California conclusions

This KLM 747-300 Combi is irrelevant here but I like it.  It happened to be parked next to our gate at LAX.  Actually, the pilots are still in the cockpit when this was taken.  The Combi version of the 747 closes off one-third of what is usually passenger space on the main deck and transports freight in that space.  You could not imagine the size of cartons coming off this aircraft unless you saw it happen.

I constantly say that we get bad impressions of countries and places al the time because of hearing of plagues, disasters, political and economic problems etc. so frequently.   Then we are surprised when we arrive at a destination and it is so pleasant and civilized.  California is easy to travel - well, with a car and lots of money of course.  During my February visit there were only two days of clouds and rain and the rest were all 70-76 degrees under brilliant blue skies.  Once out of the major cities, driving is pleasant and the highways are great.  Along the coast, a driver has to be careful to watch the fuel gauge as there are long stretches without any towns or gas stations.  I usually refill at half a tank as a precaution, and the one time I did not do that, it was pretty hairy.  I was right at zero on the meter when a village with a good station appeared in a canyon.

Buying gas is a learning experience.  The credit card function on the pumps requires entering a U.S. zip code.   For foreign cards, they would  like to keep your card at the cashier's desk.  But, we are not supposed to ever turn our backs on our CCs, so I always tried to leave my D.L. instead.  This usually worked with  male attendants, but never with females.  They always wanted to charge some amount in advance, and keep the card as well - saying that it could be declined if they did not charge in advance.  My visa actually has a very high upper limit and I am v. careful to protect it.  I grew to hate banks in New York city in the old days because every customer was treated as a vile criminal. It often seemed that way with Ca. gas stations, but I must admit that, unlike Ontario, there is no chance at all of a thief stealing gas and then hitting and killing an attendant - as has happened here too often.  They do have better controls there which have been accepted by their customers.

I must admit that California has far more to offer the visitor than I ever expected.  I am anxious to return as there are so many natural attractions that I want to visit.