'Stoned' in Los Angeles

Well it has been only a week since my departure from Melbourne, and quite an adjustment it has been. The move from Melbourne's winter to a Southern Californian heat wave hit me hard, with 40 degree heat and jetlag taking its toll. Naturally, my ability to maintain a pasty white complexion, despite hours in the sun, remains unchallenged.

As the cobwebs cleared and I began to slowly adjust to the heat, the final kicker came through - a kidney stone! Needless to say, I didn't really see this one coming, and after two days of excruciating pain, it was finally time to acquaint myself with the infamous American health care system. A surprisingly pleasant experience, which didn’t require a bank loan, and with the help of Jennifer I am slowly recovering.

Now despite getting 'stoned', it has been incredible being back in LA. With final goodbyes now being said, the preparations for the trip are going into full force. Six days and counting before our road trip across America begins.