So to get to New Zealand, the most direct and best tipping off point from the USA is Los Angeles, CA. I flew from Buffalo to Los Angeles early Wednesday morning – good thing too. I had a layover in Chicago Midway, and soon after I arrived there, many flights were being diverted away to other airports due to fog. So it was worth getting up at 2:00 AM to catch the earliest flight! And our flight to Los Angeles was on time and the plane was at the hanger. Side note to Dave Miller – check out my lunch place in Chicago Midway airport:
Arrived in LA at 11:30 am. Luggage did too. So what to do in LA for at least 6 hours as there was nothing I could do with my luggage, and I can’t check it into Air New Zealand until 5:30 pm?? Rent a car – why not? I’d be cheaper than a hotel room and easier having not to drag around my suitcase. It’s a Wednesday, no holiday, how bad could it be? Busier than you could imagine. And since I booked through Hotwire, I could not claim my Hertz AAA gold status, so in the line queue I go. I was out of there fairly quickly compared to most of those around me complaining about anything and everything. Seriously people – quit bitching! Maybe it was because I was not on a tight schedule, but from Buffalo to Los Angeles, all anyone did around me was complain due to waiting, a line, someone else getting ahead of them, etc. etc.
So in my Nissan Quest mini-van, the only vehicle they had that was ready – per Randy M, my e-guide who on the video monitor was in Florida, but had a hilarious backdrop of the Canadian Rockies – all the video guides did on all the kiosks – that was just weird. They should at least mix them up a little! OK – back to the 2016 mini-van. Now those of you know I have a 2006 Subaru Baja with an actual key you have to turn to start. Yes, I know how the newer cars start, but I hardly ever do!! So I almost coast through the fence in front of me rather than back up. Well the car was “ON” but not running. Whatever. A nice man assisted me and off I go.
Santa Monica was only 7 miles, and traffic was not bad – either way. Parking wasn’t bad either. The Pier reminded me of New Jersey’s boardwalks, but much smaller. Rides, wooden boards, gift shops, and a great little burger joint called Pete’s where you dine with the pigeons sitting on your table. A little scary ‘Birds’ movie like, but they persisted, and I ate fast.
Headed down the pier, sun, wind, and the Pacific Ocean – what more could be a better way to spend a few hours? So I did.
Hotel California – link to guy playing Eagles on the Pier
PJSBackPack 