Caught up on some sleep at last but suggest mostly because dead on my feet. The place is noisy folks but does settle a little at night . The place – and US hotels in general – just don’t suit me really lifestyle wise. I am a morning person but with lack of kettle etc you have to wait around for anything to open and if lucky that will be 7 am . It’s not the sort of neighbourhood where you go for a walk at 6 am 👀.
I was in North Hollywood yesterday and the area is dodgy certainly – and there was a murder there last night . Also woken up at 9pm last night with loud Amber Alert on phone. I thought maybe they just let everyone know each night that Tiger is back this week . 🤓 Another big issue is laundry . No self serve on site and here for 5 nights . Let’s check . Fark…. Hmm. I want to wash them not buy new ones .
Looks like good weather for next few days before some rain on weekend . Will head to Long Beach today then for the morning and see how day pans out. It’s hard to dress for the day as pleasantly cool in early morning around 10 degrees but as do walk a lot by about 9-10 am don’t want a jumper on. Time to check out breakfast at on site cafe/restaurant . Had to be quiet at this time of day as they are shooting A Quiet Place 3 in lobby😏. It’s working title is “Completely Dead at 6 AM”
Again, simply magic surroundings. And no Yanks around. Liked look of a hot breakfast for $16 when researching last night but then saw some healthy options and thought ok better plan. Ah no,$31. Lesson learnt was the Greek Yoghurt was $15. You don’t come to USA to get healthy , just poor ….
And yes risked the cappuccino and not too bad really. Coffee search starts tomorrow .
And so this morning turned into one of those great mornings with a very vague plan that turns into special memories because of some research, some luck and a lot of fly by the seat of your pants attitude. First up an hour subway – in LA – each way to see Queen Mary and that clown husband of hers is a gamble. There are certainly a lot of dodgy folk around here and on the trains. Also a good police presence. After the first 27 stops a Metro Police guy got on with a credit card reader but no gun. Didn’t need one because I shit you not 4 of the biggest sheriffs hopped on with him and they were armed and ready to engage . And one was a bloke ! Anyhoo checked every passenger and then got off about 4 stations later and the guy who looked like The Rock wished us all a happy VD and then pretty sure he blew a kiss in my direction . I kept my head down and called out “ how about those Chiefs eh “
Don’t know a lot about Long Beach but soon discovered there is no sand – more a marina with a thousand boats. Of course as often happens I am known everywhere . A little embarrassing that they display my IQ everywhere 👀
Now , my research had indicated for downtown Long Beach station it was a 40 min walk across a bridge to see Queen Mary , which it turns out is actually a big boat. Of course also knew about the free Passport Bus service that does the loop. Sweet . “ Ah no pal, that service only runs on weekends “. Hmm. Ok set off slowly when saw many Lime scooters . Well why not and scooted off towards bridge . Here is one I prepared earlier
Got to bridge to discover the pedestrian walk does not allow scooters . Decided to head off towards the marina and the lighthouse on the hill. As it turned out got close enough to the boat anyway really.
Continued to scoot around what is a lovely spot. The “town” itself reminds one of Santa Monica.
Time then to roll the dice if not the ankle and try a coffee at one of the marina shops. It is of course Valentines Day here now and while looking out over the water drinking my swill all alone it seemed maybe best thing was just find an anvil – there was an Anvil Shop – and some rope and jump in 😰 However when I went around the corner looking for a rope shop I found a lock bridge like the one in Paris only smaller and no Frogs around . It must have been a sign. Now I wonder who sells locks around here – could it be that store over there where the rose petals lead to 🤔 Bingo
As luck , or clever planning , had it it was now 11 am and the pubs were open. By any measure …..wait for it….The Yardhouse looked ideal as long as no crowd. I squeezed in and The Golden Pilsner was great .
After such a great morning time to head home and get a few supplies . The NOUF had increased significantly - Number Of Unsavoury Folk. Unlike vampires , at least in one regard , they come out more in middle of day . Some supplies got for lunch and snacks and thought would ask at front desk if they had heard of kettles? I now have one in my room along with 3 bottles of water. Perfect end to morning.
After a relaxing low key lunch and an hour rest in room headed out to check out some more known landmarks in the area on a glorious day. And find some milk – harder than you may think . First up though Angels Flight and then some shoulder exercises.
That tourist nonsense set up a thirst and as luck would have it an Irish Pub across the road which must mean it’s Guinness time.
So , first full day in LA and certainly done a lot last 36 hrs. Supposed to be a candle light tribute to Coldplay in The Gold Room at 630 pm so will check it out . Found another stunning room this arvo
Time to relax now but then heard the news that Dolly Parton had died overnight and already buried in Hollywood Forever. Quickly ducked back out and sure enough it was easy to identify 🤓
Relaxing day tomorrow and will try and check out Dodger Stadium and then the sleaze of Walk of Fame area. Mind you me starting to think the sleaze areas in LA are all merging 😏
Oh, and The Coldplay Candle palava was a no go. You had to pay $50 to watch wax drip while someone plays a Coldplay song. And it was full of loved up folk all dressed up for some special day. And it was sold out . Basically went to Dodger Stadium a day early and struck out 3 times ⚾️⚾️⚾️
flashman181 