LA has been added to our list of US downtown areas that change character within a matter of a block. We caught the 16 to downton LA. Like the buses in Washington DC there is a very specific customer group. I doubt many tourists use public transport.

We got of in the wrong block, it reminded me more of Cuba (the rundown glory) than the richest nation in the world. Fortunately, we got our bearings and are now in the extremely pleasant and extensive LA Central Public Library.

I am about to head off searching for the funiculair. After, we will catch the Metro to Hollywood.. Need sleeep!

Tomorrow we head North.

There must be something about me… after clearing customs at the Brisbane airport I was “randomly selected” to undergo testing of particles in my bag and on my clothing. They must see me coming.

Testing involves them putting a large wand in your bag, on the pckets of your jeans, and sleeves and then testing to ensure no explosive chemicals (or anything else) is on you. Of course I was clean!

Now we are going to experience all the delights of Brisbane airport coffee… bring on the short black!

Here’s one for the public transport enthusiasts out there. Brisbane airport now has a private funded rail link between its domestic and international terminals, making it a doddle to transfer. Even better it was free, at least for Qantas passengers.

It uses the existing QR rolling stock and operates on an elavate railway. I wonder if it making a return.

Brisbane certainly looks better from the sky than close up, or perhaps my memories are just jaded.

Like everything good these days, this holiday needs a SOUNDTRACK. Here are the first two contenders. I’d appreciate your suggestions.

Contender #1 – California by Phantom Planet

Obviously this song is location specific, but I could imagine landing at LAX with this blaring out of the overhead speakers. It’s got to be better than I Still Call Australia Home sometimes played by that airline that would like to be anything other than Australian!

Check out the lyrics of California.

I have a short clip of the chorus here, sorry about the bad quality, but if you really want to here it and can bear Orange County then watch Channel 10, and remember don’t steal music!

{Note from 2024 – back in the days before broadband and high quality streaming – see YouTube link below}

Contender #2 – Jacqueline by Franz Ferdinand

Apart from being a better band, this “post-punk” (or so says my player) song applies to all holidays. Perhaps I should let the lyrics speak for themselves. Consider this chorus:

It’s always better on holiday

So much better on holiday

That’s why we only work when

We need the money

Check out the lyrics.

Not so sure that the rest of the lyrics are that pertinent, but the chorus is good.

I’ve also got a short clip for you here.

{Note from 2024 – back in the days before broadband and high quality streaming – see YouTube link below}

Leave a comment below to nominate more contenders.