Sorry folks, it's been a long time since I last posted something here. Anyway, as Krysti mentioned, I returned safely from the US. I had great fun and am really grateful to the Spackmans and the Andersons for putting up with me, feeding me and getting me around the place. We look forward to repaying the favour...
The rest of my time in DC was spent doing more shopping, visiting more of the key attractions in and around the area including Harpers Ferry and Mt Vernon (two very interesting places)and generally taking it easy. Nearly two weeks after getting home my blisters are now healed. My feet really copped a beating but it was well worth it. LA is a dirty place and I'm a little dissappointed I wasted a day there. I managed to get some more shopping done - the hotel ran a free shuttle to Del Amo mall in Torrance (where some of the movie Jackie Brown was filmed) - and the hotel had free wifi so that kept me occupied for a while as I waited for the hours to count down for my flight at midnight...
The flight home was long, although I think I actually slept through some of it. We arrived on time at 7.20am and I cleared customs OK after some initial apprehensions over how much of the stuff I was bringing back I should declare or try and get away with. Incidentally, customs allowances have now increased and you can now bring in up to $900 worth of goods instead of the $400 listed on the customs declaration card (Qantas had old cards on the plane).
My flight back to Canberra was scheduled for 2.30 that afternoon. 7 hours in Sydney airport esp. being that close to home was the absolute last thing I needed or wanted to do. Krysti could have driven up and picked me up and dropped me home in less time. Having checked availability of earlier flights at the Qantas desk in LAX I didn't hold out much hope since all were showing as full. Fortunately, when I checked at the domestic check in at the International terminal in Syd, a brilliant check-in operator got me on to a much earlier flight at 9.10am. A HUGE relief. I was back at the house by 10.40 and managed to fit in a trip to the mall and a few other things before I would have ordinarily left Sydney! Thank you Qantas lady...
That about wraps up the holiday. As I mentioned, I had a great time, really enjoying everything I did, but I was really glad to get back to see Krys and MJ who I missed heaps. Judging by Krysti's tearful welcome and MJ's big beaming smile when I arrived in Canberra - I think they missed me too... ahh..
