First Stop LA

We woke very, very early to catch a flight to Los Angeles out of West Palm Beach. We were at the airport by 5 a.m., and going through security was a breeze. Since I have a Platinum American Express card, it gives me access to many airport lounges around the world. Luckily this small airport had one, it was open and had no lines. It’s between Concourse A and B. Last week, we were on Breeze Airlines out of C, with no lounge. That’s always a bummer.

Our flight was on time. We flew American Airlines. Our tickets were $90 each for basic economy. But with my Citi Advantage card, I get free checked bags. With my Platinum American Express card, I get a $200 credit each year that pays for our seats. I was able to get extra leg room for our first leg.

In Dallas, we had a long layover. The lounge there only allowed two hours so we would have to wait to go. We splurged on the Centurian Lounge. I was free but Bruce was $50. To be honest, it wasn’t worth the money.

Our flight to LA was completely sold out. They offered to give money for giving up your seat. I would have done this but we are getting on a cruise and didn’t want to miss the ship.

We stayed at the Hyatt Airport and for some reason, I had a free room. Now I honestly don’t know why. Our room is nice, large, and comfy.

We arrived by 3 pm so we decided to go to Hollywood. I haven’t been there in 56 years and it has changed a bit.

Our Uber driver took us through a neighborhood of lovely old homes. They weren’t large but I believe this area was where many a young starlet lived.

But the wax museum is still there. I went there in 1970 with 3 friends. My bestie, Madeline, was grabbed by a werewolf and we very nice friends took off. I still don’t think she’s forgiven me.

We also told the cab driver we wanted to go to Grauman’s Chinese Theater for dinner only to be told it wasn’t a Chinese restaurant but a theater. That was embarrassing.

They are currently having a movie festival and we walked into the Roosevelt Hotel where they held the Oscars in 1931. What a beautiful place.

We ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had a Mediterranean salmon salad which was delicious. Bruce had a burger. It was interesting that they didn’t add on taxes other than a sales tax. In South Florida, many restaurants in tourist areas add on extra fees.