Jamille & I arrived at LAX in a mental state of fog but I perked up slightly in anticipation of the no doubt gruelling customs process ahead of us. Based on stories I've been told, I expected to be grilled and treated like a criminal. Maybe I'll even be searched. However, everyone was perfectly lovely and very helpful. Most customs officers I've come across barely crack a smile but ours was chatty and very welcoming. About the meanest thing he said was that I should ask my mum why she spelt my name wrong.

Checking into the hotel, we found Mum fast asleep on the bed from her earlier flight. After a little nap for everyone, the three of us headed off to our first experience of American culture - a Dodger's game on the 4th of July. We had nosebleed seats right up high but once Mum and I ignored our fear of heights, there was a great view of the game and mountain ranges in the background. We were surrounded by people, mostly families, wearing the Dodger colours and having a good time. The children were sweet and I think we spent a heck of a lot more time people watching than the game which let's face it we didn't understand anyway. Our first American beers were gigantic and the hotdog was smothered in sauce and pickles.

In the 7th innings, the man next to me kindly let me know we had to stand for 'God Bless America' which everyone knew the words to and was rendered with enthusiasm. It was touch and go for a while but I managed to resist the urge to yell out 'Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi' at the end.

We came across our first American cops and they looked just like the ones from the 'Police Academy' movies in the 80s. So did their cars. Two guys in the smoking area offered us some weed and it was a novelty to realise we wouldn't be breaking the law to partake, California having recently legalised medical marijuana. We politely declined I swear.

The night was finished off with people pouring on to the field at the end of the game to sit on blankets and watch the impressive fireworks.