FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: California Drivin'

Inching our way home around the world, we flew from MCO to LAX today. The new Clear Reserve system worked really well to get us through a disorganised airport full of people who know their rights and live to express them. We were there at 7am and we shuddered at the thought of what the airport would have looked like later in the day...

The flight itself on United was fine. It somewhat grated that despite having round the world business class tickets, we were unable to use the United lounge at MCO. I was kind enough to be "gifted" as entry as a member's guest. Anyhow! We arrived at LAX safely and luggage pickup was surprising quick and painless.

We hired a car from an ultra budget mob called Fox, but so far they've been great to deal with. With 3 nights before our flight home we decided to try something different and head to Palm Springs as a base to explore the Joshua Tree National Park. Along the drive, we discovered that Driver Mal driver and Navigator Lara was a much better combo than Driver Mal + Navigator Bel. Hurray for me, I get to play with my phone lol! Mal and Lara survived the multi-lane freeways and motorways out of Los Angeles and we arrived at our destination intact.

Hilton Embassy Suites at Palm Desert was our home for the next 3 nights. It was kinder to our wallets than being based at Palm Springs, and for good reason...it was old and tired and due for a major renovation. This was scheduled for sometime after our stay. For us, it meant only requiring one room for our family of 5 but our room was MASSIVE with lots of space. It did the job! We were able to open up ALL our suitcases and duffels to rearrange with ample floor space to spare!