Day 8
May 9, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Sea Days, Trivia & Formal Night 🚢🍹
We woke moderately late for us—around 7am—and headed upstairs for breakfast shortly afterwards. Today was our first full sea day, as we don’t arrive into Cabo San Lucas until tomorrow afternoon.
Thankfully, breakfast was nowhere near as chaotic as embarkation day. The dining room atmosphere was much calmer, which made the whole experience considerably more enjoyable.
One thing we have noticed though is that the food options onboard aren’t quite as good as on some of our previous cruises. The biggest issue is that with Ted being diabetic and myself being vegetarian, we often need to ask staff whether meals are low sugar or vegetarian because the descriptions usually don’t make it very clear. Other cruise lines we’ve travelled on have generally labelled those options much better.
Since today was meant to be more of a relaxing day, we headed upstairs to the Cosmopolitan Club on Deck 14, which has great views over the pool deck and is usually a quieter part of the ship.
As it turned out, some of the people we’d met the night before had exactly the same idea. Ben and Brett were already there when we arrived, and Tyler joined us later on.
When the cruise director made an announcement over the PA about the day’s activities, I decided to give Morning Trivia a try, and Ben and Brett decided to come along too.
We headed down to the Schooner Bar on Deck 4 and joined a surprisingly competitive trivia session involving 20 questions. Important topics included things like how many stars are on the New Zealand flag and how many countries begin with the letter L.
We weren’t exactly confident afterwards when we realised we’d only answered 10 questions correctly… until we discovered we’d actually won. Apparently everyone else had done even worse. Our reward for this incredible intellectual achievement was a complimentary pen each.
Since it still wasn’t lunchtime, I thought I’d try going to the gym. When I first checked upstairs, it didn’t look too busy, so I went back to the room to change and grab water. Somehow, in the five minutes it took me to do that, half the ship appeared to have had exactly the same idea.
Suddenly every bench, dumbbell, and machine was occupied. To make things even more frustrating, there were also people just standing around inside the gym seemingly observing everyone else work out while blocking access to equipment. Despite the chaos, I still managed to put together some kind of workout.
Fortunately, my drinks package includes smoothies, so afterwards I rewarded myself with a “Muscle Builder” smoothie. Whether it actually builds muscle remains to be seen.
Lunch brought us back to the Windjammer Marketplace for another round of what can only really be described as feeding time at the zoo. Honestly, I’m hoping we end up eating more meals in the formal dining room during the cruise because it’s significantly calmer and the meals feel much more balanced.
Since the ship feels noticeably busier than most cruises we’ve done before, we spent the afternoon relaxing in the cabin instead. I showered, read for a while, and generally took it easy while Ted watched the tennis.
Tonight was formal night onboard, so after dinner we headed back to the cabin and put on our Sunday best before going out for drinks.
Interestingly, only a fairly small percentage of passengers seemed to fully embrace the formal theme, although it was genuinely cute seeing some of the younger kids dressed up in little suits and dresses. There was also a 70s-themed event happening elsewhere onboard, and some of the outfits people had put together were very… groovy.
We ended up back at The Bamboo Room and caught up again with several of the people we’d met the previous night. Before that though, we met a Texan man named Joe who seemed far more interested in socialising with the gays than spending time with his wife 🤔
Throughout the evening we also met a couple from Sydney along with several other passengers before Kenny decided everyone with a drinks package should participate in rainbow shots.
As we don’t arrive into Cabo until around midday tomorrow, we didn’t feel too guilty staying out until around 12:30am—which definitely counts as a late night for us these days.Read more
Day 7
May 8, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
All Aboard the Navigator of the Seas 🚢🌊
Despite being warned that the walls aboard the The Queen Mary were quite thin, we actually slept really well. Afterwards, I also remembered somebody once telling me the Queen Mary is supposedly haunted, but thankfully nothing went bump in the night either.
Since we’d already bought breakfast supplies from Vons the previous evening, we ate in the room before heading up to the Promenade Deck for coffee and toast. It was less about the food and more about the experience—sitting aboard a former luxury ocean liner while overlooking the harbour definitely felt a bit special.
After breakfast, we spent some time wandering around the ship exploring. It felt completely different compared to our previous visit because there weren’t crowds of tourists everywhere this time. Without the constant noise and guided tours, it was easier to appreciate the ship itself and imagine what travelling aboard her during the golden age of ocean liners might have been like.
Before long though, it was time to head to our cruise ship nearby. We collected our bags, checked out, and went downstairs to wait for our Uber transfer.
What should have been a quick pickup ended up taking much longer than expected because our driver was stuck in heavy traffic before reaching us. Thankfully, we’d left early so it wasn’t really an issue.
When we arrived at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, there were two cruise ships docked, which made finding the correct terminal slightly confusing. After dragging our luggage through part of the car park, we finally reached our ship: Navigator of the Seas.
Ted had wisely printed our luggage tags beforehand, which should have meant a quick and easy bag drop. However, one staff member insisted we needed colour tags instead and directed us toward a huge queue to have them reprinted. Luckily, we checked with another attendant first, who told us our original tags were completely fine—saving us at least half an hour standing in line.
One thing we both noticed straight away was how unfriendly many of the terminal staff seemed. Several were openly yelling instructions at passengers while others looked thoroughly unimpressed to be there at all. This included one particularly stern check-in agent who honestly could have passed for the Bride of Frankenstein’s matron of honour.
Once onboard, the first thing we noticed was the huge number of children. We’ve done several cruises before, but never one that felt quite this family-heavy. Since our stateroom wasn’t ready yet, we headed to the Windjammer Marketplace buffet first. OMG. It was absolute chaos.
Far too many people packed into far too small a space. Between kids running everywhere, people circling tables looking for seats, and the general noise level, it definitely wasn’t the relaxed start to the cruise we’d imagined.
As soon as our cabin became available, we escaped there for a bit of peace and quiet. Thankfully, our luggage arrived not long afterwards, which made settling in much easier.
After unpacking, we explored the ship properly. I don’t really know how to phrase this politely, but the overall crowd onboard definitely felt a bit more… Walmart. We’ve cruised from Florida several times before and there’s usually a broader mix of passengers, whereas this cruise seemed to have a very particular vibe.
That said, there’s still a lot to like about this ship. Navigator of the Seas has waterslides, a rock-climbing wall, an escape room, mini golf, and the FlowRider—the onboard surfing simulator where people can practise surfing and bodyboarding on artificial waves. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do.
Later on, we grabbed some pizza from one of the cafés because the buffet hadn’t reopened yet, and thankfully when we eventually returned to Windjammer later in the evening, the atmosphere was far calmer than earlier in the day.
Ted also encouraged me to collect the complimentary souvenir cup included with our drinks package. The cups are electronically programmed so the ship’s drink dispensers recognise whether you’re entitled to unlimited soft drinks or not. At the first bar I visited, the staff member insisted our package didn’t include it. I tried again somewhere else a bit later and was given one immediately without any problem whatsoever. Consistency clearly isn’t always a strong point onboard.
Since there was an LGBT meet-up scheduled for 9:30pm, we relaxed in the cabin for a while first—and I even needed a nap—before heading to The Bamboo Room.
The venue itself was really fun, decorated in a tropical tiki-bar style with bamboo features, hanging lanterns, colourful lighting, and island-inspired décor. It had a relaxed atmosphere and ended up being a great place for the gathering.
There was a really good turnout too, and we met several nice people including Mike and Tyler from Los Angeles, Chad from Hawaii, Geoff from New York, Ben and Brett from Las Vegas, and a man named Kenny who was dressed as a Minion. Yes, really. There were also some Australians there, although we never quite got the chance to properly meet them.
Even though we only stayed until around 11:30pm—which honestly counts as a late night for us these days—it was really nice meeting some of our fellow passengers and starting to settle into cruise life.
Tomorrow: Mexico awaits.Read more
Day 6
May 8 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Back to California & A Night on the Queen Mary 🚢⚓
We’re cautiously optimistic that jet lag is finally behind us because last night we both slept really well—and at normal times too.
We’re also very glad we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express because it really ticked all the boxes for us: gym, swimming pool, laundry facilities, free coffee throughout the day, microwaves, and—as we experienced again this morning—a genuinely good breakfast. When you’re away from home for an extended period, those little conveniences make travelling so much easier.
Since we were heading back to Los Angeles today, we packed up after using the gym and made our way back to Phoenix Airport.
When the rental car agent asked how we’d found the EV, we may not have been entirely truthful when we told him it had been “great” 😄
The morning was going smoothly until Ted’s suitcase somehow toppled backwards down an escalator while we were heading upward. Thankfully nobody was hurt and nothing was damaged, but it definitely added a bit of drama to the day.
One thing we really appreciated at Phoenix Airport was the bag drop service located at the rental car facility itself. It meant we could check our luggage before even catching the transfer train to the terminal, saving us from dragging heavy bags all the way through the airport. I’m not usually someone who praises airports, but this one genuinely made travelling feel easier—including the check-in agent who waived the baggage fees for us.
Since we arrived early, we grabbed an early lunch at Four Peaks Brewing Company before boarding our flight.
While waiting at the gate, we started talking seriously about our upcoming flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu later in the trip. Originally we’d planned to travel standby using staff travel benefits, but the loads were already looking pretty tight. In the end, we decided the smarter option was simply to buy confirmed tickets for peace of mind. We managed to find reasonably priced fares with Delta Air Lines, which made us feel more relaxed about that part of the trip.
Our flight with American Airlines was actually very good. One thing we’ve both noticed is how much the airline seems to have improved in recent years. Similarly, Los Angeles International Airport itself also feels far more modern and organised compared to previous visits, when it often felt a bit tired and chaotic.
Once we arrived, we repeated our previous Uber strategy and headed south toward Long Beach. Our driver was friendly enough, although his car definitely could have benefited from a good clean. Unfortunately, because we arrived during mid-afternoon, the trip took nearly twice as long thanks to Los Angeles peak-hour traffic.
Tonight’s accommodation is something a little different. Before joining our cruise tomorrow, we’re spending the night aboard the Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach Harbour. It’s not every day you get to spend the night aboard a piece of history.
Originally launched in 1936, the Queen Mary was one of the world’s most famous ocean liners and represented the golden age of transatlantic travel. During World War II, the ship was converted into a troop transport vessel and became known as the “Grey Ghost” because of its speed and grey wartime paintwork. After retiring from active service in the 1960s, the ship was permanently moored in Long Beach and transformed into a floating hotel and attraction.
We’d previously visited the ship as tourists and done one of the guided tours, but staying onboard overnight felt like a very different experience.
The receptionist warned us about a few things upon arrival: the walls can be thin, the air conditioning and heating are centrally controlled, and because… well… it’s a ship, the nearest restaurants are a decent walk away. Thankfully though, we didn’t really notice noise from other rooms at all.
Our cabin was actually really charming in an old-fashioned way. The room still retains much of the ship’s original character, with polished wood furnishings, brass fittings, vintage-style décor, and porthole-style windows that make it feel more like travelling aboard a classic ocean liner than staying in a hotel. It definitely felt different to your average modern accommodation.
After unloading our bags, we decided the walk to dinner would count as our exercise for the evening and headed across the harbour toward the restaurants at Shoreline Village.
The walk turned out to be easier than expected and we arrived much quicker than the receptionist had suggested. At one point, however, somebody onboard the Queen Mary decided to sound the ship’s horn—which absolutely scared the life out of us and pretty much everyone nearby.
There were several restaurant options nearby including Chili’s, Hooters, and Outback Steakhouse, but we ended up choosing P.F. Chang’s, which has always been one of our favourites.
It was exactly the kind of meal I’d been craving after a week of fairly unhealthy holiday food. I ordered a dish packed with vegetables and tofu—although the kitchen initially forgot to include the tofu altogether!
After dinner, we walked over to Vons to buy some wine for the cruise tomorrow. It was nice walking through Long Beach again as we’d stayed in this area a few years ago and remembered enjoying it then too.
By this stage though, we’d walked quite a long way from the Queen Mary, so Ted suggested we get an Uber back rather than walk at night. It never really felt unsafe—just further away than we wanted to walk.
When we arrived back at the ship, I realised I no longer had our room key cards. I still have no idea what happened to them because I’m usually very careful with things like that. My best guess is that I’d had them ready while getting out of the Uber and accidentally left them on the seat. Thankfully, it wasn’t a major issue and reception simply replaced them for us.
Tomorrow morning we’re hoping to explore more of the Queen Mary before the tourists arrive—and best of all, tomorrow marks the beginning of the cruise part of our holiday.
Mexico, here we come.Read more
Day 5
May 6 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Birthdays, Charging Problems & Scooby Doo 🎂🔋🕵️
Today was my birthday and, simply put, it turned into a far more interesting day than expected.
To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was overseas for my birthday—although now that I’m 53, there’s every chance I’ve simply forgotten!
We didn’t have a huge amount planned for today, partly because some of our original ideas didn’t quite work out. Two places I’d considered visiting were the Desert Botanical Garden and Taliesin West.
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of Arizona’s best-known attractions, featuring thousands of desert plants from across the American Southwest, including giant saguaro cacti and native desert landscapes. Taliesin West, meanwhile, was the winter home and architectural school of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is considered one of Scottsdale’s most important historic sites.
Both sounded really interesting—but so did the prices. Entry to the garden alone was USD$32.95 (about AUD$50), while Taliesin West was USD$44 (roughly AUD$67). By the time we added everything up, it felt like a pretty expensive day before we’d even started, so we decided instead to explore Scottsdale itself.
Thankfully, after several nights of poor sleep, I finally had a decent rest and woke up feeling much more normal. After breakfast, we headed out to explore Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Scottsdale has a really good atmosphere, mixing Southwestern-style buildings with galleries, restaurants, souvenir shops, and modern boutiques. It still leans into its Old West image, with wide streets, public artwork, and plenty of outdoor areas. We may have arrived a little too early though, because most of the shops were still closed, but it was still nice to walk around before it became busy.
From there, we headed to Kierland Commons, an open-air shopping and dining area in North Scottsdale. Rather than a traditional shopping centre, it’s designed more like an outdoor village with restaurants, shops, fountains, and walking areas. It definitely felt modern—and expensive.
Unfortunately, most of our morning was dominated by one issue: finding somewhere to charge the EV before returning it tomorrow.
I will definitely leave this trip wiser. When I booked the car, I genuinely thought choosing an electric vehicle was a smart idea given rising petrol prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. In reality, it’s probably created more stress than it’s saved.
When we finally found a charging station, we tried several times to get it working but nothing happened. Then we checked our banking apps and discovered pending charges totalling more than USD$140. After recovering from mild panic, Ted called the bank while I rang the charging company. Thankfully, the lady I spoke to explained it was only a pre-authorisation amount and reassured us that because the charger had never actually worked, the money would disappear again shortly.
The next part of the day felt mostly like wasted time as we drove around trying to find another charging station. One thing we quickly discovered is that Google Maps doesn’t seem particularly good at identifying which chargers are public and which are private, meaning several we found weren’t actually usable.
While driving past a Hyundai dealership, I noticed some EV chargers outside. I went in and asked whether they were for public use and the gentleman working there said yes. We kept that in mind while stopping briefly at Walmart so Ted could look for tennis shoes.
After failing yet again to find another working charger, we returned to the dealership and tried there instead. Naturally, things still weren’t straightforward. The machine wouldn’t accept our cards, so we attempted to download the charging app—only to discover we couldn’t register because we weren’t US residents.
At that point, the same gentleman from earlier came back outside to check how we were going.
He suggested plugging the car in while he tried paying through his own digital wallet. Amazingly, it worked immediately and the charger finally started.
When we asked how we could pay him back, he simply said, “Don’t worry, for you today it’s free.”
After the morning we’d had, we were incredibly grateful. It was just a genuinely kind thing for somebody to do, especially for complete strangers. I’ve always believed there are more good people in the world than bad ones, and today definitely reinforced that.
Since the charging would take about an hour, we walked nearby looking for somewhere to eat and ended up at Craft 64. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and focuses on wood-fired pizzas and fresh ingredients. After the stress of the morning, it was a very welcome break.
Afterwards, we found an Indian grocery store where we bought Cadbury chocolate and peanut brittle as a thank-you gift for the Hyundai employee who had helped us. It felt like the least we could do considering how much stress he’d saved us from.
We definitely left with a valuable lesson though:
No more EV rental cars on holidays!
Back at the hotel, we spent a quiet afternoon recovering from the Great Charging Crisis of 2026 and were honestly too scared to drive anywhere else 😄
That evening, however, things improved dramatically.
We headed out to catch up with our friend Chris, whom we originally met years ago on a cruise through Asia. We first met Chris and his boyfriend Cliff for drinks at Buffalo Wild Wings before heading to Escapology for my birthday activity—an escape room.
We also met two of their friends, Christopher and Douglas, although they arrived slightly late thanks to the Escapology website sending them to the wrong address.
Out of all the available rooms, I chose the Scooby Doo-themed experience—partly because it had good reviews, and partly because I hoped it might make turning 53 feel slightly less confronting.
The room itself was really well done—bright, colourful, animated, and very Scooby Doo. The storyline involved solving clues to uncover a mystery involving the disappearance of members of Mystery Inc. and identifying the villain before time ran out. Even with six of us involved, we worked together surprisingly well and escaped with just over a minute to spare.
We then headed to AZ88 for dinner. Located near Scottsdale’s waterfront area, it has a modern atmosphere and was very lively for a weeknight. We really liked this part of Scottsdale—it felt social and energetic without being overwhelming.
The food was great, but the highlight was definitely when Chris surprised me with a strawberry shortcake dessert for my birthday ❤️
Since everyone except Ted and I had work the next day, it wasn’t a late night—but it ended up being a really enjoyable birthday after a fairly stressful start.
Tomorrow we leave Arizona behind and head back to California, where the next part of our adventure begins—our cruiseRead more
Day 4
May 5 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
From Red Rocks to Ghost Towns 🚗⛰️
I tried going to bed later last night in the hope that I’d finally sleep in this morning… but no luck. I was wide awake at 5:30am. It probably didn’t help that an unknown number tried calling us in the middle of the night either. I remember having similar problems on previous overseas trips, so I think my body just doesn’t adapt particularly well to different time zones. It makes me grateful I never worked as an international flight attendant!
After packing up, we sadly said goodbye to beautiful Sedona and headed toward our first stop of the day—the historic town of Jerome.
For obvious reasons, I was very interested in visiting somewhere that shares my surname, and I was curious to see what we’d find. Before arriving, I’d read that Jerome was known for its ghost town atmosphere, dramatic mountainside setting, quirky arts scene, and allegedly haunted buildings—so expectations were already fairly high.
The drive from Sedona wasn’t especially long, but the scenery changed noticeably as we climbed higher into the Black Hills of central Arizona. Sitting at around 1,500 metres above sea level, Jerome was noticeably cooler than Sedona, with darker skies suggesting the weather was beginning to turn.
The town itself was fascinating straight away. Perched precariously on the side of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome almost looks like it’s clinging to the mountain. Narrow winding roads, steep hillsides, old staircases, and historic brick buildings give the place a really distinctive character. There were also some incredible mountainside homes mixed amongst an eclectic collection of galleries, cafés, wineries, antique stores, and gift shops.
Jerome’s history is just as interesting as its appearance. Originally established as a copper mining town in the late 19th century, it quickly became one of the wealthiest mining communities in Arizona thanks to the huge copper deposits discovered nearby. At its peak, more than 15,000 people lived here, and the town developed a reputation for being rough around the edges, filled with miners, gambling halls, saloons, and brothels. When the mining industry eventually declined, Jerome’s population collapsed and it was nearly abandoned completely—leading to its “ghost town” reputation today. Rather than disappearing entirely though, the town reinvented itself as an artist and tourism community, which honestly gives it a really unique atmosphere.
Our first stop was coffee—which I promptly managed to spill down myself. After that excitement, I was determined to explore the shops in search of anything with the name “Jerome” on it. Success. I ended up buying a Jerome T-shirt, an espresso cup, and another Christmas ornament for our collection. Adding to the atmosphere, marathon runners were sporadically making their way through town while locals stood outside cheering them on.
Possibly the town’s most famous landmark is the Jerome Grand Hotel, which sits high above the town overlooking the valley below. The building originally opened in 1927 as the United Verde Hospital, serving the mining community during Jerome’s boom years. At the time, it was considered one of the most modern hospitals in Arizona, complete with advanced medical equipment and one of the first elevators in the state. After the mining industry collapsed, the hospital eventually closed and sat abandoned for years before being transformed into a hotel in the 1990s. Today, it’s known not only for its incredible views, but also for its reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted hotels—a detail the town seems very happy to embrace.
Getting there, however, was an adventure in itself. The road leading up to the hotel was narrow, steep, partly unsealed, and one-way in sections. If you weren’t concentrating, it was incredibly easy to miss the turn—which we did the first time around. For a few minutes, we genuinely thought we might be stuck winding through mountain roads for the next 45 minutes trying to turn around somewhere. Thankfully, a roadside viewpoint eventually saved us.
Before leaving town, I obviously had to stop for a photo with Jerome’s welcome sign. From there, we continued on toward Scottsdale. Looking at the weather forecast, I think we timed Sedona perfectly because the skies were becoming noticeably darker today, although we still managed to avoid any actual rain.
Arriving in Scottsdale, we were really happy with our accommodation. Staying at a Holiday Inn Express Scottsdale North feels slightly luxurious after constant moving around because you know exactly what you’re getting—comfortable rooms, decent facilities, and everything you need in one place. After unpacking and settling in, we headed out to a nearby Mexican restaurant that happened to be celebrating cheap taco day—which we suspect was connected to Cinco de Mayo being today.
Despite what many people assume, Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexico’s Independence Day. Instead, it commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s only modestly celebrated in parts of Mexico, it has become hugely popular in the United States—particularly in the Southwest—as a broader celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, and heritage. Judging by the number of taco specials around town today, Scottsdale was definitely embracing it.
Back at the hotel, we tackled all the glamorous travel activities—using the gym, doing two loads of laundry, and grocery shopping at a nearby Safeway. Not exactly exciting, but necessary after nearly a week on the road.
Even so, the afternoon ended up being really enjoyable. Tomorrow is officially my birthday, and it honestly made my day already receiving birthday messages from friends and family back home in Australia. It’s a nice reminder that even when you’re overseas, people are still thinking about you.
Tomorrow should be especially fun because we’re catching up with our friend Chris, whom we originally met years ago on a cruise through Asia. After almost a week of travelling, it’ll be really nice to see a familiar face again. We’ve got dinner and an escape room planned for my birthday, which should make for a memorable birthday.Read more
Day 3
May 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Chasing Sunrise (and Coffee) in Sedona & Beyond 🌄☕
Dragging ourselves out of bed early again this morning definitely wasn’t easy—but this time it was intentional. We’d set the alarm specifically to catch sunrise in Sedona, knowing how incredible the red rocks can look in that early morning light. In theory, it was a great plan. In reality… the weather had other ideas. Low cloud and overcast skies meant we missed out on the glowing reds and oranges we were hoping for. It was a little disappointing, but at least we were up early and ahead of the crowds—so we pushed on.
We initially thought about walking to nearby Bell Rock, which is close to our accommodation, but instead decided to try Cathedral Rock—one of Sedona’s most photographed landmarks. We aimed for the Easy Breezy Trail, a more relaxed option compared to the steeper summit tracks. The trail winds through open desert terrain with gentle elevation changes, offering wide views of the surrounding formations without requiring much effort. That said, after about half an hour, it felt like we were getting further away from Cathedral Rock rather than closer—so we cut our losses and turned back.
Next up was the Twin Buttes area, on the other side of the highway, and this ended up being a highlight. This part of Sedona feels quieter and more residential, with some impressive homes that really suit the landscape. The architecture is classic Southwestern desert style—earth-toned stucco, flat roofs, and large windows designed to frame the scenery. It all blends in with the surroundings rather than standing out, which works perfectly against the red rock backdrop.
From here, we also had a great view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Built into the cliffs in the 1950s, it’s one of Sedona’s most recognisable landmarks. The structure rises dramatically out of the rock, with a tall cross built into its façade, and was designed to feel like part of the landscape itself. Even from a distance, it’s a striking sight.
We then made our way into Upper Sedona—partly for coffee, but also to track down the well-known Snoopy Rock. This area has a more local, laid-back feel compared to some of the busier parts of town, with a mix of cafés, galleries, and small shops. Snoopy Rock is one of those quirky formations that only really works from a specific angle, where it resembles Snoopy lying on top of his doghouse. We didn’t quite nail the perfect photo, but it was still fun trying. Upper Sedona itself was a great find—easygoing and scenic without feeling overly touristy.
By this stage, we still hadn’t eaten, so we headed back to the hotel for a quick breakfast of cereal and yoghurt before heading out again.
For something different, we decided to drive up to Flagstaff, less than an hour away—but it felt like a completely different world. Sitting at over 2,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States, Flagstaff has a distinctly alpine feel. The temperature difference hit us immediately—while Sedona had been sitting comfortably in the 20s, Flagstaff struggled to reach double digits. Not ideal when you’ve dressed for desert weather.
As we arrived in the historic downtown area, we were stopped at a railway crossing for over five minutes while a long freight train passed through. It turned out to be a fitting introduction to the town.
Flagstaff’s history is deeply tied to the railroad. Established in the late 1800s along the transcontinental railway, it quickly became an important hub for transport and trade in northern Arizona. Later, the arrival of Route 66 cemented its place as a key stop for travellers crossing the country. Today, that history is still very much alive. The tracks still run straight through town, freight trains pass regularly, and the historic downtown has been carefully preserved.
Walking through the area, you’ll find early 20th-century brick buildings, vintage signage, and a mix of old storefronts that now house cafés, bars, and independent shops. There’s a real sense of character here—less polished than Sedona, but more grounded and authentic. It feels like a place with history, rather than one built purely for tourism.
Even though it was only around 10am, most places were still closed, but we were glad to find Tourist Home open. After the cold morning, warm soup and cheese toasties were exactly what we needed—and probably one of the most satisfying meals of the trip so far.
One thing we noticed straight away was how much more affordable Flagstaff seemed compared to Sedona, which makes sense given Sedona’s popularity as a tourist destination. After wandering the streets and taking a few photos, we made our way back toward Sedona, stopping briefly at Walmart along the way.
By the time we got back, the lack of sleep was catching up with us, so we had a quick nap before heading out again later in the afternoon.
Even though the weather was still fairly flat, we decided to give the viewpoints another go. Our first stop, Bell Rock Trailhead, was chaotic—cars circling, people waiting, and drivers hovering for spots. It felt more stressful than it was worth, so we moved on.
Our next stop, Courthouse Vista, was a completely different story—plenty of space and far more relaxed. While Ted stayed with the car sorting out the navigation, I went off to explore and noticed a couple climbing a small hill nearby. I followed, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. From the top, the view finally opened up—wide, uninterrupted, and exactly what we’d been hoping for since arriving. In front of me were Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, rising out of the desert floor, with layers of red ridgelines stretching into the distance. Even without direct sunlight, the scale and colour of the landscape were still impressive.
I called Ted over to join me. He wasn’t entirely convinced it was a good idea—especially after we later spotted a sign reminding visitors to stay on marked paths—but even he admitted the view made it worthwhile.
We finished the day back in downtown Sedona, which we’d enjoyed earlier. After browsing a few shops, we picked up a Christmas ornament (a bit of a travel tradition for us), and stopped in at The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sedona. It’s a great little shop specialising in loose-leaf teas and spices, with everything from classic blends to more creative combinations.
We’re not usually big tea drinkers, but we gave it a go. Ted chose an Earl Grey with orange, while I tried the “Strawberry Meadows” blend—a fruity herbal mix of strawberry, apple, and light floral notes. Surprisingly good, and a nice way to support a local business.
After a full day and still running on limited sleep, we were more than ready for a quiet night in.
Sedona might not have delivered the sunrise we were hoping for, but it’s continued to impress in its own way—and we’re starting to see why so many people are drawn here.
Tomorrow, we head to Scottsdale to explore more of the Grand Canyon State.Read more
Day 2
May 3 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Red Rocks, Road Trips & Rookie Errors 🚗🌄
After getting to bed late the night before, the last thing we wanted to hear—after flying all the way from Australia—was a 5:00am alarm. Despite the short sleep, we’d both rested reasonably well. We packed up quickly and headed outside to meet our Uber, ready to kick off the next leg of the trip.
Ted had already been awake earlier thanks to jet lag, so we’re hoping that doesn’t linger too long. Being a Sunday, traffic was light and the trip to Los Angeles International Airport was quick. Even more surprising was how smooth the TSA process was—far less hectic than we’d expected.
With no breakfast yet, we grabbed a fairly average airport meal—pancakes and eggs on toast—before heading to the gate. One thing we did enjoy was seeing so many dogs around the terminal. It’s definitely not something we’re used to back home, where the only airport regular is Elmo the service dog!
Our flight to Phoenix with Southwest Airlines was about two-thirds full, which made for a comfortable ride. The crew were friendly and relaxed, delivering a safety demonstration with plenty of humour—including the classic “in case our aircraft becomes a cruise liner…” line. Not something you hear every day.
In under an hour, we landed in the “Valley of the Sun”—Phoenix. This was my first time here, while Ted had visited once before. One thing the airport does very well is its rental car system. Instead of navigating out of the terminal area, you take a dedicated train to a massive off-site rental facility, which made that part easy.
Actually getting the car, however, was another story.
We’d booked an electric vehicle and were told to collect it from Bay 203… which didn’t exist. After a bit of back and forth, we were eventually offered a Kia EV6 instead. Once that was sorted, we hit the road toward Sedona.
On the way, we stopped at Montezuma Castle National Monument—a place we’d both technically visited before, although quite some time ago. Despite the name, it’s not actually a castle and has nothing to do with the Aztec ruler Montezuma. Instead, it’s a remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people around 900 years ago. Carved into a limestone cliff about 27 metres above ground, the structure contains around 20 rooms and would have housed an entire community. Its elevated position protected residents from flooding and made it easier to defend—an impressive piece of engineering considering its age.
Before we even got that far though, we had a minor crisis. When we stepped out of the car, we realised we had no idea where the key was. After tearing the car apart trying to find it, we eventually discovered it… on the passenger seat. I’d been sitting on it the whole time.
Arriving into Sedona, the scenery immediately stood out. The town is surrounded by striking red sandstone formations, shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion. These towering rock formations—like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte—glow deep orange and red, especially in the changing light, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in the American Southwest.
We checked into Bell Rock Plaza and had a quick look around the nearby shops before deciding to charge the car. That’s when the next issue popped up—we couldn’t find the charging cables.
Once again, we pulled the car apart looking for them. After multiple phone calls to various Budget Car Rental offices (and being repeatedly redirected to call centres), we finally got through to someone helpful. As it turns out, things work differently in the US—charging cables are already attached to the stations, unlike back home where you bring your own. Apparently, they were removed from rental cars due to theft. Crisis over… again.
Finding an actual charging station, however, took a bit more effort. Many were located in quiet suburban areas with nothing nearby, but we eventually found one at The Collective Sedona. By this stage it was around 3pm and we hadn’t eaten properly, so we were relieved to find Dellepiane—an Argentinian spot that was still open. Exactly what we needed.
By the afternoon, jet lag was starting to hit. We headed back to the hotel for a quick nap… which may have gone a little longer than planned. Waking up felt harder than expected, but we pushed on and headed out for a drive.
We took the Red Rock Scenic Byway toward downtown Sedona—and it’s hard to overstate just how impressive it is. This stretch of road is considered one of the most scenic drives in the US, running through a corridor of towering red rock formations. On either side, you’re surrounded by iconic landmarks like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte, with layers of red and orange cliffs contrasting against bright blue skies. As the sun lowers, the colours intensify, giving the whole landscape an almost unreal appearance.
After picking up some groceries, we attempted to drive up to Airport Mesa—known for some of the best panoramic views in the area. Unfortunately, so did everyone else. The line of cars crawling up the hill wasn’t moving, so we quickly gave up and turned around.
Instead, we headed back into town and stopped at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village—and this turned out to be a highlight. Originally built in the 1970s to resemble a traditional Mexican village, it’s far more than just a market. The space is beautifully designed, with cobblestone pathways, archways, courtyards, and vine-covered walls. It’s home to a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and quality restaurants, all set within a really atmospheric setting. It felt authentic, relaxed, and genuinely worth the visit—we both really enjoyed it.
Coming into Arizona, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect given how long it had been since either of us had visited. But so far, Sedona has exceeded expectations.
Even though we’re running on fumes at this point, we’ve set the alarm for an early start tomorrow. If today is anything to go by, sunrise here should be something pretty special.Read more
Day 1
May 2 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Welcome to Our Next Adventure – USA Bound 🇺🇸✈️
This trip has been on our minds for a while now. With the ongoing Iran conflict and the resulting fuel concerns, there was definitely a point where we questioned whether everything would go ahead as planned. If anything, it’s made us appreciate the opportunity to travel even more.
Our journey started in Sydney this time, rather than Adelaide. Ted arrived on Thursday to spend some time with his mum and catch up with friends, while I flew in early Friday morning to meet him. That night, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport ahead of our international departure the following day.
Saturday came around quickly, with a 3:30am start. After a week of early mornings, we’d gone to bed pretty early, but fortunately managed to drift back to sleep for a bit before getting moving. Once up, we packed, had a quick buffet breakfast at the hotel, and made our way toward the airport.
We walked over to QCC (Qantas Central Complex) and caught the staff bus across. Within five minutes, we’d already run into three people we knew—proof of how small the aviation world becomes after more than 20 years in it.
Living in Adelaide for the past five years has definitely softened us, because we’d both forgotten how full-on Sydney Airport can be. Thankfully, no staff travel roulette this time—we booked Business Class with Philippine Airlines, which made check-in straightforward and stress-free.
With lounge access included, we headed into the House Lounge by Aspire. To be honest, it was pretty average—crowded, uninspiring food, and staff who didn’t seem overly interested. It did the job, but we were glad we’d already eaten and didn’t hang around long before heading back into the terminal.
Sydney Airport itself felt chaotic. It brought back memories of Stansted Airport, but without the same sense of organisation. Our boarding gate—number 26—was split into A, B, C and D, and despite the screens telling everyone to relax, the growing line told a different story. We joined it early, which turned out to be the right call. Boarding had already started, and we were quickly put onto buses out to the aircraft.
Once onboard, things improved straight away. The Business Class cabin was comfortable, and the crew were friendly and professional. They showed impressive patience too—especially when one passenger decided to stay on a Zoom call through the entire safety demonstration.
The flight to Manila was around nine hours. Service was solid, the seat was comfortable, and the time passed fairly quickly with a few episodes of Stranger Things and the movie About Time. Sleep, however, was limited.
We were first off the plane in Manila and made our way straight to connections. Despite its reputation, Ninoy Aquino International Airport actually felt calmer than Sydney. We spent our five-hour layover in the Business Lounge, which was simple but noticeably better than what we’d just experienced.
Boarding our next flight, we noticed a big difference straight away. The Business Class cabin was older and definitely showing its age. The flatbed was a bit rickety, and there was no real storage space, but the upside was the amount of room—easily the most legroom we’ve had.
After a long taxi, we were both just waiting for the meal service so we could try to get some sleep. By that point, it was well past midnight back home, so we were definitely feeling it.
Even with the outdated Skybed, we managed to get a bit of rest—more than we would’ve in Economy anyway! The seat did come with a few downsides though. Ted knocked water onto his phone, which stopped working for a few tense minutes, and I managed to temporarily lose a charging cable somewhere behind the seat.
One thing that stayed consistent across both flights was the service from Philippine Airlines—reliable and friendly. Although I think there was a slight mix-up with my vegetarian meal, which seemed to be interpreted as vegan when any butter disappeared pretty quickly!
Eventually, we touched down in Los Angeles. One thing that stood out straight away was the number of wheelchairs waiting at the gate—well over 30—which gives you an idea of how many passengers needed assistance on this flight.
Immigration at Los Angeles International Airport was surprisingly smooth. We were first in line, and it was all over pretty quickly. Baggage claim took a bit longer, but that’s expected at a major airport like LAX.
Getting to our hotel in Redondo Beach was straightforward. LAX now runs a free shuttle to a designated ride-share area, which made things much easier compared to previous trips where we’ve waited ages for transport.
By the time we got to the hotel, it was around 10:30pm. At that point, all we wanted was a shower and a proper bed. With an early 8am flight to Phoenix the next morning, we didn’t have long—but it didn’t matter.
We’d made it to the US, and the trip was finally underwayRead more
