that would set you up for not eating for most of the day, and sitting and talking with web series creators from all over the world. Got to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Loved my breakfasts.

Then it was straight to Montclair for some workshops. Up first was an acting workshop with Richard Kilne, who starred in Three’s Company. We looked at how to deliver comedy and I enjoyed working with the lovely, Angela Gunn, who played my wife for the session. That was followed by an incredible pitching workshop with TV Producer, Dan Pasternack. This was such a great workshop and I learnt so very much in a small amount of time. It’s always nice to know you’ve learnt things that are going to be used in your day to day life. Thanks Dan for an amazing workshop.

Following this was the screening block that included the pilot of my series, After Nightfall. I love when the festivals are in actual cinemas, the quality is better and it is so inspiring to see your work on the big screen. It was a great block of web series and it was fun to get up after to give the quick rundown on the series.

I was jetlagged beyond belief and headed back to the hotel for a rest, returning for the last session of the evening. Sarah and Phil, from the Holiest One, who are also Aussies, were screening in that block and I wanted to go there to support them. I ducked out quickly for a bite to eat and ended up having a great chat in the cinema’s foyer with Neem, the amazing organiser, Jessica, who I met last year in Baltimore and was up for an editing award this year, and Rich, who is one of the legends instrumental in creating this web fest circuit. This is one of the things I love about this festival, a small walk can get you into great conversations with like minded, fascinating people.

I skipped drinks for the night to head to the hotel and hopefully get a good night’s sleep. So of course the people in the room next door (with a literal connecting door) were having a party, singing Bon Jovi at the top of their lungs at 12.30am. Hated doing it, but I knew I would get no sleep (they had woken me the night before at 4am talking loudly), so I complained to security. She is my new hero, she quietened them down in no time and sleep finally came.

Sunday September 22, 2019

Breakfast again was a great one, loads of chats and delicious food - wow Americans can breakfast, just shame about the coffee. Then it was back to have some more workshops. First up was the pitch competition. Armed with what we learnt the day before, we had 90 seconds to pitch our show, the best pitch would get $500 cash. I was ridiculously nervous. It’s amazing how confident Americans always appear, they were committing and doing an amazing job. I was happy with mine, I forgot a little, but happy nonetheless, and everyone told me I did well.

The next session was a panel with a group of web festival directors, they included Seoul, Bilbao Seriesland, Miami, Baltimore and NJ Web Fest and chaired by the amazing, Rich Halke. It was great to here them talk about the past, present and future of web series. You can’t not walk away from these panels feeling inspired.

The final workshop for the festival belonged to actor, Anthony J Gallo. It was wonderful to hear from an actor who started a little later in life. He talked about his experiences, in particular his work with De Niro and Scorsese on the upcoming, The Irishman. Once again, I walked away feeling totally inspired.

I took the afternoon off and explored Montclair. I visited some beautiful little shops and even managed to find some Madonna vinyl in a second hand book store that was very cheap. I returned back to the hotel and went to the nearby shops (I love visiting shops when I travel). There was a Kmart, and I wanted to see if it was anything like the Australian one (quick answer, no), a 99 cent store, a Wholefoods and a wine store. Got some afternoon tea and some drinks and went home for a much needed nap before a massive night. Oh, I knew it was going to be a massive night.

The New Jersey Web Fest Gala awards was at the Manor in West Orange and grand would be an understatement. This was an amazing evening, I wished this night hadn’t ended, I was having a good time and I think people could tell. I dressed up in the amazing jacket i bought in Baltimore last year and quickly mingled with my fellow web series creators. Everyone looked great and everywhere you turned was someone to talk to.

I was so happy to sit with my fellow Aussies, Sarah and Phil, and my new “wife”, Angela, was on my other side. We had a great table right near the door, and we were closest to the bar. Trust the Aussies to sit closest to the bar. There were so many friends from my trip last year here and so many new friends made. Would love to list them all, but I would be scared to miss anyone. What a great evening, with amazing food, good drinks and the best company ever. Then to cap off the evening, “After Nightfall” was awarded the Most Outstanding LGBTQ Series. That was not an award I was expecting, but was delighted to receive. I have spent my life trying to tell gay stories, so to be honoured for that felt so incredibly rewarding.

Somehow it got to midnight and the night was ending. How was it ending? I had the most incredible time. The entire team of the New Jersey Web Fest, led by the legend, Neem Basha, created a beautiful festival. They said they wanted to make memories with this festival, and so many were made. This was one of the best weekends of my life.

Monday September 23, 2019

Everyone who staggered down to breakfast was tired, but still on a high from the night before. This morning was one of my favourite memories of the trip. People dropped into breakfast and then lots stayed. I arrived down there at 7.30am and didn’t leave until 10.30am. We all just talked. I also discovered that only Australians know the expression, “Pushing shit up a hill”. But I guess for many of us, we didn’t want the weekend to end, so we stayed and talked - an hour past breakfast supposedly ending.

I went back to my room, packed and headed for the local train station, I was ready to head for New York. I probably should have planned it better, trains were every 55 minutes and I had missed one by 5 minutes. A quick walk to get a drink and headed back to wait. I was having a great time chatting to a guy on the station, who may or may not have been homeless, but he was nice. Then Rich arrived, followed soon by Tom and Dipu from The Pantsless Detective and Sergio from Brazil. The train came while the guys were still buying tickets and Sergio missed the train, sorry Sergio.

Very quickly we were at Penn St Station and I completely got lost in Penn St looking for the right train. Ran into all the guys at various points, but soon found my train and headed to my hotel. I was staying at the Jane Hotel, which I found out later was actually where the passengers who survived the Titanic stayed when they first arrived in the US. I headed out quickly because, New York. I didn’t travel halfway round the world to sit in my hotel. I headed down to the West Village to check out some places I’d researched. First stop, The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, and I was not disappointed. The ice cream was divine.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love my coffee. My wonderful bestie, Charlene, bought me a coffee book that celebrated the best cafes in the world. I was determined to find good coffee in the US and visited my first place. It was only okay, a little too watery. But I loved sitting down and just soaking in the West Village. I looked through a few places, but the last place on my to-do list for the day was Record Runner, a pop themed record store. I knew I was going to love it straight away because they had several Madonna posters in the window. I went in and was not disappointed, they had a huge Madonna section, and I walked out with 5 records, including the pink vinyl of “Confessions on a Dancefloor”, that I had wanted for ages.

That night saw me headed to see an Off Broadway show. On the way I stopped off and had a great chat with my new friend, Nikki, who I met in Jersey. We were supposed to catch up quick, but 90 minutes later I had to head to see my play. I loved just sitting in a public square in New York talking.

Then I headed to see the show, it was called, “The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking”. I’ll be honest, I booked the show because they were giving you free drinks. I was sat at the bar with a lovely couple from Florida celebrating their wedding anniversary.(I know, I was thinking, “A Florida man …”) The show was great, there was singing, dancing, acting and booze that matched the stories. My favourite was the Old Fashioned that was ultra tasty. And cause I was at the bar, I got an extra drink - everything was coming up Tunks.

A great first day in New York, I truly love this city.

Tuesday September 24, 2019
Out and about early again, lots to do and see and this was my big shopping day. Headed to Times Square first, stopping on the way at the Doc Martens store. Not sure if it was a good sign or not, but the lady from last year remembered me. Then off to Times Square, always nice to stand and breathe in this iconic area. Then I decided I really needed to get a stranglehold on this subway system and got the train uptown to head to Bloomingdales.

Last time I was here I got some amazing moisturiser. Made in Australia, but only available in the US (go figure). And of course, this time, they were out, nooooo. They gave me a facial and I managed to get the same product but in a serum. Facial was amazing, and then she gave me freebies, so many freebies. Plus she had travel pots of the moisturiser I like. She gave me five, which equalled the same amount as a full pot, for free. Everything was coming up Tunks.

Visited Dylan’s Candy Bar for some presents and caught a train downtown to meet my friend, Ned, for lunch. I met Ned at NYC Web Fest last year and he is good value. He was also at New Jersey Web Fest and we promised to catch up. We went to a great little eatery and this Aussie was very confused when my cider came out in a wine glass. Apparently classy places in NYC do that, I had learnt something. We had a great lunch and an amazing catch up with a great friend.

Then I went to the other shop I love, I may even have a problem with how much I adore it. I feel like my new religion could be Bath and Bodyworks. We have a couple of stores in Sydney, but it’s not the same. And clearly others love it because every time I am there, they are packed. I bought a few things!!

Now for one of the highlights, I found some good coffee. The best coffee I have ever had in the US, and would have been great by Australian standards. I was talking to the server about coffee and she asked for it just the way I wanted and it was delicious. Thank you, Joe Pro Shop, for the amazing brew.

Then it was back to the hotel for a quick nap before a big and great night. I met up with my great friend, Nathan McBain, who I had gone to Uni with, many, many years before. We caught the subway and headed for Central Park. We visited the iconic fountain and then went to the Summer Stage to see the B-52s play live. This was exciting, an outdoor concert in a legendary venue. We arrived as Berlin were playing, “Take My Breath Away”. I had seen them a few years before in Sydney, and they sound great. OMD were up next, and while I only knew one song, the audience seemed to know them all and they were great. The venue was great, and the night was perfect weather. And in between sets it was the perfect time to catch up with a close friend. I miss Nathan and was good to catch up.

Then it was time for the B-52s, my first time seeing them, and they did not disappoint, Original members Fred, Kate and Cindy are still there and still have a bucket load of fun. The crowd went wild, and rightfully so, this set was epic. Two of my favourites appeared quite early, “Dead Beat Club” and “Roam”, and as the night went on, we knew the end would feature the two iconic singles, and both set Central Park ablaze. How amazing to yell, “tin roof rusted” with the B-52s, “Love Shack” was amazing and they finished with the classic, “Rock Lobster”. I am so happy we did that, another perfect New York day and evening. Thanks Nathan for taking me.

Wednesday September 25, 2019

My last full day in NYC, this went too fast because I love this city (I may have said that before, or many times). I began the day with a spot of clothes shopping. Headed to a few stores I quickly visited last time and wanted to spend more time in them. Had a great shop and got some amazing bargains on shirts, sunnies, socks and undies. Then it was time for some more coffee, and again, had one that wasn’t too bad. I was so thankful for this coffee book. Then I had a great wander around the Chelsea Markets. I discovered this place by accident but spent a few hours having a stroll and having some lunch. A great experience.

It was going to be a massive night, so I needed to have a rest, so in the late afternoon I took easy and had a massive nap. Because I needed to get ready to see Madonna. Anyone knows me, knows how much I love Madonna. I mean, I even have Madonna tattoos. I had only ever seen her in Australia. Once in 1993 for “The Girlie Show” tour and twice in 2016 for the “Rebel Heart” tour. But this tour, “Madame X”, promised to be something special. Madonna was only doing intimate venues, she began with a residency at the BAM Opera House in Brooklyn. Everything I had seen about the tour made it look like it was going to be amazing.

I was so happy I could catch the subway there, and I wouldn’t even have to change trains. Got my train to Brooklyn (proud of myself for that) and walked to BAM. In the most heart stopping moment of the trip, my ticket’s barcode wouldn’t scan. Slight panic. The woman called over her supervisor. I told him I opened it through the Australian Ticketmaster App and he said they had problems with that before and I would need to log in through the website. Naturally my reception was not good and it loaded so slow. Thank God the barcode on the website worked and I was in. Straight away they lock your phone in a case, there would be no photos or videos, and quite frankly, that was exciting. So many people spend the whole concert worried about their phones, and put them up in front of you. I was once at a concert where a girl spent most of the concert deleting photos to take more. So I was happy to have them all put away. I knew it was going to be a late start, I brought a notebook to do some writing. I also took a toilet break and went to the phone spot where I could open my case and took my one selfie for the night. (See below)

The show was incredible, my best concert ever. The small stage was used to such great effect, there were a series of stairs that were moved to create lots of different sets. There were twelve dancers and sixteen backing singers, plus three of Madonna’s daughters. Just because it was a smaller venue, Madonna was not stopping the spectacle, in fact, it felt even more theatrical - like she didn’t have to hold back or cater to the casual fans who always whine they didn’t hear enough of the old tracks. This was a very “Madame X” heavy show, and I was here for it. The show opened with the stunning, “God Control”, which led into “Dark Ballet”. What an amazing start and set the tone for a visually stunning night. “Human Nature” was exquisite, Madonna’s dancing is brilliant. I am guessing it is because of this number she has hurt her knee. “Vogue” is always great and “I Don’t Search I Find” is one of my favourite songs on the album. But how special to hear “American Life”, it is my second favourite album and is very underrated, so to hear the song was amazing and the performance was great. “Batuka” is one of those songs that needs to be seen live, it has given me a new appreciation for the song. The choir was exceptional here. “Medellin” was another highlight, as was the beauty of “Frozen”. The stripped back version of “Future” again gave me a new appreciation, and I loved hearing the Tracey Young version of “Crave” (my favourite song on the album"). The encore, “I Rise” was emotional and wonderful, but my favourite song of the night is my favourite song of all time, “Like a Prayer”. This was like a spiritual moment to me. The choir sang the hell out of the song and Madonna sounded beautiful. The staging was incredible and I shed more than a couple of tears. I am a concert crier, and the tears came out for this show.

What a brilliant evening, I am so lucky Madonna was performing when I was going to be in the US. This was like a dream come true. Then I got a train and managed to get back to the hotel within about half an hour, so that was great, because I had an early flight the next day.

Thursday September 26, 2019

I didn’t get much sleep, to bed after 2am and up at 6.30am. I had a flight to catch, and worse than that, I had to pack all the shopping into my luggage, as well as my award and I was carrying two awards for the amazing Soula from “Eating with Soula”. Bags sorted, checked out and then paid an incredible surcharge and headed back to Jersey in my Lyft. I was a little worried I had not left enough time because traffic out of NYC was terrible, but once we were in Jersey, it was a clear run to Newark. Check in was pretty easy, though TAC at Newark is no joke. Made my way to my gate and headed for the nearest eatery. Breakfast and coffee was needed.

The flight was easy, nearly 6 hours and got to watch a couple of films. It was great to finally be in LA, my first time. Took ages to get my bags, the carousel kept jamming, but eventually I was in an Uber heading for my accommodation in West Hollywood. I had found a great place on Stayz, just off Santa Monica Boulevard. Yes, the Sheryl Crow song was in my head the whole time. It had been a long trip and not much sleep, so a nap was needed before a quick explore of my surroundings.

That night I had booked a ticket to the Groundlings Theatre to see an impro show, “Cooking with Gas”. The show was hilarious and the 90 minutes flew by. In all honesty, this is probably the best impro I have ever seen. These guys knew what they are doing and it is hilarious.

This day was just a small hint at LA, but was already loving what I saw.

Friday September 27, 2019

I had a lot on the agenda today and was ready for a big one. I was up early and went for a massive walk. It was on this walk I spotted the Hollywood sign for the first time, wow that is a special moment. Ended up at a Denny’s first for some breakfast. I had to do it once, and I was full for a long time after that. Then it was off to the first of the LA coffee shops from my coffee book. Coffee okay, but locale amazing. Right on Sunset Boulevard, I even began writing a novel here. LA inspired me and I am so happy to finally start this book I have been thinking about for ages.

Next it was off to another place I had been planning, the brilliant Amoeba Records. It’s the kind of place you see in movies. A real record store that we just don’t have in Australia anymore (God I miss the HMV and Virgin Megastores that used to be on Pitt St). Got myself a Madonna candle and “Twin Peaks” T-Shirt. Then it was my first experience of Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Had a quick look before heading onto a sightseeing bus, I was going full tourist. I got on last, which meant that I was in the passenger seat, and I wouldn’t have wanted to have been anywhere else. I had the best view and personal commentary from the driver.

It was a great trip. We went up Mulholland Drive, which the David Lynch fan in me loved and up to a lookout where we saw the Hollywood sign better. Then around Beverly Hills and loads of celebrity houses, including Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and Leonardo DiCaprio. We went down Rodeo Drive and back along Hollywood Boulevard. It was a great experience and I felt the most tourist I ever had.

Went to a bar and had a drink and some dinner before heading off the Paramount Studios for another very tourist moment. For Halloween, they run nighttime tours of the studio with ghost stories and then a visit to the cemetery next door. What a wonderful experience, my favourite in LA. We started with a few champagnes before the tour started, surrounded by Oscars for film like, “The Godfather”, “Titanic” and “Forrest Gump”. As they were just starting for the season, it was a quiet night, which was better. In my tour group it was just me and an Irish couple, who were lovely. We had a great time together. In the studio we visited a great props warehouse and toured a few studios, we went on the set of “Frankie and Grace”, as well heading into the “Dr Phil” set by torchlight. We walked through the New York backlot set and saw the iconic water tower, as well as hearing about some scandals and ghost stories. Then we headed into Hollywood Forever Cemetery, again by torchlight. We went into some crematoriums and visited the graves of some great actors. We saw Jayne Mansfield’s grave site, as well as Chris Cornell and the original Vampira. I was quite moved by the statue of Anton Yelchin. There were some fascinating stories, and the 2.5 hours flew by. What an exceptional day in Hollywood.

Saturday September 28, 2019

Was ready for my first weekend in LA. Hopped in an Uber and went to Los Feliz. Started with another of my coffee places, okay coffee, but great little place and got some writing done. I took a walk around some shops and went to a bargain store and found some cool jeans, but they didn’t have a change room so bizarrely I couldn’t try them on, so no purchase. Went for another coffee and did some more writing. Then it was off to my big activity for the day. I arrived at Rockwell Table and Stage for Ross Matthew’s Dragtastic Brunch. I ordered some lunch, including a bottomless Mimosa. So, you know I got drunk, I had to get my money’s worth.

The show was amazing. Sadly there were none of the Drag Race Queens, but there were 5 talented Queens who knew how to perform. Jackie Beat was the host, and OMG she is hilarious. And very talented, her songs were satirical gold. Her friend, and joke target, Sherry Vine, was also brilliant with some hilarious songs about being a whore. They were as catchy as crabs!! The other ladies lip synced and they were on fire, their moves were incredible. An amazing afternoon, and as always, I made friends. There was a couple next to me who were hilarious, Americans are so friendly.

Slowly made my way back to my place and had a nap, I had drunk a lot of bubbly and juice. Then my wonderful friend, Katharine, who I met last year in Baltimore, picked me up and we headed for a great bar. I love a good happy hour, and had an amazing gin drink that was all kinds of tasty. Katharine is brilliant, we had a great time just chatting for hours. I love when artists inspire each other, and that’s what this was, we were talking about what we had done, were doing and were planning on doing. A great night and made me feel very LA.

It was Saturday night and I casually and slowly walked back to my place, taking in all that Santa Monica Boulevard had to offer. I stopped for ice cream and headed back for some much deserved rest. Another great day, I was loving this trip.

Sunday September 29, 2019

Sunday in Hollywood. Up early again, I can’t sleep in. I went for another walk, this time to another of the coffee places. Lovely place at the beginning of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just before it all gets crazy. Had a not too bad coffee, some granola and sat outside, breathing in the inspirational atmosphere and got a few pages written in my notebook. I could get used to this lifestyle.

Then I took a better look at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Did the usual tourist thing and took loads of photos of the actual stars, everything from Dolly Parton to Mandy Moore, Ru Paul to Fleetwood Mac and Sonny & Cher to Reba McEntire. I also visited the Chinese Theatre and saw Marilyn Monroe’s hand prints.

After a big walk into the glamorous areas, I knew I had to go the 99 cent store on the way home. Wow, that store is epic and so much bigger than I thought. They have food, fruit and booze. They made the Reject Shop look like it has nothing. A burger for a late lunch and a quick rest.

Then I was so happy that my friend, Adam J Yeend, came around for a visit with his wolf dog, Magnum. We went for a great walk and sit down in Plummer Park. Adam and I were great friends in Australia, he acted in a few of my plays and we were movie buddies, attending a lot of cinema together back in the day. Adam has been living in LA for a number of years and we hadn’t seen each other in a long time. It was great to catch up and chat, filling in what had been happening over the years. Adam is another inspirational friend, and I walked away with a buzz. Was so glad we caught up.

Then it was time to hop in a Lyft and head to the Geffen Playhouse. I was off to see “Witch”, starring Maura Tierney. It was the play that been discussed a lot on social media because a woman wrote an opinion piece on a man telling the women in the audience and that it wasn’t that funny. I was keen to check it out. The venue was stunning and they had a wine tasting going on, so that was even better! I enjoyed the play, I didn’t love it. The set was phenomenal, I loved how the stage was broken into two by a screen rising and a moving stage. The performances were mostly great, I didn’t really enjoy the character who was closeted. It seemed a little too stereotypical and often took me out of the play. Script had some great jokes and some great points, though it could have had less grandstanding. Glad I went but my other theatrical adventures in the states were more enjoyable for me.

Had great Lyft drivers there and back who wanted to talk about the differences between Australia and the US. The first guy was very interested in healthcare and what we had. A great chat, just a little sad to hear about being not being able to get medical help they need for free. Had a late dinner and headed to bed, the next day was going to be massive.

Monday September 30, 2019

Today I would be flying home. I had an amazing experience, but I was ready to head home this time (I was also stone broke). I got up and went for a walk. I wanted to head to Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts. I love Danny Trejo and had to try one of his donuts. I got the Margarita, sour and sweet goodness. Then headed back to pack, worried I was overweight (the bags, I know I’m overweight). Then it was time to check out. With bags everywhere, I headed to the nearest Starbucks (I know, I know) and ordered some breakfast and a coffee. I sat down and did a lot more writing while waiting for my great mate, Lydia, to arrive. Lydia is one of my closest friends back home and was in the US working for a few months.

She arrived and we headed for lunch. It was back to Los Feliz and we went to the House of Pie. What a great place, looked like an old style diner complete with red vinyl booths. The meals were large and I knew it would get me through until later that night on the plane. Finished the meal with pie, it would have been offensive to not have some. Key Lime, and it was divine. It was great catching up with Lydia and we had a good chat and made some plans for when she is back home. Another example of friends who inspire, they really are the best kind.

Then it was in to my Lyft and off to LAX. I knew I was going early, but I know LA traffic gets ridiculous early and wanted to try and beat it. So this was my only bad driver experience in the US. He clearly didn’t want to go to the airport at this time of the day, I knew that, cause he told me, a lot. He was ducking and weaving all over the freeway and we nearly crashed into the back of someone once. His GPS kept telling him to get off the freeway, this again was accredited to me, I must have dome something wrong, even though my app showed the correct way. I asked him whether he had put his GPS to not take motorways, but he didn’t check. So it was good to finally arrive at the airport and get out of that car.

I had been told LAX can be a nightmare, but it was a breeze getting through, maybe cause the first flight would be domestic. Bag check in was quick (and yay, both bags just under weight) and then security was easy. Though the woman in front of me entering security was getting a hard time for the size of her hand luggage and was refused entry. Then I suddenly had a long time, which was fine, i had plans. I did some shopping, grabbed a drink and sat at the gate and transcribed the first chapter of my new novel from the notebook to my laptop.

The flight to San Francisco was quick and easy and then had the walk to the other side of the terminal for my flight home. Before long it was time to board (for my nearly midnight flight) and time for amazing adventure to be over. Now I would love to leave it there, but the flight home was a bit of a trial. The guy I was sharing a seating bank with stank, like really stank. And he immediately took his shoes off. We had a seat free between us and he treated it like it was also his seat. He spoke to me at the beginning and clearly thought he was better than me because he lived in the North Shore and I live in Blacktown. Good old Australian class-ism was still happening in the US. That was an uncomfortable flight and I often had to hold my hand over my face to stop the smell, especially when he crossed his legs and his sock got scarily close to my face. Sigh. Why do people with body odour never know they have body odour? Or do they know and just not care?

Anyway, got home on time and was glad to get home for a shower and a sleep in my own bed. What an amazing adventure. Did so much, saw so much. Met some amazing people and made some important discoveries about me and my career. Now to begin saving, I want to head back next year.