Cruising out of the airport, I still can't believe the size of their highways - counted 8 lanes each way with exits spiralling everywhere. Mel hadn't booked any accomm until just before I met her at the airport. And since I didn't have any plans (or friends in LA at the time), she asked if I would see if there was room at her hotel for tonight and we'd sort the rest out later. The receptionist was a really nice bloke that let me stay in the room for the same price... basically a free bed for me.
Mel was extremely tired too as she'd been up all night before she left and also sat on a flight for 14 hours but we couldn't sleep when LA waited for us. So, we ventured into the heart of Hollywood. Seeing the stars on the road was kinda surreal but the street is a little dirty. And there were more important things as the Aussies were playing in the final of the World Cup cricket. We knew it was going to be a tough ask but we had to find the game somewhere. We checked about 5 bars including Hooters before we were given a tip to a bar that played most international sports. Excited to catch the end of the match, we jumped in a yellow cab and headed for Santa Monica Boulevard. But of course the Yanks don't care about anything outside their own country and it wasn't being shown. Mel convinced the manager to get a laptop so we could get updates through the net. I sat glued to the screen while Mel went off to meet some more randoms. After seeing Australia play live, I was experiencing the biggest game through text on a screen. Boooooo to that Lewi!
After a few more drinks to celebrate Australia's hatrick of World Cup's, we decided to go back to the hotel for a catnap to recharge for the Saturday night. Once my head hit the pillow, it was all over. Mel had the alarm set and got ready an hour later but I couldn't drag my arse out of bed and let her go out alone.
In the morning, Mel told me how she met another few people and had a reasonable night. But today our priority was seeing Rage Against the Machine who were playing just out of LA. Unfortunately, it was sold out and we had no way of getting there. Rage would be one of my favourite bands and would have been a great opportunity to see them. (As it turns out, Nick and I saw them on the 11th of August. C'mon!)
The Lakers were also in the playoffs just around the corner but tickets were apparently selling for $500 each. Again, would have been a great experience but one I couldn't afford. So, the rest of the day was just spent wondering around Hollywood trying to find the infamous sign on foot. It was amazing how difficult it was to find one of the world's most recognisable symbols. We ended up bush bashing through scrubs (most likely on private property of the celebrities) until we came to a massive dam. I climbed over some barbwire onto a huge circular water tank to see if I could find the direction of the sign. But it didn't help and the light was fading fast so we decided to try again another day.
That night, Mel was desperate to visit the Viper Room - owned by Johnny Depp and where River Pheonix OD almost a decade ago. Mel was only 20, so we had to use to imagination to get in. At the door, one of the guys saw Mel's Australian tattoo and took a liking to us. After a few questions to 'verify' Mel's age, we were inside. I couldn't help imagine all the famous people that had walked through the doors and partied where we were standing (I have no idea who the guy is in this photo).
On Monday, we hired a car and made a better effort to find the Hollywood sign. With directions, we finally managed to get as close as possible to take the obligitory photos. We still don't know where we ended up the night before.
In the afternoon, we sampled Venice Beach. It had the traits of a typical movie with palm trees, basketball courts and outdoor gyms (one filthy prick training in his undies). The beach itself was average, especially considering it's reputation.
Tuesday was time to see the posh side of LA, Beverely Hills. We didn't feel the part as drove around Rodeo Drive in our economical box. How do you like the 'my sh!t don't stink' pose?
Night time was our first major league baseball game - one of the biggest... the LA Dodgers. We bought $60 tickets but there seemed to be heaps of seats closer to the action, so we sketched our way to first base and met a few friendly Dodger supporters. They explained the scoreboard and told us two rows in front cost $400/seat (included food and drink but still expensive). The game was disappointing as the Dodgers got smashed. But it was more about the experience for us. Outside Dodgers Stadium there's a great view of downtown LA, so we managed a few photos after the game but were hurried on by the cops. They must expect lots of Dodgy characters at the Dodgers (Dad's joke I know but I guess it suits the nerdlinger glasses).
Tuesday was time to see the posh side of LA, Beverely Hills. We didn't feel the part as drove around Rodeo Drive in our economical box. How do you like the 'my sh!t don't stink' pose?
Tuesday night, I dropped Mel at a bar and went to catch up with a former London workmate. Was great catching up with Cintia as the people I met in London were a huge part of that experience.
On Wednesday, we drove to San Diego for the day. Near the end, we missed the turnoff as it was poorly signed and knew we were heading for Tijuana. Neither of us were in the mood for Mexico, so we threw a few U-turns to get back on track for San Diego. I knew Willy had spent some time studying in San Diego a few years ago, so I called the big fella to get the low-down. Was great speaking to Willy again - he suggested the beach and zoo. Unfortunately, we wasted a bit more time getting lunch and deciding what to do that there wasn't much time for either as we needed to get back to LA cause I had a flight in the morning. There's always action driving the highways of the States and this was no exception. In the short return journey, we saw the dog patrol out looking for someone and later a car on it's roof in an accident. Crazy place.
On Wednesday, we drove to San Diego for the day. Near the end, we missed the turnoff as it was poorly signed and knew we were heading for Tijuana. Neither of us were in the mood for Mexico, so we threw a few U-turns to get back on track for San Diego. I knew Willy had spent some time studying in San Diego a few years ago, so I called the big fella to get the low-down. Was great speaking to Willy again - he suggested the beach and zoo. Unfortunately, we wasted a bit more time getting lunch and deciding what to do that there wasn't much time for either as we needed to get back to LA cause I had a flight in the morning. There's always action driving the highways of the States and this was no exception. In the short return journey, we saw the dog patrol out looking for someone and later a car on it's roof in an accident. Crazy place.
I'd seen just about all I wanted to see in LA. As most people will tell you, LA isn't the most attractive place and I'm not all that interested in returning. However, LA is without a doubt on the world stage and can hold some of the biggest events in the world. Therefore, I can see myself returning for such a massive event but not for the city itself.
Return rating: 4
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