First evening in LA

Finally, the moment I had been waiting for 8 months arrived: my landing in LOS ANGELES! But before I could step out into the world of Cheesecake Factory, Target (Hello Peanut Butter aisle!) and palm trees, the Swiss airplane didn't want to let me go: I spent a whopping 14.5 hours in the big machine.

The flight time was 12 hours and it was very pleasant, food was served every 2 hours and drinks were constantly refilled. I was pleasantly surprised after my disappointing Emirates experience on New Year's Eve. The movie selection was a matter of taste, but with my movie selection criteria - as long as it's not a fantasy story and if possible with a handsome actor - I am probably not the most competent film jury. So I decided to go for a classic: 'Crazy Stupid Love' and two recommendations from the bee sitting in front of me - yes, we messed up the online check-in and couldn't sit next to each other - 'Hidden Figures' and 'Lion'. But even better than her movie tips was her advice to get noise-canceling headphones from BOSE (no, I'm not getting paid for this diary!). There weren't any annoying children sitting nearby, but with these headphones, the noise of the flight is effectively blocked out.

After landing, we spent another 2 hours on the tarmac because all parking spots were occupied due to the start of the holidays and the arrival hall was full. Well, that's the price you pay when you fly on such a day. I didn't let it bother me and continued to look forward to the holidays.

But first, we had to overcome the last hurdle: the US Department of Homeland Security! It's always an experience because you never know what questions will be asked. Would it be 'How much money are you bringing in?' 'How long are you staying here?' or 'Do you have any animal products with you?' (Quack, quack!)? First, the bee was called and referred to me as her travel companion. I stepped forward, the overly enthusiastic, gum-chewing (smack, smack) employee gave a bored look at my documents and started his interrogation:

- 'What do you do for work?'

-'I'm a teacher!!' (Grinning as always)

-'What do you teach?'

-'German and English.'

-'Oh Gooooooood.'

I suppressed my urge to laugh ('mich verjagts' or 'mich vergröhlts' would be more fitting expressions!) and soon we were able to take a taxi and arrived at our beloved hotel 'The Orlando', where we had already stayed in 2013. We were exhausted and only longed for two things: brushing our teeth and eating! (Of course, right? 😃) What we treated ourselves to, I naturally had to capture on camera.

I'm looking forward to the next 88 days!!!