No one inspired my clothes and hair more during the early part of the decade.
RIP.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Michael Jackson
Wow.
Not the first thing I expected to hear this morning.
We saw his house on the celebrity tour in LA and his bodyguards were really friendly.
I had no interest in him as a person but always respected his music.
RIP.
Not the first thing I expected to hear this morning.
We saw his house on the celebrity tour in LA and his bodyguards were really friendly.
I had no interest in him as a person but always respected his music.
RIP.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Hotel Stillwell
Hotel Stillwell
838 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
****
I just completed an 11 night stay at the Stillwell with my best friend. The room was clean which was the most important thing for me. We had 2 double beds plus TV with cable, a fridge, a desk, and night stand. The shower was super powerful and there was enough closet space for the two of us. Brand new secure locks on all the doors and the transients clear out early in the day. I still adore the location and price.
There were slight little things like the last time I stayed there was almost like a mosquito screen across the window. There wasn't this time and something bit me after we left the window open. However, without the screen we were able to hang out of our 10th floor window for some great photos. If you looked closely, there was a stain on the wall and the chair looked like a puppy had teethed on the legs. Nothing major, though; just little cosmetic things. Oh, and there was the weird guys who would sit in reception all day and then stare at our asses as we walked by. Classy.
There's only one thing stopping this from being a five star review. On day 9, my friend confessed she had been killing roaches in the bathroom for about 3 days (she hadn't told me as when we'd been at Disneyland, a ladybug had landed on my hand and I'd screamed like a *****). I was fully aware there would be roaches and I'm actually fine with this. We went down to the front desk to get some bug spray so I could defend myself but when we told the guy on the front desk, his response was "what do you want me to do about it?" I would have liked it if he had at least feigned surprise at the roach infestation but of course he was fully aware of the problem and a bad actor... His friend then came over to the front desk and started going on about "this is why Brits shouldn't be allowed off the island". They both told me that roaches were clean and I should be happy they were there (ugh). The front desk guy then had the nerve to ask my friend for a cigarette! I was so angry. He said he would go and have a look for some Windex after his cigarette and give me a call. I'm still waiting... His attitude really sucked. He did actually apologise to my friend on our last night at the hotel and said he had to look big in front of his "homies" (I actually don't know what that means but I don't think it justifies such disrespectful behaviour).
Not sure if his apology was before or after he put his tongue down my friend's throat, though...
838 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
****
I just completed an 11 night stay at the Stillwell with my best friend. The room was clean which was the most important thing for me. We had 2 double beds plus TV with cable, a fridge, a desk, and night stand. The shower was super powerful and there was enough closet space for the two of us. Brand new secure locks on all the doors and the transients clear out early in the day. I still adore the location and price.
There were slight little things like the last time I stayed there was almost like a mosquito screen across the window. There wasn't this time and something bit me after we left the window open. However, without the screen we were able to hang out of our 10th floor window for some great photos. If you looked closely, there was a stain on the wall and the chair looked like a puppy had teethed on the legs. Nothing major, though; just little cosmetic things. Oh, and there was the weird guys who would sit in reception all day and then stare at our asses as we walked by. Classy.
There's only one thing stopping this from being a five star review. On day 9, my friend confessed she had been killing roaches in the bathroom for about 3 days (she hadn't told me as when we'd been at Disneyland, a ladybug had landed on my hand and I'd screamed like a *****). I was fully aware there would be roaches and I'm actually fine with this. We went down to the front desk to get some bug spray so I could defend myself but when we told the guy on the front desk, his response was "what do you want me to do about it?" I would have liked it if he had at least feigned surprise at the roach infestation but of course he was fully aware of the problem and a bad actor... His friend then came over to the front desk and started going on about "this is why Brits shouldn't be allowed off the island". They both told me that roaches were clean and I should be happy they were there (ugh). The front desk guy then had the nerve to ask my friend for a cigarette! I was so angry. He said he would go and have a look for some Windex after his cigarette and give me a call. I'm still waiting... His attitude really sucked. He did actually apologise to my friend on our last night at the hotel and said he had to look big in front of his "homies" (I actually don't know what that means but I don't think it justifies such disrespectful behaviour).
Not sure if his apology was before or after he put his tongue down my friend's throat, though...
Mother Road
Mother Road
836 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
*
I tried several times to eat at this place during my stay in Los Angeles but the attitudes of the staff really put me off. I was staying at the Stillwell Hotel and every single time I walked past, the girls who worked there would stand at the window and stare at me with what can only be described as disgust. I had them pointing at me and they would call their friends over to stare too. OK, I have one or two (or 18) tattoos but that really shouldn't be an issue. I was dressed well and it's not like I slept with any of their boyfriends or anything... I was there with my Indian friend and she found them very intimidating too when they would point at her and whisper to each other. I decided to not give money to a restaurant that would hire such rude people.
836 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
*
I tried several times to eat at this place during my stay in Los Angeles but the attitudes of the staff really put me off. I was staying at the Stillwell Hotel and every single time I walked past, the girls who worked there would stand at the window and stare at me with what can only be described as disgust. I had them pointing at me and they would call their friends over to stare too. OK, I have one or two (or 18) tattoos but that really shouldn't be an issue. I was dressed well and it's not like I slept with any of their boyfriends or anything... I was there with my Indian friend and she found them very intimidating too when they would point at her and whisper to each other. I decided to not give money to a restaurant that would hire such rude people.
Shojin
Shojin
333 S Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
*
I'd love to write a glowing review of Shojin as I've wanted to go here forever.
We didn't even get to eat, though.
My friend and I had walked to the restaurant from 8th/Grand in high heels as I am really bad at judging distances. We got there at 5:05 pm on a Friday. The sign said they opened at 5 but there was no one there so we sat down for a bit in the mall and then wandered around a few shops. We went back at 5:20 and there were people inside but it still didn't look open. My friend is a devout carnivore so I showed her the menu that was outside on a table and gave her some pointers on what would be good.
Suddenly, a very aggressive man came storming out of Shojin and snapped "We're closed!" I said it was fine and I was just showing my friend the menu so that we could eat there later. He said "Oh. Well we open in 10 minutes". Again, I said it was fine. He then snapped "Well are you going to wait or not?" At this point, I just stared at him as I will not be spoken to like that by anyone. My friend informed him we would be happy to wait and then dragged me away. We went and sat on a bench in the mall again. After 20 minutes of waiting (and me quietly seething), they still had not opened so we walked back to our hotel.
Evidently, they are doing so well that they don't need our custom.
I certainly will never go back.
333 S Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
*
I'd love to write a glowing review of Shojin as I've wanted to go here forever.
We didn't even get to eat, though.
My friend and I had walked to the restaurant from 8th/Grand in high heels as I am really bad at judging distances. We got there at 5:05 pm on a Friday. The sign said they opened at 5 but there was no one there so we sat down for a bit in the mall and then wandered around a few shops. We went back at 5:20 and there were people inside but it still didn't look open. My friend is a devout carnivore so I showed her the menu that was outside on a table and gave her some pointers on what would be good.
Suddenly, a very aggressive man came storming out of Shojin and snapped "We're closed!" I said it was fine and I was just showing my friend the menu so that we could eat there later. He said "Oh. Well we open in 10 minutes". Again, I said it was fine. He then snapped "Well are you going to wait or not?" At this point, I just stared at him as I will not be spoken to like that by anyone. My friend informed him we would be happy to wait and then dragged me away. We went and sat on a bench in the mall again. After 20 minutes of waiting (and me quietly seething), they still had not opened so we walked back to our hotel.
Evidently, they are doing so well that they don't need our custom.
I certainly will never go back.
Real Food Daily
Real Food Daily
514 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
****
This is one of those places I was desperate to go to but once I got there was a bit... meh...
We were seated upstairs right out of the way. The person who seated us said our server would be right with us. After about 5 minutes he wandered over and asked us what we wanted to drink. I had orange juice (I am so adventurous...) and my friend, Kay, had something with raspberry and ginger that was apparently very nice. We got our drinks after about 3 minutes and then he wandered off again... Kay got bored of waiting so went off to the rest room. He then came back over and said he would take our order as soon as Kay got back. I politely but sternly stated that I could order for her.
It took about 20 minutes from first arriving to getting our starter. I'm not used to slow service.
We shared the Better With Cheddar Nachos which were quite the nicest thing I had had in ages. Even my non-vegan friend was impressed.
I then had the Magic Mushroom which was basically a bunch of leaves with half a steamed mushroom. It was boring and the only flavour I could detect was soil. Kay had the Viva Las Pasta. The faux meat balls apparently tasted just like fish. Mmm.
For desert Kay had the strawberry shortcake thing and I had banana cream pie. Two annoyances with this. Kay and I both like to see prices before we buy things. Obviously, they don't have a dessert menu and it would have been crass to ask the price after every item was read off to us. Maybe a board in plain sight would be nice? Also, I had told the server that I was allergic to chocolate/cocoa/carob/etc and needed a dessert that would be free of that kind of thing. My pie came out on a plate dusted with cocoa. Lovely.
We finished off with tea latte for Kay and Teecino latte for me.
Over $100, including tip. It was an interesting experience, though. The main courses were very disappointing so in future I will just have the nachos and cake.
Kay will just stand at the window eating McDonalds...
514 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
****
This is one of those places I was desperate to go to but once I got there was a bit... meh...
We were seated upstairs right out of the way. The person who seated us said our server would be right with us. After about 5 minutes he wandered over and asked us what we wanted to drink. I had orange juice (I am so adventurous...) and my friend, Kay, had something with raspberry and ginger that was apparently very nice. We got our drinks after about 3 minutes and then he wandered off again... Kay got bored of waiting so went off to the rest room. He then came back over and said he would take our order as soon as Kay got back. I politely but sternly stated that I could order for her.
It took about 20 minutes from first arriving to getting our starter. I'm not used to slow service.
We shared the Better With Cheddar Nachos which were quite the nicest thing I had had in ages. Even my non-vegan friend was impressed.
I then had the Magic Mushroom which was basically a bunch of leaves with half a steamed mushroom. It was boring and the only flavour I could detect was soil. Kay had the Viva Las Pasta. The faux meat balls apparently tasted just like fish. Mmm.
For desert Kay had the strawberry shortcake thing and I had banana cream pie. Two annoyances with this. Kay and I both like to see prices before we buy things. Obviously, they don't have a dessert menu and it would have been crass to ask the price after every item was read off to us. Maybe a board in plain sight would be nice? Also, I had told the server that I was allergic to chocolate/cocoa/carob/etc and needed a dessert that would be free of that kind of thing. My pie came out on a plate dusted with cocoa. Lovely.
We finished off with tea latte for Kay and Teecino latte for me.
Over $100, including tip. It was an interesting experience, though. The main courses were very disappointing so in future I will just have the nachos and cake.
Kay will just stand at the window eating McDonalds...
Oriental Natural Treatment
Oriental Natural Treatment
2 E Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91801
*****
I found this place totally by accident. I had a list of foot massage places on Valley and we were intending to go to whichever one looked the nicest. However, the bus was crowded and I had the meanest lady ever repeatedly hit me with her purse so we jumped off at the next stop. We had a wander around and this was the only place we could see so very nervously decided to go in.
Now, I was absolutely terrified; I don't like being touched and I especially don't like people looking at my feet. However, I wanted to show Kay as many different sides of LA as I could so we had to do this. Kay was even worse than me as she has the same issues plus she didn't actually know what was going on (I'd read Yelp reviews in advance).
We were greeted by a very nice man who said hello and laughed when Kay walked into the door and nearly tore down one of the blinds. He led us straight into a private room with two huge recliner chairs, foot stools, and a flat screen TV that was originally showing the news in Chinese but he changed it to some soap. I would have preferred the news but Kay enjoyed staring at the hot boys on the tele. We made ourselves comfortable while he brought us buckets of incredibly hot water with tea bags and various herbs floating in them. Kay's wasn't too bad but I have sensitive skin and I felt like my feet would just fall off. He offered me some cold water but I didn't want to inconvienience him so I said it was fine. I need to be tougher after all.
He pointed to the foot stool so I flipped round and immediately felt the strongest vice-like grip on my shoulders ever. Kay said afterwards that I looked scared. He really worked my shoulders and back. I go see an osteopath who derives great pleasure from grinding her elbows into my lower back. This guy would have put her to shame. I'm sure I passed out for a few moments. I don't think I have ever felt such extreme pain that felt so GOOD.
After about 10 minutes of me wincing and biting my lip, another man arrived and started working on Kay. That stopped her laughing. Mine squeezed the back of my neck hard which I really don't like as I broke my neck when I was a teenager and now no one in the entire universe is allowed to touch my neck. I was convinced I would wake up stiff but I was fine after.
I was transfered back to the chair for a head and arm massage. My sunburn really didn't appreciate this but, again, I fought the pain. I noticed the two men were looking at my chest quite intently. Turns out I had worn a t-shirt with Chinese characters on it. I only bought it because there was a tiger on it and I had no idea what it meant but they translated it for me. They were also fascinated by my TokyoFlash watch; I have one of those that doesn't have a dial or numbers but LED lights instead and you have to basically learn a code in order to tell the time. I'm sure they were asking each other what was the point of that but I didn't understand... They informed Kay that the tattoos she had on her forearm that she thought said "mam" and "dad" actually said "water" and "harmony". I laughed like a drain because I had repeatedly told her that they did not say what she thought they did. Serves her right for going to some dodgy Welsh tattooist.
Kay's back was done about 5 minutes after mine (I got 25 minutes, she got 20) and then the foot massages started. Now, I mentioned a leg injury earlier. I am absolutely covered in tattoos. A few nights previously, what I hope was a mosquito bit me on one of my tattoos and my tattoo immediately swelled up and went all red and ucky. It's hard to explain to people that you are just that sensitive to stuff. One of the staff in Famima's thought it was a fresh tattoo so I decided to say that if anyone stared at it in digust. My chair was reclined completely back and then they went quiet. I looked up to see them both staring at my gross calf. I said it was a fresh tattoo and they looked at me as if to say "that ain't no tattoo". My guy asked me if it hurt as he poked it and I said yes so he continued to poke it. However, he was very good and avoided touching it for the rest of the session (except when he very gently dried it for me).
Followed the best foot and leg massage ever. He did all sorts of weird and wonderful things to my toes. I especially liked being poked in the heels and slapped. That's just me, though... Only uncomfortable parts were when he touched a certain area on my big toes and that hurt because I suffer with arthritis and when he really ground his fingers into my shins. Even my knees and thighs had a good work-over which my knees especially appreciated after 8 days of running all over LA in flipflops.
Kay was disappointed that her session was shorter (she got an hour, I got an hour 10). Also mine did things that hers didn't that she would have liked.
We paid our $15 plus tip and then floated out of there. I will so be back.
Never thought I'd find love in Alhambra.
2 E Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91801
*****
I found this place totally by accident. I had a list of foot massage places on Valley and we were intending to go to whichever one looked the nicest. However, the bus was crowded and I had the meanest lady ever repeatedly hit me with her purse so we jumped off at the next stop. We had a wander around and this was the only place we could see so very nervously decided to go in.
Now, I was absolutely terrified; I don't like being touched and I especially don't like people looking at my feet. However, I wanted to show Kay as many different sides of LA as I could so we had to do this. Kay was even worse than me as she has the same issues plus she didn't actually know what was going on (I'd read Yelp reviews in advance).
We were greeted by a very nice man who said hello and laughed when Kay walked into the door and nearly tore down one of the blinds. He led us straight into a private room with two huge recliner chairs, foot stools, and a flat screen TV that was originally showing the news in Chinese but he changed it to some soap. I would have preferred the news but Kay enjoyed staring at the hot boys on the tele. We made ourselves comfortable while he brought us buckets of incredibly hot water with tea bags and various herbs floating in them. Kay's wasn't too bad but I have sensitive skin and I felt like my feet would just fall off. He offered me some cold water but I didn't want to inconvienience him so I said it was fine. I need to be tougher after all.
He pointed to the foot stool so I flipped round and immediately felt the strongest vice-like grip on my shoulders ever. Kay said afterwards that I looked scared. He really worked my shoulders and back. I go see an osteopath who derives great pleasure from grinding her elbows into my lower back. This guy would have put her to shame. I'm sure I passed out for a few moments. I don't think I have ever felt such extreme pain that felt so GOOD.
After about 10 minutes of me wincing and biting my lip, another man arrived and started working on Kay. That stopped her laughing. Mine squeezed the back of my neck hard which I really don't like as I broke my neck when I was a teenager and now no one in the entire universe is allowed to touch my neck. I was convinced I would wake up stiff but I was fine after.
I was transfered back to the chair for a head and arm massage. My sunburn really didn't appreciate this but, again, I fought the pain. I noticed the two men were looking at my chest quite intently. Turns out I had worn a t-shirt with Chinese characters on it. I only bought it because there was a tiger on it and I had no idea what it meant but they translated it for me. They were also fascinated by my TokyoFlash watch; I have one of those that doesn't have a dial or numbers but LED lights instead and you have to basically learn a code in order to tell the time. I'm sure they were asking each other what was the point of that but I didn't understand... They informed Kay that the tattoos she had on her forearm that she thought said "mam" and "dad" actually said "water" and "harmony". I laughed like a drain because I had repeatedly told her that they did not say what she thought they did. Serves her right for going to some dodgy Welsh tattooist.
Kay's back was done about 5 minutes after mine (I got 25 minutes, she got 20) and then the foot massages started. Now, I mentioned a leg injury earlier. I am absolutely covered in tattoos. A few nights previously, what I hope was a mosquito bit me on one of my tattoos and my tattoo immediately swelled up and went all red and ucky. It's hard to explain to people that you are just that sensitive to stuff. One of the staff in Famima's thought it was a fresh tattoo so I decided to say that if anyone stared at it in digust. My chair was reclined completely back and then they went quiet. I looked up to see them both staring at my gross calf. I said it was a fresh tattoo and they looked at me as if to say "that ain't no tattoo". My guy asked me if it hurt as he poked it and I said yes so he continued to poke it. However, he was very good and avoided touching it for the rest of the session (except when he very gently dried it for me).
Followed the best foot and leg massage ever. He did all sorts of weird and wonderful things to my toes. I especially liked being poked in the heels and slapped. That's just me, though... Only uncomfortable parts were when he touched a certain area on my big toes and that hurt because I suffer with arthritis and when he really ground his fingers into my shins. Even my knees and thighs had a good work-over which my knees especially appreciated after 8 days of running all over LA in flipflops.
Kay was disappointed that her session was shorter (she got an hour, I got an hour 10). Also mine did things that hers didn't that she would have liked.
We paid our $15 plus tip and then floated out of there. I will so be back.
Never thought I'd find love in Alhambra.
Nickel Diner
Nickel Diner
524 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
***
Yet another one of those places that I want to love but it's just not quite right. We went for breakfast one morning as Kay was craving eggs.
She had eggs, bacon, and beans. I had the Vegan Ranchero; tofu shaped like flowers, beans, and tortillas. I also ordered orange juice and Kay had a coffee. They brought out two coffees (I can't have caffeine) so Kay immediately grabbed them both and started loading them up with sugar (which she had to ask for). She also got a refill on her coffees later. She didn't like the bacon but that's because it wasn't what she expected (what we call bacon in the UK is more like ham in the US and she didn't realise this) but loved the eggs. She also left most of the beans because, again, not what she expected. Mine had a nice kick to it. I liked the beans and tortillas. Didn't really like the texture of the tofu. It was a bit too much like egg for my vegan brain to cope with first thing in the morning. There was a nice piece of avocado but no soy cheese or salsa as the menu had stated. Whatever.
Service was OK. One of the guys was very cute which always helps. It was also quiet with only two other customers although someone kept standing in the doorway and shouting in. Evidently the staff knew him but it was totally annoying.
I absolutely loved the decor and music. This is how diners should be. When we both arrived and left, there were lots of homeless people milling around but they didn't bother us at all. I guess Kay's mini skirt distracted them...
I went straight back to my hotel and threw up. I guess my vegan stomach was also a little confused by the tofu... I was so ill that I was not brave enough to go back. Maybe I will in the future...
524 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
***
Yet another one of those places that I want to love but it's just not quite right. We went for breakfast one morning as Kay was craving eggs.
She had eggs, bacon, and beans. I had the Vegan Ranchero; tofu shaped like flowers, beans, and tortillas. I also ordered orange juice and Kay had a coffee. They brought out two coffees (I can't have caffeine) so Kay immediately grabbed them both and started loading them up with sugar (which she had to ask for). She also got a refill on her coffees later. She didn't like the bacon but that's because it wasn't what she expected (what we call bacon in the UK is more like ham in the US and she didn't realise this) but loved the eggs. She also left most of the beans because, again, not what she expected. Mine had a nice kick to it. I liked the beans and tortillas. Didn't really like the texture of the tofu. It was a bit too much like egg for my vegan brain to cope with first thing in the morning. There was a nice piece of avocado but no soy cheese or salsa as the menu had stated. Whatever.
Service was OK. One of the guys was very cute which always helps. It was also quiet with only two other customers although someone kept standing in the doorway and shouting in. Evidently the staff knew him but it was totally annoying.
I absolutely loved the decor and music. This is how diners should be. When we both arrived and left, there were lots of homeless people milling around but they didn't bother us at all. I guess Kay's mini skirt distracted them...
I went straight back to my hotel and threw up. I guess my vegan stomach was also a little confused by the tofu... I was so ill that I was not brave enough to go back. Maybe I will in the future...
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory
2 West Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
**
You know how things are never the same when you go back?
I went to this branch of the Cheesecake Factory twice over the last two weeks and it just wasn't worth it. The first time, we had a very nice waiter and we got seated straight away. There was literally only one thing on the menu I could order - Evelyn's Favorite Pasta (without cheese). It was... well it was pretty dull actually. No olives, far too much broccoli, and the pasta was overcooked. I had a Margarita Del Rey which was fantastic and a Pomegranate Mojito which was sickly sweet. Kay had a burger which tasted of nothing (she had to have some hot sauce to liven it up), a Strawberry Martini and some sort of milkshake. Kay promptly went outside and threw it all up into a trashcan... it probably didn't help that I had tripped over on the uneven floor and hit the ground really hard and she had laughed hysterically for like 10 minutes...
All in all, the first time wasn't great but it wasn't particularly horrendous either. So we went back a second time...
I had the same pasta (still dull but at least there were olives in it this time) and margarita plus a forgettable Mojito. Kay had Spaghetti Arrabiata (I tasted this and there was no flavour at all. It was more like marinara than arrabiata and again she had to have hot sauce) and some cocktail that, again, I forget the name of. Kay waited until we got back to the hotel before she threw up this meal (losing food seems to have been a theme of our vacation to the point where I said we may as well just flush $20 bills down the toilet and cut out the middle man).
The biggest problem we had the second time was the incredibly rude waitress. She obviously didn't want to be there. She practically ignored us when we tried to order and I had to wait 10 minutes for my second drink because she was chatting with another member of staff. She also was heard to tell two customers that they had to hurry up and leave as they needed the table (they were not busy).
Cheesecake Factory used to be incredibly busy and fun but now it's quiet and the prices are unreasonably high for mediocre food. My boyfriend always used to say it sucked back when I was a regular but I thought he was just bitter about the waiting times. Maybe he was right after all... just don't tell him that... This was our number one go to place when we were students. Now I'd rather buy a bag of chips from Ralph's and eat them on the street.
Also, the rest rooms were a real state with water splashed everywhere. Really hygienic, like.
Doubt we will ever bother going back.
2 West Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
**
You know how things are never the same when you go back?
I went to this branch of the Cheesecake Factory twice over the last two weeks and it just wasn't worth it. The first time, we had a very nice waiter and we got seated straight away. There was literally only one thing on the menu I could order - Evelyn's Favorite Pasta (without cheese). It was... well it was pretty dull actually. No olives, far too much broccoli, and the pasta was overcooked. I had a Margarita Del Rey which was fantastic and a Pomegranate Mojito which was sickly sweet. Kay had a burger which tasted of nothing (she had to have some hot sauce to liven it up), a Strawberry Martini and some sort of milkshake. Kay promptly went outside and threw it all up into a trashcan... it probably didn't help that I had tripped over on the uneven floor and hit the ground really hard and she had laughed hysterically for like 10 minutes...
All in all, the first time wasn't great but it wasn't particularly horrendous either. So we went back a second time...
I had the same pasta (still dull but at least there were olives in it this time) and margarita plus a forgettable Mojito. Kay had Spaghetti Arrabiata (I tasted this and there was no flavour at all. It was more like marinara than arrabiata and again she had to have hot sauce) and some cocktail that, again, I forget the name of. Kay waited until we got back to the hotel before she threw up this meal (losing food seems to have been a theme of our vacation to the point where I said we may as well just flush $20 bills down the toilet and cut out the middle man).
The biggest problem we had the second time was the incredibly rude waitress. She obviously didn't want to be there. She practically ignored us when we tried to order and I had to wait 10 minutes for my second drink because she was chatting with another member of staff. She also was heard to tell two customers that they had to hurry up and leave as they needed the table (they were not busy).
Cheesecake Factory used to be incredibly busy and fun but now it's quiet and the prices are unreasonably high for mediocre food. My boyfriend always used to say it sucked back when I was a regular but I thought he was just bitter about the waiting times. Maybe he was right after all... just don't tell him that... This was our number one go to place when we were students. Now I'd rather buy a bag of chips from Ralph's and eat them on the street.
Also, the rest rooms were a real state with water splashed everywhere. Really hygienic, like.
Doubt we will ever bother going back.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority
LACMTA
Los Angeles, CA 90053
*****
I will be eternally grateful for the existence of the MTA. Although I have my California drivers licence, I choose not to drive; running a car is expensive and I just don't feel safe on the roads with the number of nutjobs who are out there. I used to live in North Hollywood and went to college at Cal State LA so would have to commute via train and bus every day. I now base myself Downtown and can travel all over the place very easily. I was nervous about the TAP system as I don't like change but I actually find this to be much easier than the old card system. Also, the prices going up is a little off-putting but it wont change anything for me.
I've met some really nice people on the buses and trains. I've found life-long drinking buddies and shopping friends. People bad-mouth the bus drivers but 99% of them are fine. OK, you meet the odd asshole and a few that will make you question how they even passed their driving test, let alone got given a big bus to drive but you also get the really great ones. One female driver used to look after me and tell off the perverts who would harass me. There's also some absolutely stunningly gorgeous guys out there (Mike from Division 3 - where are you hiding these days?). I've never known a bus to be more than a couple of minutes late. Maybe I am just lucky. I've only had one train that was significantly delayed and that was when some unreasonable person killed themselves at Hollywood/Highland.
Not all the passengers are tolerable but that's just the way it it. Some of the more memorable ones include...
the "lady" who stunk of crap and threatened to cut my throat because I had red streaks in my hair
the man who fell asleep opposite me and pissed everywhere
Roger who would sit super-close to me and tell me about his violent thoughts
the man who thought it would be a good idea to grab my chest on the 483 one night until I followed him off at his stop and beat the crap out of him
the homeless guy who coughed in my face on the Red Line and I spent the next two weeks laid up with the worst throat infection ever.
My two main complaints about the MTA are firstly that the trip planner on the website thinks nothing of suggesting I walk 25 blocks to my destination and secondly that they abolished the 483 in favour of the Gold Line but the Memorial Park station is so far away from Fair Oaks/Colorado and I don't walk well in stilettos when I've had a few cocktails... Aside from that, I love the MTA and will always have faith in the company to get me to where I want to be. Even if it does take a couple of hours. And I have to walk 25 blocks.
Los Angeles, CA 90053
*****
I will be eternally grateful for the existence of the MTA. Although I have my California drivers licence, I choose not to drive; running a car is expensive and I just don't feel safe on the roads with the number of nutjobs who are out there. I used to live in North Hollywood and went to college at Cal State LA so would have to commute via train and bus every day. I now base myself Downtown and can travel all over the place very easily. I was nervous about the TAP system as I don't like change but I actually find this to be much easier than the old card system. Also, the prices going up is a little off-putting but it wont change anything for me.
I've met some really nice people on the buses and trains. I've found life-long drinking buddies and shopping friends. People bad-mouth the bus drivers but 99% of them are fine. OK, you meet the odd asshole and a few that will make you question how they even passed their driving test, let alone got given a big bus to drive but you also get the really great ones. One female driver used to look after me and tell off the perverts who would harass me. There's also some absolutely stunningly gorgeous guys out there (Mike from Division 3 - where are you hiding these days?). I've never known a bus to be more than a couple of minutes late. Maybe I am just lucky. I've only had one train that was significantly delayed and that was when some unreasonable person killed themselves at Hollywood/Highland.
Not all the passengers are tolerable but that's just the way it it. Some of the more memorable ones include...
the "lady" who stunk of crap and threatened to cut my throat because I had red streaks in my hair
the man who fell asleep opposite me and pissed everywhere
Roger who would sit super-close to me and tell me about his violent thoughts
the man who thought it would be a good idea to grab my chest on the 483 one night until I followed him off at his stop and beat the crap out of him
the homeless guy who coughed in my face on the Red Line and I spent the next two weeks laid up with the worst throat infection ever.
My two main complaints about the MTA are firstly that the trip planner on the website thinks nothing of suggesting I walk 25 blocks to my destination and secondly that they abolished the 483 in favour of the Gold Line but the Memorial Park station is so far away from Fair Oaks/Colorado and I don't walk well in stilettos when I've had a few cocktails... Aside from that, I love the MTA and will always have faith in the company to get me to where I want to be. Even if it does take a couple of hours. And I have to walk 25 blocks.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen
735 S Figueroa St Ste 305
Los Angeles, CA 90017
***
I ended up at this place three times over the last two weeks. You'd think I would know better...
The first time, we were exhausted from far too much shopping and it seemed like a good idea. I got the grilled vegetable salad and Kay got a pizza. Both were perfectly fine. The waiter was also really nice and attentive. However... we were seated next to the most obnoxious family I have ever come across. The teenage son spent the meal burping while the teen daughter kept saying over and over "I'm gonna be a supermodel". Honestly, she looked like a dog's arse. Including the hair... The mother who was just totally classy spent the whole time screaming at the son and an elderly companion to be quiet and not bother her. As they were leaving, she put her enormous ass against Kay's mojito so that was the end of that... Surely CPK should have a cage for the animals?
Time number two... I'd spent the last hour on my cell phone at the Metro station screaming at my British bank who happened to be based in India because they had stopped my cards for "fraud prevention" so I was not in the best of moods to begin with. The restaurant was empty but we were still seated in the pokiest little corner ever. We decided we wanted starters (stress makes me crave carbs) so I ordered the Tuscan hummus. As I'm vegan, I'd checked CPKs website in advance so knew that I had to have the Neapolitan crust rather than the pizza-pita bread. I asked the waiter for the substitution who said no, they couldn't do that. I became just a little indignant and started my low rant about how their website says they will be understanding towards people with special dietary requirements. He then said they would make the change but it would cost extra. Fine, whatever. Good job it was the best hummus I've ever had... Had the same salad. Again, lovely; really liked it. Kay had chicken tortillas to start and then spaghetti bolognese. It arrived cold but she ate about a third of it before promptly throwing it back up at the hotel. Had a horrible weak margarita. I shouldn't drink anyway...
The last time was the best. We arrived late afternoon and were seated outside as it was busy inside. We then waited 20 minutes before a waiter strolled over. We ordered our drinks and I had another bash at ordering the hummus. This one just stared at me like I was crazy. Why bother saying they will do stuff on the website if the staff know nothing about it? At least this one didn't charge me extra. Our drinks arrived after 10 minutes, our starters 15 after. About 20 minutes later still, our main courses arrived (yep, the salad for me and Kay had some weird salad with lumps of cheese in it...). The waiter walked off without offering us refills on our drinks (we'd finished those ages ago) so Kay had to grab another waiter and ask for drinks. Our first waiter was sent back and then he insisted what I wanted was not on the menu (I pointed it out to him and he still argued). Another 15 minutes before they arrived. Then 20 minutes for the check. I am not a patient person but I was willing to put up with it as they were busy until some obnoxious British guy sat next to us and started ranting about the cold. I felt like telling him to fuck off back to Doncaster and then see what he thought about the cold...
This is one of those places we will keep going to because we are too lazy to find anywhere else. Really not fond of it though...
735 S Figueroa St Ste 305
Los Angeles, CA 90017
***
I ended up at this place three times over the last two weeks. You'd think I would know better...
The first time, we were exhausted from far too much shopping and it seemed like a good idea. I got the grilled vegetable salad and Kay got a pizza. Both were perfectly fine. The waiter was also really nice and attentive. However... we were seated next to the most obnoxious family I have ever come across. The teenage son spent the meal burping while the teen daughter kept saying over and over "I'm gonna be a supermodel". Honestly, she looked like a dog's arse. Including the hair... The mother who was just totally classy spent the whole time screaming at the son and an elderly companion to be quiet and not bother her. As they were leaving, she put her enormous ass against Kay's mojito so that was the end of that... Surely CPK should have a cage for the animals?
Time number two... I'd spent the last hour on my cell phone at the Metro station screaming at my British bank who happened to be based in India because they had stopped my cards for "fraud prevention" so I was not in the best of moods to begin with. The restaurant was empty but we were still seated in the pokiest little corner ever. We decided we wanted starters (stress makes me crave carbs) so I ordered the Tuscan hummus. As I'm vegan, I'd checked CPKs website in advance so knew that I had to have the Neapolitan crust rather than the pizza-pita bread. I asked the waiter for the substitution who said no, they couldn't do that. I became just a little indignant and started my low rant about how their website says they will be understanding towards people with special dietary requirements. He then said they would make the change but it would cost extra. Fine, whatever. Good job it was the best hummus I've ever had... Had the same salad. Again, lovely; really liked it. Kay had chicken tortillas to start and then spaghetti bolognese. It arrived cold but she ate about a third of it before promptly throwing it back up at the hotel. Had a horrible weak margarita. I shouldn't drink anyway...
The last time was the best. We arrived late afternoon and were seated outside as it was busy inside. We then waited 20 minutes before a waiter strolled over. We ordered our drinks and I had another bash at ordering the hummus. This one just stared at me like I was crazy. Why bother saying they will do stuff on the website if the staff know nothing about it? At least this one didn't charge me extra. Our drinks arrived after 10 minutes, our starters 15 after. About 20 minutes later still, our main courses arrived (yep, the salad for me and Kay had some weird salad with lumps of cheese in it...). The waiter walked off without offering us refills on our drinks (we'd finished those ages ago) so Kay had to grab another waiter and ask for drinks. Our first waiter was sent back and then he insisted what I wanted was not on the menu (I pointed it out to him and he still argued). Another 15 minutes before they arrived. Then 20 minutes for the check. I am not a patient person but I was willing to put up with it as they were busy until some obnoxious British guy sat next to us and started ranting about the cold. I felt like telling him to fuck off back to Doncaster and then see what he thought about the cold...
This is one of those places we will keep going to because we are too lazy to find anywhere else. Really not fond of it though...
Shared Earth
Shared Earth
14 - 16 Royal Arcade
Cardiff
CF10 1AE
*
I used to be a regular at Shared Earth. I did most of my Christmas shopping there ever since they opened plus would spend £50 a month on stuff for myself. No more, though, and all due to the attitude of one member of staff. I happened to be in there just after VAT was dropped to 15%. I had gone in for a travel journal and had ended up picking up a few necklaces for myself and my nieces. I was sorting through the baskets of motivational pebbles when a European guy went to the counter and asked the assistant if the jacket he wanted to buy would be reduced at all with the VAT reduction. The whole point of the government dropping VAT was because the country was heading into a recession and they were trying to get people spending more. Most shops were reducing the prices (as they were supposed to) but evidently not Shared Earth who decided to keep the extra money for themselves. She said it would not be reduced and so he asked her to put it behind the counter while he went to a cash machine to withdraw the money for it. He went off and I continued my shopping. Another assistant appeared and the first went "Oh some foreign bloke just came up and asked if I'd reduce this for the VAT and I was like 'Uh, NO mate!' What a twat, like". I immediately placed all of my items (it was only about £40 worth) on the counter and walked out. I will NEVER go back. There is no need for that kind of disrespectful attitude. OK she's obviously angry at the world, what with her being grossly overweight and unattractive, but there's no need for her to take her self-loathing out on customers. I wonder if the manager knows how this idiot has cost the business money. Actually, I know the manager knows. I told them. They didn't care. Fuck 'em.
14 - 16 Royal Arcade
Cardiff
CF10 1AE
*
I used to be a regular at Shared Earth. I did most of my Christmas shopping there ever since they opened plus would spend £50 a month on stuff for myself. No more, though, and all due to the attitude of one member of staff. I happened to be in there just after VAT was dropped to 15%. I had gone in for a travel journal and had ended up picking up a few necklaces for myself and my nieces. I was sorting through the baskets of motivational pebbles when a European guy went to the counter and asked the assistant if the jacket he wanted to buy would be reduced at all with the VAT reduction. The whole point of the government dropping VAT was because the country was heading into a recession and they were trying to get people spending more. Most shops were reducing the prices (as they were supposed to) but evidently not Shared Earth who decided to keep the extra money for themselves. She said it would not be reduced and so he asked her to put it behind the counter while he went to a cash machine to withdraw the money for it. He went off and I continued my shopping. Another assistant appeared and the first went "Oh some foreign bloke just came up and asked if I'd reduce this for the VAT and I was like 'Uh, NO mate!' What a twat, like". I immediately placed all of my items (it was only about £40 worth) on the counter and walked out. I will NEVER go back. There is no need for that kind of disrespectful attitude. OK she's obviously angry at the world, what with her being grossly overweight and unattractive, but there's no need for her to take her self-loathing out on customers. I wonder if the manager knows how this idiot has cost the business money. Actually, I know the manager knows. I told them. They didn't care. Fuck 'em.
Rainbow Bar & Grill
Rainbow Bar & Grill
9015 W Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90069
**
I used to frequent this place a lot when I first moved to LA. I was only 21 so I guess I didn't know any better... We went back recently and it was just depressing. The food I used to love is now poor quality and the drinks were badly made (paint stripper, anyone?). The waitresses don't half have a superior attitude considering their position in life... Also, balding old men squeezed into two-sizes-too-small leather pants should be banned. Nothing like the clearly defined outline of a sagging nutsac right by your margarita... Now, I did my fair share of banging rock stars in my early twenties (and I'm not talking the saddo wannabes you get hanging around in here) but I grew up and threw away the slutty tops and short skirts. Why can't the 40+ year old hags here do the same? This place is beyond a joke; it's difficult to laugh at anything so pathetic.
9015 W Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90069
**
I used to frequent this place a lot when I first moved to LA. I was only 21 so I guess I didn't know any better... We went back recently and it was just depressing. The food I used to love is now poor quality and the drinks were badly made (paint stripper, anyone?). The waitresses don't half have a superior attitude considering their position in life... Also, balding old men squeezed into two-sizes-too-small leather pants should be banned. Nothing like the clearly defined outline of a sagging nutsac right by your margarita... Now, I did my fair share of banging rock stars in my early twenties (and I'm not talking the saddo wannabes you get hanging around in here) but I grew up and threw away the slutty tops and short skirts. Why can't the 40+ year old hags here do the same? This place is beyond a joke; it's difficult to laugh at anything so pathetic.
Progressive Global Training
August 4th 2011 - Right anyone in the South East Wales area looking for work? Start Monday at £150 a day (FT 6 month contract). Customer Service background preferred... Today only!!! Email me asap!
********************************************************
17 - 21 Castle Street
Cardiff
CF10 1BT
*
So I was contacted by Progressive Global Training quite a while ago. They said they had seen my CV online and invited me for an interview. I went along not having a clue what the company did. I did the interview and they still didn't tell us what they actually did. It was actually a shared interview with another woman. We both walked out of there saying "Umm... what?" I was invited back for a second interview a few days later. At that point, I actually found out what they did; they did door to door sales and it was purely commission based. I thought I'd give it a go as I needed a job and if anything it would be good experience. The first 4 days they refused to let me go out and sell so not making any money there... Day 5 I finally hit the streets with a trainer who had only worked at the company a few weeks himself and had the worst dandruff I have ever seen... He also barely spoke any English. Day 1, I got 5 sales but he said as I was training, he would fill out the paperwork for me. I thought, oh that's nice and helpful of him... Week 2 started the same. I would get sales and he would do the paperwork. Turns out, every night he would go back and tell the boss I wasn't getting any sales. I was partnered with a woman who can really only be described as a psycho bitch. She did exactly the same concerning the sales as the last guy. I finally had enough and quit. The whole time I worked there, they sent me to council estates where no one had any money. I had to work super hard to get any business and then other people stole it from me. I ended up getting paid nothing and then they were surprised when I quit.
Funny thing about these sales people; they all looked really smart but if you looked closely, their trouser legs were all torn and frayed and their shoes were scuffed and tatty. Not good...
It was good experience though. I will never do door to door again.
**just a quick edit (29/07/11)**
Even though I said this in the below comments, it seems to be missed and people are still sending me their CVs... My aforementioned company (now previous company...) are not currently hiring...
British Airways
British Airways
Waterside
West Drayton
UB7 0GB
***
I'm currently undecided on BA. We flew with them the last time we went to LA. Kay had never been to the States and had no concept of how long the flight would be so she never really got into it anyway.
I found the flight to Los Angeles to be incredibly cramped and we took off late and arrived late into LAX which messed up all of my onward travel plans. The toilets were ucky as always (I really don't like having to clean a toilet before I can use it) and the passengers who kept leaning on my seat were really annoying.
However there was some good... There was an absolutely stunningly gorgeous flight attendant named Pedro (who can sit on my lap anytime...) and they provided pretty good vegan food - a really nice veggie pasta with fruit and a hummus and falafel sandwich for a snack. OK the sandwich made me feel sick but then I'm not the world's biggest falafel fan... At least there was no tofu in sight... Kay liked the vegan chocolate bars they gave me (I am allergic) and the drinks were frequent enough.
When we were checking in at LAX to come home (or return to the UK I should say as Los Angeles is my home), my case was overweight by 3lbs. The lady said I had to pay $45 and I was happy to do so but then she said I had 30 seconds to repack my bag and get the weight down to avoid the charge... Me and Kay were throwing my Betsey Johnson shoes and Urban Decay lip glosses from my case to hers while the other staff tutted about how I should still pay the charge... I am so grateful to that nice lady. She even said my blue and pink Betsey Johnson sandals were cute. I liked her.
The flight back to London was different... It was much quicker and we were seated right at the back of the plane so were much more comfortable. No hottie flight guys this time (grr) and the food... well... I don't know who told BA that vegans eat chicken eggs but may I be the first to kick them in the nuts... I was given the same pasta dish as before but the breakfast consisted of 2 different egg dishes. I would have complained if I had the energy...
We are going to give BA another shot in September when we next fly to LA and then I'll make my final decision. Hopefully there will be more hot boys and vegan treats on the next flight...
Waterside
West Drayton
UB7 0GB
***
I'm currently undecided on BA. We flew with them the last time we went to LA. Kay had never been to the States and had no concept of how long the flight would be so she never really got into it anyway.
I found the flight to Los Angeles to be incredibly cramped and we took off late and arrived late into LAX which messed up all of my onward travel plans. The toilets were ucky as always (I really don't like having to clean a toilet before I can use it) and the passengers who kept leaning on my seat were really annoying.
However there was some good... There was an absolutely stunningly gorgeous flight attendant named Pedro (who can sit on my lap anytime...) and they provided pretty good vegan food - a really nice veggie pasta with fruit and a hummus and falafel sandwich for a snack. OK the sandwich made me feel sick but then I'm not the world's biggest falafel fan... At least there was no tofu in sight... Kay liked the vegan chocolate bars they gave me (I am allergic) and the drinks were frequent enough.
When we were checking in at LAX to come home (or return to the UK I should say as Los Angeles is my home), my case was overweight by 3lbs. The lady said I had to pay $45 and I was happy to do so but then she said I had 30 seconds to repack my bag and get the weight down to avoid the charge... Me and Kay were throwing my Betsey Johnson shoes and Urban Decay lip glosses from my case to hers while the other staff tutted about how I should still pay the charge... I am so grateful to that nice lady. She even said my blue and pink Betsey Johnson sandals were cute. I liked her.
The flight back to London was different... It was much quicker and we were seated right at the back of the plane so were much more comfortable. No hottie flight guys this time (grr) and the food... well... I don't know who told BA that vegans eat chicken eggs but may I be the first to kick them in the nuts... I was given the same pasta dish as before but the breakfast consisted of 2 different egg dishes. I would have complained if I had the energy...
We are going to give BA another shot in September when we next fly to LA and then I'll make my final decision. Hopefully there will be more hot boys and vegan treats on the next flight...
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport
234 Bath Rd
Hounslow
UB4 5AP
**
Hate Heathrow. I only fly from here because it's easier than anywhere else in the UK.
Kay was stopped and searched at security even though she had not set off the metal detectors or anything.
Fine.
It's random, right?
During the boarding process, Kay was stopped and searched a further two times. Kay (innocent as she is) said it was because she had a large handbag. I didn't have the heart to point out that my handbag is large enough to smuggle a small family out of the country but the difference between us is she is a dark-skinned Sikh woman whereas I am an incredibly pale Welsh woman...
Random, my arse.
234 Bath Rd
Hounslow
UB4 5AP
**
Hate Heathrow. I only fly from here because it's easier than anywhere else in the UK.
Kay was stopped and searched at security even though she had not set off the metal detectors or anything.
Fine.
It's random, right?
During the boarding process, Kay was stopped and searched a further two times. Kay (innocent as she is) said it was because she had a large handbag. I didn't have the heart to point out that my handbag is large enough to smuggle a small family out of the country but the difference between us is she is a dark-skinned Sikh woman whereas I am an incredibly pale Welsh woman...
Random, my arse.
Newport Railway Station
Newport Railway Station
High Street
Newport
NP10
**
If I could avoid this place, I really would. Aside from the fact it costs me nearly £60 a month for my rail pass, the building is just so rundown and unwelcoming.
In the morning, I have to tiptoe through pools of vomit and smokers who block my way into the station. Follows rather unsafe ticket barriers that have slammed on me more than once. Then it's over the dirty, smelly old bridge which is regularly decorated with spit and chewing gum. Down to bleak platform two and the wind really whips through in the winter with no proper shelter for commuters. If I'm lucky, the trains run close to on time and I get to work without incident. Then I have to come home... In the day, it's not too bad. There are still people wandering around in their own little worlds, totally oblivious to the fact that I need to get by. I do find screaming "MOVE!" right behind them is rather effective, though... Then it's time to run the gauntlet of the crazy taxi drivers and people that think the pedestrian crossing is the best place to park their cars to wait for their friends. On a good day, I reach my awaiting lift home and leave. However, I have been hit by cars TWICE in the last two years in the car park (OK, once it was my mother who hit me when she swerved to avoid some dumbass who cut her up but still...).
Of course, some nights I don't get back to Newport until 10 pm and I am regularly harassed by the homeless junkies who think threatening lone women is a smart thing to do (one night I swear I will jump one of them and teach them a lesson about intimidation...). One particular member of staff is an absolute psycho. The creepy pervert watches me as I walk by every day. Ugh. Oh and they had some racist political party handing out leaflets actually inside the station the other day. I was already through the barriers before I had chance to see what they had put in my hand. If my train wasn't ready to leave, I'd have gone back and inserted their flyer somewhere rather funny...
I would complain to the station about how horrible it really is but they must already know and don't care.
High Street
Newport
NP10
**
If I could avoid this place, I really would. Aside from the fact it costs me nearly £60 a month for my rail pass, the building is just so rundown and unwelcoming.
In the morning, I have to tiptoe through pools of vomit and smokers who block my way into the station. Follows rather unsafe ticket barriers that have slammed on me more than once. Then it's over the dirty, smelly old bridge which is regularly decorated with spit and chewing gum. Down to bleak platform two and the wind really whips through in the winter with no proper shelter for commuters. If I'm lucky, the trains run close to on time and I get to work without incident. Then I have to come home... In the day, it's not too bad. There are still people wandering around in their own little worlds, totally oblivious to the fact that I need to get by. I do find screaming "MOVE!" right behind them is rather effective, though... Then it's time to run the gauntlet of the crazy taxi drivers and people that think the pedestrian crossing is the best place to park their cars to wait for their friends. On a good day, I reach my awaiting lift home and leave. However, I have been hit by cars TWICE in the last two years in the car park (OK, once it was my mother who hit me when she swerved to avoid some dumbass who cut her up but still...).
Of course, some nights I don't get back to Newport until 10 pm and I am regularly harassed by the homeless junkies who think threatening lone women is a smart thing to do (one night I swear I will jump one of them and teach them a lesson about intimidation...). One particular member of staff is an absolute psycho. The creepy pervert watches me as I walk by every day. Ugh. Oh and they had some racist political party handing out leaflets actually inside the station the other day. I was already through the barriers before I had chance to see what they had put in my hand. If my train wasn't ready to leave, I'd have gone back and inserted their flyer somewhere rather funny...
I would complain to the station about how horrible it really is but they must already know and don't care.
LAX Los Angeles International Airport
LAX
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
***
I've spent more time in LAX than I care to discuss (living in LA my early adult life with a family back home in Wales who suffer from separation anxiety but wont even meet me in New York every couple of months to reduce my travel times is an issue...).
I find it much more efficient than, say, Heathrow in London or Birmingham International in central England but I also find it very intimidating. There really isn't much to do and the immigration people are not exactly welcoming (OK, it's their job to keep out undesirables but do I really need to be questioned about my visa for extended periods every single time I go out for a holiday? I'm a Welsh artist for God's sake. You don't get more boring than me).
My issue with the airport right now is they have all these strict rules about liquids on flights. That's fine. I support them fully. However... When we last left LAX, Kay and I had been rather tired when we had packed and neither of us had thought to check our handbags before boarding our flight. We were waiting for our bus home in London when I reached in my bag and pulled out 3 lip glosses and half a bottle of tequila and Kay found a lighter and a can of Tecate in hers. Surely all their scans and checks should have picked up on this? If we managed to unwittingly break the rules so easily, what about those that actually want to do bad stuff? Makes me feel real safe, like...
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
***
I've spent more time in LAX than I care to discuss (living in LA my early adult life with a family back home in Wales who suffer from separation anxiety but wont even meet me in New York every couple of months to reduce my travel times is an issue...).
I find it much more efficient than, say, Heathrow in London or Birmingham International in central England but I also find it very intimidating. There really isn't much to do and the immigration people are not exactly welcoming (OK, it's their job to keep out undesirables but do I really need to be questioned about my visa for extended periods every single time I go out for a holiday? I'm a Welsh artist for God's sake. You don't get more boring than me).
My issue with the airport right now is they have all these strict rules about liquids on flights. That's fine. I support them fully. However... When we last left LAX, Kay and I had been rather tired when we had packed and neither of us had thought to check our handbags before boarding our flight. We were waiting for our bus home in London when I reached in my bag and pulled out 3 lip glosses and half a bottle of tequila and Kay found a lighter and a can of Tecate in hers. Surely all their scans and checks should have picked up on this? If we managed to unwittingly break the rules so easily, what about those that actually want to do bad stuff? Makes me feel real safe, like...
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