california

The exchange rate between the Pound and the Greenback stands at $1.86, which is just ridiculous. If I actually had a significant amount of money to spend, I'd probably lose all control in Los Angeles next week; a Brit-apparent with a charge card, an empty suitcase, a feeble US dollar, and a comfortable daytime temperature of 18 C... it's like smoking atop a pile of high-nitrate fertiliser.

As it stands, there's only a couple of things I'd like to pick up while there on the merchandise front, and nothing overly expensive - unless I experience a failure of inertia during my just-taking-a-look at the Apple Store - though if there's a chance in hell of me getting back here, I'll certainly take it because a) hot damn!, b) it's about time I stole another menu, and c) I miss real, hot and sour buffalo wings with chunky blue-cheese dip (not to mention Linda's $4 fudge cake, which is the size of my forearm and now a steal at £2.14).

It seems like a good idea to take my running gear with me, especially given my anticipated change in diet, and this time I'll be staying between Valencia - first weekend only - and Pasadena, both of which are pretty good for running around in. Alas, my knowledge of West Hollywood gaïety is limited, but unless things have changed, I think I'm prepared to go the week without subjecting myself to whistles and camp, openly leering "Hellos!" from beneath tilted sunglasses at the streetside cafés. It's a different planet, not a bad one, but not something I'm likely to face without my friends, all long since departed to places elsewhere.