cool experience, but small gripe : the grimier parts of Los Angeles are a million times more fun to drive through than a loop through 'the Hills', Malibu, or Beverly Hills.

I'd hate foreigners to think that's what LA is like, not by a long shot. Driving through LA is a lot more like driving through a huge industrial area with a small metropolitan ultra-lux oasis every few miles.

If someone wants to get the real feel for Los Angeles, in my opinion of course, jump on Google Earth, start at El Segundo and Crenshaw Blvd. and 'drive' south until you hit San Pedro.

THAT's a true Los Angeles drive. (imo, of course).

For an even fuller 'California' experience, drive up PCH afterwards and have dinner on the coast somewhere nice.