weekend of rushing about + a better ending

Just a quick note to all: I am still alive and in one piece! :-)

However, my well being was seriously being questioned by a 5.30 hr bus/train/metro/bus again/long wait/... type journey today to get to NASA JPL. Don't worry, its just me learning that I cannot rely on public transport everywhere in the universe.

Have almost resolved today that even if it means giving up eating, I shall leave in Santa monica or Venice (rent is >750 in the crime-stricken areas!). Nevermind, you live and learn! But I do have some way forward on one front after a weekend of running about: I have a mobile, or what as they call it here -a cellphone.
it is (+001) 310 428 2253

[I am unsure if california has its own different code, but I think this should be sufficient]

*Voila!*

Everyone in the office is absolutely brilliant and have been so caring and supportive that I was initially taken aback! On my first two days, whilst I struggled to keep up in the daytime due to jet-lag, Jim and Lin made me feel like I was home with my grandparents - all complete with awesomely refreshing tea, laughter, music and stories!

Also, I found myself stranded in the middle of a highway (called freeway, here). Just as I was growing extremely tired of waiting (I had been waiting for a bus for 1.5 hrs after 7 bus rides!) and frustrated of walking bus-stop to bus-stop, a lady and her partner bet at a traffic junction whether I was lost or just engrossed in a really good book. Realising that my book was actually a large road map of LA, they stopped and Jamie (the lovely lady) asked me if I needed help. I could not have been more greatful to their good humoured bet, I find myself back safe in Santa Monica.

I am just collecting these experiences in this entry to reassure you all, that as all places have, LA will take its toll, make me cry a few nights, make me learn some good lessons (albeit the hard way) but there are enough people around here that I will remain indebted to for restoring my sanity every step!

Peace now, I should go back to house-hunting, and getting ready for work tomorrow. Have a great start to the week everyone!