LOS ANGELES

We were not really sure what to expect in LA.  We knew about Hollywood and that stars live here, probably in the hills but not too clise to the sign and that was about it.  Naturally, we arrived tired, took ages in line through border protection and finally located the carousel which our bags had been travelling on and joined the line for the prebooked shuttle to the motel. It seemed hours later, but in reality 45min and we were finally on our way. Got to the room, dumped everything, headed to the bar, downed a beer and crashed back in the room for an hour.
We are staying near The Grove (the largest open air mall in the US/Northern hemisphere/world. Cant remember which, perhaps all.  It is interesting, just shops and more shops, but at the end is the farmers market with a few produce stalls and lots of good looking food. Sadly the food area is closing as we arrive but we find a Greek place which serves us well. Then we crash for the night. 
I shall gloss over much of the next day as we spent too much time on a hop on hop off bus, along what I think must be the dullest route. Surely the others were more interesting.
However we ended up as we planned at LaBrea tar pits and museum which was very interesting indeed. I've never seen anything like it, asphalt seeping up through the ground reminiscent of the Beverley Hillbillies oil. 
Tour there, lunch at the nearby LACMA - Contemporary Art - and the first split. I continue in the fresh air and the fossil museum and Rob does modern art.  Unadventurous as we are we head back, ending up at the Grove to enjoy dinner and a beer at the Original Farmers Market. With any luck another good night's sleep and we'll be ready for real sightseeing.
YES.. check out, Uber to Union Station,dumpnthe bags forthe day and join a walking tour of downtown LA. The tour is led by Neil, who until recently worked as a CPA before starting the tours specialising in the downtown area. Very enjoyable tour, ending conveniently near the Grand Central market food hall. Another split, I head off the The Broad to enjoy the collection housed there and the Cindy Sherman photo exhibition.  Back to Union Station, detouring to go up to the 27th floor of the City Hall where there is a free viewing deck outside the rather impressive Tower Room.
Now waiting for the train...enjoying another pianist at the public piano in the plaza.