Adventure Accounting

I had phase of being addicted to online shopping. Multiply was still around back then. Checking Ebay was part of my daily routine. I filled-up balikbayan boxes with goodies such as shoes, lotion, perfume and accessories. It didn't make me broke, but it did fill up my room with trash. I learned how to give away a lot of my stuff over time. I'm more careful buying stuff just because they are on sale or they fit me. I changed. LA challenged my changed self. There are a lot of shops. Well, not in Rodeo Drive . I don't know if I can buy anything within my credit card limit there. Jaguars parked under the heat. They are really used. There's a weekend market near USA Hostels Hollywood . I checked it out and thankfully walked away empty handed. Bad idea to start the trip buying stuff. I have luggage limits. A couple of blocks away from the hostel is Trader Joe's. This is very dangerous to your budget and extremely dangerous to your luggage limit. Trader Jo...

I am used to sleeping in hostels. I am used to paying for a cheap price for a place to sleep and shower . And wifi of couse. Along with food and shelter, wifi is now one of the basic needs (in Maslow's hierarchy of needs).  But I am not used to paying $50 for that. But I had a difficult time finding hostels at the $25-$30 with some decency (meaning cleanliness, safety and wifi). I chose USA Hostels Hollywood because of the raves I read from the ever-reliable Tripadvisor.  Reaching the hostel is easy. I just rode SuperShuttle from LAX and paid the driver $14. For $50 a night in a 6-bed ensuite dorm, it is just okay. Dorms and bathroom are kept clean. You have your own night light and 2 outlets so you can conveniently charge your own gadgets or read when everyone else is sleeping.