The drivers are courteous, in the main, but you have to learn the "quick and the dead" way to drive. That is, see a gap and go for it. Indicators are optional. Very, very optional.
We didn't spot any stars while cruising around the city - not that we were looking - although at one really cool cafe I was taking pictures to go with a review when this blonde looked horrified at my Canon 7D.
I sat down and a couple of the teens within our travel party said they thought she was from a Disney Channel TV show.
Aha, thought I, she thought she was being stalked by the paparazzi. I had a good mind to walk over and say we weren't interested in barely recognisable F-list actors, but was enjoying my stunning beet salad too much to bother. Ah well, the thought was there.
Despite the traffic - and the egos of its telly community - LA is a city I could easily live in. Its restaurants and cafes are varied and affordable, and if you are too tired to think about cooking you can stop at a Fresh and Easy and pick up healthy prepared salads and meals at less than it costs to buy a rock melon here.
Now because of the US trip, our Christmas this year is going to be a basic one.
We haven't been bothered with a tree, which is strange considering last year's tree was left over from the previous Christmas, and presents will be minimal.
We will splash out with a big ham, turkey, pumpkin pie and a salad or two - but it is a marked change from usual when the table would serve a feast fitting for royalty, rather five or six people plus visitors.
I quite like this more laid-back Christmas. It means none of the usual present hunting, fighting maddening crowds or hassle.
And that makes the never-ending TV ads pushing all sorts of very Christmas goods - including car accessories and electrical stuff - even more annoying.
I am heartily sick to death of the rampant consumerism that goes on at this time of year, actually since about Easter when the Christmas goods go on sale. Just leave it be, guys, a car jack is not a Christmas present!
Watching people going about their shopping, it is hard to see any enjoyment. Their faces are knotted with pressure as they try to defy the cost, hassle and imminent disappointment on the faces of kids who don't realise their parents may not be able to afford the latest "in" thing.
In the next couple of days, supermarkets will be feral as people do their last-minute buy-ups.
It will be very unpleasant, so I am staying the heck away from the trolley and carpark rage that is just so not in the Christmas spirit.
I'm working Christmas Day - as is pretty usual - so it won't be until I log out that I will be able to sit back and relax with my good lady and kids.
And as a non-practising Protestant, that's how I enjoy Christmas - with family and friends.
That is my feel-good factor this year, to serve up a nice meal and just chill with them.
My heart does go out to those folk who have to entertain or be with extended family who they do not necessarily get on with. I have been there and done that, and will never again put myself through those tortuous "festive" nightmares.
So best of luck to those who still martyr themselves with unpleasant relatives or in-laws. My thoughts are with you - but stay away from the carving knife and close to the brandy bottle!
-richard@richardmoore.com
Richard Moore is an award-winning Western Bay journalist and photographer.
