When I lived in L.A. I’d drive by hostels occasionally. I regret never having stayed at one. (They’re listed in Let’s Go: California.) A friend of mine went to Hawaii last year, and he stayed in a hostel. He said it was great. Much cheaper than a hotel, and he was around much cooler people. He and I did the traditional post-high-school-backpack-through-Europe thing back in the '80s. I loved the hostels.
Gozu: while you’re in town, I highly recommend drinks at the Fig. Their pool-side bar is great, and the drinks are about half what you’ll pay most other places downtown. They’re just north of the Staples Center and the Convention Center.
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, send me an email.
I don’t know California at all but it’s definitely convenient that you live near LAX as that is most probably the airport i’ll be getting off from. Picking me up and dropping me off would be immensely appreciated but not a necessity. If need be, I’ll just catch a bus or train of some sort. I’ll be travelling very light (most likely only a backpack) so I won’t be encumbered by heavy luggage.
conditions? always!
these would be mine:
1) references & id sufficient to check you out with.
I could scan my Driver’s license for ID and videoconference with you so you can verify that I am indeed the dude in the picture I suppose. As for references, i’m not sure what kind would satisfy you but if you let me know, i’ll be happy to oblige. I could certainly get my teachers to write me letters of recommendations and i’m sure i have one or two letters lying around saying i’m on the dean’s list. I also have a more recent one saying that i’m to receive some kind of academic award. I could also draft a glowing letter extolling my numerous virtues and reminding you of the outstanding honor gained by being in my radiant presence but i’d have to sign that one myself 
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2) my bro lives in ft myers - lets consider alternative, but not monetary compensation.**
I’d feel embarassed discussing this on a public message board but we can talk about this through email or the IM client of your choice.
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3) can you handle my environment?
no kids pets or plants & i dont smoke but im overhauling this place, so its like a construction site but still fully functional. cleanliness standards: im no felix unger but i dont tolerate filth or disorder too well. since i get no joy from cleaning & im more production oriented, i focus on mess prevention/reduction. i keep my bathrooms dry & picked up. the stove will have more dust than drippings on it. you may find a dirty dish or 2 outside the dishwasher, but they wont have food on them - i dont leave food out ever.**
I’m not picky. All i need is a surface to sleep on and a place to shower. It ought to go without saying that I won’t make a mess and will keep everything the way it was.
**4) byo bathroom stuff (towel too) & youre on your own for food **
No problem there either.
**5) sworn statements releasing me from liability & protecting my health **
that’ll be a first for me but I guess one can never be too cautious in lawsuit-happy america. You could email me a draft to go over and i can sign the document once I get there. I do not have any diseases (contagious or otherwise) and I hope it stays that way (knock on wood)
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let me know if we should talk more**
Yes we should. Hopefully, the proceedings will be to both our likings but if not, i’m still flattered that you came out of lurking just to answer this. I have given my email in the original post and I have sent you an email with further information.
Thanks for the tip!
Woops, this was obviously destined to Campion. I forgot to quote him :smack: