a day in la

I began my day in LA sitting in the Air New Zealand terminal on the floor by a plug-in with all my luggage. The check in desk didn't open until 1:30pm, so I was just taking my time talking to friends and forming my plan of attack for the day. After a while a girl with a large backpack walked it to the deserted terminal and up to me. I can't remember exactly how the conversation started, but she was from Australia (Adelaide), had backpacked through South America and spent the past four days in LA. She was heading to London on a flight leaving at 5pm but could only catch a ride early, so we were both stuck in the same situation. She really wanted to try In 'N' Out Burger as the friend she was staying with had highly recommended it and told her all the fancy secret codes to ask for when ordering, and asked if I was interested as well. I said sure, what the heck, I've never had it before and YOLO right? (hahah) She said if I watched her pack she'd find her way to the In 'N' Out and bring us both back food.

Seemed like a better than great deal - and it was! So, what you see below is a picture of me with my Double Double Animal Style burger and It. Was. Delicious!

We hung out and chatted until the check in desk opened at 1:30. We both checked our bags, and even though I would have loved to continue to hang out I figured I should venture out of the airport while I had the chance. After a lot of asking people and finding an information desk I figured out how to navigate the bus situation and found my way down to Venice Beach. I basically wandered along Venice Beach for a couple of hours, watched some kids skateboarding, stopped in the little shops, smelled the green air, and people watched. At the end of my wandering I picked up THE MOST AMAZING SANDWICH I HAVE EVER EATEN with an equally delicious little salad and dressing from a little cafe to go and ate it on the beach. I then navigated my way back to the airport and actually helped a couple find their way as well. The man actually said to his wife, "don't worry, she'll tell us what stop to get off at". Proud moment right there. I also met another couple with two little girls who told me where to go see platypuses in Australia, so that's kind of neat. One little girl held my hand and the other one kept wanted to touch my phone, reminded me of Abby and Ali :).

I'm just in the New Zealand airport, waiting to board my flight to Sydney. Wish me luck figuring out how to get from the airport to my hostel! Thank goodness English is the predominant language!

Au revoir!

- Sabrina, Bina, Wood