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Old 16 May 18, 01:42 PM  
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red cuillen
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San F to La via Joshua Tree NP - part 3 Santa Monica

Okay, onto Santa Monica! Am trying to work out how to create an index, but being a man I'm not very good at following instructions - any help gratefully received!
Another long drive down the 101, noticed plenty of bells on the way, they denoted the route of the old spanish mission trails.
Evidence of the recent fires and landslides were all around.

We stuck to the freeways, so ended up queuing on the 405 and then the 10, fortunately Tammy, (our satnav - sorry gps in the US) was very handy in telling us which lane to be etc, we've never felt the need for 'tammys' before but she saved alot of hassle.
Our hotel was doubletree suites, another use of points. Only had valet parking. Again, we were given a room overlooking the freeway! Is this the norm for people not paying the rack rate?
Nice suite though, lots of space, though one of those bathrooms with separate doors from the bedroom and living room!

Walked down to the pier around 4.30pm, busy, but good atmosphere. Excellent meal at Bubba Gumps (first time for us), loved the interaction with the server and all the questions about Forrest Gump!

Found the pier to be overated tbh, one to tick off the bucket list then move on! expensive fair ground rides ($10 for a short 'rollercoaster type' ride).
Went back to the room after picking up breakfast from a local shop - didn't fancy paying $50 for the hotel breakfast.

Next day we were heading for the Getty Centre. Used lyft, very easy, cant remember the cost I'm afraid. The museum was really something. Didn't think our 14yo would like it but she enjoyed the Ancients displays (she's into the Rick Riordan olympus books). Lots of other subjects were covered so there is something for everyone, though can get tiring walking around.
Took a lyft back, interesting as they had closed the car park and it took a while for the traffic police to get the message to allow lyfts/ubers through. Phone signal was patchy at the waiting area too. Lyft driver excellent, a 20yo earning cash to put herself through college, loved the way she could talk and navigate the traffic at the same time!
Used the comp hotel shuttle to go to Venice Beach, not that we like it there, but thought it educational for our daughters of the reality of the American Way, it was pretty similar to San Francisco, very sad.

Went to the cheesecake factory in the mall, again busy, quite a long wait but nice meals when they arrived. We made a polite comment about the delay in bringing my meal, and waiting 5 minute for the others to arrive. Result, free cheesecake for our 'troubles'.
Couldn't get through them all so they went back to the room in a doggy bag!


Wow, wrote more than I thought, so we'll keep Beverly Hills and Burbank for another time!
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Old 16 May 18, 04:02 PM  
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Disney Wishing
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Enjoying your report. Glad we gave Venice Beach a miss! To create an index you need to copy and paste the website address of the report page into the insert link shortcut (globe with a paperclip icon). Not sure if that makes sense
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Old 17 May 18, 08:17 PM  
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Great read
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Old 20 May 18, 10:27 PM  
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mrmoo123
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Eeek Venice beach doesn't look quite how I was expecting... and not sure Santa Monica is worth it either after hearing such good things 🤔

Gotta love the Cheesecake Factory though and even better when the Cheesecake comes free 🤩
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Old 22 May 18, 06:00 PM  
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red cuillen
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Thanks for that Disney Wishes! Reading the instructions were more complicated than actually just 'going for it!'

Edited at 07:36 PM.
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Old 29 May 18, 06:04 PM  
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Getty museum would have had great views but very foggy. Enjoyed the tram to get there, and enjoyed the Egyptian bit and the French exhibit(Versailles? Antoinette?) lots of ornate details and clocks with monkeys!
Hated Venice beach, I feel so uncomfortable walking past all the homeless and unfortunates, and I saw one guy emptying a bottle of urine around some trees! Last time we saw some great artwork on the walls but I think as we walked from the end of Santa Monica we were at a different end than last time.

Edited at 06:04 PM. Reason: Spelling
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