I had a brief layover in the City of Angels after my time in South America. It wasn't the most direct route from Bogotá to Romania but based on a great deal from Aer Lingus and miles from Continental, it became a very affordable option. It was also an excuse for me to catch up with a few friends in LA and to get my visa for my trip to China.
Since my friends worked during the day, I used the time to get caught up on things I needed to get done. Armed with my friend Lesley's car and cellphone, I took on LA. The most essential item was the securing of my visa to China. Two trips, $150 bucks and a three hour wait in line was all that was needed to get the precious paperwork. I also needed to restock some gear, get a haircut and most importantly indulge in some guilty American pleasures- a cheeseburger, a milkshake and a movie. I had my cheeseburger with a former city employee, Jeni McEvers who now makes LA her home. The Iron Man movie had just come out and being a comic book fan, it was my choice for my first movie in over five months. It didn't disappoint!
One night a small group of friends came out to have drinks with me. It was funny but all of them were introduced to me during one of my travels either domestically or internationally. It is the one thing that I enjoy about travel the number of cool people you meet along the way.
Meet Stacie Lang and her boyfriend, Curtis. I met Stacie in 2005 through my friend Dave Fields when we crashed at her place during a mileage trip to LA to watch a Dodger's game.
Meet Stacey Cook and Lesley Williams. I met Stacey in Belize in 2005 in the city of San Ignacio. Lesley and I met in March when we ran the Antarctica Marathon and 1/2 marathon. Lesley was a great host and very bravely allowed me to drive her car in LA.
Meet Dan McCarthy and Beth King. I met Dan this April when we hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. I met Beth in March when we ran the Antarctica half marathon together.
It was good to be back in the states for the two days but the road was calling my name. Next stop Cluj, Romania.
