Well, we've made it out here in one piece (or three pieces and a lot of bags). Ruth was reasonably good on the plane, luckily business class was half empty and they had noise cancelling headphones, so everyone seemed to think she was a little angel. We kept her up last night until normal bedtime, and we managed to stay up until 9.30pm, and we all slept through until 5.30 which isn't too bad.
Our flat is really nice, a good size and well-equipped, feels a bit like a hotel. We've been for a walk this morning and discovered a lovely park right next door with a little playground, and a "natural area" across the road with wetlands and a river. We also discovered the three swimming pools and two spas in our complex - all outdoors but heated - California may be the most green of the states but there are still lots of things that are glaringly un-eco to us! I think I will manage to overlook my principles enough to enjoy the spa pool anyway.
We are going out to the supermarket later on today, and going on an "area tour" with the estate agent tomorrow. Afraid there are no photos yet or for a while, as we don't seem to have packed the card reader :)
Cultural differences so far:
- There is NO KETTLE in the flat!! An oven big enough to cook three English turkeys in, a coffee-maker, a waste-disposal unit but no kettle. Can you believe.
- The bed is enormous. Seriously, it comes up above my waist. I have to do a jump to get into it.
- There is a tumble drier but no clothes horse.
- Eggs are white not brown.
- Grass looks like grass drawn by a child, all uniform and green, not mangey and straw-like.
- It is sunny, and the sky is blue (although it was grey and drizzly yesterday when we landed - I did panic).
Love
P, A & R xxx