The biggest little city in the world

3 hours away from Mammoth Lakes is shopping paradise! At 7am, we load the truck with 4 adults, 2 baby boys, 2 strollers, snacks and hot Black Velvet coffee, and head to Reno, in Nevada State. We drive passed lakes, small towns, canyons, farms and cross the border into Nevada. Our first stop was Target. I could have spent hours in Target. I guess we did. I was completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the store, and more so the prices! I find myself tempted to buy things just because they are so cheap. I continually compare prices with that of New Zealand, where we have lived for 3 years, and I feel almost cheated by the amount of money we had to fork out for things. On to Forever 21, Old Navy, Gap, Levi Store, Walmart, Nike, Scheels, Toys R Us, and the list could go on.

A drive down the main city street had to be done. The flashing lights, bars, cheap motels, casinos, a hobo sleeping on a dirty pavement during the day, were just some of the sights of the day. For the first time in 3 years I had to ask the driver if the car doors were locked. A trip to the city is not complete without stopping at In & Out Burger. I have heard so much about this fast food joint from my American friends, and travellers, so it was time. The simple menu: hamburger, cheeseburger, fries, soda and milkshake. It's no gourmet burger joint, but it definitely tops Mac Donalds! I think the secret is in the fresh salad, sauce, but mostly because of the raw onion. With bags of clothes, baby gear, and gifts, we left the last store at 9.30pm and headed home. A great shopping experience!