Thanks for reading and commenting. Its been awesome to wake up and realise that people have actually read the blog.

Back to the holiday. We touched down in Salt Lake City at the end of the Never-Ending day after midnight. The plane that we flew over in (in terms of seating across) was three-four-three. This one was two-two. It was HOT when we touched down.

Salt Lake City is a BEAUTIFUL town. According to Wikipedia, the population of this town is 189,314. It is without doubt the cleanest city I have ever visited.

What is Stampin' Up? Its a craft company that Kylie is a consultant for. They are based in Utah. Next week, we have the incentive trip that Kylie achieved (Im the tag-along). But, before next week, there is a convention for the US and Canadian demonstrators. We went to something similar in Brisbane in May. There was 750 people. Here in Salt Lake City there are more than 5000. It was NUTS! And, the audience is 99.995% female. Our new camera has this awesome panorama feature, which is going to get a workout on this trip.

Woman - everywhere!

So, the convention was all about recognizing achievements in the US and Canada markets, product demonstrations,product launches. Kylie loves it. And, between you and I - it actually is pretty cool for me as well. But, please dont tell anyone I said that. Here is a sample of photos from the day. Again, I apologize that the pics are not cropped and edited.

Kylie with Sue (also from Melbourne)

After the actual convention part, there is this MASSIVE room next door that has tonnes of demonstrations, examples of craft. Do you know what Paper Pumpkin is? Now I do.

Kylie did her nails in the 'In-Colours.' Few will understand.

Some more from Australia - Lousie and Claire (from the office in Sydney)

All of these women (and probably there are two men among the throng) are doing craft projects.

Everyone can get excited about this - a new envelope making tool. Dont judge me - I was excited about this.How cool is my hat?

Does it look like I have caught up on my sleep yet? Not quite.

The corridor we are staying.

The building we are staying in - found it on Air BnB. Is in an awesome location.

The LDS Administrative Building.

Back for awards night. Check out the size of the stage. Mary Fish scooped most of the categories. She is popular among crafters. 

Awesome 80'S cover band played the songs of my childhood.

Cupcakes in the 'In-Colours'

Dinner last night ..... literally.

Entertainment at the after-awards night party

Prize for anyone who can guess who this is. And, sorry its not centred.

SLC at night

New watch

So, that was a sampling of yesterday. Much the same for today. Hope you are all well. Oh, and in case you were concerned, there are coffee shops aplenty. Starbucks is VERY popular in the USA and we pass two between the place we are staying and the convention centre. Its not the best, but it'll do.

So, after a 13-plus hour flight, WE ARRIVED in Los Angeles. We left Melbourne at 11:20 Thursday and arrived just after midday Thursday. Weird???? So, when we arrived, it was well and truly my bed time (Melbourne time). However, I had to adjust the new time, so, if the sunlight said t was day time - it was daytime. Even now, it is 2:07pm friday Melbourne time, and I haven't slept since 5:30 am Thursday (Melbourne time). So, we've been awake for 33 hours (and counting).

So, that's out of the way - Los Angeles. That was today. To be honest - I expected LA to be like seeing an episode of Bold and the Beautiful in real life. For those of you that have touched down in LA know that the airport and its surroundings are not quite like that. In fact, FAR from it. But, we had a fun time today. Both of us just wanted to sleep, so we walked as though we were on autopilot all day. At Nat's advice, we decided we would go down to Santa Monica and if time permitted, we went down to Vence Beach. These both featured heavily in the Lonely Planet guide, so we went.

Below are some pics from today. Please forgive the photos - they haven't been edited and cropped.

My beautiful wife before leaving Melbourne

Mum and Dad came to see us off (and have coffee and cake)

First land seen for thirteen-ish hours. Certainly a sight for sore eyes. 

Awesome place for lunch. Mexican. The Corona went down VERY easy.

My beautiful honey at lunch on the beach.

The Apple temple in Santa Monica.

I nearly fell off my feet when I saw this shop in the US (my fave in Australia)

Venice Beach. A WEIRD, WEIRD WEIRD place. If you have been there, you will understand. But, we enjoyed the walk and the melting pot we saw.

Waiting to board plane for Salt Lake City now. Stampin Up - here we come.

I cant believe we leave TOMORROW!!!!!!

Am I packed? Well, here is your answer.

Suitcase is empty - But, do you like my chair?

Anyway, since Im in the procrastinating mood, here is part 2 of the Canada trip from 2001 - A North American Odyssey - Highlights! Everyone in this photo - Im coming to see you again!