Took the bus to 'downtown' LA. The bus went via West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and down the Sunset Boulevard. The later being very run down and dirty.
Union Station very nice and the foyer area large. Taking the Metro rail to Long Beach (where my bike comes in). Not a problem finding the right train and only one change at Metro Central.
That is where the 'nice' or even 'safe' finishes. The movies often make mention of 'South Central LA' well I was going through the center of that area. Very poor and low quality housing. Didn't take any photos didn't want to stand out any more than I already was.
I was the only white person on the train. No threats were made by anyone but the young guys all looked like the typical 'gang bangers' types. One big, and I mean big, black guy sat beside me and had a conversation that went like this -
Q "Where you from?" A "Australia" Q "Australians rich, right?" A "Some are but not me" Q What you doing here?" A "Travelling - having a look around" Q "Never been - either got to be a bum or rich to travel right".
Conversation came to an end when two LA Sheriffs (Fare Enforcement) came into the carriage. The men including my inquisitor (my friends) got off the train.
An hour later I was in Long Beach. The transit mall and downtown was dirty and crowded. The foreshore is very clean and safe. Heaps of tourists off the cruise ships and flash hotels. Queen Mary dwarfed by some of the other ships.
Went to the wharf where my bike is being off loaded but the area is just to big. No chance of getting up close to the ship carrying my bike - not sure if it has berthed yet or not anyway.
Made it back to the hostel in one piece. The bike has to be picked up from Compton which is the epicenter of gangland LA. Better start enjoying rapping and find a better hiding place for my money.
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