Los Angeles
Hey Everyone,
Wanted to fill you in on my recent trip to L.A. Let’s just say, it’s been a mix of highs and lows. The 10-hour flight over here was a nightmare—barely any sleep, no proper meals, and whatever I did manage to eat, well, let’s just say it didn’t stay down long. Not the best start, right?
First impressions of L.A.? Not great, to be honest. It’s kind of dirty and feels a bit dodgy. I’m actually a bit nervous to explore too much unless it’s part of an organized tour. It’s weird because you’ll see a glitzy movie premiere with stars everywhere, but then across the street, it’s all dirty and polluted. Quite the contrast.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of California, though I’m keeping my expectations in check to avoid disappointment. We did manage to see a Dodgers game, which was pretty cool. The Mets won, so that was a plus. Oh, and guess who we saw at the game? Michael Vartan! Trudy, you’d be thrilled!
Universal Studios was a blast—especially the Back to the Future Ride and the Shrek 4D Experience. Ate a lot of salty food and drank way too much soda, but it was worth it. We also did a Hollywood tour organized by our hostel, which was interesting. Saw a bunch of celebrity homes, including Aaron Spelling’s mansion with its 210 bedrooms!
We checked out the VIPER ROOM, which Johnny Depp used to own. It’s also where River Phoenix tragically passed away. The place was interesting, but after paying $20 to get in and $7 per drink, I don’t think I’ll be going back anytime soon.
Food here has been hit or miss. Diners seem to be the safest bet for decent meals. L.A. food in general hasn’t been great for my stomach. We did have a pretty cool encounter in Beverly Hills—saw Jeff Daniels at a cashier and also spotted Kanye West. He’s way shorter in person than I expected!
Downtown L.A. was a bit of a scare. We needed to swap our Greyhound passes, but it was super sketchy with people begging us for tickets and offering to carry our bags. Definitely stood out as tourists.
Anyway, heading out soon to grab lunch at a place Janine’s been raving about because of their Olive Tapenade. I’m pretty much over the bad burgers, but I have to admit, I’ve discovered some amazing pickles here.
Catch you all later!
Ciao for now, miss you all!
11th June 2006 - L.A
Arrived Back in Los Angeles After San Diego, Spent One Night @ The Venice Beach Cotel, which was meant to be 3 Nights, But Our Booking didn't go through and it was $30.00 A Night, and VENICE was a dodgy place, so I suggested we go back to USA HOSTELS in HOLLYWOOD. So we did. Went back to a nice Chinese Place for tea "KUNG PAO KITTY!" hehe , which was cool.
I decided to go to DisneyLand, which was great, went by myself as Janine, "doesn't like Disney" - WHO DOESN'T LIKE DISNEY?! Anyways, Went by myself and had more fun lol., I could do what I want and eat when I want and wander aboot. Went on quite a few rides, lines were huge but I didn't care, I was @ DISNEYLAND! lol, I was a kid once again. :o).
The day was excellent, UNTIL I went back to my Tour Bus (Approx 4 Mins late - yes typical me, bUt the park was packed and it took forever to get out). Anyhow, the BUS LEFT WITHOUT ME! :) I payed the.. excuse the French, MOFO'S! $100 so that they could take me to Disneyland and pick me up @ 10pm! :) . So I got there., and was very annoyed, called there "HELP" number, and got a machine! - Left a few choice words on there, a few times then decided the only way I was getting home was a cab. Janine asked me later why I didn't catch public transport. yeh, good idea at 11PM @ Night in DODGY L.A..
So Caught a cab, got in "HOLLYWOOD PLEASE" - "oh thank you, ! oh wow, thank you" - Says the Cab driver..hmmm wonder how much this is gonna cost me!. Well it ended up to be 128.15 (?) Australian!~ Oh yes, Leanne was happy by the time she got back to the HOSTEL. Apparently the Taxi driver thinks they will reimburst me , no one has returned my calls.. Stoopid CALIFORNIANS!..
Nehow, It wasn't Disney's Fault. :o).
Accommodation Recommendations
Budget / Backpacker:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hollywood-highland-and-hostel-los-angeles.en-gb.html
Family:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/holiday-inn-express-hollywood-walk-of-fame.en-gb.html
Luxury / Upmarket:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/kasa-sunset-los-angeles.en-gb.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/thompson-hollywood.en-gb.html
Attractions: (some of these links provide a discounted rate)
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