Week 27 - Los Angeles, California ("City of Angels")

Hello Family and Friends,

We made it to Los Angeles, but on the way we made some detours. While navigating we noticed a sign for fresh peaches and plums. Atlas tried a plum for the first time and actually liked it! We thought we were doing something special, but come to find out that southern California is littered with these local produce farms.

We stopped at one of the many local produce farms in southern California.

We also stopped to see some old friends from Destin, Melissa and her children. She is part of the inspiration for me teaching Atlas Spanish even though I'm not a native speaker. We met at the Harford Pier and the kids had a great time playing. Atlas cried when it was time to say goodbye. So delighted that we were able to connect even if just for a scant amount of time.

Little Rose ( in the middle) had the idea to climb into this little windowsill and all the boys followed her. (Left to Right: Mason, Melissa, Declan, Rose, Atlas, Brett, Danielle)

While we were eating the Harford Pier, Brett met a chef who invited us to visit his restaurant in Solvang on our way to Los Angeles. It was a notable little stop. The town had a adorable dutch theme.

Atlas and I enjoying the park in Solvang, Ca

We coincidentally were visiting simultaneously as the farmers' market. There was a Jamaican artist playing a Steel Drum for the market. Brett started asking him questions about the instrument and he offered to play us a song he has been learning, "Day-O" by Harry Belafonte. This was a fortuitous gift, because we used to sing this with Nathaniel before bed time. We called it the "Banana Boat Song".

Jah Lenny playing his steel drum at the Solvang farmers' market.

Once we arrived in LA, our first stop was Santa Monica Beach. In my opinion, it is the best beach I have ever visited. There are so many beach activities available. There is a separate bike and pedestrian path right on the beach. As well as playgrounds, outside fitness centers and local shops. The whole design encourages activities at the beach, not just sitting on the beach. We had an amazing time riding our bikes (per usual) and even stuck our toes into the cold Pacific water. Atlas was not a fan of the cold waves.

We also visited all the popular LA spots: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Blvd. We even drove by the home where Michael Jackson breathed his last breath (that he was renting for 100k per month!).

Beverly Hills sign in a park near all the fancy shops.

Visiting the popular spots of LA is one of those bucket list activities. However, most of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is wasted on us as we don't keep up with the life of the rich and famous.

After so many travel days our bodies could use a massage. We found some availability in Huntington Beach. We just so happened to be at the there during the US open of surfing so the beach was full of people, vendors and even a concert stage. But we were still able to have a yummy lunch and amazing massages. My massage therapist beat me up in the best way.

Sand art at the surfing competition at Huntington Beach.

Next stop on our west coast California adventure is San Diego.