For 1 year around the globe – part IV

 

 

Our big 1-year-around-the-world adventure started 4 months ago and all we knew, when we left home was, that we want to spend NYE in Sydney (yes, big fireworks fans). When booking flights from South America to Australia, we ended up with visiting 4 cities in USA – yaaaay, another continent, another new country. 

We had 3 days to explore this interesting and multicultural city – we thought we left South America, but we were wrong. When we went to Little Havana on the first day and the waitress greeted us with an “Hola”, we were a bit confused. But in the next second we were already chatting in Spanish, just like the day before in Colombia. The day went by and we visited Little Havana, Coconut grove and Bayside park and shopping mall. In the evening we went to see Goran Dragić and Beno Udrih play against Toronto Raptors. Go Miami Heat! The next day we explored Miami beach, but the weather wasn't playing along – it was cloudy and very windy. We didn't have the chance to take a dip, instead we admired the art deco architecture and had a good day at the Lincoln avenue at the Sundays market. 

 

 

Best accomodation? HI Miami beach is a lovely hostel, right in the heart of Miami beach – just around the corner is the beach, in the other direction is Lincoln avenue. With it's own mexican restaurant, free wifi and private and dorm rooms it's a perfect choice for the basic backpacker, couples or families.  

Our stopover in Las Vegas lasted just 10 hours. Wondering what to do in such a short time? Easy: First get rid of your luggage – we used the luggage storage at Excalibur. Then go crazy – you know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. ;) No, seriously, if you want to gamble, you have enough time, if not, walk down the strip and explore the hotels, you're interested in. You can go inside all of them, as they offer casinos and shopping malls. Not to miss: the fountain in front of Bellaggio, The giant wheel at Linq, the gondolas and the canals of the Venetian, the skyceiling at Caesars palace shopping mall, the rollercoaster at New York, the Aquarium at Mandalay bay and of course the »Welcome to faboulus Las Vegas Nevada« sign.

 

Finally we arrived on the west coast. From Las Vegas to Los Angeles we took the bus – not recomended, if you're going to arrive in LA at night in Downtown. LA is known for Hollywood and the whole industry. As it was again a stopover for us (2 days), we bought the hop on hop off bus ticket and did all the touristy attractions – Hollywood and the walk of fame, Chinese theater, Santa Monica pier, Venice beach (in search of the next Arnold Schwarzenegger as we live just a few kilometres from his home town). We were very happy and honored, we could stay at HI Santa Monica, as this was our favourite part of the city. The great hostel with history (part of the oldest building in Santa Monica) is just one block from the beach and one block from the lively 3rd street, where great shopping and restaurants can be found. Our favourite part of the hostel was the living room – a spacious blue painted room with a fireplace. Not to forget is also free wifi, free breakfast, free postcards and a lot more. Check it out!

Hawaii is paradise on earth – the landscape, nature and climate are so stunning, one can stand still with mouth open. We hiked up the Coconut head, snorkelled at Huanamo bay, enjoyed the sun at Khailua beach, got educated at Pearl harbour, were impressed by the surfer skills at Pipeline and looked for scenes from the series Lost at Kaena Point. We even found a japanese temple, where we rang the giant bell to get rid of bad thoughts. As often in the past, the weather wasn't our ally and cage diving was cancelled for the next two days. A reason to come back ...

 

 

We didn't know, where to stay on Oahu, as accomodation isn't that cheap and we hired a car so we were looking for free parking. As from heaven Sue contacted us and offered a great deal in the HI Honolulu – a lovely hostel outside the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Free parking, free wifi, a great kitchen and a spacious common room invite guests to stay in the private room or in the female or male dorms. Truly a great choice for travellers with a car.

 

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