Last Day in L.A.

Well today is our last day in beautiful, warm, sunny L.A. We have been here 11 days, so it is time to head back to reality.
This week has been filled with so many fun adventures and memories. Monday I spent the day with Ben (Christian's brother) who happen to be in town the same day. We went out to Venice beach to go check out the water, but just so happens that a terrible fog had rolled in that day and we couldn't see a thing. We felt like we were in the twilight zone! Later that night, Christian, Ben, Dennis (Christian's co-worker) and I headed out the to L.A. Kings vs. Toronto Maples Leafs game. What are the chances that the Leafs play in L.A. that very same week we are in town!! The game was a blast - Leafs won 3 - 1.

Tuesday - Friday Christian was at work, so I spent the day shopping all over L.A. I went to Santa Monica 3rd St. a couple times, Rodeo Drive, the mall and a couple other strip malls along the way. I did all of our Christmas shopping!!!!!! It was so much fun. Rodeo Drive was all decked out for Christmas!

After spending 5 days at the Radisson Inn (don't suggest staying there) we were finally able to check into the Ritz Carleton, Marina Del Rey. Our whole reason for coming out to L.A. was Christian's work Christmas party. This year it was at the Ritz and they gave everyone in the company a hotel room. I have never stayed at a Ritz before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Christian told me to check into the hotel during the day, so off I went. As I pull up to the hotel I am blown away already. Mind you, we are driving a rental Ford Focus. After looking at the cars parked out front, BMW's Mercedes, Ferari & Porche's, I'm a bit embarrassed. I tell the guy that I am leaving soon so not to put the car away, so what does he do....puts it right by all the high end cars. I was so embarrassed!

That weekend was the company Christmas party. We ate, drank and danced the night away. It was a fun trip and I was greatful to be able to spend as much time in L.A. as we did!

America

Sunday morning Christian and I got up really early for our flight to Los Angeles. Our flight from Brussels to Atlanta was 10 hours; longest flight both of us have been on yet. We were pretty tired already when we landed in Atlanta 1 hour late. By the time we got there, we had 30 minutes to clear immigration, get our bags, re-check our bags, clear security and then get from Terminal E to Termnial A before our next flight to LA. Panic set in as there is no way we are going to make the flight. We show up at the gate at 4:30, our flight was due to leave at 4:10, but for some reason the plane was still there and they let us on, last ones before they shut the door! We made it, now another 4.5 hours on a plane.

By the time we reached L.A. (LOVE AMERICA) we had been up for 22 hours. Christian goes to pick up the rental car while I waited for the bags. The bags kept coming and going and guess what...ours never showed. I finally ask for someone about our bags and they tell me they are on the next flight due to arrive in 30 minutes. Tired and hungry Christian says "In N Out Burger?" How can you say no to that? So off we went to enjoy the finest burger in California. That burger and fries was probably the best thing we have ever eaten!!!!