Los Angeles

  From DFW we parked our car in northern reduced parking. On time we flew, everything is running smooth so far. Landed in Las Vegas at 1:00 am (Cent. Time) 11:00pm (Pac. Time). Las Vegas had a bright flood of light, and can see Casino lights very clear as we landed, and as we took off. Las Vegas airport is relatively small, but has lot of (Slot Machines). Wherever you go, there are slot machines. These machines are being monitored since they are in open space. Uniformed persons are there to stop minors from gambling. Connecting flight to LA is also in time. We landed at 1:30 am (Pac. Time) 3:30am (Cent. Time). Excitement and anticipation are very high, and everyone is looking for a good relaxing time.

Day one. Wed June 24th (4:00am) Checked out luggage, took courtesy bus to Avis, we did not find a bus to Hertz. Thinking if I can find a better deal with Avis, got a wake up call. In California there is always a question:

("Did you have a reservation?").

Answer ("NO!")

There is strange reaction on face of employee behind counter. As if you committed an unforgivable mistake. Thank God that all car rental companies are very close to each other. Walked to Hertz about 5 minutes. Checked out a (Taurus), in reservation I made, I requested for something other than Taurus. Ford owns Hertz! There are some options, related to gas tank, and insurance. Because gas prices in CA is higher than national average; Hertz makes an advertisement that they give a full tank and return car empty. Fuel charge is ($1.20) which is relatively compatible with market price or sometimes lower! This was a good offer specially someone told me that gas prices in SFO is ($1.50). As for insurance I declined. Unfortunately Taurus was the only car available, I picked up the car, I was informed because of this late time, there were no available clean cars. Clerk is courteous and promised "accept this car, come by later and exchange for any available car. I drove to look for a place to sleep so that we can start day .We drove to Howard Johnson which is in airport area .During Internet search Howard Johnson did fit our budget and its location is good. Again I was faced with "Do you have reservation"? ! NO.! Now we find to make a reservation on the spot at 4:00 am puts in a weak spot. Internet prices are not applicable. ($59.00 room) is available for ($79.00).

One lesson I learned going to a hotel after 1:00 AM in the morning puts you in a non bargaining position regardless if this an excellent 5 stars or mom and pop hotel. So we got a room in Best Western, which was ok, scenery is bad. It included breakfast; which is pastry and juices. We were surprised to find Guava and Strawberry mix juice. It was extremely delicious. But at any rate we decided to search for other hotel by day and change rented car. We went back to Howard Johnson and it is a different story. Front desk person is nicer and prices got better. So we rented a room. We wanted to see room first (it is your right to exercise). Room was nice and bright scenery is nicer, not a narrow alley.

Around noon we started our trip to LA after we exchanged Taurus by Mercury Sable, which is only available. Difference between Taurus and Sable is exactly like difference of quarter of a dollar with a head or with a tail in value. It is also a Ford made, it is just a minor upgrade.

http://www.ci.beverly-hills.ca.us/ Beverly Hills

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