Arrived in LA on Sunday morning. The limo (actually a black Lincoln Navigator, with Igor as the driver) picked me up at LAX. It really was a relatively quick ride (it’s only 11 miles) to the W on Higard Avenue.

Was able to check in to my suite around 11:30 or so. That was nice, since I had been traveling since “last night.”

Thought about taking a nap, but decided to change clothes and go for a walk. Headed toward the theater, and around Westwood. Just wanted to scope out the area and see what I am in for…

The first thing, as I walked up the hill, hey, the line… People were camped out on the street. People had been living on the street since last week. I walked by, they were reading the Twilight Saga books, they were watching the first movie on portable DVD players. It was all things New Moon.

I noticed people (mostly young girls and their moms) from all over. They had signs, proclaiming which “team” they supported. Team Edward, or Team Jacob. (On a side note, I’m for Team Jacob.) I saw folks that were here from Australia.

Found the theaters, and the Hammer Museum. The Hammer is where the after-party was held.

Walked around, melting in the mid to upper 70′s temps. While I was “hot” I have to admit, the warm temps, sunshine, and clear blue skies, was more than “pleasant” coming from Alaska.

Went back to the hotel, but then out again at night. The crowd along the sidewalks (several blocks long) had set up tents and were prepard. I’m in short sleeves, really comfortable (finally), and was amazed at the folks bundled up, even down coats…

Grabbed a bite at Jerry’s Deli… Hey, looks like I earned Triple Miles, too.

Monday, I ate breakfast “in”… Have to admit, I never paid this much for a breakfast… $51.75.

Walked to the area around the theaters. Most folks had packed their tents and chairs. They were now standing “in line.” Apparently they were in line for one of 800 wristbands that would allow then to stand along the red carpet to see the stars and get a chance at autographs.

I saw a guy, in the back of a TV van. I asked him, ‘hey, excuse me, but I’m not from around here; is it always like this?’ He took a minute out from editing videos on his MBP. He did say, no, this is different. Chatted a few minutes, and then he introduced me to Manny, the news guy. Chatted for another couple of minutes about Alaska, and being here, but then they had to get to work.

Got ready, and thought I would be late. Decided to wear the black tee from Nordstrom, the blazer, and 501 jeans.

Took a cab to “Weyburn and Broxton”… He told me it was “closed” when we got close. Hey, I’ll get out here. )

Walked a block, and found Will Call. Wasn’t at the Regent, but in a parking lot. The had lanes set up. Showed the letter to the first guard. Got to stand in line, with my initial. Got my tickets, after showing my photo ID.

Went to stand near the corner and see what was going on. Got shut down when I first tried to cross, where it said “Sidewalk Closed – Ticket Holders Exempt”. So stood on the corner, near the California Pizza Kitchen. Just watching the people, and the event.

Finally figured out I had a “green ticket” and could cross. My seat was in the Mann Theater.

Saw the popcorn and drinks lined up. But went to my seat.

No one was around me. But when a couple sat next to me, they had popcorn and drinks. Ok, I can’t watch a movie without popcorn… Got up to go get a bag. (Comp, of course.)

Ok, I wasn’t impressed with the movie. I see (now) where it got 29 Rotten Tomatoes… Out of 100.

But the stars were all present in the Mann Theater. Signed some autographs before hand. And then the movie, finally, started, almost an hour late.

The lady beside me said… ‘When do you think it will start?’ 20:00… Sure. Then at ten after, do you think it will start at 20:30. Sure. Looks like the stars are in the theater. Started a short time later.

Walked back to the hotel. Needed to get my phone. Should have taken it. They just ‘confiscated’ it, put it in an envelope with your name; you were able to retrieve after the event. Had I not been so “honest” and left it in the safe at the hotel, I could have saved some time.

Walked back to the hotel. Took a cab to the Hammer. The driver didn’t even turn on the meter. Just a couple of blocks. Cost me $10, but was worth it.

Walked around to the entrance. Tried to figure out what was required. Watched a couple, they have Chad Hudson Events lanyards. They were stopped at the gate; turn away. They didn’t have the party tickets. As they walked away, they said, “oh well, we tried”… Then they got stopped going away, the security guards took the lanyards.

About that time, I went to the head of the line. Showed my ticket. Was stopped. Chad himself said, ‘hey, is this real; is this one of ours?’ The other guy said, yes. Chad apologized; said he didn’t even know his own tickets. He apologized, and let me pass.

Went in, and up the stairs. I was in… )

Walked around and rubbed elbows with the stars. It actually was pretty cool; something I’ve never done, and won’t get to do again.

Spent a few hours there. Food, like you wouldn’t believe. Music. And then it was over…

Walked back to the W. Was kind of dumb; it was almost 02:00. Not many people on the street, not many cars. The few people, they were less than desireable. Walked fast, and made it back alive.

No ticket on the door. I had asked for a breakfast menu left on the door. It wasn’t there. Disappointed, but too tired to go down, or call.

The next morning, I started getting my things together. I was getting hungry, and decided to go downstairs to the restaurant. They stopped serving breakfast at 11:00, so needed to get going.

Was seated as soon as I arrived. Then I noticed Chaske Spencer, from the movie, the party, and the TV appearance that morning on Fox 11. He was sitting with (I guess) his mom and dad, and some agent guy. Just regular, real people.

One of the other cast members, and his girlfriend, came in. He introduced her to Chaske, then sat down at the table right next to me. I didn’t recognize him, but he told her how Chaske was a good guy, really nice. I gathered that from overhearing the conversation up to that point.

I retreated to my room. Needed to pack and get ready. Once everything was in order, I went down to use the “Farewell Kiosk” and checked in for my flight and printed my boarding pass. This sure beat $7.95 for 15 minutes in the Business Center. I had the hotel hold my bags and then went to check out the skating rink. The W makes a big deal of this, and I guess it is.

I went though the BIG glass doors. After telling the girl I was from Alaska, and asking to see the ice rink, the girl said, “sure, but you know it is artificial, right?” Yes, how else could they have an skating rink, outdoors, when it’s almost 80F?

They spare no expense, and even have artificial pines around the rink. Between those and the palms, it is quite contrast.

Snapped a few pics and then decided to get out of the heat and back inside. It was a bit before two, but say a guy with a paper. I went ahead and asked if he was waiting for me. No, he was waiting for “Foxworthy” but there is another limo, and a guy with a gray suit. Might be for me…

Went out, and sure enough, the limo had my name on it. It was a rather short trip on the 405, to LAX. I’m glad I didn’t rent a car, in any event.

The guy dropped me off at Air Canada; I guess if you are from Armenia, Canada / Alaska; it’s all the same. Fortunately it was within the same terminal, so only had to walk a half a mile and was ready to go through Security.

Had a late lunch at Gladstone’s, in Terminal 3. Maybe the Malibu location is better, but I certainly wasn’t impressed with the fish and chips. Plus, their CC terminal was down, so was cash only.

Went back and waited at Gate 32, for the flight to Seattle. That was on time, as was the flight on to Anchorage. Got in on time, but I did notice the cold on arrival.

I went from 79F / 26C to 0F / -18C in the matter of hours. I sure did notice the cold. I sure do appreciate the clear blue skies and warm temps of southern California.

But back to life, as usual. It was actually fun to see how the other side lives. It was eye-opening to see that those folks weren’t stuck-up or snobby. They all just seemed like real folk. I guess they are…

It was an opportunity of a lifetime, for someone like me. Glad I didn’t decline. It was well worth the adventure.

Thanks, Amazon…

Got a couple of emails, both from Amazon and the promotion fulfillment folks.  Both have been really excited (for me) and very helpful and accomodating.

I received the hotel confirmation and info for the limo.  Look for the driver holding a sign with my name, outside baggage claim.  How cheesey…  

The actual premier information and security “stuff” is outstanding at this time.  But plenty of time to resolve those items.

Ok, so now… what do I wear?!?!  

I called the promotion fulfillment folks handling the travel for the Sweepstakes.  I spoke with Jackie (I’m not sure of the spelling) and she was very friendly and helpful, as has been everyone involved to date.

After giving her some personal specifics, name, DOB, etc., we talked about preferred carriers.  I had done some homework before calling and had looked at Alaska Airlines and USAir for travel from Anchorage to Burbank.  I’m not sure what they had in mind, but to me that seemed closest to the destination, and less of a mess than LAX.

We did some fare comparisons, and settled on a RT through USAir.  Timing seems to work, and while it goes through PHX to and from, it will leave some time on each end to do a little sightseeing.  We had to check with Amazon on some particulars, but overall, it’s moving forward.

Jackie did mention the hotel was already booked, but I won’t spill the beans on that just yet.  I looked it up, and should be a very nice couple of days.

Stay tuned for more information… 

Tags: Amazon, Sweepstakes, travel, winner, premier, movie, event

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I didn’t pay any attention, but clicked the button and forgot about it.

A little more than a week later, my cell phone rang, with some AC 206 number. I don’t know anyone in AC 206 (Washington state) and was in a meeting so let it go to voicemail. A few hours later, as I was finishing lunch I remembered the call from earlier in the morning.  I called the voicemail and heard someone tell me they were from Amazon and I won some tickets (or something.)  The message left a phone number, as well as an email address “@amazon.com” if I didn’t want to call.  I was skeptical, but curious.  A telephone can be anybody, but the email seemed to be a bit harder to spoof.

I called the phone number and talked to Wendy.  She was friendly, bubbly and excited about me being the winner.  She asked if I remembered entering the sweepstakes, which I did, and she was pleased to let me know I had won.  I was still thinking tickets to the movie here in Anchorage.  She explained the prizes, etc.  No, I didn’t have a clue what New Moon was all about, and had to plead ignorance.  I guess that’s why I wasn’t so excited; I didn’t (and don’t) have a clue.  She said there were a lot of envious people, and it would be a great experience.  I was surprised, and still skeptical, so said, “what’s the catch?”  Hey, there is no catch, I won.

Wendy proceeded to tell me that I was the potential winner and would have to fill out some forms, etc., but that is a formality.  She would send or fax the forms and be back in touch.  I gave my fax, and email, etc.  She asked how I wanted my name to appear, and we would talk later.

I pondered for a couple of days, and decided to send the forms in at the eleventh hour.  I was really not as excited as everyone else, and am trying to get myself pumped up.  I was on the verge of declining, but figured this is my one and only chance (as lame as it might be), so guess I better accept, since I would probably waste my shot at the brass ring if I declined.

So at this point, I will be in Los Angeles for the movie premier on November 16.  I missed the call from their fulfillment company to arrange travel, etc.  I’ll touch base with them Monday to finalize those items.

The physical products (prizes) are supposed to be shipped sometime soon, so I will have to watch for them.  I don’t know what I will do with a couple of Barbie dolls and some girls gloves and hat, but I guess I can read the books and watch the movie or something.  Might be able to donate that stuff, too, to somebody that would really appreciate it.

All for now, I’ll keep a positive attitude and post updates here as the event unfolds.

More information about the sweepstakes, and the swag, is located here.

Some of the prizes, besides the trip to the Premier:

The Twilight Saga Collection – Hardcover Box Set

The Twilight Saga: New Moon–The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Twilight – Two-Disc Special Edition DVD

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack