The LA Overview

January 30th

I love LA. Can't put my finger on why -- maybe because I was only expecting to feel lukewarm about it -- but I do.
The hostel is in Hollywood, an area that is deliciously seedy (what does it say about me that I have an affinity toward the dingier areas of cities?). The hostel -- perhaps most? -- is reminiscent of being in residence first year of university. Fast friends, noisy, communal, plenty of boozing, boisterous fun. The majority of the people are from Australia and the UK and many seem to be coming from or going on a similar route to mine.

***

Wednesday night and a big crowd has decided to go out. It's already well past midnight; I try to help Paul -- who's spent time in the US -- explain the concept of last call (which doesn't exist in the UK or Australia). No use.

Hollywood doesn't see much night time action until the weekend, and our flock roams around, poking in and out of bars, but mostly congregates on street corners, debating which direction to head in.
The predominantly male group wants to find girls.

Paul: "Where have you guys gone out around here?"
James: "Last night, we ended up at a gay bar."
Paul: "You went to a gay bar?"
James: "Well, we didn't know it was a gay bar when we got there, now did we?"

***

And the verdict on Pinkberry?
Oh yes! Yes, please.