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🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026
  • Troys Travels
  • Troys Travels

🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026

Almost 30 years ago, I embarked on a journey that would change everything for me! A once in a lifetime experience that sparked my passion for travel 🧳
First stop: USA 🇺🇸 Big 5: L.A. 🎬 Palm Springs 🌴 Vegas 💎 San Francisco 🌉 & NYC 🗽 Les mer
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  • Reisens start
    25. mai 2026
    Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende

    Countdown: One Month!

    25. april, Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Unseasonably hot weather has Melbourne in a sense of wonder, warmth and Wow! With outdoor recreational fun the order of the day. Mark and I have excitedly locked and loaded all of our activities, filled in our visas, downloaded our essential apps, booked and cross checked our transport. Locked 🔒 and loaded and rearing to go!
    …USA 🇺🇸 one month from today! 👏    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    2
    1

    L.A Bound ✈️

    25. mai, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Actually slept last night! Bonus 1!
    Will need it after the next 48 hours. Excitedly departing Southern Cross for Southern California 🌴

    Check in and Security were seamlessly easy and boarding was speedy & efficient. We both had the aisle seats 💺 and a spare seat beside Bonus 2!

    The only non-bonus was the inconsiderate knob that put his eye mask on and reclined his seat all the way back 15 minutes after take-off…

    …Salty BBQ snacks & St Hubert’s Chardonnay… 10am local time, BUT, it is actually 6pm in L.A, so, Cheers 🥂

    Oh, another non-bonus: the food service - a 150g chunk of brisket served with macaroni and a wooden knife… In case you haven’t heard, balsa wood don’t handle too well in those circumstances!

    California Dreaming 💭 ☀️    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Memorial Day HolidayL.A~ home of the DodgersThe fence to keep prying eyes 👀 out!!1...or not!1Tacos 🌮 everywhere! Yum 😋1Shrimp 🍤 & chips 🍟

    Santa Monica Memorial Day

    25. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    With the melodic strains of ‘Children’ by Robert Miles, through my headphones, gently ushering us into LAX, just as it did 30 years ago, we arrived in Los Angeles as the sun ☀️ was rising over the city. Back to the past — arriving three hours before we left Melbourne!

    All those YouTube travel tricks ’n tips instantly proved useful ℹ️ We headed straight to the Metro Transit Centre and jumped on the Big Blue Bus 🚎, taking us directly to Santa Monica for just $1.25 — a cheap and surprisingly easy start to the trip.

    It was Memorial Day in the States 🇺🇸 today, so everything felt unusually quiet and relaxed. We struck gold when our quaint little hotel, Hotel Carmel — just one block from the beach and Pier — had our rooms ready for our 8:30am arrival. A long hot shower 🚿 was heaven after the 14-hour flight.

    A wander along Ocean 🌊🏖️ Boulevard to Venice Beach, shoes off and feet in the sand, with a drip coffee and tuna melt in the warm California sun, was the perfect tonic for the jet lag.

    We continued on to Muscle Beach and wandered back at a leisurely pace, stopping at a sidewalk café for a refreshing cider and a chilled Chardonnay while soaking up the atmosphere.

    We “…traveled down the road, and back again…” to see 245 Saltair Avenue — the The Golden Girls house! Mark’s only wish-list item! A selfie stick was bought specifically for the purpose of reaching over the owner’s fence, which honestly made the moment even funnier, trying to dodge the owner’s security cameras 😜

    We wandered around the Santa Monica Mall before heading out for dinner at Albright’s Beach Club on the Santa Monica Pier for a delicious meal, lingering just long enough to capture a magnificent sunset 🌅 over the beach and that lovely feeling that our first day had already been packed with memories.

    After 36 hours with virtually no sleep 💤 and 31,000 steps, we are both absolutely exhausted, slightly delirious, and more than ready to hit the hay.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    17Joan CrawfordBette Davis' star ⭐️ outside Stage door of famous theatre 🎭We did spy it!Edward arrives in the stretch limo to save Vivian!4Mark's favourite GG Betty White!Oscars Ready!Meryl Streep1Judy Garland 🌈1Marylin Monroe"Pretty Woman" Beverly Wiltshire

    Hooray for Hollywood!

    26. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Jet lag is a bitch. Wide awake at 4am! 😳

    Started the day with a delicious breakfast of brioche French toast covered in whipped cream, dripping with orange-flavoured maple syrup, berries and mandarin segments. Decadent, rich and absolutely ravishing.

    We bought a daily Metro bus ticket ($5) and used Radical Storage ($20) to stash our bags for the day — which just happened to be inside a West Hollywood liquor store! So us! 🍷 Such a clever and inexpensive idea, letting us explore Hollywood without dragging luggage everywhere.

    Mark was slightly worried we hadn’t been given any receipts and that our bags might disappear forever. I reassured him it would all be okay…

    We then made the pilgrimage to Hollywood and Vine to track down the three stars 🌟 Mark absolutely had to see on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and Betty White (from The Golden Girls). It took a surprising amount of investigation, but we finally found them and got the photos to prove it!

    From there we wandered to the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, then onto the TCL Chinese Theatre to look through all the celebrity handprints. We found Judy Garland and Meryl Streep amongst the collection. There’s something strangely fun and nostalgic about hunting down your favourite stars.

    We knew we wouldn’t have time to get up close to the Hollywood Sign, so instead we kept catching little glimpses of it between intersections along Hollywood Boulevard.

    My personal favourite moment was finding the Las Palmas Hotel — where Julia Roberts’ character Vivian is “saved” at the end of Pretty Woman by Richard Gere’s character, Edward, using the umbrella to pull down the ladder and “save her right back”. Still one of the best lines from the film.

    By the way, Hollywood Boulevard itself is a complete and utter hot mess… really dirty, chaotic and nothing like the polished image you imagine from movies 🎥

    And yes… we did what we had to do and caught a Waymo driverless car. It felt completely surreal sitting inside while the steering wheel turned itself. The future has definitely arrived 🪐

    We headed to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, which was probably the one “too much” mistake of the day. We were starving hungry and everything felt completely OTT — wall-to-wall designer stores like Chanel, Dior, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

    After about five minutes we looked at each other, summoned another Waymo, and got the hell outta there! 😳😜☀️

    I also finally got to see the Holloway Motel — the very first overseas motel I ever stayed in on my first overseas trip 30 years ago. It’s now operating as a homeless shelter, which I actually think is wonderful, but standing there revisiting the location brought back such an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. The first place I ever stayed outside Australia… 30 years ago!

    It’s difficult to properly explain how excited we both are to simply be in another country, 🇺🇸 walking around on a beautiful sunny day, experiencing all these strange, funny and wonderful little moments.

    More than anything, we just feel incredibly grateful and humble to be sharing such a wonderful moment in time!    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    2Seriously LARGE nachos for one!
    More taco's 🌮 happy hour only $9Inside 33 Taps WeHoFabulous community Outreach. California lead the way!1Purchases from the 'Enhancement Bar' 😉You bet! 👍🏻 No trash 🗑️ in WeHo!These little guys are delivering food left right and centre!Our hotel in Anaheim… 15 minutes from DisneylandThe little fella off on a food delivery2We can't get enough of the Waymo! 🚘

    WeHo & the Enhancement Bar

    26. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We knew the gay 🏳️‍🌈 area of West Hollywood was exactly where we wanted to finish the day — relaxed, fun and full of good energy. So we wandered into the first bar we saw, 33 Taps West Hollywood, and hit the jackpot 🎰 with an incredible ‘happy hour’ taco deal alongside several margaritas and Palomas. Exactly what we needed.

    Afterwards we headed to Gym Bar WeHo for more happy hour drinks and ended up chatting with some locals. Fantastic vibe. Warm, welcoming and just easy to be in.

    There was also an incredible little free STI check and PrEP caravan set up right on the strip. I was genuinely fascinated and delighted to see it. I ended up having a really good chat with the guys running it, telling them about the company I work for in Australia and how much we need more visible community outreach like this. They were so interested in hearing about the services we offer back home and it turned into one of those unexpectedly lovely conversations you never plan to have.

    We also popped into ‘The Abbey’ Bar where we chatted to the bartender and one of the bus boys, who told us that Madonna hadn’t “just randomly turned up” there recently — it had all been planned. They showed us photos of Christina Aguilera performing there also and even pointed out the separate part of the club that only opens on weekends for celebrities. Completely surreal hearing all the stories firsthand.

    For the first time since arriving, we both really started to feel relaxed and settled into our own little rhythm and safe space here in WeHo. We honestly could have stayed out all night, but with Disneyland tomorrow, we knew waking up hungover would be a terrible life choice 😉🤪

    We’ve now officially become Waymo experts and hailed another one to Union Station hoping to catch a train to Anaheim. None for another hour… so an Uber it was!

    Tired. But such a great, great day. Disneyland tomorrow!

    Honestly, just a day filled with so much joy 🤩    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Toads 🐸 AdventureBluey has made it big time!Politically incorrect MexicansThe man himself! ✊🏻This is the actual chair that Walt Disney sat on in the Griffith Observatory Park and dreamed Disne!It's a small (politically incorrect) world 😉DumboOur Mad Hatters Tea 🫖 Party 🎉Us flying Dumbo

    Mouse Ears & Sore Feet 🏰

    27. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Disneyland - The only place on earth where thousands of adults willingly stand in fenced cattle corrals for 90 minutes to experience a two-minute ride… then walk out smiling and immediately join another line.

    Where people of every age happily wander around dressed as Snow White, Donald Duck, Darth Vader and Tinker Bell without a single person batting an eyelid.

    There are honestly more strollers than human beings. Entire traffic jams caused by tiny people wearing mouse ears.

    You can get sprinkled in fairy dust by a teenager working at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique. Although by about 4pm my feet hurt so much I was far too grumpy 😾 to be glittered ✨ by anyone.

    A fridge magnet costs about $15. Lunch requires what feels like a small mortgage repayment. Popcorn 🍿 somehow smells permanently in the air, no matter where you are. The catering team must pop enough popcorn every day to feed an entire country.

    And yet… there’s still something strangely magical 🧙🏻‍♀️ about it all.

    We started at 8am and launched straight into the Indiana Jones ride, wandered through Star Wars, floated along on the Mark Twain Riverboat, climbed through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle 🏰 and went “hi-ho hi-ho” with the Seven Dwarfs.

    Grown adults flying through the air on Dumbo elephants 🐘 Sitting in giant spinning teacups ☕️ Buying bubble 🫧 wands shaped like Ariel, Minnie and Cinderella while bubbles 🫧 float through Main Street like some kind of fever dream.

    The entire day became one giant exercise in refreshing the Disneyland app trying to secure Lightning ⚡️ Lane bookings every two hours like it was the stock exchange.

    Frontierland. Fantasyland. Main Street. New Orleans Square. Tomorrowland… which honestly should probably be renamed Yesterdayland because some of those rides feel gloriously frozen in 1955. But maybe that’s part of the charm too.

    And then there’s the wonderfully awkward fact that Disneyland still contains so many things that probably shouldn’t survive a modern focus group. Cowboys and “Indians”, It’s a Small World 🌎 with giant smiling dolls representing entire countries in ways that feel wildly stuck in another era — Mexicans in sombreros, Chinese dolls in traditional hats, every stereotype imaginable cheerfully sailing past to an endlessly repetitive soundtrack.

    And somehow… nobody even seems remotely bothered by it. Not in an angry way. More in a collective understanding that Disneyland exists in its own strange little nostalgic time capsule where the outside world’s arguments are temporarily suspended for a day.

    We even saw the original bench where Walt Disney supposedly sat when the idea for Disneyland first came to him.

    And standing there, amongst the chaos and screaming children and adults in matching family T-shirts, it did hit me what an extraordinary thing he created. A place that has made billions of dollars, yes… but also billions of memories across generations. Grandparents bringing grandchildren. Parents reliving childhoods. Couples returning decades later.

    Then nighttime arrived and the whole park changed personality completely. The lights came on, castles glowed, music echoed through the streets, fireworks exploded overhead and suddenly the exhaustion faded for a little while. Disneyland at night feels softer. More nostalgic somehow.

    It was crowded. Expensive. Overstimulating. My feet are absolutely destroyed.

    But it was also fun 🤩 in a way that’s hard to properly explain unless you’ve been there.

    And yet, walking out at the end of the night, I realised something quietly and without sadness — I think that was probably my last Disneyland visit.

    Not because I didn’t enjoy it. I did.

    But because it felt different this time. Like revisiting a place that belongs more to your memories than your future.

    And honestly… that feels perfectly okay.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
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    Disney after Dark ✨ 🌙

    27. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Paint 🎨 the Night Street Spectacular 🥳🌅 a variable smorgasbord of sound light 💡 and colour! 🪄

    …Walking out of Disneyland for what I think may be the last time, I felt nothing but gratitude — for the Sunday nights as kids sitting around my grandparents’ television watching Disneyland with my family, particularly cousins, for that unforgettable first visit in 1997 with our loyal and faithful friend Scott “Dame Betty T Rose”, and now for one last day together laughing, people-watching (judging 😉) and reliving the rides that somehow stitched themselves through so many chapters of life; because in the end, Disneyland was never really about castles or fireworks at all, but about the people you shared the magic with along the way.Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
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    3227

    A (delayed) Desert 🏜️ holiday

    28. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Everything was going perfectly from ordering the Uber 🚙 to pick us up from the hotel to the very impressive Amtrak train 🚆 service from Anaheim to Union Station in Los Angeles. What a brilliant service with a cocktail 🍸 bar and a daily ‘happy hour’ and a well stocked cafe with Valerie the friendly attendant!

    Our current experience with wait staff and shop and transport attendants is very positive; welcoming, helpful and kind! We have also found that tipping 💵 is not as widely expected or asked for as we thought… That could change as we get to other cities of course.

    The wheels fell off at the beautiful art deco inspired Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles where we were to catch the 9:45 am bus to Coachella Palm Springs… It was delayed by 10 minutes then 20 then one hour turned into 2, then rescheduled to afternoon. Just quietly, a clientele taking the bus are probably not familiar with the Beverly Hills or Melrose Hills… ‘Rough as guts’ is perhaps an understatement! 😳🚫⚠️

    Discovering that we had time to kill I decided to avail myself of what interesting area could be nearby and stumbled upon a true gem!

    Just across from the grand old Union Station, I wandered through the colourful and historic Olvera Street — often described as the birthplace of Los Angeles. Lined with vibrant Mexican market stalls, festive decorations, traditional music and the delicious smell of fresh tacos and churros drifting through the air, it felt like stepping into another world away from the bustle of modern LA. With its relaxed atmosphere, historic buildings and lively cultural spirit, it turned what could have simply been a transport nightmare into one of the most unexpectedly charming and authentic moments of the journey 🇲🇽

    We finally rolled into the desert 🏜️ oasis of Palm Springs and instantly slipped into holiday mode. Dinner at Trio Restaurant absolutely lived up to its award-winning reputation — the shrimp 🦐 pasta was nothing short of divine, rich with lemon 🍋 flavour and beautifully presented, all enjoyed amongst fabulous retro Palm Springs vibes that felt like stepping into another era.

    The night only became more fun at Bootlegger Tiki where creativity was clearly on the cocktail menu. Our signature drink arrived in a Thai noodle box complete with chopstick-style straws and a fortune cookie declaring: “Your fortune will be… you will get lucky in Palm Springs.” Safe to say, the city already feels full of magic, character and playful charm.

    To top it all off, our accommodation is absolutely top-notch — stylish, relaxing and the perfect complement to what is shaping up to be an incredible Palm Springs weekend.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Mark and his 'crush'
    The famous bacon 🥓 flight1Definitely not worth the $80AUD ! 😏🫣😵‍💫Awesome views, around each corner1Marilyn turns 100!When did I get to look this old!?!? 🫩😵‍💫🫤🫠2Spicy 🌶️ Bloody Mary blew my head off!10So unique!Beats the glitter ball!3Check out the "Bachelorette's" that, traditionally take over the night!The crowd goes wild for the pivotal Evita moments!2

    Bacon 🥓 Flights & indulging Nights

    29. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today was one of those wonderfully relaxed Palm Springs days where there was no rush, no schedule and no pressure to be anywhere except exactly where we wanted to be.

    Mark and I started the morning with breakfast at ‘Cheeky’s, which is famous for its “bacon flight” – five different bacon flavours served together for tasting. It is certainly a clever concept and a lot of fun to try, and naturally we couldn’t resist ordering one. While the bacon flight was an experience in itself, the rest of the breakfast was fairly average. In all honesty, once the sausage and egg had cooled down, they became quite difficult to enjoy, which probably says a lot about the quality of the food. Still, it was worth visiting simply for the novelty of tasting bacon in so many different varieties.

    After breakfast we spent the late morning just wandering along North Palm Canyon Drive, enjoying one of my favourite holiday activities – browsing shops, trying on clothes and people-watching. Palm Springs has such a relaxed and stylish atmosphere, and there always seems to be something interesting around every corner.

    A particular highlight for Mark was visiting Seaplane, a fantastic clothing store specialising in unique and limited-edition pieces. His day was made when he unexpectedly met one of his idols there. 😜🌈 It was one of those genuine holiday moments that you couldn’t possibly plan. Mark left with a new shirt and I suspect I may be returning over the next couple of days to purchase one myself.

    The afternoon was exactly what Palm Springs is made for. We returned to our accommodation, spent time lounging by the pool and enjoyed the refreshing coolness of the water while soaking up the peaceful desert atmosphere. Sometimes the best travel memories come from simply slowing down and appreciating where you are, and this afternoon was a perfect example of that.

    As evening arrived, we headed out to Arenas Road, the vibrant heart of Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ nightlife. The atmosphere was electric, with music spilling out onto the street and people enjoying the warm desert evening.

    We absolutely loved Quadz, which was packed with show tunes, singalongs and a crowd that clearly knew every word. It was impossible not to have fun there. We also spent time at Hunters, where the energetic atmosphere and talented dancers ensured there was never a dull moment. Both venues delivered exactly the kind of Palm Springs nightlife experience we had hoped for.

    By the end of the night, we were laughing, celebrating and simply enjoying being on holiday together. It was one of those days that perfectly captured everything we love about Palm Springs – quirky food, great shopping, poolside relaxation, wonderful people and a nightlife scene that knows exactly how to show visitors a good time.

    Another fantastic day in the desert. 🌴☀️🍹🏊‍♂️✨    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    5
    311Frank Sinatra HouseLiberace Home (complete with Piano 🎹 themed letterbox)Liberace's camp Statue of Liberty 🗽 in front yard!1Elvis' Honeymoon GetawayMarilyn's Palm Springs AbodeKurt Russell & Goldie Hawn Home for 3 years2

    Happy 100th Marilyn 👠

    30. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    This morning was a very slow start after a big G & T night out! 🍸🥴

    We finally crawled out and wandered in 30° heat down to the main drag and had a huge breakfast 🥞 serving of delicious orange ricotta pancakes with whipped cream, tangy mandarin segments, blueberries 🫐 all smothered in maple syrup. Washing it down with ‘hair of the dog’ Bloody Mary. Both hit the spot!

    The rest of the day was one of those unexpected travel days where you stumble across something completely unique simply because you’re in the right place at the right time.

    Mid afternoon we jumped aboard the fabulous Drag and Fly Tour, which turned out to be a fantastic way to explore Palm Springs. We cruised around town in a theatre style bus with picture window, checking out the homes of the stars while learning plenty about the history and stories behind this desert oasis. The stars of the 50’s had to be within 2 hours of the film 🎞️ studios so Palm Springs became their perfect destination. Our drag queen host was hilarious and kept everyone entertained with her on-bus performances, adding just the right amount of sparkle and sass to the experience.

    As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, we wandered into downtown Palm Springs to discover the city celebrating what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday. In a wonderfully Palm Springs twist, an incredible 1,037 people dressed as Marilyn gathered together and officially broke the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroes in one place. We had absolutely no idea this was happening when we planned the trip, so it felt like a bonus attraction that had been thrown in just for us.

    After all the excitement, the afternoon called for a much slower pace. We headed back to our complex and spent a couple of blissful hours by the pool, wine in hand, doing very little other than soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm desert air. Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t about ticking attractions off a list but simply sitting back, relaxing and appreciating where you are.

    A fabulous tour, a world record, Marilyn Monroe everywhere you looked, and a lazy afternoon by the pool. Not a bad way to spend a day in Palm Springs.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Cup of 'Joe' in my Condo!"California Joe"Joan Collins: one of the many famous guests that adore Sherman's Deli & BakeryPalm Springs elected official: "Nancy" ...She done 'erself up real good for 'er photo!Jeffrey Pine: Vanilla & Butterscotch scent! 🤤Key Lime 🍋‍🟩 Pie with Graham Cracker CrustThai dinner with Pinot Gris from OregonFor those who don't understand the tipping system... choose your level... (We chose 18%)2Farewell PS! 🌈🙌🏻☀️🇺🇸❤️‍🔥

    “California Joe” & Key Lime Pie @ Sherman’s

    31. mai, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    The "California Joe" is a signature, hearty breakfast scramble made with 3 eggs, cheese, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and hamburger. It is locally famous in Palm Springs and exclusively served at Sherman's Deli & Bakery… and, is was delicious 😋 and HUGE! Like most meals in USA!

    Thought we’d chance a ride up on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. I am so glad that we did because it turned out to be one of the highlights of our time here.

    With temperatures sitting around 35°C down on the desert floor, stepping off the tram into air that was almost 10 degrees cooler was an absolute delight. We spent a couple of leisurely hours wandering the mountain trails, taking in spectacular views across the Coachella Valley. Looking down over the vast desert landscape from above really gives you a sense of just how enormous and beautiful this part of California is.

    One of the unexpected highlights was discovering the Jeffrey Pine trees. Apparently they are famous for their scent and, sure enough, when you get close to the bark they give off the most wonderful aroma of butterscotch and vanilla. Unfortunately, this immediately reminded me of the slice of Key Lime Pie I had spotted earlier in the day sitting temptingly in the cake cabinet at Sherman’s Deli.

    Once we returned to Palm Springs there was only one thing for it.

    I went straight to Sherman’s and ordered a slice.

    Key Lime Pie is something I’ve always wanted to try and I have to say it was absolutely delicious. The key lime custard was tangy, zippy and refreshing, sitting on a crunchy graham cracker base. The fluffy meringue topping was wonderfully indulgent and finished with delicate shards of white chocolate.

    That said, it was also unbelievably sweet. The sort of dessert that is probably best shared between two people.

    Did I share it?

    No.

    Did I regret not sharing it halfway through?

    Possibly.

    Did I still manage to eat almost all of it?

    Absolutely. Sheer willpower.

    It was all washed down with a lemon iced tea with free refills, which somehow made complete sense at the time.

    The perfect mid-afternoon treat before spending a couple of relaxing hours by the pool, soaking up the sunshine and doing absolutely nothing at all.

    Some days on holiday are about ticking off famous sights. Others are about mountain air, pie and pool time.

    Today was definitely the latter.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Moon-like desert NevadaThe Strip in the distanceStrip View RoomCamp LampLove the USA cereal aisleBellagio Fountains ⛲️

    Vegas High ♠️❤️‍🔥🏩🎡🏰🎪

    1. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Today we made the smooth transfer from Palm Springs to Las Vegas aboard Southwest Airlines. Fantastic airline, by the way. Each passenger gets a little more legroom because they forfeit the higher-class seating cabins, and for a short flight it was perfect.

    We departed from Palm Springs International Airport, formerly known as Sonny Bono Airport, named after Cher’s former husband and the much-loved former Mayor of Palm Springs. I found myself seated next to the lovely Jeanie, who was on her way home to Colorado after taking part in the Marilyn Monroe celebrations over the weekend. She was effervescent, friendly and great fun to chat with, making the short flight pass even quicker.

    I rarely choose a window seat, but for a flight of just 39 minutes I thought I’d make an exception. It proved to be an excellent decision. Flying over the desert, the landscape looked remarkably like the surface of the moon, stretching endlessly beneath us. I was also fortunate enough to be seated on the right-hand side of the aircraft, giving me a spectacular first glimpse of the Las Vegas Strip in all its glory. Seeing it from the air only heightened the anticipation of seeing those famous lights after dark.

    Our arrival at the iconic Flamingo was somewhat less glamorous. Mark summed up the check-in experience perfectly in a single word: chaotic. Guests were being corralled towards the reception desks like cattle at a country show. Thankfully, perseverance paid off and I was rewarded with a renovated Strip View room, exactly as requested. Complete with a flamingo lamp and floor-to-ceiling views, it felt as though the action of Las Vegas was unfolding right outside the picture window.

    By this stage we were absolutely ravenous and set off in search of a buffet. Unfortunately, most had already finished lunch service, so we settled for Denny’s. It’s safe to say that one visit in a lifetime is probably enough for me! 🤮 It was satisfactory at best and certainly not the culinary highlight of the day.

    Armed with our Strip Map, we tracked down a Happy Hour down at the LINQ Promenade and settled into the afternoon with a well-earned drink or two. There is something quite special about seeing famous hotels such as Excalibur and New York-New York again after 17 years. It’s a mixture of nostalgia and awe. They’re impressive during the day, but once darkness falls and the neon begins to glow, they transform into something entirely different.

    To be honest, it almost brought a tear to my eye. This trip has been five months in the planning and, in many ways, thirty years in the dreaming. To see it all falling into place so beautifully was quite emotional. Las Vegas has always been my “Disneyland for adults” and it felt wonderful to be back.

    Before heading to the RuPaul’s Drag Race Live show, I finally got to tick something off my American bucket list — my first In-N-Out Burger.

    Service ✅

    Value ✅

    Taste 👅 ✅

    I can absolutely see what all the fuss is about!

    Then it was off to RuPaul’s Drag Race Live. The show exceeded expectations, packed with colour, energy, fabulous costumes and incredible movement. It was Vegas entertainment at its finest.

    Afterwards I was far too wired to even think about sleep, so I decided to make a late-night pilgrimage to the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Standing there in front of such an iconic landmark genuinely sent spine-tingling chills through me.

    From there I wandered back along the Strip, mixing walking with rides on the Deuce bus. What a brilliant way to experience Las Vegas. Like a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, but with the city’s energy buzzing around you. The warm desert breeze was comforting, the bright lights dazzling, and everywhere I looked there was movement, colour and excitement.

    Taking it all in — the neon, the music, the crowds and the sheer spectacle that Vegas is famous for — I couldn’t stop smiling.

    What a brilliant first day in Las Vegas!    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende

    Ru Paul Drag Race Vegas 👠

    1. juni, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 32 °C

    Old school Vegas Showgirls meets the new generation of drag! Just brilliant! Ru-Ka-Ching!! 💰

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Sphere crushes Wicked Witch of EastMini SphereExcitement builds in the auditoriumInside the theatreOpening creditsLeaves 🍁 & wind 💨 all around usThe EndAfter ShowBellagio Springtime Symphony displayVenetian39 degree glare - Sphere put on sunnies! 😎

    Somewhere over the Rainbow 🌈 🔮

    2. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Today was one of those days that will stay with us for a very long time.

    From the moment we first caught sight of the Sphere after walking through the Venetian, our excitement levels were through the roof. Seeing this incredible structure up close was something special, but nothing prepared us for what was waiting inside.

    As we entered, there was a wonderful buzz in the air. People were browsing the merchandise, taking photos and chatting excitedly. You could feel the anticipation building as everyone waited for the show to begin.

    Then came the first goosebump moment.

    As we settled into our seats, the opening credits of The Wizard of Oz appeared and suddenly filled the entire curved wall of the Sphere. It was breathtaking. The scale was unlike anything we had ever experienced and immediately drew us into the story.

    This wasn’t simply watching a movie—it felt like stepping inside it.

    When Dorothy’s house was swept away by the cyclone, leaves swirled throughout the auditorium. The wind blew around us and the temperature seemed to drop. For a few moments, it genuinely felt as though we were travelling through the storm alongside Dorothy.

    Then came another magical surprise. Dorothy picked an apple from a tree on screen and moments later apples started falling from above into the audience! We were both lucky enough to catch one. What a fantastic and unexpected moment that was.

    Our third unforgettable experience came when Glinda created snowfall. Suddenly delicate white flakes drifted across the audience, covering us in a blanket of magical snow. It was such a simple touch, yet completely immersive and utterly enchanting.

    From beginning to end, the production was extraordinary. The visuals, sound, effects and storytelling all combined to create something unlike any cinema experience we have ever had.

    And the magic didn’t stop there.

    As we left the theatre, we were treated to a live performance in the main auditorium area, providing the perfect finale to an already incredible experience.

    It was spine-tingling, emotional, immersive and simply amazing to be part of.

    The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere isn’t just a movie. It’s an experience. And one that we feel very lucky to have shared.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Lake MeadLunch with a ViewGiant Taco on FlatbreadCanyon SkywalkAs Kim Wilde said: View from a Bridge2Note our sexy booties 🥿Jaw dropping panoramaJoshua Tree ForestHow!

    Grand Canyon 🏜️

    3. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    Our day began in Boulder City, where we heard the story of the famous “Dam Dog” 🐕. He was a stray that the Hoover Dam workers adopted and looked after. Sadly, one day a worker accidentally ran him over. The workers were so fond of him that they erected a statue in his honour. Sad, but true.

    We also spotted plenty of bighorn sheep roaming the area. Apparently, the males with the biggest horns rank highest in the sheep community… a bit like our Grindr community, really. 😉😂

    The Hoover Dam is a remarkable feat of engineering and helps provide water and power throughout the region. Lake Mead, the reservoir behind the dam, has been affected by decades of drought and currently sits at around 35% capacity. It certainly makes you appreciate just how precious water is out here in the desert.

    We crossed the Pat Tillman and Mike O’Callaghan Memorial Bridge, the second-highest bridge in the United States. The views back across Hoover Dam were simply jaw-dropping.

    The desert heat was extreme. 🥵 It felt like you could cook an egg 🍳 on our heads. Every time I stepped out of the air-conditioned coach, it was like opening the door of a fan-forced oven.

    As we journeyed through the Arizona desert, I cranked up some Def Leppard on my headphones. The perfect soundtrack for the endless rocky landscapes, burning sunshine and cactus-studded wilderness. 🌵🎸☀️

    Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for…

    Grand Canyon🏜️

    An awe-inspiring, unfathomable geological masterpiece. Immense, breathtaking and almost impossible to comprehend. Its staggering mile-deep, 277-mile expanse reveals layer upon layer of colourful rock that constantly changes in texture, colour and shadow as the sun moves across the landscape. (Yes, I Googled part of that description because it was so breathtaking that I genuinely ran out of words!)

    Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, it is easy to see why it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

    We visited Grand Canyon West, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe. For lunch I had their flatbread tacos (only managed finishing half) at the restaurant overlooking the canyon. Bloody awesome! What I didn’t expect was to be seated right on the edge with huge picture windows looking directly into the canyon. Even better, it wasn’t crawling with people. Such an unexpected and welcome surprise.

    Eagle Point 🦅 was breathtaking, and no photograph could ever capture its true grandeur.

    But then we reached Guano Point…

    And somehow it was even better.

    The views were simply extraordinary. A full 360-degree panorama of the canyon stretching endlessly in every direction, with the Colorado River winding its way through the depths below. I still can’t believe you can basically walk right up to the edge. No barriers. No restrictions. Just pure adrenaline-fuelled views from every angle.

    One fellow visitor was determined to find the remains of the car that famously plunged off the canyon rim during the filming of Thelma & Louise. He found it too… or at least what was left of it — a rusty pile of metal far below.

    Standing near the edge of such an incredible natural wonder is a feeling I will never forget. It’s impossible to properly describe. The scale, the silence, the beauty and the sheer power of nature all combine into something truly special.

    These are the moments that money simply can’t buy.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    No cells in heaven Sista!A slightly more fanciful McChucks!Patriotic Dunkin DessertFlag 🇺🇸 bearerStrap on ya wings 🪽Dancing Gorilla 🦍 Why not?Liza would be in awe!ChippendalesThis buffet was crap 💩Flamingo 🦩 Casino Floor

    Fremont Street Finale! 🎉

    3. juni, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 35 °C

    Excitedly, I ran through the Flamingo casino floor… For those of you who come to Vegas for the gambling, you would have enjoyed the view as I scurried through!

    Straight to the Harrah’s DEUCE stop 🛑 and, to my surprise and delight, the bus arrived almost as soon as I did. Hopped on and, in air-conditioned comfort, confidently headed for Fremont Street.

    I figured it was my last night in Las Vegas and who knows if I’ll ever come back, or when, so why not make the most of it?

    The Deuce is a double-decker bus, so you can sit upstairs and watch all the lights, colour and movement of the Strip roll by in air-conditioned comfort.

    “Please hold on, the Deuce may stop suddenly…” flashed across the screen and… we’re off!

    It is absolutely amazing to be able to enjoy a whiskey on ice while travelling on public transport in Vegas! It certainly adds another dimension to the whole journey. 😂

    I thought I had already seen colour, movement and craziness in Las Vegas, but not until I arrived at the Fremont Street Experience. This was Vegas craziness dialled up by another 150%!

    What a vibe. What an incredible place to finish the Las Vegas leg of this adventure.

    There were Chippendales performers, showgirls wandering the streets, gorillas dancing, light and sound spectaculars, bands on every corner, cheap drinks, zipliners soaring overhead, and more lights and bulbs than any Christmas tree on any planet!

    The atmosphere was electric. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and there was an energy in the air that was impossible not to get caught up in.

    I’m so glad I made the effort to come and experience Fremont Street. It was the perfect way to end my time in Las Vegas and a reminder that sometimes the best travel memories come from saying “yes” to one last adventure.

    Tonight I’ll be heading off to slumber with a smile on my face, buzzing from the sights, sounds and sheer madness of Fremont Street.

    Thank you, Las Vegas. You’ve certainly put on a show.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Ursula's MotelInside Orphan Andy'sClub for two!!Inside the iconic Twin Peaks Hotel in CastroBen's "Lucky Bar"!Marks new "friend"!Only 'physical ID' to "...protect the staff..."! 🤭😳🙄

    Hello San Francisco 🏳️‍🌈

    4. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Travel on United — absolutely amazing! So much better than any of our offerings. Seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity to your own earbuds, complimentary drinks including Bloody Marys and wine, and both our internal flights with Southwest and now United have had noticeably more legroom. Very comfortable.

    Check-in was impressive: 10/10. We even had a wonderful security guard greeting people with a genuinely positive attitude. He was obviously loving his job, and it made the travel day so much more pleasant. It actually added to the holiday spirit! 👏👏👏

    We navigated our way to Market Street in the heart of the Castro with no problems, but when we arrived at Beck’s Motor Lodge we encountered the most sarcastic proprietor to date. She was absolutely full of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent… and for those of you who know RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ll understand exactly what I’m saying! To put it another way, I won’t have to see her next Tuesday… which is fine by me!

    I have dubbed her “Ursula” — the nasty sea witch from The Little Mermaid. Meanwhile, Mark and I are the kind, sweet mermaids 🧜‍♀️ being tormented!

    We put the washing on. By the way, this is the one part of travel that I absolutely LOATHE! Yes, it’s a necessity, but if there were any way around it, I would be 100% on board. Laundry is the tax we pay for holidays! 😆

    Once that exciting task was underway, we headed out to explore the Castro. First stop was Orphan Andy’s, a Castro institution that has been serving locals and visitors since 1977. We ordered a huge club sandwich that was more than enough for the two of us to share. Even better, this was the diner featured in the Looking television series and subsequent movie. Naturally, I had to sit in the actual seats at the front where many of those scenes were filmed!

    After dinner we wandered over to Twin Peaks Tavern for a drink. It holds a special place in Castro history as one of the first gay bars in the United States to feature large open plate-glass windows facing the street. At a time when many gay bars kept their patrons hidden from public view, Twin Peaks proudly let the world see who was inside. It was a small but important symbol of visibility and changing attitudes.

    We visited a couple more bars, soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed our first night in San Francisco, but eventually common sense prevailed. We were absolutely beat after a busy travel day, so we called it a night and headed back to the hotel.

    Tomorrow is a new day, and the Castro has already made quite the first impression!    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Not real painted ladies, you can tell from the top of the houseBaby version of Mission burritoThree avocados for three dollars! Bargain!Look to the left of this painting to see the next house depicted next doorHere is the house. This is a true painted lady!Delicious pastry's with pineapple 🍍 filling1909. Longest running, continuous operation theatre in AmericaFirst Mission Church. Survived 2 earthquakes! Divine intervention?

    Mission District Secret Food Tour

    5. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today I joined the Secret Food Tour through San Francisco’s Mission District, and it ended up being far more than just a food tour. Our guide, Dana, was incredibly knowledgeable and filled the walk with fascinating stories, local legends and quirky facts that brought the neighbourhood to life.

    One of the highlights was learning about the incredible street art that covers the Mission. Much of it has been supported by the community organisation Precita Eyes, which has helped create and preserve murals in the area since the 1970s. These aren’t just paintings on walls – they’re giant outdoor history books, telling stories about immigration, social justice, culture and community.

    We also visited the historic Mission San Francisco de Asís, the first mission church in San Francisco, founded in 1776. It’s remarkable to think that while modern San Francisco is famous for tech companies and skyscrapers, the city itself grew around this small Spanish mission. The entire neighbourhood gets its name from it.

    Food-wise, we sampled the famous Mission-style burrito. I learned that this San Francisco invention is famous for being absolutely enormous, packed with rice, beans, meat and fillings, all wrapped tightly in a large steamed tortilla and usually finished off in foil. It was developed right here in the Mission District during the 1960s and has since become one of the most influential burrito styles in America.

    One of the most interesting things about the Mission is that it still feels like the cultural heartbeat of San Francisco. You’ll hear Spanish spoken everywhere, see colourful murals around almost every corner and discover food from all over Latin America. It has a vibrant energy that feels very different from the downtown business districts. In fact, locals often describe it as one of the last neighbourhoods that still feels like “old San Francisco.”

    A fun little fact I loved: the Mission is also known for its wild parrots. Yes, actual wild parrots fly around the neighbourhood and have become local celebrities over the years!

    By the end of the tour I was completely and sufficiently stuffed. I genuinely couldn’t have eaten another bite.

    We finished at Dandelion Chocolate, a famous bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Their rich drinking chocolate had a subtle hint of cinnamon and was absolutely delicious – the perfect sweet ending to an afternoon of eating my way through one of San Francisco’s most colourful and fascinating neighbourhoods.

    A fantastic tour, a fantastic guide, and a wonderful way to experience the real San Francisco beyond the usual tourist attractions.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    San Francisco from the Alcatraz FerryFirst glimpse of Golden Gate in mistTiny cellsRecreation YardSun setting 🌅Indians took Alcatraz over from 1963Bye 👋 Alcatraz!Clam Chowder

    Seagulls of Alcatraz

    5. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    The best part of our Alcatraz tour was watching it disappear into the distance from the Alcatraz City Cruises boat as we headed back to San Francisco.

    I don’t mean to be disrespectful, and I’m not sure why my memory had convinced me it was one of the most amazing tours I’d ever done, but in a word… it wasn’t.

    It was one of those holiday moments where you find yourself thinking you could have been doing something else.

    That said, watching the sunset over Alcatraz was genuinely beautiful and ended up being my favourite part of the entire experience.

    Both of us were a little underwhelmed. Once on the island, there wasn’t really much to explore beyond the cell block, and we didn’t find there was anything particularly special about doing it at night.

    Some of the prison’s most famous inmates included Al Capone and Robert Stroud. One interesting fact about Capone is that he spent time playing banjo in the prison band while serving his sentence. Despite his nickname, Stroud wasn’t actually allowed to keep birds at Alcatraz—the birds that made him famous were kept during his earlier imprisonment elsewhere. We were also interested in the famous 1962 escape attempt by Frank Morris and brothers John Anglin and Clarence Anglin. Their bodies were never found, and to this day nobody knows for certain whether they survived the icy waters of San Francisco Bay.

    At one point we noticed seagulls everywhere, which made us both laugh because it brought back memories of last year’s adventures. You’ll see from the photos that the seagulls became a bit of a feature of the visit! After Port Isaac experience last year, and Mark losing his lunch, we couldn’t help but laugh. Thankfully there was no food allowed on Alcatraz, otherwise we might have lost our dinner as well.

    The views back across the bay towards San Francisco were fantastic.

    We rewarded ourselves with a wine 🍷 on the trip back—we needed it! Hair of the dog, officially closing the Alcatraz chapter. There aren’t many things in life that I’m absolutely certain about, but I am certain that I will never return to Alcatraz.

    Afterwards, we headed to Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoyed a sourdough clam chowder from Boudin Bakery. It was the perfect way to finish a chilly evening and, honestly, ended up being one of the highlights of the night.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Wooden Spoon2224322Bay Bridge

    Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine

    6. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Started the day at an absolute gem of a café. I simply Googled breakfast nearby and somehow stumbled upon one of the most popular and best places we’ve eaten at on this trip: Wooden Spoon.

    Perfect French toast with a granola crunch, a splendid (and very strong!) espresso martini 🍸, and genuinely friendly staff. We’re still not quite sure how, but out of the MANY people waiting for a table, the staff somehow picked us. We accepted our good fortune without asking too many questions!

    I began the day slightly sceptical about our Sonoma and Napa wine tour. But as we “straddled” the Golden Gate Bridge and “caressed” our way into the valley of endless vines, it became clear we were in for a great day.

    The first winery greeted us with a delightful Chardonnay and some stunning scenery.

    Next stop: Madonna Wines.

    Naturally, after recently missing Madonna herself in both WeHo and Times Square, we half expected the actual Madonna to appear for a promotional visit. Sadly (or thankfully, depending on your camp!) she did not.

    No problem though. The wines were effervescent and delicious. Yum! 😋

    We also picked up some fascinating tidbits. Unlike many wine regions, they don’t need to irrigate the vines thanks to the local mist, rainfall and underground water sources that the roots can reach. We also learned that one barrel produces around 300 bottles of wine.

    Britin (which is an excellent name) was our host and exactly the type of person you want presenting a wine tasting. Light, fluffy, fun and full of interesting facts. Among her revelations: Australia has absolutely mastered the screw-top wine bottle. You’re welcome, world.

    Even better, Madonna Wines sell exclusively through their cellar door. My favourite kind of winery. It feels special, personal and not at all corporate. As a tour guide myself, I was very impressed with that choice.

    One loudmouth on the tour confidently suggested that the roses planted at the ends of the vine rows were there to give rosé wine its flavour. That gave Mark and me a good chuckle.

    Standing at the back of the group, we also found ourselves quietly amused by some of our fellow travellers. One lady, affectionately dubbed “Ma Kettle” by Mark, had brought a packed lunch and was happily eating sandwiches with her wine while the rest of us were getting completely cooked. It was one of those wonderful little travel moments that you couldn’t script if you tried.

    As always, we did spot one particularly attractive gentleman on the tour. You’ll find photographic evidence attached. 😉😉

    We also met some fellow Aussies who had just completed a road trip across America, staying on ranches and in tiny country towns. It sounded absolutely incredible and left me feeling very inspired. That’s definitely a trip I’d love to do one day.

    Then at the second stop we met LC and Letifa.

    And that’s when the PARTY 🎉 started.

    Stories. Music. Dancing. Photos. Pure unrehearsed fun.

    THIS is what travel is about.

    By the time we crossed back over the Golden Gate Bridge towards San Francisco, the bus driver had turned up the music and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” was blasting through the speakers.

    At that point, Mark and I knew exactly what was waiting for us.

    Saturday night in the Castro was calling.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Duboce Park Cafe. A wonderful find!City Lights BookstoreTop deck across the Golden Gate1"Hello Dears!"2Mrs Doubtfire ResidenceLombard Street. The crooked streetChocolate 🍫One of each please 🙏Historic StreetcarPier 39 serenity1Cliffy's Institution in CastroCan't get enough of the Theatre!🎭

    San Francisco Sunday

    7. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We kicked off the day aboard the Big Bus Tour – (No! It’s not tacky!) the perfect way to sit back, relax and take in the “best of” San Francisco. It was a little breezy but absolutely beautiful weather for sightseeing. The commentary was entertaining and the soundtrack 🎶 was perfectly matched to each location.

    As we rolled through the city, The Village People blasted through our headphones while we learned that San Francisco has been welcoming diversity ever since the Gold Rush days. Whether it was the fortune-seeking Forty-Niners of 1849 or today’s vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, the city has long attracted people looking for opportunity, freedom and acceptance.

    We passed the famous City Lights Bookstore, founded in 1953 and known for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s controversial poem Howl, which became the centre of a landmark free-speech court case.

    Nearby stood the distinctive Transamerica Pyramid, once the tallest building west of Chicago. (See Mark modelling it!) Despite initial criticism, it has become one of San Francisco’s most recognisable landmarks.

    In Chinatown, we heard stories about the historic Tongs – originally benevolent associations that helped Chinese immigrants settle, though some became linked to rival gangs during the city’s colourful early years.

    The Financial District, often called the “Wall Street of the West”, showcased San Francisco’s modern wealth and influence, a striking contrast to its Gold Rush beginnings.

    Speaking of landmarks, the Bay Bridge is sometimes jokingly referred to as the Golden Gate Bridge’s jealous older brother. While it may not get the same attention, it is actually the widest bridges in America. So, that should boost her ego!

    We also learned about the city’s tallest building, the famous Salesforce Tower, which has made headlines because it has gradually settled and tilted slightly since construction. 🚧

    The bus rolled through the Tenderloin, home to one of the country’s most significant transgender communities and a neighbourhood that played an important role in LGBTQ+ activism.

    Naturally, no San Francisco tour would be complete without hearing about Harvey Milk. One fascinating fact is that he was one of the first openly gay elected officials in California, and his simple message of hope continues to inspire people around the world. Last visit (for my 40th) we did the Cruisin’ the Castro Tour, it’s awesome, like seeing behind the LGBTIQ Curtain of SFO. If you can, do it!!! 🏳️‍🌈

    The city’s history has certainly not been without challenges. The devastating 1906 earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.9, could be felt over 100 miles away and the resulting fires (from gum tree oil fuelling it!) destroyed much of the city. Then in 1989 came the Loma Prieta earthquake, remembered by many because it struck just before Game 3 of the World Series between San Francisco and Oakland, with television cameras already broadcasting live.

    The Gold Rush transformed San Francisco almost overnight. By 1849, the population had exploded from a sleepy village into a booming city of around 29,000 people, all chasing dreams of striking it rich.

    The commentary also touched on the “San Francisco Sound” of the 1960s, when nearby Monterey hosted the legendary Monterey Pop Festival and helped launch artists who would define an era of music and counterculture.

    Then came one of my favourite holiday moments.

    Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was absolutely exhilarating. The wind rushed through my (very) short hair (yesterday cut in the Mission, at the same time my Barber was doing a deal…🤭😳😝) as breathtaking views unfolded on both sides. Even after seeing countless photos over the years, nothing compares to actually being there. It is one of those travel experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.

    Not long afterwards, the unmistakable strains of ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’ came through the headphones. Mark and I immediately knew we were approaching the area of the famous Mrs Doubtfire house. We set off on foot and tackled a VERY steep San Francisco hill before finally arriving at 2640 Steiner Street. A large tree now hides much of the house from view, but we didn’t care – we had made it! And I have the photographic evidence to prove it. 😂

    Our next challenge was Lombard Street. Walking up and down San Francisco’s famously crooked street was a serious calf workout. Considering we had just been through Cow Hollow – a neighbourhood named after the dairy farms that once occupied the area – the whole thing felt rather appropriate. 🐄🤭

    I finished the afternoon at Ghirardelli Square, home of deliciousness 🍫 and a little personal nostalgia. Seventeen years ago, I bought my thumb ring there and I have never taken it off. Naturally, I couldn’t leave without buying one of every flavour of Ghirardelli chocolate square. 😋

    From there, I wandered very leisurely along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, enjoying the sunshine, the waterfront atmosphere and the relaxed Sunday vibe. No rushing. No schedule. Just slowly making my way back to the hotel. Tempted several times to buy a souvenir but resisted at every turn!

    Sometimes the best travel days aren’t the ones filled with major attractions. They’re the ones where you discover a little history, learn a few quirky facts, enjoy some great music, climb a few ridiculously challenging hills, eat some chocolate, and simply soak up the atmosphere of an unforgettable city 🏙️    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Orphan Andy'sGolden books have evolved!Harvey's Office on CastroA Proud 🥹 local!Our hotel with "Ursula" at the front desk! 🫨

    Cheers Harvey 🍸

    7. juni, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    I wandered my way along Castro Street until I reached 575 Castro Street, the camera shop where Harvey Milk established his business and, ultimately, the headquarters for his political movement.

    Harvey Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. More than that, he became a symbol of hope for a community that, at the time, faced widespread discrimination and very little political representation. From his small camera shop in the Castro, he organized campaigns, mobilized voters, and encouraged LGBTQ+ people to be visible and proud of who they were. His famous message was simple but powerful: “Come out.” He believed that when people knew someone who was gay, understanding and acceptance would follow.

    Today, the Castro stands as a living testament to that legacy. Rainbow flags line the street, queer-owned businesses flourish, and people from around the world come here to honour the history that helped shape modern LGBTQ+ rights. Nearby, Harvey Milk Plaza serves as a reminder of both how far the community has come and the work that remains.

    As I walked through the neighbourhood, I passed bars with music pumping onto the street and crowds of patrons laughing, drinking, and celebrating life. There was absolutely nothing wrong with any of it, but I felt no real inclination to step inside on my own. Not because I was uncomfortable or afraid—simply because it didn’t feel like what I needed at that moment.

    Maybe that’s part of getting older. Maybe it’s recognising that the things that once defined a chapter of your life don’t necessarily define the next one. It’s a strange place to find yourself mentally. For much of my life, I embraced that scene wholeheartedly. Yet lately it feels as though there is a change in the air. The ability to be introspective and acknowledge that shift is probably a strength rather than something to resist. As a gay man, I think that’s something worth being proud of.

    Instead, I found myself at Twin Peaks. Opened in 1935, it is often regarded as San Francisco’s first gay bar with large plate-glass windows facing the street. At a time when many gay bars concealed their patrons behind blacked-out windows, Twin Peaks became known as “the gateway to the Castro” because people inside could see out, and people outside could see in. It was a small but powerful statement of visibility and normalisation.

    Sitting there with a martini, content in my own company, I reflected on the trip so far. I raised a quiet toast in Harvey Milk’s honour. Just as I took my first sip, Sylvester’s “You make me feel, Mighty Real” 🎶 blasted out into the bar! What an anthem of pride and almost like the universe ordered it for that exact moment! ✊🏻💋🏳️‍🌈

    Sometimes quiet reflection and solitude are exactly what you need to truly absorb the atmosphere of a place and appreciate those who came before us. Their courage, sacrifice, and determination helped create freedoms that many people now take for granted. Standing in the Castro, I was reminded that history is not just something to be remembered—it is something to be understood, respected, and carried forward.    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    1The "tye dye queen"Best way to experience it: from the curbCrammed in!

    Clang! Clang! Clang(er)!

    8. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    A leisurely meander around Haight-Ashbury to start the day. The spiritual home of the 1967 “Summer of Love”, where flower power, peace signs and a generation of dreamers changed popular culture forever. It’s hard to walk these streets without imagining the music that once drifted from open windows — Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead all called the neighbourhood home at various times.

    Coffee ☕️ in hand, we found a spot to sit and people-watch. Everyone seemed to be moving at a slightly different pace from the rest of society. Perhaps it was simply the relaxed San Francisco vibe… or perhaps some of the readily available local “enhancements”. Wink wink 😉.

    A stroll through the Panhandle followed — the narrow strip of parkland connecting the city to Golden Gate Park. One thing that immediately struck me was the smell of eucalyptus gum trees. For a moment, it felt remarkably like home in Australia. The trees were actually imported from Australia in the late 1800s when Californians became convinced eucalyptus would solve all sorts of timber shortages. It didn’t quite work out as planned, but the scent remains.

    Then on to Alamo Square, where the famous Painted Ladies stood proudly against the skyline while hundreds of tourists patiently queued for that perfect Instagram shot. They are beautiful, but judging by the queues, I suspect some people spent longer framing their photo than actually looking at the houses.

    An Uber ride then took us to the infamous Nob Hill Theatre — which is, of course, no longer such. Dame Betti and I spent many an hour there 29 years ago. Let’s just say it was a nostalgic stop that brought back a few memories and leave it at that! 😇

    CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! 🔔

    The long-awaited San Francisco Cable Car ride. The very same cable cars immortalised in song by Judy Garland.

    Now, I realise this borders on sacrilege, but to be quite frank, it was a really unpleasant experience.

    Unless you manage to snag one of the coveted outside hanging positions — which is about as likely as winning the lottery — you’re crammed inside like a sardine. And once someone secures that prime hanging spot, they seem to hold on to it with the determination of a Golden Retriever guarding a tennis ball. There should be a halfway-changeover system! But I’m not here to rewrite San Francisco transport policy.

    I can certainly tick it off the list, but neither of us particularly enjoyed it.

    Ironically, the historic streetcars that run along Market Street and the Embarcadero are, in my opinion, a far better experience. More comfortable, less crowded and every bit as charming.

    And fittingly, the very last historic streetcar we rode was the Harvey Milk car.

    After reflecting on Harvey Milk’s legacy in the Castro only days earlier, it felt like a rather perfect way to finish our San Francisco adventure.

    Not every famous attraction lives up to expectations.

    But sometimes the unexpected moments end up being the best memories of all    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    2009. 40th

    Leaving our heart in San Francisco

    8. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    “It’s an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco.”
    — Oscar Wilde

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    “Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.”
    — Walter Cronkite

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    “One day, if I do go to heaven, I’ll look around and say, ‘It ain’t bad, but it ain’t San Francisco.’”
    — Herb Caen

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    “No city invites the heart to come to life quite like San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living.”
    — William Saroyan

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    As our time in San Francisco draws to a close, just when we started feeling like locals; mastering the transport, learning the lingo, understanding the culture…these words seem especially fitting. There is something about this city—the hills, the bay, the diversity, the history, and the unmistakable sense of freedom—that lingers long after you’ve left. San Francisco doesn’t simply welcome visitors; it leaves an impression that stays with them, making every farewell feel just a little too soon. ❤️🌉    Les mer

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Reisende
    Yes, there's a locked 🔐 gate so tourists can't go on steps

    Landmarks & The City

    9. juni, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Even though we were both plum tuckered out after a long first day in New York, Mark and I ventured downtown to Greenwich Village for dinner. Our destination was the famous Bleecker Street Pizza, which has apparently been crowned New York’s best pizza for the last three years running.

    It was certainly delicious, but I wouldn’t go quite so far as to call it the best pizza in the world. The slices were displayed in a cabinet and reheated to order, which perhaps took away a little of the magic. Still, at around five dollars a slice, it was good value and a very satisfying New York experience.

    Afterwards, we made our way to the iconic Stonewall Inn. Standing inside was genuinely surreal. This unassuming bar became the focal point of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when patrons fought back against a police raid and sparked what would become the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What began as several nights of protests and demonstrations in the surrounding streets helped transform the fight for equality around the world. More than half a century later, the Stonewall Inn remains open, vibrant and full of life — both a working bar and a living piece of history.

    From there we wandered over to The Duplex for a cocktail. Another Greenwich Village institution, The Duplex has been entertaining locals and visitors for decades, famous for its piano bar, cabaret performances and wonderfully eccentric Village atmosphere. It felt like the sort of place that could tell a thousand stories if its walls could talk.

    To finish the evening, we took a short stroll through the beautiful tree-lined streets of the Village to 66 Perry Street, instantly recognisable to fans of Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw’s famous stoop. Seeing it in person was one of those quintessential New York moments — a simple brownstone staircase that has become a television landmark known around the world.

    As we headed back towards the hotel, the Village was glowing under the streetlights. It was one of those evenings that perfectly captured New York’s ability to blend history, culture, entertainment and pop culture all within a few short blocks.    Les mer

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