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The past few days have been a drain...on the wallet!  Paid $1100 to service the van.  It needed new shocks, engine service, fix oil leak in sump, service transmission, drivetrain service, new sparkplugs and leads, new fuel filter, and misc other stuff.  Looks like, apart from a new oil filter and some cosmetics, the van has never had a proper service!  On a good note though, the mechanic said the van looks really good for its age and mileage.  Hopefully it gives me little to no trouble for the next 12 months or so.

I've bought various bits and bobs that I'll need to be self-sufficient on the road, including a gas cooker, chair, table, cooking gear, inverter, FM tuner, anti-theft Club, storage tubs, spare battery, oil, coolant, jumper cables, coffee mug; ah so many other bits and pieces I've lost count!

Rein has taken me to most of the best eateries around here over the past week.  Mexican, Italian, Thai, Japanese, All-American; this place has it all.  There are a number of bars very near to where I'm staying, and lots of characters around.  Lots of attention-seekers!  I guess this is LA.

Ok so now I have to get down to the local indoor climbing gym (Hanger 18, South Bay) and meet some local climbers!  I've bought the guidebook for the Santa Monicas and plan to camp near there (near Malibu!) so I can hit up the local spots.  The area looks good from the guidebook, although worryingly they actually call the rock choss in the guide!  Hmm.

Sunday is the Super Bowl party with a mate of Rein's, and after that I'll head off to see how my setup works.  Luckily I'll still be close to the city in Santa Monica, so its not too far to get supplies if needed.  This will be a trial run for when I leave California when the weather warms up, and go into Nevada, Colorado, Utah; where-ever!