Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We had no wifi for ages once our first flight had been cancelled, so I had no idea if the booked shuttle had received my email. We staggered out of customs, exhausted and a little overwhelmed, to see no man in a red hat and shirt waiting for us. Our international phone wasn't working, no wifi. The sweet little man at the information desk kept looking at my phone and saying 'why can't you use Internet? Your phone has wi-five.' So cute.
I eventually decided we were too tired and heavy laden to catch a bus. So I went out to the where the shuttles were pulling up. A lady from another company was there. I apologised about asking after her competition, then enquirer as to where our booked shuttle company did its pickups.
Long story short, this amazing woman somehow plucked a shuttle out of nowhere in the blink of eye that took us to our hotel at no extra cost.
The driver was not chatty. He would answer any friendly question briefly and then turn up the radio.
When we asked him about food he would recommend in the States, he answered: ' let me see. Well, I like pasta, salad......meat.' !!! I gazed out of the shuttle window in wonder-at all the smog and fast food outlets!
The modest hotel we booked is right next to Chinese Theatre, near the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The women running the hotel were wonderful and our interconnected rooms were spacious and comfortable.
Up until we went to the Walk of Fame, I had felt that LA was a little grungy.
And then, like a mirage in the desert, up shimmered Hollywood Blvd. Various characters lined the street clamouring to be noticed. Street acts were performing without abandon. El Capitan movie theatre was a blaze of flashing lights, and glittering signs.
We drank it in and then walked to California Pizza Kitchen for yummy dinner.
I had their most popular BBQ chicken salad. It was so delicious. The cranberries were lovely, but I noticed how sweet the corn pieces are here! Delicious.
8/12/12
We had a quick free breakfast at our hotel and the shuttle picked us up to take us to the RV hire place. This driver was Ethiopian and much more talkative.
He was interested to know that we were going to have lunch at little Ethiopia.
Little Ethiopia is a half street in LA full of Ethiopian restaurants. Where we were going to meet Moira and family!
The RV rental process seemed to go quickly but actually took 2 hours. A lot of technical stuff to absorb! I am glad Andrew is the driver, is all I can say. The thing is a beast on the road.
We drove the RV to little Ethiopia where finding a park was the toughest part.
Dear Moira and her precious family were awaiting us. I guess sometimes, after years of not seeing somebody, when you meet up again- there can be an awkwardness.....
But there was none of that! Moira is such a sweet, witty gregarious girl; that all helped, as awkward is something I do well. :)
We had plenty of years to catch up on and only a short time to do it in!
Ben was lovely too and their boys are sweethearts. The 7 yr old and Yared took to each other immediately and didn't stop chatting, except to dance.....
After goodbyes, it was back into LA traffic. We were so thankful when we started those mountains, less smog and the beginnings of desert started to take shape. I am certainly much more comfortable in the wide open spaces of California than in the pulsating mosh pit of vibrant people in downtown Hollywood.
Barstow was today's stopover. Staying at Shady Lane RV park!
The non-updated GPS kept wanting to take us to some crazy scary 'Danger-Keep Out!!'-signed dirt track to a mine shaft. Try backing an RV out of that and back onto a highway!!
We made it into Barstow town, and saw a Vonn's which signalled something we have all been looking forward to: the first grocery shop!
Everyone got to choose a cereal, a snack and some gum.
We had a blast. I was approached by a woman and child asking for money. I had to tell her that I am yet to actually be in possession of US dollars ( yes, thanks for that Commonwealth Bank) but I could purchase them some food. Last we saw of them!
We never had the planned dinner at In and Out Burger. It was back out on the highway, and we were tired. We went to Denny's and got take-out ( it is takeout here, not takeaway!)
The RV park at Shady Lane is tiny, but the little man who runs it was so friendly. Americans are just the friendliest people on the planet. At least to tourists!!
The woman I surprised naked from the waist down in the trailer park shower, ( there plead to be no doors on the showers and only one door on one of the toilets and that doesn't close all the way....) had a chin wag with me for about 10 minutes, once her dignity was restored. I could barely get a word in edge ways!
- comments
Marit LOVE going to supermarkets when on vacation. The foods you see are an adventure in themselves!
Paul C :) Love hearing of your adventures
Anne Spence Why oh why didn't you take me as nanny!
Bec Ah Barstow...how I remember thee. Miss you already but loving the blog.
Kris It sounds like such a fun adventure. I hope you guys keep having a great time!
Ruth Idstein Your rambling blog is a blast, thanks Michelle. Safe travels.
Kirsty and Pam Hi from Croydon - sounds like fun so far!
Michelle Thanks all! Loving our time here! A nanny would have come in handy! :)