Half Around The World In 80 Days

My final North American destination is Los Angeles where Seamus Gallagher lives. Much of the time here is spent chilling out on Venice Beach which is a haven for weird and wonderful people of every type. It is also where those Baywatch types hang out, but thankfully I did not need to be rescued by them this time.

Other LA highlights included an Oktoberfest outing in a big marquee with giant beer steins and a Lederhosen-clad ooompah band who specialised in traditional favourites like The Chicken Song !! I also went to Universal Studios where you can go behind the scenes of blockbuster movies, see Jaws, stand in long queues and ride a host of simulators based on popular movies like Jurassic Park. This was a fun but vapid day out. Far more fulfilling was a trip to the Getty Art Museum. This museum is only open since 1998 and features some lovely modern architecture and gardens. I can recommend it highly to any LA-bound visitors.

The last impression of the USA came from the departure lounge of LAX airport where the public address announced every minute that 'You do not need to pay solicitors'. This would be welcome news to those of you with large legal bills, but apparently the solicitors in question are people hawking goods outside the airport.

Mr Gallagher bids me farewell at the Getty Museum