Coach Tour of Downtown LA

First stop Marina Del Rey a quiet little fishing town, saw a couple of friendly seals who came out on cue for the tourists. Could be the film set for SeaChange.  

Venice Beach was approximately a 10 minute drive further north.  It was like walking down Nimbin's main street, very seedy and weedy! The Ocean Walk was miles of stalls and shops selling all sorts of undesirable things like marijuana, hemp clothes, souvenirs, paintings - you name it! This is an area well known for homeless, wackos and druggies. Hang on to your wallet and don’t use the public toilets! Not the most picturesque place I’ve seen but well worth the experience.  After a brief stop we arrived at Santa Monica Beach, a beautiful coastline and probably best known for the series “Baywatch”.

After a break we stopped at El Pueblo De Los Angeles Markets, authentic Spanish/Mexican markets, little cantinas, strong coffee aroma, live music, brilliant coloured bougainvillea growing over the buildings, amazing atmosphere.

Shrek is the one in the middle!

This one is for you Mum

Now comes the best part - Hollywood – the weather was hot and smoggy but our photographs of the big HOLLYWOOD sign came out well. Drove further into Hollywood Boulevard and walked along the “Walk of Fame”. Met some interesting lookalikes.  Really LOVED Beverley Hills was able to view some top real estate.  Come on Allen just sell one of these mansions and it will pay for our trip!!  Strolled along Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and Bel Air – one of the best days ever.

17-19 May

Union Station El Pueblo

5am left Hilton and caught a shuttle bus to Union Train Station onward bound for San Louis Obispo (SLO). The Station was busy even at that ungodly hour. Unfortunately our 2 big cases were approximately 20 lbs overweight so the ticket officer gave us a cardboard box to transfer some clothes into. We did this on the floor of the station - airing our dirty laundry - literally!  6 hours later we arrived at SLO only to find we had gone one station too far and had to go back. We had 2 huge cases, 4 hand luggage bags, camera, laptop and now a cardboard box.  Why did I bring so many clothes?

We eventually got to our Hotel in Arroyo Grande, a beautiful olde worlde Spanish villa. The proprietors host complimentary drinks and home made pastries every afternoon for the guests.  Our evening meal was clam chowder, prawns/scallops sauteed in garlic butter and white wine, baked potato, vegetables and garlic bread. This cost US$18. Food and wine is so cheap.  I've also discovered Wal-Mart – it’s fantastic.  Saw a colour flat screen TV for US$160.

The Journey Begins

OK. So we arrived in Los Angeles a few days ago on 15th May after an uneventful flight, 3 films and 2 breakfasts under our belt. Quickly through Customs etc. and onto the shuttle bus to our hotel. All very efficient and friendly service - all good so far.    The best bit was that we left Australia at 11.00am and arrived in LA at 7.00am on the same day!! So we had a full day to do whatever we wanted - it didn't happen.    Although we had the whole day ahead of us we had been awake for nearly 22 hours - as soon as we hit the pillow, that was us gone for the rest of the day.
Since then we've had an absolute ball, but I'll let Linda tell you about that........read on.