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Hello! 👋
This is the third and final part of my journey across the United States in 2019. This time, I’ll take you on a trip to the NAB 2019 show, which was the main purpose of my visit – but not the only highlight! In this section, I’ll share our route through Death Valley, our stay in Las Vegas, and the grand finale in Los Angeles, where we visited the famous Warner Bros Studio.
Returning to this 2019 retrospective, we pick up in Bakersfield, where I left off in the previous entry. Traveling through new regions and exploring places I hadn’t seen before, this leg of the trip was filled with contrasts – from desert landscapes to Hollywood glamour.
If you missed the previous parts, be sure to check out the post about New York 🗽 and the second part about California 🌉. Both are full of interesting places and memories!
I invite you to continue reading and discovering the USA together! 🚗
The sequel to our trip to Las Vegas
This time, our stay in Bakersfield was at the Super 8 by Wyndham Bakersfield/Central. To be honest, it was a fairly average motel. Compared to the Days Inn & Suites we stayed at earlier, this one fell short, especially in terms of cleanliness. Well, what can you expect for a price of 217 PLN per night? Still, at this point, we were primarily looking for a roof over our heads, so we couldn’t complain too much.
Breakfast? Fully continental in every sense of the word – toast, bargain-bin jam, and maybe some coffee. It was far from a feast, but it was just enough to fuel us for the road ahead.
We set off early in the morning, ready for the next stage – Death Valley awaited us with all its peculiar beauty and unique atmosphere. 🚗🌵
Death Valley
As we set off towards Death Valley, we knew we were heading into a completely different world – a stark, desert landscape and one of the most extreme places on Earth. But before we arrived, we had to make sure we were well-prepared.
First and foremost – no cell signal. In this region, only basic 2G coverage is available, used exclusively for emergency purposes. If something goes wrong, your phone might connect to the appropriate services, but forget about browsing the internet or calling friends. That’s why it’s essential to check your map beforehand and, ideally, download it offline before entering Death Valley.
👉 You can read more about Death Valley on the official site.
(Un)smart fuel decision
The most important tip: fill up your car before entering the park. Even if you think half a tank is enough, don’t take the risk. Before entering Death Valley, we made the classic mistake that, as we later realized, could have cost us dearly. We stopped at a gas station just before the park and… only filled the tank halfway. Why? Because the fuel was expensive, and we thought, “It’ll definitely be enough.”
Don’t overthink this – we quickly realized within a few hours that it wasn’t the smartest decision. It seemed like half a tank would be plenty, but Death Valley is the kind of place that can swiftly challenge such assumptions.
But how this little adventure ended, I’ll tell you in just a moment… 😅
Road 190 near Keeler
Near the small town of Keeler, just off Route 190 leading to Death Valley, the real adventure began. This was where the landscape started to transform into something almost indescribable. Around us stretched vast, flat expanses of land covered in a blanket of white salt – the remnants of Owens Lake, which was once brimming with water but now resembles a desert graveyard.
This place radiates tranquility, but it also stirs a sense of unease. The eerie silence, absence of trees, and lack of any signs of life make you feel as though you’ve landed on another planet. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise, creating a stark contrast against the white, almost desert-like landscape. It’s as if nature decided to showcase its extremes in one grand gallery – and it did so flawlessly.
Rainbow Canyon
Driving along Route 190 through Death Valley National Park was a true feast for the eyes. Along the way, we passed breathtaking views, including the area of Rainbow Canyon, also known as “Star Wars Canyon,” famous for its distinctive landscape and its popularity among military aviation enthusiasts. The deep gorges, with their striking palette of colors ranging from reds to grays and sandy hues, were utterly captivating.
As we climbed higher and higher, the road began to twist and turn like a serpent, with each curve unveiling a fresh, mesmerizing landscape. We were captivated by the stark contrast between the arid, desert terrain and the rocky, multicolored walls of the canyon. The views felt straight out of a science fiction movie, yet here they were, within reach – breathtaking and majestic.
Badwater Basin
This is one of the most iconic spots in Death Valley and also the lowest point in North America, sitting 85.5 meters below sea level. It’s an immense, white salt flat that resembles the surface of another planet. Walking across its crystalline, cracked salt formations is an extraordinary experience – especially with the rugged mountain slopes surrounding it, creating a breathtaking contrast.
Temperatures in this area are extreme, especially during the summer, when it can become one of the hottest places on Earth. Still, the view of this desert landscape is absolutely unique and worth experiencing, regardless of the season. As you walk across the vast, endless expanse, you get the feeling that time stands still here – with only the silence and the boundless horizon keeping you company.
We started to run out of fuel….
Well, we had reached one of those moments in a trip that make for a great story later but cause nothing but stress while they’re happening. We were running low on fuel, and the next gas station beyond Death Valley was still a long way off. We hadn’t calculated things too well—why fill up the tank when “it should be enough,” right? Well, it wasn’t. The sun was setting quickly, and a creeping sense of panic started to set in.
In a moment of sheer panic, we turned off everything we possibly could—air conditioning, radio—every bit of fuel mattered. Finally, we arrived at the gas station in Shoshone, but of course, fate wasn’t done toying with us yet. The station was closed. The pumps were operational, but there was no staff on-site. The only payment option? Credit card. Perfect—except not a single one of our eight cards worked. Not one! The next station? Pahrump, 27 miles away.
Maybe it’ll work?
We had no choice—risk it or stay stranded. We pushed forward, driving as efficiently as possible, holding our breath with every mile, and hoping the fuel would last. The stress was through the roof, compounded by the fact that we were still in a complete dead zone—no network coverage, not even for emergency calls. It was literally: dark everywhere, silence everywhere.
When we finally crossed the Nevada state line and spotted the first lights of a small town—and cheap gas right next to it—it felt like a miracle. Our card finally worked, and we were so relieved that we almost wanted to hug the gas pump out of gratitude. It was like an oasis appearing in the desert and darkness. We filled the tank to the brim and headed straight to the inn. Phew!
Las Vegas
We made it! After parking the car and dropping off our luggage at the inn, we decided to hit the town for the evening. Las Vegas at night is an entirely different world – the lights, the sounds, and the constant motion make it nearly impossible to look away. For my friend, who was visiting Vegas for the first time, the reactions were priceless – wide eyes and endless “wow!” moments. I, on the other hand, had already been here a year earlier, so the novelty had worn off a bit for me. Vegas is Vegas – nothing really changes. The lights still dazzle, and the city buzzes with energy 24/7. 😄
Accommodation
During our stay in Las Vegas, we stayed at the La Quinta Inn on Tropicana Avenue. The cost for three nights, from April 6 to April 9, 2019, was 1617 PLN for two people, including breakfast – a pretty decent deal for Vegas. The inn was conveniently located near the famous Strip but far enough to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. The walk to the Strip was actually a welcome activity – a perfect way to burn off all those calories we indulged in while eating out. 😄
As for the accommodation itself – the room was fine, clean, and comfortable. Nothing extraordinary, but it served its purpose. Looking back, I noticed that current reviews on Google for this place aren’t too encouraging, but I can only speak about my experience at the time – and back then, it was acceptable. The breakfasts were modest, typical continental style, but having parking included in the price was a significant plus. In Vegas, where parking can cost a fortune, this was a really appreciated convenience.
NAB Show 2019 in Las Vegas
The next day in Las Vegas was entirely dedicated to exploring the NAB Show. These are some of the largest global trade fairs for the media, entertainment, and technology industries. NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) is an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of professionals from the industry – from equipment manufacturers to TV and radio broadcasters, and even digital and film content creators.
It’s a place where you can see the latest technologies and innovations in areas such as live broadcasting, video production, post-production, special effects, VR/AR, and more. In 2019, the main themes included the advancement of high-resolution technologies, the rapid growth of online streaming, and cutting-edge solutions in cloud computing, which were starting to play a significant role in media production.
An interesting aspect of the NAB Show was the significant presence of exhibitors from China. In 2019, many of them were just beginning their journey on the global market, but it was already evident that they had immense potential. Today, many of these manufacturers have grown into serious competitors for the industry’s biggest players, offering technologically advanced products at far more competitive prices.
Los Angeles
After a short stay in Las Vegas, we hit the road towards Los Angeles, making a quick stop at the Hoover Dam along the way. The site left a huge impression on my friend, who was seeing it for the first time. As for me? Well, I had already visited the dam before, but its scale and sheer monumentality never fail to amaze.
During our journey to Los Angeles, we encountered something entirely unexpected—a sandstorm. Imagine the sky suddenly turning a yellow-orange hue and visibility dropping dramatically. I had never experienced anything like it before, and I have to admit, it was quite a surreal experience.
Another interesting stop along the way was a gas station that seemed to have an endless number of pumps. Honestly, I had never seen such a sprawling refueling station before—it felt like a small symbol of the road trip culture in America.
As for Los Angeles, we decided to go with a spontaneous approach. We didn’t have a detailed itinerary or a packed schedule. Our goal was simply to soak in the city’s vibe and explore whatever caught our interest in the moment. Traveling without pressure like this is such a refreshing way to discover new places! 😊
Accommodation
This time, we booked our accommodation through Airbnb – my first experience with the platform, and unfortunately, it wasn’t a great one. The apartment was located in Koreatown, near Wilshire Boulevard, but the standards were disappointing from the start. The place was quite dirty, and honestly, I was hesitant to touch anything. On top of that, the host was incredibly intrusive in her communication – constantly messaging us, which quickly became frustrating. As someone who isn’t particularly outgoing with strangers, I found this exhausting. And no, it wasn’t flirtatious behavior; it was just unnecessary questions and comments that added to the overall stress of the stay.
Parking issues? Of course! Finding an available spot in the area was nearly impossible. To top it off, I managed to collect two parking tickets – one of them for exceeding the time limit on a paid meter by just 20 minutes. Well, welcome to Los Angeles. 🙃
As for the building itself, it felt like stepping into a snapshot of 1990s Poland, and not from the most prestigious neighborhood. The stairwell was littered with trash that one of the residents had apparently decided to dump there. And the elevator? Let’s just say, if it were subject to a technical inspection in Poland, it would never pass – riding in it felt straight out of a horror movie.
Californication
One of the highlights of my time in Los Angeles was visiting locations featured in the TV show Californication – one of my all-time favorites, starring the brilliant David Duchovny. The show is filled with iconic spots around LA that leave a lasting impression, so naturally, I couldn’t resist checking some of them out.
The first location I visited was the house where Hank Moody lived with Karen and Becca at the beginning of the series. It’s located at 26 Brooks Ave in Venice.
The second location I visited was the house where Karen moved in with her new partner when Hank had to come to terms with the fact that their family would never be the same again. Located on McKinley Ave, the house featured in the series is a modern architectural gem, complete with large glass windows. It perfectly represented Karen’s “new life”, which starkly contrasted with Hank’s chaotic and unpredictable world. The sleek, polished design of the home seemed to symbolize a fresh start for Karen while leaving Hank grappling with his place in her evolving story.
Warner Bros. in Los Angeles
One of the more spontaneous decisions during my stay in Los Angeles was visiting the Warner Bros. Studio. The cost of this experience was around 300 PLN, but it was absolutely worth it. The tour was conducted in a guided group, with a knowledgeable guide taking us through the sprawling campus. Exploring the studio independently wasn’t an option, which made sense given the sheer size of the facility and the fascinating stories hidden in every corner.
We had the chance to visit the prop warehouse, a treasure trove of items used on film and TV sets. For me, the most exciting moment was spotting props from my all-time favorite series, ER – including the ID badge of Dr. Mark Greene.
A ride on the “golf cart” through the Warner Bros. campus was another fantastic part of the tour. The guide took us through the studio’s backlot, a meticulously crafted “town” used in countless productions – from movies and TV shows to commercials. It was fascinating to see how the same location can be transformed into entirely different settings depending on the storyline. Every corner of the backlot seemed to have its own unique story, showcasing the creative magic of filmmaking.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the studio where “The Big Bang Theory” was filmed. While taking photos inside was strictly prohibited, just being there and seeing the iconic set in person was an unforgettable experience.
👉 For more information, visit the official website of Warner Bros. .
Conan Australia
Attending the recording for Conan was an unexpected and fascinating bonus to our visit. After the studio tour, a Warner Bros staff member invited volunteers to participate in adding laughter and applause to an episode that had already been edited and prepared for airing. This was a completely new experience for me and offered a unique perspective on how audience reactions are “enhanced” in post-production.
At the start of the session, a warm-up host took the stage to energize the audience with jokes and quick interactions, setting a fun and positive atmosphere. Shortly after, Conan himself joined us, sharing a few anecdotes that kept everyone laughing and in high spirits. His natural charisma and humor made the experience feel personal, even in a large crowd. The actual recording of applause and laughter was done in several takes, ensuring the production team had enough material to choose from. Initially, I expected this process to be repetitive and possibly dull, but it turned out to be surprisingly engaging. Each take brought a slightly different energy, and being part of a live audience reacting to a beloved show was unexpectedly enjoyable. It was one of those moments where the behind-the-scenes magic of TV production becomes all the more impressive!
Summary and return to Poland
The journey came to an end, and I had to return to Poland. My friend stayed in Los Angeles with our buddy, with whom we parted ways in San Francisco – they still had some time for further exploration. As for me, unfortunately, I already had work obligations and needed to get back to my job in television. I returned the car to the rental company without any issues, and the flight from LAX to Warsaw with our LOT Airlines went smoothly, without any delays – this time there was no stress related to rushing. 😊
How to conclude this trip?
It was intense and full of experiences. I managed to see quite a lot – from famous national parks to bustling cities, and even atmospheric spots that allowed for a moment of respite. Despite this, I feel that the United States still holds many places worth discovering for me. But I must admit – the trip required a lot of logistics, and the traffic jams in Los Angeles can exhaust even the most determined travelers.
What caught my attention was the noticeable increase in the number of homeless people, especially in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s a sad image that starkly contrasts with the scenes we know from Hollywood movies. Social issues that once seemed distant are now increasingly visible, showing that the U.S. is heading in a challenging direction.
Looking back, I wonder if the United States is still a place I’d choose for another trip today. Perhaps I’d prefer destinations that feel safer, better organized, or even more budget-friendly. The currency and cost of living in the U.S. aren’t exactly kind to travelers from Europe either. That said, the trip was an amazing experience that I’ll definitely remember for a long time—both for its highlights and its challenges.
