This morning we both tried to lay in bed for as long as we could knowing that our next sleep would probably be while seated upright.
We got started on our packing and this was a venture in itself, both saying we hadn't bought much, but our room was full of clothing that needed to be packed and not exceed 23 KG. We ended up buying a carry-on bag also because that gives you another 13 KG. We had a lovely breakfast, and headed back to the hotel who were kind enough to let us stay in our room until 1 pm. We went and weighed our luggage once we packed it just to make sure that all was OK and help us relax for the rest of the day.
As we figured that food would be light-on or uninteresting over the coming 24 hrs we decided to go looking for a nice place for lunch. We went to the Cafe de la Presse which wasn't far from our hotel and had a lovely lunch and wandered around San Francisco for a little while longer. Another beautiful day in San Fran, but you could feel the heat of the sun immediately you walked outside.
I promised myself the other day that I wasn't tipping anyone on my final day here, after all, what are they going to do? Turns out, that I tipped everyone who did anything - how quickly we get into the local groove.
We finally headed for San Francisco airport to head to LA where we are now. We have gladly not had to go through customs here in LA, and so far no tests I can't pass.
So, just on reflection of our holiday, a couple of things we've learned:
- I can be bad and fail an explosives test (albeit, pass the subsequent ones)
- Las Vegas is there to be enjoyed (and you don't even have to gamble - although I have to admit, Ian put $1 through the machines at Las Vegas Airport), so go ahead and enjoy it!
- Canada is beautiful (expensive - they have multiple taxes that you have to add to your purchases) and the people are fantastic
- The Rocky Mountaineer is worth it
- Always beware of Australians travelling in groups
- Driving through Canada is a must
- Vancouver is lovely, but it shouldn't be a must
- San Francisco is a great city, great restaurants, great sights and huge sea gulls (although we did spot them in Vancouver also)
- Don't mess with nesting sea gulls (or ducks come to think of it)
- Don't stress about SIM cards for your iPad ... there's WiFi everywhere and mostly very good.
- Get US phone SIMs because they cost you less (although not so much in Canada)
- Commonwealth Travel Card is great (thanks Elise)
There is not any part that we would change, other than to reconsider any booking at a Fairmont Resort or Sheraton hotel, but maybe that's just us.
Anyway, have a great night and see you when we're back in OZ!
Love to all xoxo
