Los Angeles

So Los Angeles – a conglomeration of a city really. Eighty by forty(?) miles and hard to get at but….We took a trip to Long Beach which bussed us there and picked us up later that day. There are a few free busses operating around the area and we made use of those to see the Queen Mary and the submarine beside it (from the bus) and all the other sights (from the bus). We didn’t want to get off but sussed the place out and decided not to go back to anywhere. Back to where we started we took another free bus to WALMART!!!! What mind boggling prices. So many things at such low prices I suffered from overload and only bought three tops. Well in total three tops, a bottle of cough med for Hop, some lozenges, a large bottle of ginger ale, a bag of peppermints, all for the huge sum of $26.!! You can get a consultation at the Walmart Pharmacy but all they could do was tell us what not to get because of his other medications so I spent half an hour reading bottles. Seemed the one we settled on was OK but by now he had full blown bronchitis and needed a small fortune spent on ship medications and treatments – all in hand now thank God. I had a lovely chicken salad at a pseudo Indian restaurant. Hop didn’t fare so well but mine was delish. Quite a change from the usual when Hoppy manages to choose the yummier meals. Still he wasn’t himself. Actually was off his food so you’ll realise just how sick he’s been. We got back to the pickup point and had a wander around a very busy waterfront area. There was a Jazz festival on with long queues, as at the Aquarium. It’s school holidays here for over two months so kids in all directions. Saw some beautiful black people and families. All so well groomed and looking gorgeous. They’re very statuesque and if you like full figured women…..Could go back to Long Beach. I really didn’t want to go.

The ship had berthed in San Pedro and there seemed plenty there to occupy us but not to worry. Beside the ship was an old warship – the Iowa. The Port lecturer had called it “beautiful” but beautiful it was not. Apart from being a war ship it was fairly patchy looking but those that went aboard enjoyed it. We’ve been to LA,  San Fran and San Diego and the harbour tours in each went past multiple warships, all the US pride and joy – can’t see it myself. Egypt a current example of the US world police policy. The US citizens I’ve talked to hate the government’s attitude and the fact that so much of their taxes are spent on such conflicts, especially given that their health care is apparently appalling, unless you’re very wealthy of course.  It seems they move in, loose young lives, millions of dollars, then pull out leaving a shambles behind. Sad. The original thought of having a swim was not an option. It wasn’t that warm although the afternoon warmed to about 23C. There was also a glass bottomed boat and other water things at San Pedro but…….. Another time.

If I sounded less than enthusiastic at the beginning I was. Eventually I apologised to the Hopster. He was actually very sick that day. Hoppy’s currently having his second session for the day on the nebuliser. He’s much improved. When he’s finished each time, I have the opportunity to whack him severely on the back – under doctor’s orders of course!!

Well Hilo, Hawai’i tomorrow. We have a full day tour booked. We’ve been there before and not quite up to the more energetic options, a bus trip, lovely gardens and a macadamia nut farm with lunch included is the choice. Apparently my kind of shopping is better here than in Honolulu but we may run out of time. I’ve sorted out a bag of redundant clothes to give away in Fiji – what did I pack!! I’ll be well practised for San Diego in October Lynda.

Well ciao for now my lovelies. Take care and God bless.