It began when I went to purchase a packet of frozen peas from Sainsbury’s and I visited the Thomas Cook travel agency on the same afternoon on my way home. Spontaneously, I booked a holiday tour to California. I embarked on the journey on my own, having never travelled to the USA before.

I arrived in California with a damaged suitcase. It was quite embarrassing as I  held the coach up because I could not continue my journey with my underwear hanging out of my case. 😱😱 Thankfully, British Airways replaced my case with a new one. The case had one huge crack in it, which occurred during the journey! 😱

It felt so great to be in California.

California is known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities and offers a myriad of experiences. From the stunning beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to the iconic landmarks of Hollywood and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, there’s something for everyone. Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park or take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Indulge in the world-class cuisine of San Francisco’s Chinatown or the vineyards of Napa Valley. With its blend of culture, outdoor adventure, and urban sophistication, California promises an unforgettable journey.

Going to California often evokes images of scenic road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, basking in the sunshine on beautiful beaches like Malibu and Santa Monica, and experiencing the diverse culture and cuisine the state has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the rugged landscapes of Yosemite National Park or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe of coastal towns like Santa Barbara, a trip to California is bound to be filled with unforgettable experiences.

Several years later, I can honestly say that this trip was memorable. 🙂

I went on holiday on my own, however, I met such a lovely bunch of people during my travels to the USA. They were simply the best. 🙂

Frances x

When we arrived, we were unable to disembark the plane  due to someone suspected of “Swine Flu.” Eventually, after the paramedics arrived, we were given the all clear to go home.

This is the tree which is featured in the film “Sime Like It Hot” 🙂

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge located in San Francisco, California. It spans the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is characterized by its distinctive orange colour and Art Deco design. It’s one of the most photographed bridges in the world and a symbol of San Francisco. It was fabulous to see the bridge in real life. I stood on a huge block to capture this photograph. Lol the coach driver was not happy with me as I couldn’t jump of the block in a hurry and everyone was waiting for me. 🙂

Universal Studios.

I was sitting in a boat at Universal Studios, and Jaws jumped out at the side of me! I managed to click this photograph, just in time, as I screamed! 🤣

I met a cardboard cutout of Matt Damon 🤣🤣

This was one of the hotels I stayed at.

The letter “F” for Frances directly across the road from the hotel. 🙂

My holiday came to an end after a few weeks of relaxing and enjoyable experiences. I recall meeting many wonderful people during my time away, including a particularly kind lady and gentleman with whom I shared a conversation during the flight home. The lady was very considerate; she held my hand as the plane landed in Britain, recognising that I was feeling somewhat nervous.

I proceeded through customs and went to retrieve my suitcase. I hugged a few of the people I had travelled with as we waited to collect put luggage together. Unfortunately, my suitcase did not arrive on the luggage carousel; I had to depart from the airport without it. Fortunately, a courier delivered it to me the following day. Despite a few minor setbacks during my journey, I look back on the experience with a sense of humour.