So to my great surprise Los Angeles turns out to be an epic city, the spiritual cousin of both Cape Town and Bombay, two of my favourite cities in the the world. For over 10 years, since I was last here, I've been saying it's a dump, but I stand hugely corrected. Somewhere in amongst the headlong 2 days final preparation I fell for the city in a big way. It's a cool place and got that quirky whimsical charm I like, especially down on the beach front.
Left is the pier at Venice, down the way from muscle beach.....went down and gave the lads some tips on how to work out.
In hindsight leaving as much planning to the last minute was not the smartest move of my life, but somewhere between the very tolerant staff at multiple REI stores (like Millets but actually good), the kind staff at HSBC in Beverly Hills and the awesome help and hospitality of Colin and Lisa everything looked like it might just work out for my planned Friday leave date.
Went to bed with a long list still to complete in the morning, and feeling very like Shackleton before he headed to Antarctica, albeit if Shackleton had done all his preparation in Santa Monica in flip flops and with a balcony with Jacuzzi off his room, two blocks from the Baywatch beach.
Command centre on the balcony, where great adventure plans were made.........
and the Jacuzzi (covered) for when it all got too intense.
Route - Basically all over LA in the Hyundai beast.
Day 2
Breakfast - Cherrios
Day 2
Breakfast - Cherrios
Lunch - Original burger and chips - Jonny Rocket's - Highly recommend, if a slightly full on.
Supper - Superbly braiied steaks and salad
Day 3
Breakfast - Odd and expensive meatloaf and eggs - Some arsey Rodeo drive "French" cafe
Lunch - Organic chicken wrap - Wholefoods
Supper - Lisa's awesome pasta and Phish food ice cream
