So, we've just spent 3 nights in Los Angeles, which was pretty amazing. Getting through LAX was a little scary, with all of the security, but it's to be expected.
We joined our Trek America tour yesterday morning. Everyone is so great and friendly, and our tour leader Jen is amazing!
Our holiday highlight so far was Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. Venice Beach is full of quirky shops selling a range of products like clothing, crystals, jewellery, creative crafts, and of course great food and drinks. The live performers and artwork were amazing too. We couldn't believe how great Venice Beach was, I really don't know what we were expecting, but with its quirky artistic nature, it's the perfect place to spend the day. We only wish we had more time there. So, we're definitely planning another trip to LA in the near future, as there's so much to do and see there, and three days really isn't enough.
Out on Santa Monica Pier Amy went on the Ferris Wheel and loved it, apart from the wind. While I went and sat at the end of the pier and watched a guy singing with his guitar, who was brilliant.
On our second day in Hollywood, we we're fortunate to be there while the red carpet had been rolled out, with big names such as Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, and Diane Keaton walking up.
We booked Starlines tour bus, which is great to stop off at various points around LA like Venice Beach and Downtown Los Angeles. And, we met a lovely couple from Ohio who were very helpful - the people are great. We were a little disappointed with the tour, but it's definitely worth booking to get around easier. We also booked onto a Hollywood Homes tour later, where we were given information about the homes of the stars as we drove past, as well as a scenic stops along the way, which was pretty cool.
There are a lot of people dressed up in costumes on the street, if you have a picture taken with any of them, we were warned to make sure to give them a dollar or two, as they are known to find you and publicly shame you. If you don't want a picture, just politely decline and keep walking.
Hollywood is full of great shops that we don't have in the UK like the makeup shop Sephora, where I bought a lovely pink glitter eyeshadow.
Money wise we bought a few things, ate lunch at Johnny Rockets (Amazing food!) and had a great day out all on $100.
During our stay in LA, we stayed at Fairfield Inn and Suites. The hotel was really clean, with a double bed each, big flat screen tv, mini fridge, coffee machine, and a lot of choice of breakfast - including a chance to make your own waffles, which was fun! We slept really well here in comfort, the only downside was the unexpected tax and amenities charged to our cards, which would have been fine if we had been warned in advance. But, no complaints whatsoever about the hotel and its staff, which were very helpful.
On our last night we ate out at IHOP, which was unbelievable! I ordered the Mushroom and Spinach Omelette, with a side of cupcake pancakes, and Amy ordered the Strawberry Crepes. Amy said hers was okay, but I loved mine... I couldn't eat it all obviously!
So, all in all 9/10 for Los Angeles for me, and 8/10 for Amy. The missed points are because of the rough areas of LA.
More pictures to follow...
Thanks for reading,
Lou and Amy.
