Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I'm Going To Hell.


Really.

Next month Ben and I are heading to Los Angeles to recoup the vacation I won by writing a story about a kitchen nightmare I experienced. This is not the hell we are headed for.

Rather, because I bought a vacation from Marriott Resorts over a year ago that we weren't able to use, we transferred that package to their resort nearest LA, where we'll stay for a few days before heading to the London Hotel in Hollywood.

Here's a clippy from an e-mail from the Newport Beach tourism board:


I stroke a cashmere scarf so soft that my hand seems to float weightlessly upon it. Today the good life is mine as I sail through my private island, cloaked in contentment.

Newport Beach is perhaps best known for its unrivaled life of privilege. Mariner's Mile must be experienced to be believed with its endless stream of exotic automobiles and lavish yachts, and its
restaurant row boasting million-dollar views These are the vehicles used to transport their owners to the mansions and boutiques of Balboa and surrounding islands.

But perhaps the island you prefer is Fashion Island with its 200 specialty boutiques, just waiting for your discerning perusal.


Yeah, I'm going there. Maybe sunshine and salt air will cure the hives I'm sure to break out in.


(This image is taken from Shop Till They Drop and shows the tin shacks that Bangladeshi garment workers live in, unable to afford better.)

10 comments:

Fran said...

Oh man- I'd all but forgotten your coming sojourn!

Wow.

Will we see you on TV?

On a more somber note, try not to feel too badly about the whole Newport Beach thing.

At least you have awareness, compassion... you speak of these things.

You have a heart and a rather huge one as far as I can see.

Beautiful too.

Comrade Kevin said...

I hope you get your third world travel on with a minimum of jostling.

Anonymous said...

Your liberal guilt (is that what it is or is it just common sense and decency?) absolves you.

Dr. Zaius said...

From the movie, "Scrooged":
-----------------------
Frank Cross: I'm gonna give you a little advice Claire. Scrape 'em off. You wanna save somebody? Save yourself.
Claire Phillips: Oh well that's a really nice attitude. Merry Christmas.
Frank Cross: Bah humbug.
-----------------------
James Cross: You know what they say about people who treat other people bad on the way up?
Frank Cross: Yeah, you get to treat 'em bad on the way back down too. It's great, you get two chances to rough 'em up.
-----------------------
Frank Cross: I never liked a girl well enough to give her 12 sharp knives.
-----------------------

P.S. Claire Phillips was played by Karen Allen from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and John Carpenter's "Starman". **sigh**

dguzman said...

Oh Dr Zaius, how well you know the inner unknowable workings of my heart!

Back to you, Jess: I think you'll be okay; you just have to stay away from these obviously psychotic tourism board members, who take hedonism to a whole new level of disgusting.

Have fun!

Claire said...

Was there anything in the tourism board literature about how you've earned it? Or that you deserve it? Or that you should pamper yourself? I'll be disappointed if not.

Jess Wundrun said...

I know cdp, but I'm glad they haven't said I've earned it.

I haven't golfed a single round all summer. Hell, I've never even fired anyone. I don't deserve a scintilla of pamperment.

Dean Wormer said...

"Fashion Island" where Mr. Roarke wears an ascot.

M.Yu said...

Have fun in LA LA land. I will back there next month in SD.

Just put your rational mind on hold an enjoy the fantasy that is SoCal.

It is truly Babylon...with cleavage.

Cultivate your joie de vivre,
Bon Appétit!

Distributorcap said...

i bet john and cindy mcslumlords own those houses