Monday - It took 12h to get to 'LA' from 'San Francisco'. I had to get a bus to 'San Lois Osposito' and then change to a train which was to get to 'LA' at 7pm. But "Amtrak", like UK trains, were running late so I did not arrive in 'LA' till 8.30pm. Then when I arrive at "Union Station" I took the red metro line to "Hollywood/Vine" and walked a couple of blocks to my hostel. It is $24 and in a great position, right next to the "Walk of Fame"! It has a great atmosphere with a bar, TV lounge, BBQ and has lots of trips available. I met a French girl in my dorm and we headed out to have a walk down "Hollywood Blvd". Tuesday - I had a much deserved lie in today after my early mornings. Then once up I went to the internet cafe to update the website. From there I walked along "Hollywood Blvd" looking down all the time to the "Walk of Fame". There were so many stars on the walk including "d*** Van Dyke", "Johnny Depp" and "Marilyn Monroe". COOL! I then went to the very impressive "Chinese Theatre", it had great architecture. Also out front were hands and feet of certain stars - "Sidney Poitier" and "Nick Cage". On the otherside of the road was the "El Capitain Theatre", which had been recently restored. I then walked up to "Capitol Records", the first circular tower in the world! Finally I went to the "Kodak Theatre" (where the Oscars used to be held) to see "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - it was well funny! Wednesday - Up early today to get the free breakfast at the hostel - pancakes with fruit and tea/coffee. Then I took the "DASH" bus to see the "Hollywood Sign", you cannot get to close to it but it is a good viewpoint of the sign (I did not want to pay $30 for a tour - expensive!). Then I took the bus back to "Vine Street" where I caught the red metro line to "Union Station". Once there I went to the "Amtrak" office and sorted out my tickets to 'Las Vegas' and 'San Diego'. Then I did a walking tour of "Downtown". First I came across "Olivera St" which was within "El Pueblo de Los Angeles", a historic park that protects many early buildings and a traditoinal Mexican marketplace. It was really quaint, and I had a wander around the market stalls. From there I walked down to the "Civic Centre", past the impressive "City Hall" and "LA Court". Then I got to the "Walt Disney Hall", an impressive building with a stainless steel roof - it is also home to the "LA Philharmonic Orchestra". I then walked back to "Union Station" and took the metro back to the hostel. It is the hostel BBQ tonight - $5! After the BBQ me and Kate (my dorm mate from the Uk - Enfield!) went to the comedy evening at the hostel. It was really good, some of the guys were writers for LA TV shows and other had prformed at the famous comedy store. Thursday - I am moving to "Santa Monica" beach today for a bit of a chill out. I got the #417 and #430 buses to "Santa Monica" and managed to find the hostel ok - "HI Santa Monica". It is $26 a night and in a really great location, like 5mins from the beach, but the amenities are not that good due to construction work. After settling in I decided to go to the "Getty Center", taking the #1 bus and then changing onto the #761 up into the hills to the "Getty Center". From the bus stop was a really nice tram up further into the hills and you stepped out into a very impressive square at the entrance to the "Getty Center". I walked up the marble white stairs and headed stright in to see the orientation film and get information on the exhibits. I decided to see the gardens first and they were stunning! In the centre of the gardens was a bush maze, the next layer had water surrounding it, then a walkway where you passed some beautiful flowers and then an area to sit under the trees. Also in the gardens were nicely trimmed lawns and a tiny little stream. It was so hot (33C) I decided to go in and see the FREE photograph exhibitions which were very impressive. I also went to see the early medievil paintings of "Rembrant" - very interesting. I took the bus back to the hostel and then took a walk down to the pier and saw the beginning of the "Summer Twilight Concert". In the evening I met up with Debbie and James (UK) and we sat with a cuppa and chatted until midnight. Friday - I am off to "Beverly Hills" and "Rodeo Drive" today. I had breakfast with Debbie before taking the #430 bus to "Beverly Hills". I got off the bus and walked up "Rodeo Drive". Wow, what a posh street lined with palms. I managed to see no stars but was told that to go in some of the stores, due to the clientel, booking had to be made in advance. I passed the marble buildings of "Minolo Blanick", "Ralf Lauren" and "Versace", some had very expensive cars out front! I then wandered round the streets and houses of "Beverly Hills", boy some of those houses are huge! Back at the hostel I met up with Debbie and we went to "Muscle Beach". It was not quite what I imagined as they were no massive muscley men and the equipment was a lot more gymnastic than I thought. We decided to have a go on the rings, parallel bars, monkey bars and ropes. We were upstaged on the ropes by one guy who was really good. In the evening we grabbed a bite at the food court before heading to the cinema to see "War of the Worlds" - which was ok but a bit cheesy at the end! Saturday - Today I am taking the train/bus to 'Las Vegas'.