h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The flight was early. I was shocked, as this is the first time that I've flown anywhere since 1996, when I went to my brother's wedding. I almost cried, because in all honesty this was my first trip alone, and I'm a VERY emotional person. But the 14 year old girl next to me kept jabbering away and kept me from being too emotional publicly. I watched the lights fade far away behind us and put on some music for relaxation. As we approached Long Beach, and the land once again lit up, I could not take my eyes off the vastness of California. It's so huge! When L.A. was in sight, I couldn't even fathom an end to the city!!! We were over 30 minutes early and by the time I got my suitcase, I was still way too early to get my vehicle. I caught a shuttle to the rental place, and was quite surprised to see that there was long wait to get my car. By the time I reached the counter, I was exactly on time to pick it up! The man that helped me gave me great directions to my hotel, the Hyatt West Hollywood, right on Sunset, next door to the Comedy Store and across the street from the House of Blues.

Things went a little awry when I got to the hotel. It was a good 30 minute drive there, and they have NO parking! So I left my car up front, but they had to take my keys in case of an emergency (they did this when I checked out too, so I guess it's not that uncommon, but it seemed weird to me). There was no one at the front desk. I waited almost 15 minutes for someone to come check me in. Finally a very slow moving young man came and he checked me into a room on the fourth floor, a corner room with a great view. However, the shift before his had unwittingly NOT properly checked in the people that occupied the room. I parked out back (shoot, $18 a day for SELF parking!!!!) and got all my stuff as a very nice security man (Patrick was his name...) waited patiently (he offered help, but my friends will tell you that I'm too independent to allow him to help). We got to the room, I used the creditcard key thingy to open the door. I was so glad to finally be there that I just swung the door wide open...only to be shocked by the naked woman who ran to the door, said "wrong room" and quickly shut and locked the door. WOW!!! Patrick muttered something. I looked at him in utter disbelief. Instead of laughing, like I normally would have, I got angry. I was tired, cranky, and it was already after midnight L.A. time, which would be about 2 am my time. So, I just looked at Patrick and said, "Pardon my language, but how the HELL did MY key open HER door?"

We went back downstairs with Patrick apologizing the whole time (he came up later to explain what had happened). I was issued a new room, this time a junior suite on the 12th floor, which was fabulous, and had the same view. (OK so I was tired, and when I got in the room I did NOT see the sliding door to the balcony and was mad for not having a great view...So to those who I complained to, I'm sorry, I was just so tired and wasn't really paying attention.) I grabbed my journal with all my numbers in it and made my way back to the pay phones to make all my phone calls. I then went back upstairs to unpack. I fell asleep almost as soon as my head touched the pillow...and then

BAM, next thing I know it's almost 9am and I'm just waking up. I rush around getting my stuff together to wear and to take a shower. Marty called and we met at a Starbucks near where he lives. He's an incredible person! We chatted for a while then went to Amoeba Music. That was such a HUGE place.

After that we went to eat some Mexican food and talked some more. Then we were off to Venice Beach!!! It was quite a place to see...Vendors with artwork and little budda men (we each got 3) and then we ran into Harry Perry. Harry Perry is very well known in that area. He plays guitar while on roller skates up and down Venice Beach. He's an awesome person! we both bought a shirt and listened to him play...It was a great experience.

We then went back to Hollywood. We went to the Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood walk of fame.

We saw some of the sights, although it was too foggy for to see the Hollywood sign. Marty is an awesome person! He's terribly sweet and kind. It didn't bother him a bit that I got vertigo when we went to a balcony to look out over the city.

Then we ate at a 50s style place. The waiter was corney, but the music was good. We chatted a while and ate. Then we went back to his place. Marty's walls are covered with posters, postcards, and pictures of bands, movies and stars.

We called it an evening but....

I accidentally slept in the next morning, making us late for Universal Studios. We first went to breakfast. He was very nice about me being late too lol. Then we were off to Universal Studios...tickets in hand!

We started off with the tour of U.S. It was fun!!! We went on the Back to the Future ride, we saw the Backdraft and the Special Effect shows. We rode the Jurassic Park ride, walked through Van Helsing (wow was that ever scary!). We also looked over the entire Lucille Ball exhibit (amazing and incredibly talented woman!). Oh I forgot the Mummy ride! (...I will bite back commnts on how much I LOVED this ride, as the other party involved was quite shaken afterwards!) We walked through Van Helsing (which scared me!!!) The last thing we did was see Shrek 3d (funny, cute and a little gross at times!). We shopped the rest of the time we were there.

I took Marty back to his place. We hugged, and I was going to leave, but instead he invited me in. He fixed me some coffee and we watched Curb Your Enthusiasm. Marty is a very witty and charming host.

He walked me out to the car and we hugged again. And that's it. He didnt' hit on me, make me feel like a fool, nothing!

All in all I think that it was a tremendously great experience for both of us.

Big sigh! Unfortunately, I am not sure how this will go, but my personal feelings haven't changed. If anything, they re enforced my feelings even deeper for him!!!...I wish I could just ask, but I'm not that type...