Water & gas = Pretty pence

I think the most that I have paid for a bottle of water in the US is $7 (for fancy water in a club in Las Vegas). Here are some prices for "still" water, not the "bubbly":

• 1.50 Euros x 1.22 $US/Euro = $1.83 US at a vending machine in Paris
• 0.50 Euros x 1.22 $US/Euro = $0.61 US in a grocery store in Paris (most reasonable)
• 1.20 Pounds x 1.88 $US/Pounds = $2.26 US at a vending machine in London
• 2.00 Pounds x 1.88 $US/Pounds = $3.76 US in a club in London
• 2.50 Pounds x 1.88 $US/Pounds = $4.70 US in a club in London
• Fun I had in Europe = Priceless

I didn't fill up my tank before I left, so I had to get gas on the way to work this morning. The price went up over the past 11 days. Now it's over 3 bucks per gallon, but it's supposed to rise to $4/gallon by summer time. I remember the days when it was $1.19/gallon! In the UK, my friend said it was ~8 bucks per gallon, so I guess I should not be complaining. However, the public transportation in Paris and London supersedes anything in California. If there were more convenient trains and subways, I'd take it. Next week, I will be learning how to get around NYC, the one part of the US with decent means of transportation.

I must say that I'm glad to be back. I can drive wherever I want, whenever I want. The weather in Los Angeles is much more pleasant, sunny and warm. I'll post more pics soon...