You know you’re in southern California when...

It’s been a day of living the life. A relaxing morning disappeared in a haze of Pavlova for breakfast before we went to In’n’Out for lunch. This is the pinnacle of the burger joint world. Everything is cooked fresh, and fries are made from real potatoes. The best bit is the hidden menu items. If you know what to ask for they’ll give it to you, such as the legendary Neapolitan shake of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla combined.

In'n'Out was near the mall and after lunch we found ourselves inexplicably drawn in. The Easter bunny was already there but I resisted the urge to have my photo taken with it. It's also St. Patrick's weekend so everything is decked in green and people who can't even spell "Riverdance" claim direct Gaelic heritage.

After a cup of tea back at home we walked to the communal facilities on Jim and Gen’s development. The trend these days is for new Californian houses to have very small gardens and for communities to pay towards large central recreational areas. And what an area! We had the choice of three pools, a jacuzzi, tennis, a beach volleyball court, tree-lined strolls etc. etc.

Hannah and I found ourselves in the huge hot tub where two eight-year-olds were discussing their trust funds.

“How much money do you have?” one asked the other.

“Right now? About $1,100. How much do you have?”

“Um...about three million.”

“Really?”

“Well, my grandparents in Korea have that. They give me money whenever I see them.”

We realised we couldn’t keep up with the big boys and left as the conversation turned to which Star Wars episode was the best.

We started another game of Killer Bunnies before dinner at Zov’s Bistro (not as strange as the name sounds) and finished it when, with top trouser buttons popped from all the delicious food, we got home.

Everyone has forsaken me now and gone to bed. It’s just me and the cat, who’s trying to claw more biscuits out of her automatic feeder. Tomorrow our plane leaves at 4pm, taking us back to the forecast of snow and ice in Newcastle. One last blog entry before we go!

In'n'Out burger. McDonalds should be ashamed.



Look at the good stuff. Top right is the "secret" animal style fries.



Walking to the communal club (to burn off the burgers).



Oh yes.



Very nice.



Hannah and David get used to the Californian lifestyle. How long can you stay before you're deported?



The view from the pool.



More Killer Bunnies. Note the empty margarita glasses. (I won, by the way).