First Week in Cali

Hello Amigos, 

My first week in California has been pretty amazing. On Saturday I went with my aunt, cousin and her husband to Napa Valley for a day of wine tasting. We hired a driver so that we would all be able to sample the different wines without worrying about how to get home. We started the day off at Chandon winery where we were able to try a variety of different prosecco wines and champagnes, before moving on to three other places in Napa. The second two wineries consisted of a combination of wine, cheese and chocolate tasting which comlimented each other perfectly. Our final winery  (which I did not partake in) was a family favourite and a place in which my cousin and aunty have been going to for years. The scenery was beautiful and had an area where you could purchase meats, cheeses, wines and pastas to eat outside in the picnic area.

Every winery was beautiful and showcased its own unique identity. Chandon had a classy and elegant feel whilst Castello was reknown for it's beautiful castle, where we took some lovely photos. It's funny how you don't actually realise how much you have drunk until you sit down but luckily help was at hand and we finished off our lovely afternoon with a picnic under the trees. My Aunt had purchased enough food to feed an army, which was definitely needed and successful in soaking up all the booze. This afternoon definitely allowed us all to relax and gave me some time to enjoy my vacation before getting ready for LA.

I also managed to sort out a new U.S. checking account and a U.S. phone contract. Now I have all this sorted and I receive my lease for my apartment in a couple days it's starting to feel real now. I just want to try and enjoy the next couple of weeks until school starts and everything changes. I have been pretty worried recently about bringing my passport out as ID just in case I lose it, so I have decided to book an appointment at the DMV to get my new Californian identification card.

I am now currently relaxing with the sun on shoulders outside Starbucks on Concord Boulevard listening to my music waiting for my cousin to finish work. I think I under estimated the amount of time it actually takes to get anywhere here. Back in England I don't need to walk more than about five minutes to get anywhere, however here the closest coffee shop is over thirty minutes walking distance. This is the time I regret how much I took my car for granted. For that I want to apologise to my poor little Renault Clio George, however soon he will be in better hands with his new owner :( 

The next few days I am planning to soak up the sun, spend time with my new baby cousin and prepare my last few things for LA. 

For now peace out!!