Day 0 - Arriving at LAX

My heart skipped a bit when we touched down at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Gab was more animated! But Migo was quite upset with all the noise and plane vibrations. He kept complaining about his ears hurting. I gave him a couple of lollies/snakes so he can clear his eardrums while chewing. He kept yelling: "Stop the plane!" I could only hold his hands ... the poor boy.

Even with all the dra

ma, the three ladies seating behind us complimented me about how well behaved the boys were! If only they knew what went on ... perhaps it is better that they don't.

ANGELS ARE EVERYWHERE!

We cleared immigration and customs with no drama. But those queues are unbelievably slow! It aggravates the nerves of someone who's had no sleep.

It is a good idea to grab dinner at any of the shops inside or outside the airport. Having arrived at 4pm, I expected to be at the hotel at 7pm at the earliest. According to Google, our accomodation was 1.5 hours away, however, we were in the middle of a Los Angeles Friday rush hour. After buying a box of Cinnabons (yum!) and 4 hotdog sandwiches, we made a beeline for the taxi rank. The first angel was a female Hispanic volunteer who asked if we had any transportation. She commented that a taxi will most likely charge over US$200 for a trip to Oceanside. She suggested that we go take the Ride-share mini vans instead. We probably saved at least US$50 from that advise. We gladly gave her a AU$10 note for her valuable advise. I know, I should have given more!

The second unnamed angel was our African-American van driver who charged our party of four US$150. Although we arrived at the hotel at 8pm, having two other groups being dropped in various locations along the way, the driver regaled us with local stories. He made a very entertaining tour guide.

The goodness of these two ordinary folks eased the strain of our flight.

HOTEL#1 - WORLDMARK by WYNDHAM, Oceanside, CA (stay 7 nights)

This serviced apartment was part of the Interval Exchange group of which my mother was a member of as part of her Accor Club Membership.

During my research, there were better known hotels at Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Carlsbad that I considered. I chose Worldmark for its location (15 mins. to Legoland) and because it had a murphy bed for the boys. This is a bed that is hidden against the wall when not in use. So my husband and I have privacy and the boys have the entire living room to themselves.

The 1 bed apartment was clean, the kitchen was self contained, there was a laundry/dryer, and we had a large balcony with a BBQ grill. There was even a coffee maker, hurray! Our 2nd level apartment looked out into the tennis court, basketball court and a partial view of the pool. Lots of apartments dot the distance, all overlooking the ocean. I knew that behind the train tracks lies the ocean. Yes, trains pass by every half hour or so. This may be bothersome to other folks, but Migo enjoyed watching every train that passes. Our last day at this resort is a beach day. I can't wait!

There was no restaurant on site, so the takeaway food (or the "to go" food as Americans would say) saved us from imminent hunger.

Other hotel details: internet computer with printer was available at the lobby; internet was available inside the room for a small fee of US$15 per 10 days; unit supplies can be replenished anytime saving me from buying laundry and dishwasher detergents. Oh and it includes supply of the coffee beans. Little joys.