This is Hollywood, land of dreams! My dreams usually involve a pink chicken that speaks with my mother's voice, and thankfully that wasn't here. What we did find was an aggressive guide who, after we turned down his tour several times, demanded "why did you come here then? Why not stay at home?" as he stomped off. Welcome to LA!
After wandering the star-studded sidewalk thick with tourists we drove through downtown, past Our Lady of the Angels, and on into the OC to meet Jim, Gen, Frankie and new Lexie in Irvine. I haven't introduced Hannah to many genuine Americans, and Gen did not disappoint - she took us to an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch.
We waved them goodbye and drove north-east and up, into the high desert and to Victorville. Where? Well, it's in the mountains, in the middle of nowhere, but has twice the population of the Creek. It also has what's claimed to be the best falafel in the world, at Ala' Al-Deen's tiny cafe. That was the most happening spot in town (with all four of us inside) so after that it was back to the hotel and Hannah's new favourite pass time: American TV. The trashier the better - Call of the Wildman, Taboo, Storage Wars. This country is corrupting her.
Hannah enjoys her first ever waffle made in those magic hotel machines. She's surprised and enchanted.
Walking with the stars.
Terrible tourist photo, but when in Hollywood...
She thanked me in her speech.
Frankie, as bouncy and cute as ever.
The indoctrination begins.
All you can eat. And we did.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to drive through the desert.
Lost.
Thanks, now what can we do around here?
Eat the best falafel!
