My first begger approached me. Called 'panhandlers' by the locals. A young black American who said he was a student/actor and left home without his wallet - just wanted a couple of bucks. Apologised and moved on. Many more to come.
Got on the slow, slow bus to Santa Monica at a cost of 75 cents. An hour later I arrived at Fourth Street and the hostel is in Second Street. A two block walk. Pleasant surprise but the place is quite flash or at least better than I expected. Friendly young bloke booked me in and gave me a swipe card.
My room mates were all sitting around the room. Yoshi from Osaka (early twenties, pleasant, polite but somewhat overwhelmed young Japanese), Alex from England ( 30+, very well travelled and been on the road for over a year and heading towards Mexico), ? (30+ Canadian who was a bit anti-social but talked about himself enough to learn that he had just arrived from Asia where he had been for the past six months), Cameron (early twenties, Australian, splashing money around, paid $75 for taxi to the hostel when the rest took the bus), Rick (late twenties, another Australian, waiting for his three mates to arrive from Australia).
Needed a feed and a look around. Streets of Santa Monica clean, tidy and safe. The hostel one block away from the beach and pier. Great location for anyone considering travelling to Los Angeles.
Wandered down to the beach and there were hundreds of 'bag people' (panhandlers) enjoying the sunshine.
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