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Published: March 16th 2012
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We are on our way. After months of organising, dreaming and considering logistics Wednesday March 14 has rolled round. It all felt quite surreal with the sudden realisation that we were going to board Qantas Flight 25 for Los Angeles – our first port of call. We spent the morning doing final packing, unpacking, packing and cleaning and then set off for the airport. I am amazed that all of the items that we wanted to take actually fitted in the two suitcases – in fact we were bang on 26kg each, which caused some mirth and relief; visions of being asked to repack at the terminal did not eventuate.
I foresee this journal as a chance for me to keep a record of where we go, attempt to keep some kind of routine to my life and hopefully a chance of keeping some of our family and friends up-to-date of where we are in the world. Although on that basis nobody is expected to read it and there certainly will not be a reading and slides wine and cheeses night on our return. It should allow me to remember things that we did early on in the
trip when we are still travelling in November – I hope it eradicates my replies of “we did what…when?”
After a farewell drink with my family (we all held it together) we went through customs to the Qantas lounge for a champagne – in the best traditions of the champagne houses of France I accompanied it with some great mini mince pies and tomato sauce. They were very good! The plane was a shiny new (or just newly cleaned) A330 that plies the LAX – AKL route. A route that in approximately 6 weeks will be no more as Qantas forgoes it to prop up other areas of the business. The Qantas CEO has had the unenviable task of telling staff, the Australian public, unions and shareholders that if Qantas does not change it will not survive. Australia without the flying Kangaroo would be hard to imagine – but the airline industry is littered with fallen airlines. In fact our European side trips for later in the year have been changed due to the recent demise of the well-known Malev Airlines. We now fly Budapest to London and then London to Prague all in one day.
People had
looked at us a bit funny when we told them that we were flying Qantas – in fact two said they would not do. In my opinion Qantas were great. I had worried that our trip could get off to the worst possible start by finding out that Qantas had also culled the PJs in Business. In fact I held this thought until they turned up ten minutes after boarding. Narelle’s face as they were handed out showed how much they meant to her – 24 hours later and she is back in them! It is quite amusing to watch the stream of people at 37000 feet heading to the bathrooms to change into the PJs; I did not succumb to the offer. However, I did manage to try most of the menu (lamb) and the wine list, which allowed me to get some sleep on the plane.
We were into LAX at 0600 but did not disembark until 0630 as that is when Customs begin their day. We then got through security quicker than any of my other times at LAX and found a taxi to get us to the Shangri-la Hotel in Santa Monica. We always knew
that we would be far too early for check in so wandered the Pier and through the streets – it was Market Day in the middle of town. Hence it was packed with stall holders and locals getting their fix of vegetables and other produce. Last Saturday Dad and I made the Otara Markets in Auckland at 0715 – I felt the vegies and produce looked just as good and everyone was just as friendly.
We have already seen about 4 movies being shot. What an industry! There must have been 150 people in all manner of work ensuring that the “take” was good. We watched the 90210 cast strut their stuff – I knew no one. Narelle knew no one. Two of the locals made the effort to explain what was happening and that this happened “all the time” and that they were a bit over it! For two people fresh off the plane it was quite interesting but I would have to say the acting left something to be desired. Anyone who can remember my only venture on the stage with only one line and a blank mind may feel that I am not one to judge.
The rest of the day had that feel of impending jet lag with the eyes getting heavier and bed looking more and more welcoming. However, we managed a long walk along the beaches – I was constantly amazed at the efforts others were putting into their activities; beach volleyball, climbing, weights, ropes, skating, windsurfing, skate surfing, kite surfing. This meant we ran back to feel more like the locals – travel insurance has officially kicked in!
The Shangri La is our hotel. It is situated right above the beach and just across from the Pier. It is an old art deco building. We ended the Wednesday that felt it would never end high up in its roof bar for dinner – quite a stunning vista of the local area. I look forward to being back there for Happy Hour today.
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