31 hours on a plane (much worse than snakes)

Going to Los Angeles was an eye opener in a lot of ways.  My life goal of ordering an upsized version of a MacDonald’s meal was dashed reality.  I am no food snob (If I was, I’d probably have less indigestion), but I don’t think I could have stomached the food at the Maccas down the street.  It was... well... words fail me.

But on a positive note, this frees up a life goal slot.  I am open to suggestions.

I didn’t think there’d be such a culture shock, considering how similar Australia and America appear on the surface, but everything was different.  Some points.  

• Food and I didn’t agree at all, which was a shame, because we are usually such fast friends
• California’s in drought, yet all the lawns look pristine.  Solemn explained that it was an appearance thing.
• Everything is sweet.  Soft drinks are diabetic level sweet.
• Hobo urine smells different.
• The sun does not cause death, only slight browning of skin.
• The disparity between the rich and the poor is very noticeable.  It made me glad of the 30% or so of my taxes that go into the welfare system here.  Worth it.  Worth every cent. 
• The service industry is excellent.
• Tipping is awkward.  Again, this was something that Solemn had to explain to me, otherwise I would never have made it. 
• Everyone is super good looking

I’m not taking as many pictures as I use to.  It forces me to pay attention to the present moment.  My brain glows with the ever evolving aurora of memories.  Some highlights include:

• Waking up beside my partner.
• Getting around on pushbike.
• Seeing random gum trees and other Australian natives.
• Eating mini crab tacos on the roof of a media centre.
• Drinking fancy ice tea.
• Drinking local beers.
  

I’m not sure if I will ever go back to LA.  It certainly wasn’t what I expected.  Though, I do plan to go to New York around March next year and I think I will expect to be shocked.  Maybe my new life goal will be to climb the Empire State Building King Kong style.