@kir

So, last week I got that road trip. Sort of. Dan had to finish a story about the fastest wireless networks in the US, and we traveled from Vegas > LA > San Francisco with two 4G phones in a rented Mazda. I would have preferred a black Camaro, but whatever.

We stayed at the Hard Rock in Vegas, not wanting to deal with the strip and hoping it would be tolerable. (it helped that System of a Down was playing as we checked in - whatever happened to that band?)

I don’t find anything particularly interesting about Vegas - rather, I think it’s pretty depressing. But I was captivated by the Stratosphere. We were parked in a lot nearby (Dan tracking 4G data while I worked on my laptop [is this really my life?]) when out of the corner of my eye, I swear I thought I saw someone jumping from the top of that 1,149 ft structure. Indeed, I did and I heard the scream as someone took a free fall from the 108th floor. After watching a few people, it started to look kind of fun - but I opted for a drink at the bar instead, which offered its own set of thrills (nsfw, obv.).

A four hour drive and wide open landscape later, we were in LA. Sadly, our stay in LA was short but we managed to find a pretty great small hotel in Bev Hills so I have to recommend it. The Mosaic, situated behind the former building of my former employer (CAA) - kind of a funny location, as I could look out the window and recollect all of the indiscretions that took place in that alleyway… anyway, the hotel was really quite wonderful and close to everything. Must do: have a drink by the pool in the evening hours, it’s quintessential LA.

The 5. I used to live in Studio City - in The Valley - and whenever I needed a break, I’d hop on 170 to I-5 and head north. The drive between LA and San Francisco is just long enough at 5 1/2 hrs for a good mental stretch. It journeys over a diverse landscape of mountains, farmland, vineyards, and windfarms (though be prepared for the slaughterhouse you will pass in Coalinga - so awful you will become a vegetarian, or at least seriously consider it). By the time you hit 580 outside of Oakland - or the garlicky atmosphere of Gilroy, if you’ve chosen rt 152 - your mind will be free and clear of all that ails you.

We ran around San Francisco, which pretty much feels like my other home at this point, but stayed at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto for geographic reasons (and a $235/night price tag). The room was so perfectly designed I wish I’d captured every detail on video - from the desk design (perfect height for working, two separate surfaces to work on) to the desk chair, the unbelievable bed, huge tub, closet space and layout. For a business traveler, you really can’t ask for a better room. I don’t remember the Four Seasons being this spot on before, but - noted.

A super short trip that didn’t allow for much meandering, but I’ll take what I can get. Next time, I’ll have a badass car and a bigger map.