Our final day in sunny California dawned, and with heavy hearts the whole group headed out for our last breakfast at Jerry's diner. Many opted for the traditional American delicacy of pancakes and bacon, some the slightly less usual choice of spaghetti and meatballs. For breakfast. I was surprised too.

Later, we packed our cases and set off for an afternoon of beachfront fun at Santa Monica. The California sun continued to shine on us as we hit the shops, the restaurants and the pier at the very end of the legendary Route 66. We were able to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific as we made our weary way to LAX airport (where eagle-eyed students spotted British film actor Juno Temple)and our long flight home.