Here's what I had heard about LA before arriving: traffic, crime and Hollywood. Thankfully I avoided the first and second, and enjoyed the third. But not before my trusty sat-nav had sent me to the wrong 'Washington Blvd'. Not much chance of sleeping on an industrial estate in East Los Angeles! Probably my mistake, I hasten to add - I'm just glad I didn't end up in Mexico instead.
I had quite a long time in LA: two nights and a whole day in-between! Still I managed to cram in a very satisfying visit on that single day. Santa Monica was calling me, so to speak, and I continued my triathlon training with a run along the beach. Good for the old Vitamin (pronounce the first syllable like the first personal pronoun when in the US) D levels and it felt like a very Californian thing to do. I got a bit carried away and ran 5.5 miles. That was comfortably (or, perhaps, uncomfortably) my longest run for quite some time.
Lunch was at a cafe opposite my hotel where I was struck by the friendliness of the staff. After my purchase, I was personally sought out, engaged in conversation and welcomed to the area, then given a map without prompting on my part. I asked them 'What do you do if you have two and a half hours left with your rental car in LA? What must I see?' They gave a scenic option and an entertainment one. Since I wanted to find out about the character of the city, of course I chose Hollywood.
Beginning with a drive down (or rather up and along) Mulholland Drive, I went past the houses of lots of famous people I've never heard of. The views either side of the ridge were stunning. Then down to Hollywood Boulevard for a quick stroll down the legendary 'walk of fame'. I must have missed my name there as there were so many other wannabe stars on the sidewalk, but there was a lone blank star which I think stands for how God sees the rest of us - we are all celebrities to Him.
After returning the car, there was an unexpected twist when I began to wonder if I had got DVT - deep vein thrombosis. A red patch on my calf after a long haul flight, which can be a symptom, though not normally in isolation. A few phone calls, a taxi ride and a private health appointment later, I got the all clear (and from a doctor in whom I am confident) and that was my introduction to healthcare in the USA. Another moment to stretch those faith muscles.
The next morning, I caught a taxi (the driver was amazed how fast we cut through the downtown area) to the beautiful Union Station, whose interior is truly something to behold. However, being me, with cheesy bagel and strong coffee in hand, I headed straight for the quiet garden outside - which I had all to myself - before boarding the bus and heading towards Sacramento. Goodbye LA, it was a nice introduction.
