Before we touched down in South America to kick off six months of freedom on our dream holiday, it felt right to briefly swing past the land of the free, where all dreams come true to get a few pointers. Plus, two of the most excellent people we know live there so we thought we’d pay them a visit too on the way through.

Ben gets initiated into Yas’ gang. Justin stands by acting inappropriately.

LA’s coat of arms, showing historical influences from Mexico, Spain and grizzybears.

Treasure hunter, Santa Monica Beach.

Benny’s brand.

Retro postal trucks are still in rotation.

Venice Beach sign, adjacent to the most “Melbourne like” coffee shop Yas could find us. To simulate a Melbourne latte, Yas suggested we order a Cortado, where the ratio of milk to coffee is between 1:1 and 1:2, and the milk is added after the espresso. Pretty good.

God bless America …and its friendship churches.