Los Angeles #1

So it’s here, my first flight to the US, and right into the famous LA! Finally, I’m going to step on the so-called continent of the new world, freedom and democracy, and visit the city of fulfilled dreams. I’m going to see all those places that are well known from TV series and movies…

From shiny Hollywood, I’m away just 16 hours of flight across the North Pole. On board the aircraft, however, nothing indicates that we are flying to Los Angeles. All our passengers are not just tanned but obviously come from India. But no wonder. Indians are everywhere in the world, especially on a big American continent and through Abu Dhabi they have the best connection. Even though we took off early in the morning, around the midday (local time) we are already in California. Thanks to the time difference we saved almost all day. At least I don’t have to regret a few hours I desperately need for sleeping. Later we all meet in the hotel lobby. Our Cabin Manager (by the way, Indian) suggests to rent a car and go for a trip to Las Vegas. Most crew members aren’t in L.A. for the first time, so they enthusiastically agree. It sounds tempting, but something tells me that my first visit to California should be more about Los Angeles and Hollywood itself. But first the dinner. As my companion is a strict vegetarian, we end up (funny) in the Indian restaurant around the corner. 🙂 No matter, tomorrow I have all day to explore true American America!

 

On the second day, most of my colleagues are probably recovering from the first night in Las Vegas, while the other two colleagues are going to Disneyland, which is just around the corner of the hotel. We are staying in the Anaheim area, unfortunately far from the center of the shinny L.A. What to do if you are in America alone without a car or even driving license? The only option left is to join the other tourists and book a “bus tour”, an organized trip. (I booked a trip through the Viator app.) I’m usually not a great fan of these kind of tours, I prefer to wander on my own, but this time I have no choice. And finally I really don’t regret it. The funny driver takes us through all the well-known places. And for every place he has some funny or interesting story to share. We’re passing great movie studios, then Rodeo Drive, a shopping district with the most expensive stores where Julia Roberts was refused in the movie Pretty Woman, and also we are going through Beverly Hills, where Brenda and Dylan come from. In fact, rich families of lawyers and doctors use to live in this area. Film screen celebrities are rather hiding in their villas high up in the hills. However, just a short walk from the Walk of Fame, there is a street with a famous Italian restaurant, which you can just zoom in and behind the dark sunglasses and under the caps that are deeply set to forehead, surely you will know a few well-known faces. Coffee costs about half of your salary, but if you succeed to hook Matt Damon, it’s not such a bad investment, right? 🙂 Our driver and guide in one eventually leaves us on the Walk of Fame and gives us three hours to map all the stars. Just like movie stars, pavement stars are also some polished and gleaming, others fit in dust. I can not find the star of my favorite Leonardo Dicaprio, and Matt Damon’s stars is marked by pigeon shit. But I have found the Robert Downey Junior’s fingertips and footprints and I’ll tell you, he’s got a big foot! What does it mean? 🙂

I always wanted to visit the Wax Museum and Hollywood come to me as the most suitable place. Right here I find out that Leo is quite tall, but Penelope Cruz is incredibly short. Later, in a souvenir shop, I buy an replica of Oscar award for the best boyfriend and run back to our bus. Our next stop is Santa Monica. The driver takes us to a pedestrian zone full of fashionable boutiques with typical bohemian Californian outfits. Nice walk leads to the beach and to the pier, which I know well from several movies and TV series. And then the beach! Just like from the Baywatch series I used to love as a teenager! The same watch, the same red shorts and the same red floater. Mitch Buchannon does exist!!! In Santa Monica, unfortunately, our trip ends. In front of me just the way back to the hotel. But I am looking forward to seeing the landscape through the window, after all it is a real dream factory…