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We made it to LA - just!!
Written on: Sunday January 6th, 2008
A journal entry from: Round the World in 172 days . . .
Well we're just about to leave LA and fly to Vegas, but just wanted to update everyone so that you know what we've been up to so far . . . .
For those of you that don't know we had a bit of a nightmare in Harpenden the night before we were due to leave Heathrow. We were out for a lovely meal with the Adams / Annetts family and had the truck parked round the corner with our backpacks in ready to leave straight for a hotel at Heathrow so we didn't have too much of an early start. Unfortunately, when we got back to the truck it had been broken into and my backpack had been taken! It had everything of mine in it, including lots of cash, ipod, phone, all my clothes!! All I had was the clothes I was wearing! We couldn't believe it!! Harpenden of all places!! Anyway this was the beginning of a nightmare of an evening, but we did still have our passports and tickets so thanks to some amazing help from friends and family we were able to make our flight the next morning. We have to make some special thank you's . . .
Morris - You are a shining star! Thank you so much for driving around Norwich to get stuff for me and buying half of Asda's toiletry department. As for the money - you really shouldn't have and you will get it back!! Love you loads xx
Bob - Thanks for your contributions too - especially the candles and matches?? We're you drunk?? Lots of love too xx
Yaz - Thanks for everything you packed for me - I wish I could have been able to fit into your vest tops, but I've got a way to go before that happens my lovely - love you and thanks again xx
Mum and Karl - I can't believe everything you did, driving all the way down with bags and bags of stuff for me! Plus coming to the airport and having no sleep - bet you were as jet-lagged as us!! Plus thanks for all that you are currently doing re: getting some of my stuff to New Zealand! All my love to you both and Karl please give Woody a kiss from us xx
Dad - Thanks for not only putting up with me in such a state and just being so supportive, it was good to have you there! As for the money, what can we say!! - like it or not you will get it back!! Loads and loads of love xx
Yvonne - I heard what you did - it means so much, thank you for doing it and love to you and Leah. I've still got your note Leah!! xx
Lucy - Thanks for driving round Harpenden looking for the thieves and my bag! You'd make a great cop! xx
Mick, Julie and Jonathan - Thanks for the backpack - Jon, not sure if you know, but I've got your backpack!! Hope you don't mind and if you need one in the next six months, mine turned up so just call Mum and we'll get it to you xx
Paul, Nana, Jacqui & Linda - Thanks for your support through the night and all the calls and texts via Dad - What would we do without family!! Love to you all xx
I think I've covered everyone - Huge huge thanks to you all xxx
Ok that's that trauma over with and hey we're in LA!! Despite all the stories we heard about it being a dump, we've had a fab time and where we're staying in West Hollywood (The Hyatt) is fab, really safe and in amongst everything. We went on a tour today and saw loads of Hollywood stars homes, along with the walk of fame, Whiskey a Go Go, The Viper Room and the Hollywood sign! Got some piccies that we'll put online when we have more time. There's a queue of people to use the internet so we'd better dash and will write again as soon as we get chance.
We're both having a great time - I've got this annoying flu, but hopefully it will be gone for when we get to NZ!
We only have James' phone at the mo and it's pay as you go, but we cant get credit so it's hard to get hold of us. If you want to call in the next few days we're staying at The Stratosphere Tower Hotel in Vegas for the next two nights and you could call us there - bare in mind we're 8 hours behind though, although I don't think there will be any early nights in Vegas!!
From Yazzy on Jan 6th, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!!!!! have a fantastic time in Las Vegas dont go tooooooooooo mad in the casinos love u u guys xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From Gill Mum and Bryan on Jan 7th, 2008
Hi you two great to hear your having a great time just a quicky today. Happy Birthday James have a great time xxxx Hope you feel better quick Kaori xxx
From Emma on Jan 7th, 2008
oh my god! what a start, i can't believe it! you need a 6 month holiday just to get over the drama of that :o) Happy birthday James, have a fantastic time in Vegas!! Em xx
From Jacqui and Linda on Jan 7th, 2008
Happy Birthday James. We're very proud of you both for getting on with the trip despite the horrible start. It takes a lot to defeat an Adams (and King!) Enjoy Vegas and get well soon Kaori. Lots and lots of love. xxxxx
From Karl on Jan 7th, 2008
Hey you two, hope you got to Vegas ok and are feeling refreshed and full of energy, ready to tackle the casinos etc. Happy birthday to James, not too sure if you managed to sort your trip to the Gran Canyon but if you did I hope you have an awesome day. Anyway have fun and speak soon. Karl x
From Mum & Dad on Jan 7th, 2008
Happy birthday James and have a fantastic time in Vagas.love to you both mum & dad xxxx
From Yvonne, John & Leah on Jan 7th, 2008
Hello you lovely people! Happy birthday James! Look out Vegas is all I can say! Thank you for your message, made me well up! Love and cuddles. XXXXXX
From Pops/Tony on Jan 7th, 2008
Happy birthday James.Sorry to wake you so early this morning.Hope you both got back to sleep for a while.Kaori,i read your thank you notes and you know i would do anything for you under any circumstances(so no need for thanks)to see you happy.If i hear any mention of the other thing again,well your never too big to receive a slap on the butt !.Hope you enjoy what ever show you end up seeing tonight in Vegas.Speak soon.Lots of love x x x P.s(truck window is done)
From Dan & Mandy on Jan 7th, 2008
Happy Birthday James. Sorry to hear about all the trauma just before your departure. Glad to hear to made it all the same, and are having a great time. All I can say is it's a good job you didn't post a map of your home address as the starting point for your six months of adventures. Still you have Karl and Woody as guard dogs in residence!! haha. Enjoy Vegas we are not at all sick with envy. Take Care. Dan & Mandy x
From Nanna on Jan 7th, 2008
Shame about Grand Canyon, but all in all sounds as though you're having a great time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES.Keep us up to date when you can. Much love to both of you.Nanna XX
From Dad Richard on Jan 7th, 2008
Thanks for the call you two,as i was saying we've (man u) got Spurs or Reading (quite a tough one)The Gunners have got Stoke or Newcastle (easey life) Chelsea take on Wigan the bums.xx
From Reg on Jan 7th, 2008
Hi guys,Happy Birthday James. Hope your not addicted to gambling already?! Just having a coffee in your lounge!! The house looks proper good. Anyway have an amazing time you lucky gits. Cheers Reg...
From Olivia ,Corbin & Naomi on Jan 7th, 2008
Happy Birthday uncle James,hope you have had a great day.
From Hanna on Jan 7th, 2008
Hey, sounds like you had a nightmare before you left! Glad to hear all is ok now though, hope you have a fab birthday James, take care both of you xxx
From nina and ben on Jan 7th, 2008
hello you two, happy birthday james!! hope you have had a brilliant day. have a great time in vegas, get well soon kaori! look forward to hearing more love nina and ben xxxx
From Jodie on Jan 8th, 2008
Wow you guys, well done on getting through what sounds like a horrendous night, but sounds like you've had some amazing ones already since and vegas... I know what show I would like to see! Show girls all the way haha!! Got tears in my eyes reading your thank yous! You have amazing family and friends and I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. Love Jodie xxx
From Jodie on Jan 8th, 2008
p.s., happy birthday Jamie! Love me and Chris xxx
From lou on Jan 8th, 2008
Hey James, hope u had a good bday, looking forward to seeing you in Sunny Melbourne!! JOdy arrives on 14th, so we can all have a romantic valentines beer together!! WOOHOO!!
From Yazzy the lovely sister on Jan 14th, 2008
Hi Surfer Dudes Hav an absolutely FAB TIME because this is onlyy the start i cant wait to go to Italy skiing but have just been given loads of exercises to do !! But its alright i only have to do 20mins and go for a jog every otheer mornin or night lots and lots of love yazzzzzz ps Woody says woof ( i love you )
From Ails on Jan 25th, 2008
Don't knock the candles - we needed them while we were away xx