America, oh America 2

I was thinking, oh shit. What am I going to do now :(

He was meant to meet up with us, pick up a car rental, and then check in at the hotel, and tour Hollywood.

After a few phone calls and a few pleas to the guy behind the counter at the airport, I got a few airline numbers to call to rescue my bf from the snow..

But the most terrifying episode of the day would have to be the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. First time in LA, without a guide/local in tow, we hopped into a maxi taxi :D and directed the big american man to our hotel. We watched in silence with our eyes popping out more each time the taxi meter flicked during the journey. I didnt even know how far the hotel was from the airport (poor planning, I know) so we just sat there, hoping we're arriving as soon as possible >_<

Finally we arrived!! Phew! Guess how much the taxi ride was? LoL. US$55!!! I actually dont know if its cheap, but for 1 australian with the falling currency, and 2 malaysians doing the conversion to RM, it was the most expensive taxi ride ever. And when his mum handed over $60 to him, we were expecting change.. After they glanced at me with questions in their eyes, I had to ask him, "excuse me, but do we get change?" The big man said, "oh, I thought that was tips" while he rummaged through his pocket for change. I almost slapped my head, shit! I forgot I'm in america! >_< I told him to keep the change. At least his driving was steady and he wasnt rude! There goes $60.. just to get from the airport to the hotel. LoL

The hotel was pleasant. Downtown Sheraton. And the staff was definitely friendly. In fact, sometimes a bit too friendly and too aggressive that I felt a bit intimidated and scared >_< Our room was pleasant :) 2 queen beds in an standard size room but the bathroom was spacious. Hehehehe.

But I have to say, the people at Sheraton were definitely one of the most helpful. The "concierge" guy, Liang, from Philipines was very kind to help me out, giving me phone numbers and allowing me to use the internet. Quite an old man, perhaps somebody's grandfather, hehe. Blur with the internet but definitely kind and helpful. The other guy who took the night shift was also friendly! Cant remember his name, but a younger mexican who wanted to personally bring me to the Light Show in LA's happening Staples Center. LoL. He even offered to take me round until my bf arrives.. but he was also very helpful with the transport system, telling me what to take, what to do, and where to go. Even gave me maps because I didnt have anything >_<

On our own, the blind trying to lead the blind, I brought them to chinatown and fashiontown on the bus. It was interesting to see LA. The majority of people were mexicans and it looked a bit like busy KL/Petaling St without too much rubbish around. LoL. Lucky me the hotel was also connected to this big shopping centre, and my favourite Macy's! Hahahaha. It was partially the reason why I chose the hotel :P But shops were closed pretty early and we basically just went casual shopping while waiting for him. I didnt really want to do too much because then it means he wont be able to. Food was kinda a problem for me and his mum/aunt. I'm happy with american/mexican but I have to be careful with the red meat. His mum/aunt on the other hand didnt seem to enjoy the american/mexican that much and I didnt really know where to go for chinese..

In the hotel I started calling airlines, hotels and him. No airlines were able to help me out, telling me they are unable to fly out. I cancelled hotel reservations and extended our stay at Sheraton. It was good news and bad news the whole day. He would tell us there's an available flight at 9pm, only for it to be canclled at 8pm, then another flight the next day at 1pm, only for it to be cancelled at 10am. It was like that the whole time that I started to give up hope for our trip. In the end, we stayed in LA for 2 nights before he finally arrived. And that was after he took a detour flight into Denver before flying out to LA again.

The minute he arrived was the happiest minute for me. Although it was past midnight I tried to keep myself awake to wait for him. Finally! He's made it out of Portland, and finally! I get to see him after all the dramas :( But I was relieved that he managed to get out safely. With the snow storm, strong winds and slipper runways, it wasnt the best time to fly.

We slept a while before heading to Hollywood the next day :D it was exciting driving past the most glamourous part of LA. Hehehe. Fortunately this time we had a car so we didnt have to bus :P The drive to Hollywood was nice. The scenic palm trees lined across LA and streets were so surreal.. It was like experiencing a scene in a movie for real. Hahaha. Ok, nevermind...

Hollywood was full of tourists! So many cameras snapping away, and so many feet on the Walk on Fame it was impossible to photograph them properly :( I enjoyed the look-alikes in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I liked Edward Scissorhands, Yoda, and also ...... But the scariest was the guy from SawIII (I think) who kept scaring me from the back! >_<

And I love the Hello Kitty shop inside the Kodak Theatre!! ^__^ So cute and so pink!! They had so many things! Little little stuff for your table, stationeries, lunch boxes, bags, accessories, and luggages!! I really wanted the luggage but it was quite expensive :( I spent so much time in there the rest of the people had to wait for me outside >_< hehe. So embarrassing :P