Los Angeles

LA, the definite French article, or alternatively, Los Angles - a small coastal town north of San Diego. We spent an eventful first day on an urban treck from Hollywood to Beverley Hills. Although it looks like the two districts are next to each other on the map, this was actually a 5 mile hike. This came as a small surprise to me as I thought we were popping out for breakfast.

We’re staying in a small bunglalow just off Sunset Boulevard not far from Sunset and Vine for those who know the area.

Our walk didn’t last long initially as Mags had set off in her thongs (aka sandals, not underwear) and was bleeding into the concrete before long. A quick diversion to a shoe shop and a pharmacy and we were back on our way. It was fun to wander along some of the famous roads such as Santa Monica Boulevard (“This ain’t no disco……All I wanna do” and all that), but these avenues are extremely long and I think its fair to say that we weren’t seeing the best parts which I expect are closer to the coast. There was a fairly generic strip of concrete dotted with fast food outlets, cafes, shops, and gas stations. At the edge of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills we entered an upmarket area with ultra expensive couture shops. Suddenly, there were lots of Mercs, and coiffured women carrying small dogs.

We trudged on into Beverley Hills, wandering the immaculate streets and impressive dwellings looking unsuccessfully for the home of the Beverley Hillbillies. We did find a very fine Italian restaurant near Rodeo drive and Wiltshire where we saw the second half of the champions league game between Chelsea and Man U. Unfortunately we lost 1 nil but the lunch was superb.

Thursday we spent a very enjoyable day at the Getty centre which has a fine, but modest collection of impressionist paintings including Degas, Monet, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The building itself is very impressive, dazzling white columns and stone perched high in the Santa Monica hills with the rest of LA laid out below with views all the way along the pacific coast.

We’re now in Dana Point, Orange County chilling out on the beach. We’re theoretically south of LA but its really another suburb. We drove out south along the pacific highway and LA just goes on and on and on ……… and on. There’s no break in the concrete jungle yet, and we still haven’t seen a cow or a sheep – not still alive anyway.

Palm springs next, so I’m off to purchase the Zimmer frame.