Day 4 was difficult, and when things get complicated it is better to step back and change the pace, and so the day become a day of necessary work and rest.
Image 1: Denny’s Westwood, Los Angeles (USA)
The previous night my visa card was decline twice, and it could have been a disaster as I had to find an alternative payment for the uber back to the hotel late in the evening. Thank goodness for Paypal.
Image 2: UCLA Plates at the Palihotel
Well, that mean three hours on the mobile phone, today, to attempt to get answers on why my Australian bank locked my card, half way around the world. It turns out that someone needed to take heed of the bank notice, organised three weeks before leaving the country, which clearly indicated the card would be used legitimately in the United States. I spare you the details of those three hours, but to say that I did keep calm, and just persisted until the mistake was undone. In travelling you have to plan for major mishaps.
Image 3: LA Nightlife in West Hollywood (USA)
It was not a day to do touring. By 4.00 p.m. matters were resolved. I had intended that the next day to walk up to the UCLA campus and look around. Westwood Village is, though, a campus town. The Palihotel has on the lounge wall two rows of UCLA cafeteria plates, a collection reminiscent of when student communities were more vibrant, mucking it in with community meals of sorts.
Image 4: Nine and Half Hours of Work at the Hotel
The day ends at the quiet Denny’s. I have discovered something about myself in the first few days in the American Soul. I cannot eat large meals anymore. My stomach has told me that enough is enough. So, the search for small meals begins in the United States! Yes, well, that is the challenge, and means leaving food on the plate. It is something that my dear and deceased mother created in my youthful mind as something never done. Remember all the hungry children of the world, so you must clean your plate totally.
Image 5: 7-Eleven Building, Westwood Village, Los Angeles (USA)
My adult mind had to mature and learn moderation and pacing oneself through life.
Well, I had to do something after a long day’s work while touring. So I had a marvellous conversation with the hotel manager and the best option was to be the their sister establishment; the bar at the Palihouse in West Hollywood.
It turned out very well. Another evening tour through Beverley Hills and West Hollywood, this time down some length of the ritzy Santa Monica Boulevard (the coastal part of the famous Route 66), including Rodeo Drive. I’ll place a few Wikipedia entries at the post feed.
Hit it
This ain’t no disco
And it ain’t no country club either
This is L.A.
…
In the bar that faces the giant car wash
And the good people of the world
Are washing their cars on their lunch breaks
…
All I wanna do is have some fun
Until the sun comes up over
Santa Monica Boulevard
Well, it was not quite like that. The bar closed at 11.00 p.m. and I was in bed by midnight. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time talking to Americans, including “chatting up” the pretty bar attendant who shared in looking at digital photos with me of our travels. She was touched by the photo of Ruth in Santa Monica 30 years ago, as she comes from Santa Monica. She showed me her photos of traveling to Yellowstone with her dog.
The uber driver back to the hotel, after a few scotches, also was a stimulating conversation. Ali was a history student and had a very good grasp of urban and religious histories, including the Nestorian Christians in Persia.
Neville Buch