The last destination on my journey was the United States and LA greeted me with sunshine. There were people to see and much to do . . . and LA is all about seeing and being seen.
There was the usual sightseeing: like visit Venice beach, go shopping on Rodeo Drive and, celeb spotting. But I was told by an Aussie expat friend that I needed to try LA's Mexican food scene. He hooked me up with a friend of his who made me a home-cooked family favourite - Cochinita Pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish) and a prawn ceviche. It was delicious but the sauce was hot, hot, hot.
I also wanted to try out some food trucks, LA being their birthplace. We have food trucks in Australia and New Zealand but nothing like these - every cuisine you can think of and so much choice. I would love to be able to take one home.
After leaving LA, I visited Runyon Canyon, where I had a little time for some reflection on my amazing trip. Next stop New York before the final leg to London.
I had planned to visit all five NYC boroughs. Time wasn't on my side, so unfortunately I only made it to three: Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island, all of which had very different personalities and cuisines on offer. From the best pastrami sandwich at Ben's Best Kosher Deli in Queens, some soul food of sticky smoky pork ribs in the Bronx and pasta in Staten Island, I couldn't have wished to have ended my trip better. With my belly full and my pockets almost empty, it was time to hop back on the plane to London and complete my round trip.
