u/mt80

Hey Best Coast fam. I have a female friend from Japan visiting LA for a night or two before she ventures eastward. She’ll be without a car rental but Ubers are ok. First time visiting w limited English. Wants to stay beachside-ish

I’d normally recommend a hotel in Santa Monica or Venice for a carless first-time trip to LA. But traveling solo from Japan, she might not be used to homeless encounters at night.

Is Hermosa/Redondo a better hotel play here? Are hotels there close to walking districts? I’d still recommend that she visit Venice and/or Santa Monica during the day.

Any local spots in the Woodlands that might draw support from either or both sides? TIA

Vancouver has always been one of my favorite cities in North America.

In 12 days since WC, we’ve seen Scottish bagpipes 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 take over Boston, the Dutch 🇳🇱 march through Houston humid sprawl, Brazil 🇧🇷 storm through Times Squsre, Japan 🇯🇵 throwing DFW block parties and eating Texas BBQ, Argentina 🇦🇷 taking over KC, German 🇩🇪 saxophone raves, Norsk 🇳🇴 viking rows, a Cinderella feel good team in 🇨🇻 etc.

How’s the city vibe there? I really to experience the World Cup in Vancouver

World Cup summers in NYC were my favorite summers and this is the first time I’m not a part of it so having major fomo

How much of a vibe bump is NYC getting this summer hosting the WC? recently asked r/askchicago about their thoughts about not hosting and responses ranged from “its fine” to “F Fifa”.

From the article:

1. After Coaching Change, Tunisia Is Still A Mess
Tunisia 🇹🇳 now exits this World Cup after getting severely outplayed in its first two games. It is hard to see Tunisia improving in the coming years without stability. 

2. Japan Demonstrated Its Superb Tactics
This was not just a collapse from Tunisia, it was also a very strong performance from Japan 🇯🇵 , which looks like a team that can progress multiple rounds in the knockout stages.

In the first game, Japan looked equal to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 in a 2-2 draw. In this game, the team showed an elite instinct that is typical of top teams. 

3. Japan's Biggest Strength? Its Depth
Another reason why Japan’s start to this tournament is so impressive is because of how many injuries have tested the depths of its player pool and how well the players have responded. 

4. Goal Differential Will Matter In Final Games
Japan will now face Sweden 🇸🇪 , and the Netherlands will take on Tunisia.

If Japan and the Netherlands both win these final games (where they are both favored), it will come down to a race for goal differential. That favors the Dutch because Tunisia looks very disorganized and dispirited.

Japan will face a Swedish team that should be desperate for a result and will also want to manage goal differential if it falls behind.

In that final game, however, Japan could make a statement and give itself momentum heading into the knockouts. Based on this game, Japan is a team that nobody wants to play. 

“Shoot, Los Angeles will even steal from adjoining counties.

The Dodgers took Shohei Ohtani in 2023 despite the dismay of neighboring Angels fans.
Money is no object. Ever.

(Remember, California produced the Gold Rush.)

The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract.

Mark Walter, majority owner of the Dodgers, paid a $10 billion valuation for the Lakers. It’s a good bet he squirreled away a few billion to lure more stars.
It's not all about money either. It's about the glitz and the glam. The weather and the beaches. About knowing the maître d’ who can get you the best table at the best restaurants.

Myles Garrett will be sitting at those tables, if that's the dining experience he wants.”