Two buses, a plane ride, and two trains later, I’ve gotten from Los Angeles to Chicago, ready for the BlogHer conference :)
From Santa Monica, Calif., I took the Big Blue bus (75 cents) to the Flyaway bus ($4) to get to LAX. The Flyaway, which is new to Westwood in Los Angeles, lets you avoid fighting the traffic on the 405, the stressful curbside action at the airport, and the hassles of parking. Leaving promptly every hour and half hour, it whisks you off to the airport, dropping you off at your terminal 35 minutes or so later.
The plane ride — admittedly — was not so eco, as it made me spew roughly 786 lbs of carbon into the air. I did, however, manage to make it through customs without losing anything to the liquids police. This may be because I’ve managed to forget to bring all face lotions, face wash, and even a toothbrush — though I did miraculously remember to buy a mini-tube of Tom’s of Maine toothpaste….
One eco-accomplishment: I reused the plastic cup the flight attendant poured my first glass of water in, simply by saving it and handing it to her the second time she came around with the cart. Maybe next time I’ll even try using my own, non-disposable mug next time –
Once we landed I got on the blue line, transferred to the red, and walked a couple blocks to my friend Anne’s place. Total subway cost: $2. Yay!
[crossposted on BlogHer]
I always take my sippy cup with me on trips and use it throughout. It used to be that the flight attendants would stare blankly at it, but now they roll with it as if they were coffee baristas.
Comment by meg — July 26, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Good to know! Now I’ll feel less weird and apprehensive about proffering my own cup –
Comment by Siel — July 26, 2007 @ 9:24 pm
Since I’m doing SM to LAX tomorrow (and thence to Chicago as well!), any thoughts on whether from near downtown it’s better time-wise to take the bus to westwood (probably a 720) and catch the flyaway or to just take the 3 and the shuttle?
Comment by don hosek — July 26, 2007 @ 10:21 pm
The one case where I demur is on Southwest, where they take orders on a pad and then come back with a tray of drinks. It seems cruel to insist that they carry my cup back to the galley and remember what seat it goes to.
Comment by meg — July 27, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Hello! You are my new best friend!
I’m going to be down in LA for a week to do this one-week class mid-august. However! I am staying in Hollywood and must somehow get to Beverly Hills on the bus every day!! woot woot! Everyone I know in LA has never ever ridden the goddamn bus and is therefore very unhelpful. if you could help me out a little that would be so so awesome!
I’m going from sunset and Gordon to 1441 South Robertson blvd.
My plan is to take the 210 from Hollywood & Vine south to Wilshire & Rossmore. then take the 720 or 920 west to Robertson blvd.
Then just walk 7 blocks south.
Is that a remotely decent plan? The bus map is kinda confusing. I also tried choosing buses that were more frequent.
If you could help that would be AMAZING.
Thanks!
Comment by Bianca — August 4, 2007 @ 1:14 pm