Friday, August 7th, 2009

The 4320 LA Finale

After 2 endless (literally, endless, they didn’t stop) days as a member of the V-Tweeters entourage, we made it to the home stretch.  So, without further a do we return you to the final 24 hours of 4320 LA.

Well, after a quick reminder of the task at hand…

The Challenge: 3 friends, non-stop in LA for 3 days. Celebs, clubs and chaos.
The Catch: Send a tweet every minute they’re there. All 4,320 of them.
Success: 3 around-the-world tickets on V Australia and Virgin Atlantic.
Failure: not an option.

700pm: guess where? The poolside cabana on the rooftop at the SLS Hotel; a day-time contrast to our ‘graveyard shift’ SLS Foyer jaunts.

800pm: we wind our way to Griffith Observatory for a sunset picnic and the most spectacular views of LA as night embraces us and reveals the jeweled blanket that covers the west-side of LA.

1000pm: the cigar club on Sunset. No need to light-up; it’s pleasurable enough to meet the owner, Mark, and listen to his stories of hand-made cigars. The front room is a like someone’s living room on display to all who pass on Sunset Blvd. Downstairs is a hidden gem with rear deck that feels miles away from the bustle of the street above.

1100pm: House of Blues is always a mecca for touring acts, but out back at street level is a private bar with quilted walls, heavily carved timber joinery and bar and a hip-hop DJ hammering out fat beats

1200am: the V Tweeters momentarily leave us to enjoy the delights of the Sky Bar at the Mondrian Hotel. This is truly where LA’s rich and famous come to be seen. And who do we meet? Several fellow Aussies enjoying their stay in LA.  Aussies are everywhere when you travel.

 

 200am: LA is bedevilled by strict licensing laws that close all venues serving alcohol at 200am so unless you know someone with an all-night / off-licence club (members-only) then your best bet are the many diners and cafes such as Swingers.

230am: V Tweeters and crew sample Swingers all-day breakfast including pancakes, coffee, chilli, burgers, um … well it’s not all breakfast, but we won’t judge.

400am: our third grave-yard shift begins. The crew are fading but the V Tweeters tweet on.

500am: Barry’s Boot Camp beckons. The V Tweeters are welcome to it. And the visit by a Tarot reader at the Urth Café immediately after. Not for me though, my third and final nap is a marathon five hours.

1130am: once again in a cabana by the rooftop pool at the SLS Hotel. Why move? The pace is nice now. Well for me anyway – the V Tweeters are on the home stretch and sensing it: 4,000 tweets have been sent.

100pm: a visit to Sunset Tan of reality TV fame. The V Tweeters, well Matt and Nathan anyway, are now sun-kissed, LA-style.

230pm: marguerites in Hollywood near Vine. Why not? I recommend the jalapeño marguerite.

330pm: a visit to the Australian cosmetics man, the  Napoleon Perdis flagship store on Hollywood.

430pm: a quick trip up Beachwood for the iconic shot of the Hollywood sign

530pm: arrive at the rooftop pool and bar at the Andaz Hotel

600pm: mission accomplished, 4,320 tweets and the V Tweeters toast LA and V Australia. It’s been intensely rewarding for all involved and we are stunned to reflect that it’s been just 4,320 minutes; 72 hours; 3 days in LA. The flight home on VA2 departing 1145pm is guaranteed to bring a long, deep sleep.

If you still can’t get enough of the V-Tweeters, no worries, catch up on all the tweets and pictures here.

Or if you want follow the V-Tweeters lead and take off to Sydney, V Australia flies daily from Los Angeles, departing 1145pm, arriving 800am in Sydney (+2 days).  Bookings at www.vaustralia.com (US) or www.vaustralia.com.au (AU)

Now that you have heard from us, we want to hear from you.  What Hollywood hotspots and legendary LA attractions did the V-Tweeters miss?  Leave your comments and suggestions below.