flashman181

And so we come to the hopeful highlight of LA visit – a day at the Golf at Riviera. Weather forecast ok with mix of cloud and sun. Have to leave early in dark as close to 90 min transport with 45 min train to Santa Monica first and then shuttle bus to course. At 6 am around here that means only one thing – Starbucks 😰. It was crap service and crap food so threw it out on way to Metro

Metro runs every 10 mins so no issue. Not too crowded but still a slow run. Glad I left early though because time got to Santa Monica and walked to Shuttle Bay there were already two full buses ready to go and 30 more people lined up at 7:10 am! Next time I will ride off the train like Fred did

It’s an efficient service indeed but a lot of traffic had us only arriving at 8 am . Quickly in and standing adjason to second fairway lickety split when Jason Day rolled up playing with Tony Finau. He waved but I told him to knuckle down and play some golf son .

WARNING – A LOT OF PHOTOS TO COME

Then it was time to check out some hospitality tents because it was almost 9 am and I was feeling hospitable. First one caught my eye was United 19 th Hole located above 10 th tee with good views of 2nd green and 3 rd tee. Let’s start with a beer

Maybe time to get closer to 2nd Green . That bourbon tent looks good

Better grab something to eat at this stage and a hot dog will do . Now time to head down closer to the tenth green as JDay is approaching. As luck would have it there was a Vodka tent here . Well why not eh

Maybe could squeeze in one more drink before heading back to first fairway for The Striped One . The 13th green in the distance appealed as did the Tequila Tent as we are close to Mexico after all. The beauty of being early in these tents does mean you can get a seat “green side” . Exhibit A. Less distance to fall too

Must be time to head back for the Tiger Show. The crowds were growing but found a spot on the left of the first fairway about the 220 m mark so probably 50 m from landing area. The hero duly arrived

The crowds were 4 deep now but with a bit of planning could find a spot as I did near the second green and had Tiger and his putt lined up perfectly – certainly better than Tiger did . Then the fucking camera guy and sound girl plopped right in front of me. I had had enough of Tiger time. As it turns out he retired 4 holes later when he heard I had left. Time to head back to Shuttle bus for 90 min trip home on what had been a fantastic day . More photos you ask ? Well ok

Back home then to relax for rest of day. It’s pretty clear now could have done LA in 4 days. Don’t get me wrong has been a brilliant 4 days and have achieved heaps especially with early check in . Just not sure what I will do tomorrow especially in this neighbourhood. Will do some research this arvo and come up with a plan. Maybe some more relaxed eating and a good coffee would be a start . Being a Saturday just makes it a bit trickier too. Weather should still be ok before deteriorating on Sunday when I leave

Funny how the body/mind adjusts. Am sure all the noise is the same but somehow you sleep through it now at least the traffic noise. The piercing yells at 3 am from Pershing Square still carry to room. Anyhoo, a good nights sleep and return of bodily functions – if you get my drift – has me ready to go at 630 am again 😏 Plan is have a hot breakfast on site then bus it to Dodger Stadium and then back to Walk of Fame before checking out Griffith Observatory this morning. That plan is fluid of course with the one caveat being the shuttle up to observatory does not start running until 10 am .

Having trouble working out the dining options here for breakfast . Online appears to be a menu for Cafe Rendezvous that includes hot breakfast which sounded good. This morning though all the chairs from yesterday are gone and breakfast is next door which only offers a full buffet breakfast . Will save that indulgence for Vegas which really only left me with two options? Waffle or Pancake ?

Now even though a morning person one has to balance the safety issue of using public transport before the coppers may be awake so by unanimous decision of 1-0 we went with 730 am .

Again a pleasant cool morning developing into another beautiful day. Bus was quiet and arrived at first stop on Sunset to start the trek up Vin Scully Drive to Dodger Stadium. While it would be great to do a stadium tour it is also great to have place to yourself. Exhibit A-H

Back down to Sunset for next of two buses to Hollywood and Vine and then a short Walk to the Walk (patent pending). As you walk up Vine you notice some famous stars which are repeated on the main drag for some reason. Lack of crowds was very good here with the only congestion in front of Grauman’s Theatre on the boulevard . I gave out a few autographs and that dispelled the crowd. As luck would have it as I was heading to Metro to leave there was a star all by itself on a wall. Well not for long , trust me. Lucky find.

Easy metro then to Vermont where a free shuttle bus takes you up to Observatory . In general have to say the public transport works very well . Use the TAP card and all rides basically $1.75 including the 60 min train to Long Beach. There are some dodgy folk around sure but have not bothered me. The more affected ones of course talk incessantly to themselves. Mind you , in 2024 the Yuppies always appear to be talking to themselves anyway with ear buds in all the time while on phone. In my experience I have found the homeless conversations more interesting than the yuppies 😏 Arrived at Observatory by 1030 am . Not too crowded and while sunset would be brilliant the weather – and smog – can be bad and by time I left clouds had rolled in. I took these beauties before that

Back down to Metro on shuttle and then an easy train back to Pershing Square . Picked up a very tasty Focaccia for lunch and settled in for a quiet hour with feet up. Ankle is doing well actually but toes do hurt after 5 hours in shoes. Will do a little research for rest of day but with big day tomorrow will be a quiet one methinks. Maybe a mini pub crawl in neighbourhood couldn’t hurt eh ?

Headed out for a couple of frothy ones. It’s a beautiful day out certainly but have to say the area within easy walking distance of Biltmore does not inspire . It is very run down but must say Karl Strauss Brewing nearby was impressive – and it had the golf on !

It was tempting to settle in for a few but then I remembered I’m going to the golf tomorrow 🤦🏻‍♂️ Decided to head up to Central Market and mainly a place for food but did find Golden Road Brewing and was suitably impressed even with plastic cups. Hey, I bought a T Shirt even – cheaper than doing laundry at Biltmore 😏

That will do for another great day where got a lot of tourist stuff done . Back home to watch end of golf and then plan tomorrow . As usual will start early so may not last the day but with The Striped One starting at midday expect to be there for that . After all he is only about 8 shots off the pace after one round….

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 ⚾️⚾️⚾️

And another long one as the Bishop said to the actress. Better nights sleep but still not jumping out of my skin which is odd as feels a bit looser after last two days .

All things seem on track for QF11 at 11:10 am. It is one of the more notorious late leavers but usually makes some time “up in the air “ #Seinfeld.

Time then to get the Kleenex ready as bid farewell to CLP. I assured her no need to come to train with me but she seemed keen to ensure I got on it 🤓 I will head to Qantas club while she heads out for a leisurely morning at Bondi while the weather is good. Weather should be ok today for Sydney but gets worse after that and she flies out on Thursday back to Flashman Inc, Sunshine Coast where at least there is a statue of me she can look at each day.

Have organised an 11 am check in at Biltmore in LA as do arrive at 6 am all things being equal . Having paid $50 USD for it can almost guarantee now plane will leave or arrive late 😏Train was on track – boom boom – for arrival at 7:15 am a mere 4 hrs before flight is “scheduled” to leave. Check in easy and was tarmac adjacent by 735 am. Qantas Business lounge not too crowded and one of the better ones around . Common sense prevailed at this stage with significant snout in trough in near future. For 14 hrs .

One of the reasons happy to be on West Coast this year was usually glorious weather in SoCal ( I talk the local lingo already) . I can tell by all the golf I watch at this time of year – Pebble Beach, Phoenix…. You know the two tournaments almost washed out 2 weeks in a row ! Forecast then for LA is around 10-20 with clouds at time and Las Vegas maybe 8-18 also cloudy at times. Hope get one blue day in each city at least . Having monitored the two major suspects A 380 wise last 36 hrs confident both in Sydney and one should be used for QF 11. All will be revealed when Flight Radar confirms Call Sign a bit before 11 am. Then I might relax…. I remember the good old days when you knew nothing before hand and just rocked up to airport carefree and ignorant😂 COVID changed everything and Qantas is struggling to populate A 380 routes at present . Unlike Brisvegas though, Sydney-LAX seems important to Qantas

Flight boarded on time, left 10 mins late and arrived 15 mins early. Pretty well the perfect flight if there such a thing for 14 hrs ! Excellent food and plenty of drinkies made the first two hours fly by . Then it was jammies time ….. not that I sleep . In extra knob kiss no one next to me

Using the new Mobile Passport App at LAX was through in 5 mins and at same time my eSim was activated. Bag was out in another 5 and so it was pants around the ankles and bed flute pointing north. Then realised it was only 630! Paid for early check in at 11 am and was really stuffed by now so sucked up the $80 taxi fare and was at Biltmore by 7 am . And in my room and unpacked by 730! As I knew the hotel itself is magnificent but rooms a bit dated and only on 4th floor so a bit of street noise

Even though stuffed no way going to sleep so time to test out Tap card on trains and buses and headed up to Santa Monica Blvd for the Hollywood Forever Cemetery . Lot of walking involved so ankle starting to give grief as well. It’s a large place with some notable names

The Paramount Studios are another 15 min walk but thought best to have a look while in area if only to get a photo of Water Tower. Only entrance is through a studio tour and when heard it was a group of 7 in a long golf cart sounded a good idea. It was interesting too and there are certainly some massive movies been made there . It was a 2 hour tour and now dead on my feet and still need a 30-40 min trip home on a bus

The bus was slow but at least had a seat. Back home by 130 pm so picked up a roll for lunch and a salad for dinner. It’s been a rough 36 hrs and just needed something to eat and doubt much more will be done today except probably a drink somehow near by. I fear the noise around here could be a problem, time will tell. Probably over tired now so still can’t sleep

Went down for a sherbert at the hotel bar around 430 pm and of course very elegant and fancy . Finished of first day being a tourist in LA

And now we start adjusting body clock. I fear it could be a restless 5 nights here. Man don’t the yanks love a fucking horn 😡Of course the two things you always notice in US hotel rooms – no clocks anywhere and no kettle . Plan tomorrow is probably head down to Long Beach for the morning if weather is good.

So, you don’t just wake up in Los Angeles , it takes planning and planes. First up then is down to Brisvegas 2 days before hand and check into Novotel Brisbane Airport before flying to Sydney on Monday. Paying for extra baggage on that flight – CLP is with me 🤓Ouch. First up though drop in and see Mum before leaving car at BC1 for a few weeks. Easy train trip into city then for a frolic and a froth but first up our go coffee shop – Sugar and Spice, Damn I am Nice. Then our go to drinkery – The Charming Squire

Why so sad? Well, of course nothing ever runs real smooth. In between visits it was time to check in for our 10:15 flight to Sydney tomorrow after 3 emails and a message from Qantas . Ah nope “ check in at airport sucker “. Why , no idea. CLP was able to check in and has boarding pass. I am supposed to be in business class but smell a rat . Time will tell but is very annoying

Then it was time for lunch and the always excellent Ole Tapas Bar in Southbank was tres enjoyable.

Waddled back to Eagle Junction and then onto Novotel at Brisbane airport for a quiet afternoon. How quite you ask ? Exhibit A Your Honor

Rough nights sleep as expected . Woke to a booteeful morning though

Time then to head out to airport and sort out this “check in at airport” nonsense. Ding Ding – your upgrade request for Syd-LAX has been successful. 👍🏻 I see Trakkies in my future. We paid for the shuttle ($16) and waiting with GU when saw a Business Class Taxi idling. Walked up and asked Punjab if he was free to take us to airport. He said no, it would be $25 🤦🏻‍♂️ Indian humour. Well in for a rupee in for a pound. As QC member used Premium Entry which is great and approached friendly staff with Qantas card. “Ah, I see you are marked for possible downgrade lowly status member you “ Bit rude. Why? Sometimes pilots need to use the seats as in their conditions they always fly in BC. Naturally I asked “Shouldn’t they be in the cockpit” ? She almost smiled and then said good to go . It was turning into a good day . Of course we are rather early but is BC lounge so not too shabby

Plane left right on time. Wish I had been on it. Only joshing. No Alcohol. Not joshing. Nice meal for us VIPs but fuck me everywhere I look last 24 years bloody cruise passengers everywhere with a mean age of 90. Sitting in 3rd row of only 12 BC passengers but bugger me took forever to get served while Bob and Betty in front tried to adjust their heading aids.

Arrived 20 mins early ,quick bag capture and on the train to Museum Station near Hyde Park as we were staying at The Pullman . On Hyde Park. Following so far ? Lovely area on a glorious day . Checked in to room all by 2 pm

Time for a bit of a stroll around the city after so much sitting down today. Hyde Park is an impressive place and then wandered down through Chinatown to Darling Harbour. Glorious day if a touch warm

Certainly been a full day and I am about to get fuller. Precious is taking me out for an early birthday dinner at Alberto’s Lounge nearby. A relaxing hour then before donning some finery . Alberto’s was a treat and a lovely way to end our time together. Well, for this holiday ….

And that is done and dusted for lead in. Tomorrow the real shenanigans start on another loooooong day.