Haha I wasn’t expecting the wheels coming off to be so literal. Came to you via Hyperfixed and hope you do many more updates there but I really love your writing also, cheers.
Hey, Joe! You are the most intrepid traveler I know and certainly the most resilient. The Unmoored report is always the quintessential reason to attend my phone. You weathered the car problems, which admittedly suck so hard, with your characteristic aplomb and reliable beer/cigar/bar combo. It has all become a movie in my mind. Thanks for always saving us a seat. 🥰
I agree wholeheartedly! When Joe Rhodes writes something, he creates MOVIES inside the head of the readers. My mind automatically assembled and recollected tidbits of all the movies and scenes I have of LA in my head (lived 4 years in the USA, but never got further west than Jackson Hole, WY), and placed Joe and his Nissan in a dark, dodgy and destitute alley. I was there, right with him!
I just love his writing. I wish he will write a book of his journey with the Villa Vie Odyssey. From Day 1 in Belfast till his very last day on that ship!
Cruisedude, who is currently a resident onboard and also a wordsmith, is and has been writing on all and everything onboard the VVO. That reference is in JJ Cruise’s comment section on their recent video about going onboard soon.
Yes! There's no way around this Joe! Do you hear us!?! You, and your publishing company will make heaps of money! You would probably be the only one that came out financially richer after having sailed with the Odyssey, plus all the fantastic experiences you already have, and no doubt will be amassing! All of that would be for free! You would even get paid for those experiences!
You have such a talent putting together words! Do mankind (and your bank account) a big favor! Write the book! "Chronicles from the Villa Vie Odyssey/SS Cluster..." (it all depends on the dominating feeling you will have when you are disembarking for the last time from the Odyssey).
There's no place like home! This is the way I feel every time I come back to NYC! I get a thrill when that skyline shows up from the road or the train.
It's wonderful to read you sounding so happy! I hope the immigration drama doesn't affect your high, but demonstrations sound fairly localized.
And maybe the Odyssey is getting its act together at last!
I once auditioned for Warren Beatty for some film he in. I went to his hotel room (at his request) for the audition, he opened the door wearing only a towel--there was no one else (no director, no casting director). I was obviously not comfortable and he left me to go put on some pants, and, no, I didn't sleep with him, and, no, I didn't get the part.
My other Warren Beatty story-- I was shooting on the Paramount lot. At lunch time, I took my sandwich and went to eat it on the deserted semi-permanent Western set, thinking what a cool Hollywood moment this was, when around the corner Warren Beatty came jogging by in his underwear. We were the only two people there.
We exchanged glances and he kept on jogging. Missed my chance, again!
It is very unlikely to happen, but I've always said I'd love to live in Cali for a year or so. There's no reason, except the ones you point out, why I should find the idea of LA appealing, but I do.
I just love your writing. I am very interested in the concept of the Villa Vie. I read and watch other blogs and they all paint a very rosy picture of life at sea. Which I'm sure has a lot of truth to it. But I catch your writing to hear the real truth. Written in a lively and fun manner that always makes me smile. Thanks Joe, you made my day.
Glad to hear that Odyssey managed to acquire the required certifications for sailing in US waters. Maybe they'll pick up a supply of decent beer while visiting.
Apparently at the last minute Mike and Kathy found enough spare change in the sofa cushions to pay for the Performance/Surety bond that they were planning to skirt, which then allowed them to gain approval to dock at US ports and embark/disembark passengers. Just the usual last minute Whack-A-Mole crisis management style that they seem to embrace.
Don't miss the big press party they're planning when Odyssey reaches San Diego. I'm sure it will be quite a show.
L.A.! but better still, Mill Valley! see you soon, looking forward to in person updates! again laughed out loud....everyone sleeping with Warren Beatty, hahahahahah! but oy the car craziness.....
Haha I wasn’t expecting the wheels coming off to be so literal. Came to you via Hyperfixed and hope you do many more updates there but I really love your writing also, cheers.
Hey, Joe! You are the most intrepid traveler I know and certainly the most resilient. The Unmoored report is always the quintessential reason to attend my phone. You weathered the car problems, which admittedly suck so hard, with your characteristic aplomb and reliable beer/cigar/bar combo. It has all become a movie in my mind. Thanks for always saving us a seat. 🥰
I agree wholeheartedly! When Joe Rhodes writes something, he creates MOVIES inside the head of the readers. My mind automatically assembled and recollected tidbits of all the movies and scenes I have of LA in my head (lived 4 years in the USA, but never got further west than Jackson Hole, WY), and placed Joe and his Nissan in a dark, dodgy and destitute alley. I was there, right with him!
I just love his writing. I wish he will write a book of his journey with the Villa Vie Odyssey. From Day 1 in Belfast till his very last day on that ship!
yes write the book! (I can see Joe's deadpan look, not thrilled with the idea but knowing he must)
Cruisedude, who is currently a resident onboard and also a wordsmith, is and has been writing on all and everything onboard the VVO. That reference is in JJ Cruise’s comment section on their recent video about going onboard soon.
Yes! There's no way around this Joe! Do you hear us!?! You, and your publishing company will make heaps of money! You would probably be the only one that came out financially richer after having sailed with the Odyssey, plus all the fantastic experiences you already have, and no doubt will be amassing! All of that would be for free! You would even get paid for those experiences!
You have such a talent putting together words! Do mankind (and your bank account) a big favor! Write the book! "Chronicles from the Villa Vie Odyssey/SS Cluster..." (it all depends on the dominating feeling you will have when you are disembarking for the last time from the Odyssey).
As one of the few natives, (yay Burbank!) I agree with your fine assessment.
I usually find that people come here to LA to either be something they're not, or to escape something they were.
See you soon, toots.
There's no place like home! This is the way I feel every time I come back to NYC! I get a thrill when that skyline shows up from the road or the train.
It's wonderful to read you sounding so happy! I hope the immigration drama doesn't affect your high, but demonstrations sound fairly localized.
And maybe the Odyssey is getting its act together at last!
I once auditioned for Warren Beatty for some film he in. I went to his hotel room (at his request) for the audition, he opened the door wearing only a towel--there was no one else (no director, no casting director). I was obviously not comfortable and he left me to go put on some pants, and, no, I didn't sleep with him, and, no, I didn't get the part.
My other Warren Beatty story-- I was shooting on the Paramount lot. At lunch time, I took my sandwich and went to eat it on the deserted semi-permanent Western set, thinking what a cool Hollywood moment this was, when around the corner Warren Beatty came jogging by in his underwear. We were the only two people there.
We exchanged glances and he kept on jogging. Missed my chance, again!
Sounds to me like you are safer in a foreign port than in LA.......and I grew up there!
‘Unmoored’, now with added hotlinking. You do spoil us.
Sounds like you’ve had a wheel-y nice time back in LA. Enjoy your last week on terra firma, and start crating up that beer to take on board.
Good health to you Joe, and as ever, please do write again soon.
It is very unlikely to happen, but I've always said I'd love to live in Cali for a year or so. There's no reason, except the ones you point out, why I should find the idea of LA appealing, but I do.
I just love your writing. I am very interested in the concept of the Villa Vie. I read and watch other blogs and they all paint a very rosy picture of life at sea. Which I'm sure has a lot of truth to it. But I catch your writing to hear the real truth. Written in a lively and fun manner that always makes me smile. Thanks Joe, you made my day.
Great time to visit LA Free I-phones and jewelry for everyone at the peaceful protests. Just don’t take Waymo.
LA is no joke. We’re life long California residents and we try to avoid it at all costs. I’m glad you were able to locate your rental.
Glad to hear that Odyssey managed to acquire the required certifications for sailing in US waters. Maybe they'll pick up a supply of decent beer while visiting.
Apparently at the last minute Mike and Kathy found enough spare change in the sofa cushions to pay for the Performance/Surety bond that they were planning to skirt, which then allowed them to gain approval to dock at US ports and embark/disembark passengers. Just the usual last minute Whack-A-Mole crisis management style that they seem to embrace.
Don't miss the big press party they're planning when Odyssey reaches San Diego. I'm sure it will be quite a show.
Safe travels back to VV. Always a good laugh reading your article 😁
Genuinely one of the best descriptions of LA, which I've been lucky to call home for 6 years, that I've ever read.
I was waiting on the “and Trump can just shove it!” Maybe next edition.
Brilliant column! 🖖🏽
L.A.! but better still, Mill Valley! see you soon, looking forward to in person updates! again laughed out loud....everyone sleeping with Warren Beatty, hahahahahah! but oy the car craziness.....