flashman181

And so we come to end of another Vegas holiday and a great holiday it was even though sick for entirety😏 First up the MGM Signature is fantastic . Great room and great service and amenities. The ankle has been good and really did walk a long way most days . Weather was pretty good and when bad plenty else to do. Found some new places and returned to some old places . People were friendly and struck up conversations in most bars – and you know what a people person I am

I fear Santa Monica may be a let down but could may be completely wrong. The accomodation will certainly be different and pretty basic but as long as quiet will be happy. Weather is a bit hit and miss again it seems and SM is the one place where weather probably is more critical as will be out and about all day. I also think as the long flight home approaches you start to dread it especially as I stupidly booked a later flight out of Sydney home for some reason probably landing me smack bang in peak hour traffic home to Sunshine Coast .

Another bad nights sleep with cold and cough. MGM have been very efficient so when saw the “sad to see u go email and check out now “ wasn’t thinking too clearly, just keen to sort out the finances. All done and then a bit of packing before getting some breakfast from limited options. As I got to lift and looking at my app my digital access key is gone duh! Had to approach desk and explain while I did check out I didn’t really if u get my drift. She gave me a solid key for next few hours. Flight seems on time at this stage. Quick cheap Uber out and relatively smooth transition had me at gate with a mere 2.5 hrs to spare. Time to settle in for a sandwich and a beer if only to fill in some time. Honest your Honour

To be honest it is moving around being busy that helps deal with the cold better and that includes eating and drinking. I know scientifically it don’t really make sense but was coming good and then got wet going to Allegiant on Wednesday and spent that after with the Canucks in a damp shirt probably 🤔

AA has been impressive this trip. Left a little early arrived a little early and bags were not too bad. Was getting an Uber for about $50 which was lot cheaper than taxi especially in afternoon traffic. Of course you have to get a shuttle to the ride share area but after that works well. Very nice house with perfectly acceptable room in a quite neighbourhood

The downside of a very quiet neighbourhood is it is a fair hike to anywhere – 30 mins to pier for eg. That is ok today as the exercise will be good. Mind you one trip to the Pier with these crowds probably enough. Some beautiful scenery along the way

Then it was time to please my Aussie mates who don’t grasp international time zones and start the celebrations of turning 66. #notroutedyet. Plenty of signs around and also the perfect drinkery

Starting to feel it now – ALMOST 66 ya know – and still a 30 min walk home but have to stay around for the sunset as probably won’t get back. Glad I did

Time then for a bit research for next 3 days now that I understand my location. Will also look into the electric scooter availability as a few around but no Lime. I plan to spend more time in downtown Santa Monica and wander the streets . Like a demented old 66 year old.

Tomorrow that is .😎

When returned to unit last night was a tad alarmed to hear a noise and a light was on. Quickly checked passport and it is still there . Then saw it was the TV on and there were bottles of water (having just bought 2🤦🏻‍♂️) and choccies on nightstand . Man those tattoos get attention

Today will be sad day or maybe start of a sad period . There is a developing family situation back home (not unexpected ) that is a little distressing. Still have a cold and a bad nights sleep. Knees and legs in general are very sore after the half marathon yesterday . Now there is no buyers remorse but maybe some buyer stupidity as in why not wait until this afternoon to go all biker. Could have had a booteeful morning by pool and now I have to go find places indoors and drink. At least it may not be a great day weather wise . Ah crap, best of the holiday so far.

Also washing day of course which does take up a good 90 min period in morning ( right Ladies ) and you need to be close by half way through yada yada yada. It’s quite brisk outside (8 degrees with breeze on top) so maybe help to stay in until after 830 am. First wash on (laundry is in tower 1) and head over to Delights for breakfast in Tower 2 . Somewhat distracted by the sign but managed to make breakfast last 30 mins before heading back to laundry. What about shorts ? That one may haunt for a while

To be fair I may still have been contemplating this scenario when I went in laundry and saw no clothes in machine 1. Oddly also there was no bench with my bags on it . Not just no bags but no bench. What level of thief do they have here. Ah, I am in the laundry in Tower 2 . All good and time to switch to dry and chill in room for 50 mins.

Laundry picked up and then time to head out on this glorious day. Yeah I took same pictures 18 months ago but this COULD be my last trip to USA …..apparently . MGM have obviously got wind of this and desperately trying to get me to come back by bumping me up to gold because I won $20 ?

So, those pictures eh . Take a gander

My research had indicated Ocean One had good value food and drinks. Only needed drinks at this stage and was lucky as the big line up was for food. Flashed the Tatt and was seated at bar immediately. The 3 Cocktails for $12 appealed but guessing not full strength. Yeah right…

Mimosa , Moscow Mule and Tom Collins. Everywhere I go at present am surrounded by Canucks. Another hockey game in town tonight. Officially have wobbly boot on now and need coffee. Well we may always have Paris but won’t be back again ya cheese eating surrender monkeys

Bit more of a wander and dropped in at Giordannos to get some food . Sadly the deep dish pizza took 40 mins so settled for a very tasty Italian sandwich. And beer. Then time to head home to talk to my honeybuns. On discussion we agreed I should go the pool on this glorious day and just cover up Tatt so no damage done and no fights started. It worked well enough but not same as fully relaxing by pool with a swim

Checked in for flight tomorrow which is not until 1pm so will be a relaxing morning and leave around 930 am. Of course no Club as such at Vegas so it is mix with the GU 24/7 . The rest of afternoon will be quiet as quite full at present . Will no doubt duck down for a drink at some stage but will just have to take my word for it I guess. Have my salad in fridge for dinner 👍🏻

Time to get back on plan although yesterday was a fun afternoon. Talking to bar lady she kept saying you guys are stupid sitting in a bar for 4 hrs when you are in Vegas! I disagreed having already seen a lot of Vegas surely part of the joy of travel is just meeting people and talking and learning about a different country , in this case Canada which was very useful for me. Mind you she was mostly pissed because it was Happy Hours and most people tip on what they paid ($5 beer) rather than what the normal tip would be. Of course that long drinking session did then lead to some wasted hours late afternoon 😂

Time to start with a new breakfast place , Avenue in MGM . Weather supposed to improve as day progresses so first up will try out a few more casino complexes . Food was fine but the coffee machine was broken – maybe fortuitous 😏- so was left with jug size serve of brown swill

Time then to hit the road on a cloudy coolish morning but breaks of sun. Plan was to get to Venetian but not blind to making a few stops along the way 🤓. Before long it was 5 OClock somewhere and time for a punchy Rum – and they didnt miss the Rumbo trust me. Great way to start the day while you wait for 8 am to come around. I was feeling the Love.

Fully charged now to continue on to the Venetian. All a rather massive complex with Palazzo attached. The Gondolas were having a rest but the real charm is inside in these buildings

Could see The Sphere in distance so thought why not ? Had not been down this far on Strip before so able to see Wynn complexes as well . Wynn Wynn ?

By now am thinking well I’m this close to Resorts World now so may as well check it out eh . Again it seems attached to another complex all framed rather beautifully against blue skies now. Didn’t seem to be much in there until on exit saw the Mike Tyson statue. It’s been that sort of holiday where earnest endeavour is rewarded. Especially when drinking.

Looking at options seemed like another 15 min walk to Sahara to catch Monorail all the way home seemed like a smart idea even though knees and ankle were really hurting by now . Ah there it is in the distance like an oasis in a desert . Spooky

Have no plans to go to a show while here but can almost be certain would not go to Vega to see a shit show 😏 Mind you I just heard that Trump is in town and available for photos near his hotel

Definitely time to head back now on Monorail and may even slip in some pool time before talking to my Honeybuns. It’s been another very busy morning so hope don’t fall asleep and miss my call

Woke up just in time . Weather was still changeable but headed back out to strip with half an idea forming . To be fair had been thinking about this for a while and seemed an appropriate time being in Vegas and last trip to USA …… apparently . Had done my research and knew it’s not cheap but yes time to get a tattoo. The logic is well I am Flash and I turn 66 on my last trip to USA ….apparently. Walk ins accepted as long as your sign all disclaimers about sudden death etc. Took about 30 mins and you certainly feel it but not unbearable . Da Da …..still cheaper than tatt left by Orthopod 😏

I left sleeve rolled up so was given wide berth on way home as people cowered . Time for a beer then but now only allowed in certain pubs and frisked at the door. If I wasn’t careful I could be scooting my boot again real soon. The bartender gave me a dirty look and a dirty glass to match

As mentioned in other media commitments totally sober idea and very happy with end result. However the post tatt care regimen indicates it may not have been that smart doing it on holidays. Certainly no pool or sun tomorrow . For once will be wishing for rain. Anyway tomorrow is last full day and will really miss Vegas , it has been a blast . I will especially miss this view 24/7

Looks like the first day of inclement weather has arrived as predicted. Mind you I am looking at weather app as it’s only 5 am and still dark for a while . Cloudy and drizzle expected all day and a little cooler maybe. Slept very well but cold continues to rumble along , not getting worse, not getting better. Today of course could get a whole lot better if a notification received during night is true. I suspect it is a glitch as makes no sense but will have to wait for rewards desk to open up

I did have a couple of drinks last night and used my card but don’t recall ordering two cases of Dom Perignon 🤔

Unless I am heading off on a free cruise at 10 am looks like a day to explore inside some casinos and hopefully a little less crowded although with Vegas not sure that ever happens . Will have breakfast just downstairs at Delights which opens at 7 am. Usual big breakfast of course and was very good but bought half home for dinner. Well, if you serve potatoes at breakfast you have to expect this 😂

Time then to check on my status at Rewards desk. When they didn’t roll out red carpet on arrival I smelled a rat. “ Sir, did you redeem a receipt yesterday “? “ Yep for $14” “Ah, I see what has happened the cashier has entered 1,400,000 points accidentally rather than 140” “So what are you saying ……..

No cruise then . Time to venture out for an Irish Coffee on a day of Irish weather then. I knew RiRa at Mandalay served one so started at Excalibur which is attached by walkway to MGM. Obviously they already knew I was coming

The beauty of this place is there is then a free tram to Mandalay Bay. Had my coffee which was ordinary of course but staff were great. Fair to say they don’t understand difference between Rugby and League . I loved the automatic dish collector 😂

The Mandalay Bay setup is great with plenty of shops and a 10 min walk to Allegiant stadium. There is also a Tattoo parlour there. In case I return home with one understand it was a sober decision maybe to celebrate last solo trip to USA …….apparently . Flash, a lightning bolt and 66 maybe 🤔 Great statue of Ali too. The things you find

It was drizzling rain but was determined to check out Ally Giant stadium #Roy&HG to see if any big promos. Rolled around every 5 mins . Then it was time to head back to House of Blues – next to Tattoo parlour – for a beer and a breather and maybe….

Back home then to have a Stromboli for lunch as remember loving them last time. Can only get a super size drink.

“Yes Sir but only $1 more than a regular “

“ Can I get a regular.then “?

“No”

So how do you price the regular 🤦🏻‍♂️

Good routine now , weather independent . Breakfast ( always big😏) on site and then head out for a few hours. Back home to talk to my honeybuns at midday so she doesn’t fret ❤️ Back out after 1pm for a couple more hours of fun and frivolity and then back for a breather before heading downstairs to an MGM bar or two around 5 pm for a couple of relaxers. Back for bath ( best bath ever), dinner and sleep. Rinse and repeat . Mind you if Thursday is nice weather may be spent by the pool.

Ok Plan A was blown away by the weather . Took the foot bridge to NYNY and saw a bar Pour 24 that had a happy hour form midday. Sat down , met some Canadians and 5 hrs later crawled home full as a state school hat rack . Good night

Lot seen and done in a week eh. This “cold” is an odd one. Was mostly fine all yesterday afternoon out and about. Pretty good nights sleep but have woken again with a few coughs and splutters and sniffles. Throat is more dry than sore . Weather is a mixed bag this week with no great clear days predicted but no really bad ones either. Some patches of sun, a lot of cloud and maybe the odd shower. Today supposed to be best day so will try and tick off a few sight seeing plans and then if worse weather comes will haunt the inside of casinos which are fascinating to see really judging by New York New York yesterday. Just occurred to me am paying about $800 USD for this beautiful room in great complex for 5 nights. Paid $1300 for same time in LA and will be about $1000 for a small room at back of house for 4 nights in Santa Monica 🤦🏻‍♂️ Also plan to really check out the MGM complex and start earning some reward points. Oh that’s right, I’m not coming back….. Meanwhile

It is Presidents Day today so may impact some opening times . Bit of cloud around as predicted but with breaks of sun in morning so will head up to Strat area now as that is most photo wanted for this visit . Caught the Monrail which is great and of course headed off early . Police did crowd control.

I am getting out and about while about 35 people were lined up at Starbucks at 730 in the morning 🤦🏻‍♂️ I had forgotten how long the walk from Tower 3 where I am is to actually leave the MGM complex and hit the street. Smart move getting out early though . Multiple exhibits ensue ….

CLP has been dropping big hints lately about a big change in our relationship. Of course she may not mean marriage but couldn’t hurt to get some facts while here. Ah, thank you very much

As you can see clouds starting to roll in, time to head home for some late breakfast in MGM. Not feeling too flash at all at present and health a real roller coaster at present. Am loving the MGM though. Apart from great room etc also discovered a free on site laundry that just needs you to supply the detergent. Local store in Tower 1 sells 3 satchels for $6. Winner Winner. While out strolling I did contemplate about investigating staying on in Vegas and skipping Santa Monica. Would be cheaper and more luxurious !

Time then to check pool out even if just to clear the head and sniffles. Actually quite pleasant . They had a spa section and the pool itself was ok temp wise if a tad bracing . Not too crowded either . Even did some exercises while there .

After a solid hot breakfast no lunch required so early afternoon time to head down to Ole Red on the strip to boot my scoot. It’s an impressive 3 story place that was crowded. Told them I was an Aussie and didn’t need food so sent straight to the 3 rd floor and what a great view out on the Verandah. Even Dr Blake agreed with me

I had a poke before lunch just to rattle up some points and will go down to a bar within complex around 5 for a drink or two. The ankle really is great but the knees are cracking up because as we know 80% of UP elevators don’t work in Vegas at any one time. Still quite sick too which gets worse when I stop moving or drinking. Eataly was on way home and dropped in for a very pleasant latte and cannoli.

So, that will do for another day as the weather starts to deteriorate . Has been a very lucky holiday so far with flights etc but have not quite nailed it for weather last few years. It’s not bad sure but just not that bracing that I like as evidenced by shorts and TShirt. Mind you 75.4 % of people around are dressed up like Nanook of the North. Other thing you notice is there really is a lot of ugly couples in USA . But they seem happy 🤷🏻‍♂️ And finally some things that caught my eye

Shocking nights sleep with street noise and assholes next door coming and going until 130 am. Glad to be leaving this place . There may be room noise in Vegas but should be no street noise on floor 29 – the F1 has finished right ? First concern dealt with as the hotel and my reckoning of bill agrees if not in the value for money caper . Now for an Uber to airport way too early but that’s how I fly baby. At this stage flight on time at midday but flying AA always a bit more adventurous 😏

Certainly sickening for something if somewhat slowly. Would rather it got bad quickly and passed. A simple cold with the symptoms which always seems to happen on holidays OS now. Uber was quick and reasonably priced at $40 plus tip. Kerbside bag drop works well at AA Terminal 4 – $4 fee and then tip guy another $5 to make sure your bag doesn’t end up in Nantucket ! Still worth it not to have to line up with GU inside. Never quite know which contributes more at which stage for AA but Qantas Silver and Qantas Club membership does get some perks. Priority pass through customs and of course entry to Admirals Club – not Flagship Lounge which happened last time with cane 😂 And yes I did bring it just in case 🚶🏻‍♂️ Have to say the ankle has been great this trip and I have walked a lot . The club is fine with limited food options but enough to sustain. With these coffee machines I always do the espresso first and then cappuccino in same cup. Works well

MGM are big on using their app to manage everything including digital key on phone once checked in which I did 22 hrs ago. At that stage they were “preparing my room “ which they still are now which must mean they are painting it ! Of course the AA app is great as also tells you which flight your plane is doing before yours. Helps us little anal Annies relax a bit more . Mine is coming from Chicago and on time. Also includes bag tracking 👍🏻 Now where is that bar . Hey it’s 9 am . Just following medical orders, honest.

Still another 90 mins to boarding so time to find a quiet spot . Approached a smaller lounge and called out “ Any other Manly Supporters here “? Works every time . Room cleared . Here is one I prepared now.

Good flight had us in Vegas right on time and bag didnt take long to arrive either. Taxis were all waiting and $25 fixed rate . Had received notification room was ready and had digital key so really straight to room and unpack. It’s a great room too on 29 th floor with views of Sphere .

Booteeful afternoon and may well be best day of week so headed out amongst the crowds. First stop was Brewdog which is a fantastic 3 level beer haven including rooftop. Had a beer and then as 3 O Clock thought May as well have a burger as Lunner

Started talking to my new best friend Logan and we bonded over the NRL and then he went away came back with another beer on the house .

Then. It was time to check out another nearby establishment – Beerhaus. Another massive complex and full to the brim – as I soon was

By now rather shagged so just checked out inside New York New York which is part of plan this week – walk inside the casinos

No need for any dinner tonight so back home for a bath and an early night. Maybe just a peek outside

Great first day but I need a Bex and a lie down

On the fifth day of creation, God created aquatic animals and flying creatures (Genesis 1:20–23). Well, he has me covered then although did go to Genesis 2024 yesterday 🤔 No great ideas came to me last night on planning my last day. What did come to me was neighbours next door so certainly glad not there the first 3 nights. They may not be especially ignorant , it could just be poor sound proofing in old hotels. And the loudest closing doors known to mankind. In a twist of luck I am one of two rooms in a vestibule so you open two doors in quick succession to enter . Or leave. Yay . I was going to open and close my door a few times at 53O am but fuck me they did first at 5 am. And came back….

First up then let’s check out a coffee shop near by. Of course being Saturday they open a little later . Then find some breakfast . Only thought came to me last night was head out Beverly Hills way and check on Rodeo drive etc. I never said it was a great thought, just an orphan. 50 mins on a bus 🤔Yay, finally found Frank Coffee . Or not. The Angels were not smiling today, it was closed.

May as well catch the 45 min bus to Beverly Grove then- the hip and happening place in LA. It was closed . To be fair it was only 8 am and certainly some big stores around. Time then to tick off two bucket list items – a US style breakfast and Hasten Heart Disease. King Road Cafe ticked both boxes. USA – where the amount of food on plate only beaten by amount of foam in cup.

I will add at this stage that I am 70:30 chance of sickening for the lurgy. Sore throat and a few sniffles 😰 As such not sure if should carry on to Rodeo Drive but then again what would I do rest of day. Glad I did and called ahead so they would clear the bus . Worked again

It is a cool cloudy day so for a change actually dressed just right. Nice and quiet on rodeo as I like it , don’t need any shops open. First up though did find a coffee place and have to remember to ask for Cortado even if not on menu. Alfred actually served me so guess Batman is out roaming.

A leisurely stroll down Rodeo Drive and really is a unique place I guess that just oozes glamour , much like myself. Great park nearby and all in all a great way to fill in time until drinkeries open which in Beverly Hills could be 90210 mins away 😰.

Well that worked up a thirst even with a scratchy throat . Google Maps assured me that the Boulevard Bar at 4 Seasons on Wilshire was open so duly rocked up. Rather fancy place but no harm asking . Got a menu after asking for a cocktail but when I also saw Peronis available that would do for now. Felt like I stood out a bit without an annoying poodle at my feet like the Sheila next door had.

Bartender switched on the golf so time to bond. “Hey Pal, I see there is a Pool Bar as well is that just for assholes or can non guests partake “ Think he appreciated some plain speaking so went away and asked and came back and gave ok. So it was quite odd just roaming from bar up to second floor of this swish hotel to an empty pool where once again asked politely and was told yes as long as you sit in that area which was perfectly fine. Went for the Sangria – as we are near Mexico – and it was soothing and perfect

It had been a great final morning after all but time now to head home on that final long bus trip. The TAP card works very well and did a lot of trips these last 4 days and all for about $15. Great value. Some undesirables sure but they are everywhere really. Pick up some rolls for lunch and dinner as not sure will go out again although may need some fresh air so could grab a coffee or a beer. Think we both know the winner there….

Checked in for flight tomorrow around midday and also room at Vegas . Probably catch an Uber this time around 730 in morning . Los Angeles has been great but wouldn’t come back for anything more than an overnighter at airport if needed. Oh that’s right , this is my last solo USA trip……apparently 😂

Biltmore was ok, nothing special . Let’s wait and see final bill tomorrow. It’s a dead area really unless you love Starbucks. A couple of pubs though and certainly good public transport. No real grocery shopping options. Golf was obviously the highlight but did enjoy Long Beach excursion. Will settle in watch some golf now and do a bit of packing etc . Which can only mean it’s time to start swinging those hips baby…..

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 ⚾️⚾️⚾️