Wot! Still the 12th??!!... Four hours in LA and the world's your oyster; The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free...

We were met at LAX by Doug (What do you call a man holding a shovel?) in his massive Ford ute (he calls it a truck, and to be truthful, that's probably a more realistic description.) Here we said goodbye to James who is going to solo it up to San Francisco for a week of partying before heading East for Kentucky. Lidy and Russell said their goodbye's and set off with Doug to the nearby parking station.

Doug was going to deliver us to LA's Union Station so we could catch the train to San Diego. We threw our bags into the back of his truck and jumped in.

We travelled the huge freeways toward LA proper and tried to catch a glimpse of the city through the ever-present smog.


Doug made a point of showing us the towering city detention centre and two city gaols (or jails) that stand proudly in the centre of LA.

Just over the road from the detention centre is a city landmark: Phillipe The Original French Dipped Sandwiches:

Here is where the movie makers of LA luncheon. Doug works as a movie producer and this is his favourite restaurant. We parked the truck and went inside.

The interior is decked out just like a 1930's diner, complete with a set of old-style phone booths - with working phones!


Russell ordered the double-triple turkey sandwich - double dipped with sides of coleslaw, potatoe salad and a beer.

YUMMMMMMM! Of course, those of you who have been to America and those of you who live in America will know that in this country the word "sandwich" is actually used to describe what everyone else in the world knows is a bread roll.

Meanwhile, Lidy thought she had ordered a beef sandwich double dipped. When the order was delivered it turned out to be: 1) a beef sandwich with double beef, double dipped; 2) a bowl of stew; 3) a plate of coleslaw; 4) a plate of potatoe salad and; 5) a pickled egg...??? What tha...

"Gee" said the waitress, "You people sure talk funny."

Something was lost in the translation.

We left the fabulous Phillipe and got back into the truck. It was time to make our connection with the San Diego train. Russell went over to the truck and climbed in...

Whoops... Wrong door. Make a note to self: The Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road!

Then off we drove to Union Station.

Where we had to buy our tickets to San Diego from a vending machine. Initially, Russell had some small problem with the machine.

but that was quickly sorted out with a few "technical taps" and the ticket was issued.

Tickets in hand, we walked toward the platform.

Suddenly, Doug shot off to the side. He had found a buddy of his who also works in Hollywood. "Hey buddy, what are you doing here?" "We're shooting some scenes up near the platforms." Doug turned to Lidy and Russell: "Do you want to be in the movies?" "Yes!!!! Pleeeeease!!!" they answered.

After saying goodbye to Doug's buddy, we followed Doug along the walkway toward the platforms. Sure enough, there were literally hundreds of movie people milling around some actors with lights, cameras, sound equipment and miles of cable twisting all over the ground. We passed a "Release" sign and entered into the reality that was Hollywood.

Just then, the Director yelled: "ACTION!" We were on the set as accidental extras!!! Yahoo!!!!

All too soon, our wonderful, modern, AmTrak train arrived and it was time to say a heartfelt "Cheerio..." to Doug and LA, at least for now.


Watch out San Diego: We may be jet-lagged, but we're prepared to party with the best you've got!!! BRING IT ON...