The train ride to Los Angeles was around thirteen hours. It was a nice and very comfortable way to go. Over the years we have driven several times. We have also taken the inland train to Bakersfield then a bus to L.A. This was our first time on the coastal route. Thirteen hours on this train went by faster than two and a half on the Bakersfield to L.A. Amtrak bus. We will take the Coast Starlight the next time we go down south.
Upon arrival we gathered our things and de-trained. We made our way into the main part of Union Station. It was around nine o'clock and at this point we just wanted to find a taxi and head over to our motel.
The cabstand was just outside the main doors. I got my first surprise of the visit when we approached the taxi. The driver got out of the car, opened the trunk, and loaded our gear. Usually they pop the trunk and sit on their ass. Wanda and I got in the small rear seat, a few inches of bullet proof glass between us and the driver. Not wanting to get too close to the partition I sat back and gave the driver the motel address. This is where I must digress, you can think of this as a narration flashback.
In 1971 after a few years of back and forth travel I settled in northern California. I was twenty two years old and, to use a favorite expression, couldn't find my ass with both hands. I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. While I was thinking about my future I took a job driving a taxi in what was then a very small town, Walnut Creek. I always had a flashlight and extra batteries, a magnifying glass, and several editions of Thomas Bros. map books in the cab. Now, back to Los Angeles.
I gave the driver the motel address, he entered it in his dash mounted Garmin G.P.S. and off we went. Now, I'm no fool and I checked the route and mileage before we left home. My information listed our ride at 9.2 miles, about a fifteen minute drive. A few blocks from the station we merged onto the freeway.
I was desperately trying to fasten my seat belt. Wanda was making the sign of the cross and silently praying. The force of acceleration had us pinned back into the seat and the numbers were spinning on the meter with the speed of a 'Vegas slot machine.
The fifteen minute drive took ten and we found ourselves on a very nice Main Street. The area reminded me of a college town with lots of bars and restaurants. Two of life's necessities, an ice cream shop and a Starbucks were around the corner from our motel. We would be spending the next four days and nights at a Days Inn.
Upon our arrival the cabbie unloaded the trunk while I unloaded my wallet. I think the taxi fees are $2.70 a mile. It's no wonder everyone in L.A. has a car. I finished paying the driver while Wanda wheeled our suitcase into the motel lobby. She was talking to the clerk who's eyes were as big as saucers. "Do you have a reservation?" he asked. I got the impression people rarely checked in with luggage. I was waiting for him to ask us how many hours we needed the room.
Just like the cab driver, the motel clerk was well protected behind several inches of unbreakable glass. They had a slot like area to pass credit cards through, although I think most patrons paid cash.
The counter area was adorned with a multi armed Buddha like statue that was an incense burner. Also on display was a very large aquarium. The motel advertised a free continental breakfast. I decided to pass if fish was on the menu. We finished our registration, got our code for the free WiFi, found the elevator, and went up to our room.
Funny, a sign in the elevator gave instructions on what to do if the elevator unexpectedly stopped, like between floors. Instruction number one was "Do Not Panic." Directly underneath the sign was a "panic button."
Our reason for going on the trip was to spend time with Younger Daughter Rebecca and Her Husband Tim. The Days Inn was a five minute drive from their place and it was reasonably priced. I have taken artistic license here, the motel was fine. However, the morning breakfast would have been better if everything wasn't individually wrapped. I'm not big on Hostess Blueberry Pies and muffins of some sort which they cut in half.
Rebecca, if you read this, please, please, please don't worry about having suggested the Days Inn, really, it was OK. But, I know you two stayed there when it was so hot and your power was out, maybe you know something about the toilets? Why were they about eight inches off the floor? These were the lowest toilets I have ever seen in my life.
Our room had two beds, both very comfortable. We had a fridge, a microwave and a wall mounted 42" LG TV, what else did we need? It was getting late when we finally settled in. I called Rebecca and we made plans for the next morning. I was still rocking a little from the train, we were both tired. It was unseasonably warm so I turned on the AC and soon we were both asleep.
Thursday would be our first full day there. I wasn't planning on greeting it at 4 AM, but I did, we both did.
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