Friday 19th September 2008

[18:54 PDT]

We've reached Hollywood on our trip.

Thankfully, this was the last of the long drives we have had to make. Just the short hop to Anaheim is left (plus the drive to the airport next week).

The drive today was split into a couple of stages.

We left the Kon Tiki at around 10am this morning and almost immediately stopped for a hour at the Prime Outlets in Pismo Beach. From there we did the major part of the drive down the US101 highway towards Los Angeles.

We stopped off earlier, however, at the Camarillo Outlet mall to do some shopping.

Once back on our way, we began to hit traffic which followed us almost all the way to the hotel. The last mile was perhaps the worst as world+wife seemed to be going into Hollywood for some concert at the Hollywood Bowl which was right on our route to the hotel.

Finally checked in around 17:45. It was quite a mess as we arrived. The valet just gave me a piece of paper and as far as I know the car is still sitting outside the front door of the hotel. Some guy helped with all the luggage then disappeared (without a tip I might add) and we were left in the lobby (hot and tired after a 3 hour drive) surrounded by loads of people all dressed to the nines ready for their evening out at this concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Awkward !

Still, the hotel receptionist made us feel welcome and I'm now sitting at my PC desk on the 15th floor, overlooking the Hollywood hills (complete with the sign). The traffic below is still as mad as when we first arrived so wherever we're going to go tonight, it'll be on foot!

[21:53 PDT]

Back from a walk around outside and I've got to say I'm not impressed with the local area - too many dodgy looking people just standing around looking like they're just waiting to be given an excuse to kick off. Hmm, hopefully it'll be better in the daytime when we have a chance to get our bearings.

Tomorrow's going to be a visit to Universal Studios. It's on the Metro line (next stop up from us) so we won't bother getting the car out just yet...