> On November 4 we arrive in Los Angeles. If only I hadn't mixed up San
> Francisco and Los Angeles in my head -- I know you wouldn't, but never
> having been to either, I did. However, we'll do the obligatory
> Disneyland.
>
> The itinerary is:
> Hong Kong
> London
> Ireland
> Paris
> Provence
> New York
> Barbados
> Los Angeles
> home (New Zealand).
>
> Any advice? Not great on tipping so if you work in a service industry,
> sorry in advance if I haven't given you enough. We don't tip in NZ,
> hate the concept, but understand the necessity in the US.
>
> Kathy in NZ

Kathy,

You gave no clues as to what you like to do, or how long you'll be
where, so it's hard to make recommendations. But if you like nature,
just about in the middle of California are Yosemite and Sequoia
National Parks. They both have some of the most beautiful views in the
world. And since summer's over, the crowds are down. Yosemite does
have amazing waterfalls in the spring (Remember, we're north of the
equator, so it's the end of summer here.), but Yosemite Valley is an
amazing place no matter the time of year. There are amazing natural
wonders throughout California. Deserts in the south, including Death
Valley National Park, coniferous forests in the north, and great
beaches everywhere in-between. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
is a long day's drive from L.A. I think you get the idea.

If you do want to see some amazing nature here in California, feel free
to let me know and I'll dig up some info.

I'll leave the city stuff to others.

Ken