A brief update.

So, I was hoping to get pictures uploaded today, but the ridiculously poor internet connection at this otherwise-great motel means that you'll have to wait some more for our Disney-and-beyond pictures.

So, a fast run down of the last five days.

Thursday


Disney World in Anaheim. Forecast to be wet and miserable, the rain only hit late into the evening. Splash Mountain was closed, which was really annoying, but we still had a great time. Good use of the Fast Pass system meant that our longest queue was only 40 minutes, and rarely more than 20 in any queue. We didn't go for character-hunting so much - although seeing Donald Duck about 3 minutes after walking through the gates was definitely cool - but we enjoyed the rides and atmosphere. We spent the evening at the Blue Bayou restaurant. If you've ever ridden Pirates of the Caribbean and looked to the left just after the ride begins, you'll have seen the restaurant, set within the ride itself with an amazing atmosphere and great jambalaya!

Friday


Solo day for me, as Sara had various family things to attend to. I decided to walk two miles to the nearest comic shop to check it out. Sadly, google maps lied to me and I ended up walking 4.5 miles there, and the same back. It was a nice way to fill up the day, walking down Ventura Boulevard in the sunshine. The evening was a night of rest, but the best bit was the morning, when we went to a restaurant called CiCis for a true American pancake breakfast. I had a short stack (which was a lie, it was bloody massive) with fresh strawberries and blueberries, and wow, it was good!

Saturday


In the absence of the wedding that was planned to bring everyone together, Sara's family came together for a big family brunch, to which I was invited. After hearing so many things about her family over the years, it was great to finally meet the majority of them. I have to thank them for letting me into their family gathering and for providing great hospitality.

We headed down to Venice Beach in the late afternoon, to walk along the boardwalk (we found an amazing independent bookshop!) and see the places where Sara hung out as a teenager. We then made our way to a lovely Italian restaurant called C&O Trattoria, famed for its Killer Garlic Balls (provided freely). This was probably the best meal of the holiday to date, an amazing plate of linguine in a cheesy white vodka sauce. The atmosphere was great, and we quickly got talking to a few people on nearby tables. Completely amazing, and I wish I had an endless stomach so I could live there!

Finally we drove into Hollywood to meet with Sara's cousin Matt, who took us out to a couple of bars on Sunset Boulevard. I got to sample some good American beers, including one called Arrogant Bastard, and although we were out way later than expected, it was a really great time.


Well, time is up. Hopefully we'll have better internet somewhere in Pismo or Avila Beach tonight and we can get some pictures up, finally! Either way, we'll have the next few days up before the day is gone.