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Arrived at LAX after an almost redemptive flight by Air New Zealand, cheery crew, no screaming kids and joy of joys, vegetarian catering. Night flight, so subdued atmosphere prevailed as most people got down to the serious business of snatching some shut-eye. Immigration, baggage claim and customs were as easy as any I’ve had, which was a pleasant surprise after 13hrs travelling. Checked into the Hacienda at LAX, which for an airport hotel is fine, even has a dance club 7 nights a week so the cabaret’s good too.
Today woke after jet-lagged sleep and had to go get the rental car, saving money this meant getting the hotel shuttle back into the airport so that we could get the Dollar shuttle back out to the rental location, but it’s all good. They even had the reservation on system so smooth there too. They had one GPS unit left for hire so I just had to get it ( so much for saving money!), the helpful guy on the counter kept asking me if I was sure I was OK with a compact, despite his exhortations I decided that we should really stick with the compact although I was just a
bit disappointed that I hadn’t been told ‘I’m sorry sir, we’re fresh out of compacts, would you be alright with a larger car’. When we went into the garage to pick up the vehicle the girl pointed out two cars that we could choose from. I said ‘We’ve only booked a compact’, she said ‘That’s OK, we’re fresh out of compacts’.
RESULT. Though I would have been really pissed if I’d fallen for the counter guy’s slick salesmanship. So we’re now cruising around in a Chrysler Pacific, not a base model either, which is quite like last years Grand Caravan only with a few more bells and whistles. 6 seats, sunroof, DVD player, multi-area temperature control and loads more that I’ll find out how to use when I get round to reading the manual. I guess the lesson is to always book a compact and NEVER voluntarily go for an upgrade. If you really want a bigger car wait till the very last minute to change your mind. Went for a drive round town and despite the GPS managed to get lost plenty. The good thing is that the little lady inside the box notices straight away and gently guides you back to where you should be. I have to qualify that however, it only works properly if you programme it with the correct destination address, which on the first journey I hadn’t. As they say, garbage in, garbage out. Still, had a fun time sitting in LA traffic for three hours managing to do about 40 miles in that time, even glimpsed the Hollywood sign through the pollution before I decided enough was enough and reprogrammed my new girlfriend to get us home. Despite my best efforts at ignoring her directions she got us back. Giving her a much bigger task tomorrow, we’re off to San Diego for three days, I’ve no idea why except that I heard it has beaches and is close to Mexico.
Must just give David and Martin a quick namecheck. Nice couple who cheered up our last day on Rarotonga. Had a lovely time with them talking jazz, Deptford, Mardi Gras in Sydney, mortgages (or lack of), duty free consumption and the possibility of gay action in Avarua. Yep, composite ‘Grace’ is back.
Love this travelling lark - from an island that takes the bus 45mins to get all the way round, to a city that could take that to cross the road! Fab!
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David and Martin
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Gay action in Avarua - Wot?
'Ello from Melbourne - back a couple of days after another heavenly week in Paradise. Not much news from the Inn. We had dinner at the staircase with the lovely Pam and saw a fantastic Island Dance Group. The usual one day on, one day off (drinking) - it was somewhat tiring being the local entertainment - a couple more 5 am finishes. Anyway - fantastic to meet you both - maybe catch up in Blighty Xmas? luv D+M