When we left for the airport in Wellington it was raining, windy and very chilly. We were very happy to arrive in Los Angeles with its clear blue skies and hot sun. We had finally escaped winter! It was really good to finally see where Mitchel and Rochelle (Michelle) lived and to meet some of the people they hung out with. It was also good to see some of Rochelle’s paintings hanging on a wall...

For our last few weeks in Wellington we stayed in Jesse and Michelle’s spare room. It was a hectic time tying up loose ends and saying our goodbyes. Our last night with Alana was very memorable. She invited us along to a cèilidh where we drank whisky, danced crazy scottish dances and witnessed a haggis ceremony.

Holly, should we keep this? It’s only when you go to move (well, remove in this case) your stuff, you realise how much you have. A couple of bikes, dive gear, tramping kit. I still had my skis from last using them in Christchurch. We have spent a few weekends now selling stuff. Holly put a lot of work into getting the flat ready for flat viewings. But it’s finally getting there. We’re three weeks...