Dreadlock Holiday

[Noel Mugavin]

With pressure to clear my long service, decision had to be made on what I was going to do with the 15 weeks I had up my sleeve. Unfortunately, my head in the sand approach had left me just 4 months to use up the time, or have it paid out. In the end I had 10 weeks paid out, and decided to take the last 5 weeks of the year off.
Next decision, where to go. Had a look at South Korea, somewhere I want to go to, maybe as a side trip from Japan though, Sailing along the Croatia coast - outside of the sailing season. South America, bit apprehensive traveling solo, also would like to do a lot more research than time permitted; turned my attention back to the US, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, see some sport, bit ho hum though as was only there last year. Carribean, cost prohibitive, lot of time traveling, however somewhere would love to go to, see the places the Aussies regularly got their backsides handed to the by the West Indies teams of the 80's and early 90's.
How was I going to do it? Then it hit me. Cruise. Not my ideal method of travel, bit I guess like a lot of things, don't knock it till you try it.
Quick look at the first cruise line that came up on google, and one itinary stood out - 12 days, 6 ports, leaving 21st November from Port Everglades. Look at flights, sport events in LA and Miami, and soon enough flights, hotel, and cruise is booked.
Bonus before I left, couple of days prior to departure, phone message advising my upgrade request to business for the Melb - LA leg had been successful.

 

[love_the_life]

So this will be an interesting holiday read - sounds like a bit of Caribbean cruising there.

 

[Major]

It's good to be different...enjoy

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1

Booked on the Red eye to Melbourne, window seat, hoping to get some sleep. I don't sleep on planes, few minutes here and there, so it was wishful thinking, however with a spare seat next to me gave me a little more room to try and get in to a comfortable position, Wouldn't you know it, for the first time ever, managed to sleep for the majority of the flight, did wake up 3 or 4 times though.
5 hours or so in the lounge, had a shower, picked at the food, and soon enough time to board.


Seat 20 K, and for those that are concerned about such things, the side bin for that seat is unable to be used. 2 other bins either side of it though, have to move a little to get access to them.



Amenity kits and pyjamas handed out, many people throughout the flight put the pyjamas on. Not for me though, changing clothes in a cramped, urine splatted toilet doesn't really appeal that much to me.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1 - Cont

After about an hour and a half or so, food service started.
A less than inspiring salad

Quite tasty meze plate



Crumbed pork chop, was quite nice



Was a chocolate Fondant on the menu, however none made it to row 20, so went the ice cream



Settles in to watch some movies, drifted in and out of sleep through a couple of them, no substantial time sleeping though, unlike the majority of the cabin that looked to be out to it. Flight attendants hardly sighted, and not much on offer at the snack bar.

Breakfast came around, pastry was nice, would have liked a bit more chocolate in the middle, fruit was good, eggs okay, the rest gave it a miss.



Bit of a wait through immigration as a few planes had landed around the same time, but soon enough was out and in to the shuttle to ,my hotel in Little Armenia.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1 - cont
Took a while to get to the hotel, surprised by the amount of oil derricks in the Baldwin Hills area, further reading since, lots of them all over the city. Dropped the bags off at the Hollywood City Inn, told room would be ready at about 1.30.
Quick walk to the Western/Hollywood station to get my 7 day Tap card, then hit the road for a bit of walking.
Plan was to walk to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, then walk Sunset up to the Whisky A Go Go.
Sunset east of Vine is decidedly dodgy. Lot of down and outers, so did walk with a bit of urgency. Headed down to the Forever cemetery, however the road I came to had traffic lights to cross about 100 meters either way, and wasn't really that motivated to visit, so turned around and back up to Sunset I went.
Eventually got to Hollywood High after walking for quite a while, and came to the conclusion that my ambition didn't match my ability to walk the journey to the Whisky, so jumped on the next bus that came by.
Short 10 minute ride and I was at the Whisky.


Reason for getting to the Whisky, and the adjacent ex London Fog, was to visit a couple of Jim Morrison haunts. Was an ambition of mine as a much younger man, and the fortunate thing was they were all quite close together, and on of the buildings was right next door to a Shake Shack.

Had to get to Santa Monica Blvd, and fortunately they merge quite close together around this region. Down La Cienega Blvd, and photo opportunity of Morrison's favourite dive motel. All the other members of the band were buying real estate and setting themselves up for life, Morrison was virtually living here.


Around the corner to the Doors rehearsal rooms, and also the building where the album LA Woman was recorded.


Right next door to here was the Shake Shack, however wasn't all that hungry, so walked back up the La Cienega hill, not a great idea. up to Sunset and back on the bus back to my bus starting point.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1 - cont
Walked along Hollywood Blvd for a while, and was getting a bit hungry by now and knew there was a Shake Shack somewhere near Vine Street.
Had only previously seen the Capitol Records building from the freeway and had never clicked with me that it was actually so close to Hollywood Blvd.


Section from Highland Centre to Vine Street is really not that appealing, but well worth the walk to feed my face with the Smoke Shack burger.


Back to the hotel at about 2 o'clock, checked in, showered and had a couple of hours sleep. Not in the greatest area, however the room was immaculately clean and had a clock radio that had an alarm that was incredibly easy to set. One thing that didn't give a great peace of mind was no in room safe.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1 - cont

Feeling a bit more refreshed after the sleep, headed to the Red Line and into the city proper. Walked down to the Staples Centre for the game Clippers v Grizzlies.



Was there very early, had a wander around, an overpriced hot dog, and made my way to my seat and able to watch both teams, and some of the cheerleaders warm up.



Pre game was certainly something else, and soon enough the game began.



During the first half sleep deprivation hit me and I was in danger of nodding off, so much so that half time came around and I decided that was enough for me. Headed back to the subway station and then to the hotel, and time for a decent sleep.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 2
On the subway and the quick ride to Universal Studios. Was here just last year and wanted to come again to see the Harry Potter part of the park, not that i'm in any way interested in Harry Potter, more so interested in something new.
Off the train and at the bottom of the hill, signage for a shuttle, however I decided not to wait and to walk. Advice for anyone visiting, wait for the shuttle.
Slogged up the hill, over an overpass and then spat out to the top carpark which had decreased considerably in size since my September 2015 visit.
The reason for the carpark shrinkage - security booths



They were set far enough away that you could still get a decent shot of the entrance.



Had an early 9.00am entrance, only part of the park that would be opened would be the Harry Potter area. Was in at about 8.45 for a little wait, but at 9.oo ropes were dropped and the small crowd went in to the HP section.



No wait for the Harry Potter ride, free lockers for your valuables, which you need as you get tossed up, down, sideways on the ride. Enjoyed the ride for the first part, but by the end was happy it finished, was getting a bit motion sick.


Went to the second ride, Flight of the Hippogriff? Very underwhelming and short, so mush so the people running the rides were telling everyone they could stay on and go again. No one took up the offer.
Then went to a very, very short line for something to do with wands. A 30ish bloke, complete with robe and wand, jumped in the line behind me and was very excited about the line being so short. Asked him a simple question re what was this attraction about. Received a spiel about wands, and how he was hoping to be picked as the wand waver. Asked him how long it went for, he said about half an hour. Grown men in robes and wands, half an hour, not for me. Out I wen to wait for the rest of the park to open. Did come back later to grab a butter beer though

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 2 - cont
Had about a 20 minute wait before the rest of the park opened, and as soon as that happened meandered my way down to the Backlot Tour waiting area. The tour is still the highlight of Universal in my opinion, and after a short wait was on the second tram of the day, and off we set.



Tram got stuck at the entrance to the King Kong attraction, we were there for a good 10 minutes. Able to hook back around, and on the second go we were successful.



Prior visit the Flood attraction was under repair, not so this time. Tram didn't go through the city streets on this tour as filming was being done.
Amity appeared. and on my third visit, I finally was able to take a decent picture of the shark.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 2 - cont

The trolley continued on, and continued to stop start, as it had to stop every time one of the group of chinese travelers stood up to take a photo or get a better look. The fella doing the commentary was getting very frustrated with giving the same message every couple of minutes, as was myself and the people around me.
Went past the Bates Motel, with Norman pacing on the verandah



After the tour was over went to the Simpsons ride, then down to the lower lot and on to the Transformers



Time on the lower lot was short as there were no lines, The Mummy was closed for refurbishment, and I didn't go on Jurassic Park, as it was only low 20's and didn't want to walk around with wet clothes, and more importantly wet shoes and socks.

Time for lunch, fried chicken at Cletus' Chicken Shack sounded good, and tasted a lot better than it looked.



Might pay for my choice a little later down the track though.



Went to the Shrek feature, then grabbed my Butter Beer, and finally to the Walking Dead attraction, which was different but a bit of fun.



It was early afternoon, but i'd run my race. Visit to City Walk where I picked up a couple of sporting team hats, before heading back to the hotel for a bit of a rest. Hit up a Ralph's supermarket a block up from the hotel, picked up some Milano biscuits, please someone import them here, as well as my favourite Southern California microwave food - Chimichungas

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 2 - cont

Dinner at The Pantry, an LA institution apparently, then back to Staples Center for an ice hockey game - Kings v Oilers, and a chance to see the heir apparent to Wayne Grezky, Connor McDavid.





Fast paced game with all the build up and razza mattaz of the basketball. Surprised that although the game was fast paced, there were a lot of stoppages throughout the game. Over 2 hour and a half hours for 3 20 minute periods.



Only 1 decent fight throughout the night, Kings won 4 - 2, McDavid didn't score, and then an uneventful subway ride to the hotel.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3
Headed down to Santa Monica Pier vie the Expo Line. Quite a few level crossings, surprising given it is a new line, and also made for a slow journey as it also stops at traffic signals.
Arrived at Santa Monica, a beautiful Southern Californian day, less chaotic than my visit on a public holiday last year, and all the construction and road works had been completed.





Strolled and relaxed on the pier, then walked down to Venice Beach

 

[moa999]

Quite a few level crossings, surprising given it is a new line, and also made for a slow journey as it also stops at traffic signals.

New line but arguably more akin to light rail which is generally built at grade.

Also pretty much follows the path of s line that closed in the 1950s and was never used as a freeway or sold off

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3
More shots from Venice

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3 - (cont)

Turned around and started to walk back to Santa Monica to get the Expo line back. Starting to heat up and the legs were tiring so headed a couple of streets in to get a bus back. TAP card not able to be used on these buses, as I found out when it wouldn't tap on, had no change, however the lady driving the bus told me not to worry about it and just get on.

Took the train to La Cienega and Jefferson, then on to the 17 bus to Wilshire and off to the La Brea Tar Pits.
City from the station on Jefferson


Friday afternoon, and a lot of school groups.







There's a few interesting displays and a bit of information in the grounds, didn't go in to the museum, too many kids and too crowded for my liking.

Headed back on to the 17 bus which would get me back to Hollywood and Vine, and another hot of Shake Shack. Before I got to there however, a lady got off the bus, took a bit of time as the ramp had to go down. In that time 2 disheveled looking individuals stepped on the bus through the back door, asking for, and lamenting the fact that they couldn't get their hands on any cocaine. They started to get a bit aggressive to some bloke down the back, he quickly got up and left, and me on my own shrunk a bit in to my seat and hoped they didn't turn their attention to me. Bus started moving again, and I had thoughts of getting off at the next stop, however than like straight out of a sitcom, sassy African American grandma started giving it to them about sorting their lives out and stupid they were for doing drugs. They obviously had enough of it as they were off the bus next stop. Made it to Shake Shack, another Smoke Shack, then back to the hotel bit of a rest before another night at the basketball.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3 - cont

Continuing my search for Doors related sites, discovered that the Morrison Hotel where the album cover of the same names was only 2 blocks from the Staples Centre. So again on to the subway, off at Pico Station and a short 1 block walk to the now abandoned building, to be greeted with ......



A huge truck blocking the money shot, the window on the far left of the building. Back when the album cover was done in the mid to late 60's the hotel was a dive, 40 years on it is now vacant. Would think it wouldn't be standing too much longer with the development that has taken place around it.

Walked back towards Staples, quite a few people around no doubt due to the motor show taking place next door at the Convention Centre



Wandered up to Staples.
Statue of Magic



Kareem



The both of them

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3 - cont

Still a couple of hours before tip off, so paid a visit to the Grammy Museum located on the LA Live site. Couldn't see any signs saying not to take photos, so happily snapped away. Wasn't until I came back home to Perth and looked at the entrance ticket that clearly said no photography that I realized why no one else was taking photos.





Well worth a visit, plenty of interactive things to do, able to while away an hour and a half or so.
Feature artists were The Ramones, exhibition that took up 1 floor of the the three floor museum.



Would have loved to be there for this one.



This would have been a good one as well.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3 - cont

After the Grammy Museum still a little bit of time before the start of the Lakers game, so went for a bit of a wander around the LA Live area. Approaching a corner heard a bit of a commotion, and on turning the corner came across the Spurs team bus, with Pau Gasol signing autographs. He was there for a good 3 or 4 minutes before an official came off the bus and told him it was time to go.



Off to Staples Center, transformed into the Lakers home court tonight




Wandered around inside for a while before going to my seat, which ended up being a ripper, front row of the upper deck, end seat, 2 seatmates next to me only stayed for about 5 minutes of the night.
Few shots of both teams warming up, had to get one of the Aussie. Very good footballer in his junior days, but pretty sure he made the right choice to stick with basketball.



To the pre game and the Lakers were on another level to the 2 previous nights, no photos will do it justice



Game ended up going down to the last minute, until the Spurs steadied and came away with the win.



Walked back up to the Red Line station, and as a solo traveler, particularly at night, and in subway stations, its always my aim to keep a low profile and not to give away that I'm a non local a long way from home. So on the platform was a drunk middle aged white guy walking around introducing himself to people, shaking their hands and asking their names. Run of the mill harmless, loud, obnoxious drunk. I managed to get by him without any contact and sat a fair distance away. Of course, the train was running behind time, and the drunk eventually got to me, extended his hand, introduced himself and asked my name. Wasn't going to shake his hand, who knew where that been. so gave him a fist pump, and as quietly and as disinterested as possible 'Tom'. Give it to him, he was drunk, but was well aware, immediately giving the 'Oh, you're an Aussie'.
Told him 'yeah', and hoping he would shut up and move away. Nope, he sat down and started talking about his son who worked in Queensland they year prior. Okay, he had settled down, wasn't being loud, and most people on the platform had lost interest in him. Then, just like a puppy, he lost interest in talking to me when he spotted another bloke walking on the other side of the platform, and proceeded to yell out 'Hey man, come over and meet Tom, he's from Australia'.
Great just what I needed. The bloke waved him away, and my drunk buddy got up and wandered off to annoy other people, and making me more uncomfortable by telling all within ear shot, 'go and meet Tom, he's all the way from Australia'.
Tried as much as possible to lose myself in the crowd, and make myself as inconspicuous as possible on the train. All ended well , got off the subway and in to my hotel room with no one trying to roll me.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 4
Packed and luggage stored at the hotel, had a day to while away before my late night flight to Miami. Another beautiful California day, and started with a walk up to the Griffith Observatory.



Was a bit of a climb, struck up a conversation with a bloke walking his merle border collie, bit of a reminder of what my cheeky girl would destroying back home.



Nearly there



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