29/09/2006. Los Angeles
Hi all,
Sorry this has taken a few days but it's been pretty hectic and I haven't had time to sit down to update you all on what so far has been an interesting trip. The flight managed to knock all the excitement out of me. It's a long, long flight and not recommended. I was luck in that I had one woman in my row with one empty seat between us so there was a bit of room to spread out if I twisted just right. The hotel isn't bad, right near the airport so it's in a crappy area but that ha suited me ok. The first night I sat at the bar to listen to this Jazz Combo/ Lounge act. They were pretty good and they had what looked to be a 70 year old woman on percussion. I hadn't eaten so after 4 beers I was staggering so, before I started speaking swahili, I stumbled back to my room and had a fitful nights sleep.
I got up early to get my flight to Phoenix en route to Tempe Az. Air travel within the US is a nightmare. Long lines, tough security, more long lines. It takes forever. I ended up having my toothpaste, aftershave and deodorant thrown out because of the security rules. The guy asked me if any of those things were over three ounces.... I just shrugged and took my chances. I know better now. getting into Phoenix was like landing in hell. It was 99 degrees!!! A lovely woman helped me with catching the right bus to Tempe, and even gave me her spare bus ticket. I caught two buses to get to my hotel and walked about a kilometre. It was fun. Tempe was hot and flat. It's a University town so there is quite a bit of activity there. Had an old arsehole bus driver who refused to help me find my hotel, even though he drove right past it. He wouldn't even look at me when I asked him where it was. Old prick. Had a meal at La Fonda Mexican restaurant. Very nice and cheap. Couldn't finish the meal. ($8) Food is cheap, newspapers are 50c and smokes are about 4 bucks a pack. The Marquee Theatre in Tempe is where I went to see Mastadon ($23). Good venue, standing only with a floor that slopes up toward the back. I didn't like the suports bands much but Mastadon were simply sensational. Huge sound, powerful and precise playing. Well worth the trouble. One gripe was that the volume for all the bands was just way too loud. It actually hurt at times, so I only spentany length of time inside for Mastadon.
Mostly people have been very friendly and neatly dressed! Khaki pants and sportscoats are big. Haven't really spoken to anyone at length as yet. I've been a bit of a fish out of water these first couple of days but I'm getting used to it now. Driving is getting easier. Takes about half an hour to get to Hollywood from here. ( Two and a half on my first attempt...) There's a huge group of Steel Horsemen staying here. It's an African-American Motorcycle Club. They are having some kind of convention here. Saw a few of them tonight as I was coming back to the hotel. Two women and a guy. All on big Jap racers. One of the chicks had pink suede high-heel boots on.... riding a superbike! This is a unique place. Off to Bakersfield tomorrow in prep for the bike ride starting on the 1st. Take care all. Love M.
Sorry this has taken a few days but it's been pretty hectic and I haven't had time to sit down to update you all on what so far has been an interesting trip. The flight managed to knock all the excitement out of me. It's a long, long flight and not recommended. I was luck in that I had one woman in my row with one empty seat between us so there was a bit of room to spread out if I twisted just right. The hotel isn't bad, right near the airport so it's in a crappy area but that ha suited me ok. The first night I sat at the bar to listen to this Jazz Combo/ Lounge act. They were pretty good and they had what looked to be a 70 year old woman on percussion. I hadn't eaten so after 4 beers I was staggering so, before I started speaking swahili, I stumbled back to my room and had a fitful nights sleep.
I got up early to get my flight to Phoenix en route to Tempe Az. Air travel within the US is a nightmare. Long lines, tough security, more long lines. It takes forever. I ended up having my toothpaste, aftershave and deodorant thrown out because of the security rules. The guy asked me if any of those things were over three ounces.... I just shrugged and took my chances. I know better now. getting into Phoenix was like landing in hell. It was 99 degrees!!! A lovely woman helped me with catching the right bus to Tempe, and even gave me her spare bus ticket. I caught two buses to get to my hotel and walked about a kilometre. It was fun. Tempe was hot and flat. It's a University town so there is quite a bit of activity there. Had an old arsehole bus driver who refused to help me find my hotel, even though he drove right past it. He wouldn't even look at me when I asked him where it was. Old prick. Had a meal at La Fonda Mexican restaurant. Very nice and cheap. Couldn't finish the meal. ($8) Food is cheap, newspapers are 50c and smokes are about 4 bucks a pack. The Marquee Theatre in Tempe is where I went to see Mastadon ($23). Good venue, standing only with a floor that slopes up toward the back. I didn't like the suports bands much but Mastadon were simply sensational. Huge sound, powerful and precise playing. Well worth the trouble. One gripe was that the volume for all the bands was just way too loud. It actually hurt at times, so I only spentany length of time inside for Mastadon.
Mostly people have been very friendly and neatly dressed! Khaki pants and sportscoats are big. Haven't really spoken to anyone at length as yet. I've been a bit of a fish out of water these first couple of days but I'm getting used to it now. Driving is getting easier. Takes about half an hour to get to Hollywood from here. ( Two and a half on my first attempt...) There's a huge group of Steel Horsemen staying here. It's an African-American Motorcycle Club. They are having some kind of convention here. Saw a few of them tonight as I was coming back to the hotel. Two women and a guy. All on big Jap racers. One of the chicks had pink suede high-heel boots on.... riding a superbike! This is a unique place. Off to Bakersfield tomorrow in prep for the bike ride starting on the 1st. Take care all. Love M.
posted by MD at 8:24 PM
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