–Julia and I are here safe and sound in L.A., the City of Angels–

Angels abounded on our trip here – wonderful people in customs/immigration and a lovely encounter with a lady from Mexico on her way home after 9 months working on an Australian-ported cruise ship.

My environmental heart was ticking from the moment I was on the plane – immediately I became concerned that my carbon offsetting of my flights was in turn being offset by the amount of pre-packaged items; everything from pillows, to blankets, to cutlery was in plastic, or itself was plastic.  I enquired of Julia whether the solid plastic cutlery would have been recycled… I am not hopeful.

After wading through the smog of L.A., our breakfast in our d0wntown hotel is equally scary (worse actually!) – plastic or Styrofoam plates and cups – I have brought back my plate and cup to our room, much to Julia’s embarrassment!! :-S  I’m scared that my stomach is going to turn plastic with the amount of sugar/chemicals in the bagels and grape and apple “jelly” – (Julia warned me not to eat these products but I’m going for a “full emersion experience — ask my stomach tomorrow about this!)

All my best to those back in Australia, especially those in Young facing the consequences of the rain – + Wagga Wagga (and region) facing this also.  CG.