So, being in California for only six days, I can already tell you I am considering not returning to the east coast. Saturday and Sunday Krista and I spent in Los Angles. We took an Amtrak train from San Diego to LA, where we were fortunate enough to sit next to a middle school Harry Potter club field trip, need I say more. Once we were in LA we arrived at our hotel, the Knights Inn. How do I describe the Knights Inn, hm….well I won’t, but if you are ever in the area I recommend you don’t stay there. Wanting to escape our hotel room we decided to try LA’s public transportation and head down to Hollywood. In route we ran into LA’s bike race, which although it put a delay in our travels, was really cool to see. On our detour we go to see some of downton LA (business area) and the Disney Concert Hall. Arriving on Hollywood Blvd we immediately walked upon the Walk of Fame (all the stars). However, we were a little surprised that while the walkway was 18 blocks and impressive, it was not as glamourus as we imagined, just a normal sidewalk with stars. None the less we were classic tourists, snapping away pictures of The Olsen Twins, Sandra Bullock, Mariyln Monroe, etc.
On Saturday we headed back to Hollywood and headed out on a Starline Hop-on-hop-off bus tour! Riding on a double decker bus we rode down Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Ave and Rodeo Drive. Rodeo Drive has a California Ambassador whose job is to greet guests, parking meters that only takes credit cards, and a few stores that you need an appointment to even enter. I found Tiffany and Co., so please make a mental note to my future fiancé that an acceptable engagement ring could come from here. We then headed to Santa Monica, which was gorgeous. The wind was out of control, but nonetheless we walked the pier and along the beach, my highlight finding a stand that sold churros!
Krista and I on Rodeo Drive
Tiffany & Co.
The most interesting thing we saw at Santa Monica was a display by the Los Angeles Veterans for Peace. The memorial had crosses laid out all over the beach, symbolizing the troops that had been lost in our current war. What most surprised me, was the passion of the organization. The display was massive, and they set it up every morning, and take it down every evening, everyday. Whether you agree with their cause or not, to be that passionate about a cause is impressive.
Santa Monica Pier
Display by the LA Veterans for Peace on Santa Monica Beach
This morning (Monday) I took three subways, and two shuttles later in order to pick up our rent a car. While that might seem like a lot of transportation, I didn’t mind because I met lots of friends along the way. See, I have this gene I inherited from my mother, people insist on talking to me. This morning I met a man who had just left court for being caught with weed, two veterans, a lady who helped me get on the blue route, a lady who has spent the past year traveling the country by train, a man who grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, and a student studying environmental studies. Some might find all these strangers insisting on conversation bothersome, but I think it’s a fun chance to meet people from all different walks of life. I finally picked up the car and we now have a powder blue Kia Accent as our new ride for the next two days. After a short detour in Compton (I am directionally challenged), I picked up Krista and We headed towards Rt 1 for our mini road trip up the coast.
Our Car!
Eight hours later we arrived in Monterey – but the car ride did not seem that long, because scenery was absolutely breathtaking, seriously gorgeous. The ride goes up the coast, from Santa Monica all the way to Monterey peninsula. The most spectacular part being the Big Sur; a ninety mile stretch of road that was actually built in the 1930’s by California convicts. If you look out the window to your right you will see beautiful mountains, to your left the Pacific Ocean. I am usually not that impressed by mountains, so maybe it’s the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, but I have honestly never seen something so beautiful. Every time we thought we had seen the best view possible, we rounded another corner of the mountain and took our statements back because it was even better. We took some pictures, but they do not do it justice. Krista and I both agree that our eight-hour car ride up the coast has been our favorite part of the vacation, who would have thought. If anyone gets the chance to come to California, it would be my number one recommendation of things to do. Checking into our hotel late this evening, we celebrated with champagne and snacks, to be in A) a hotel that we love, and B) a town that we are excited to explore tomorrow! One more day of travel, and then up to San Jose to start my internship!
Yay for the California Coast
Sunset at Big Sur
Glad to be in Monterey and at our new hotel celebration!
