I took my first journey to the other side of the country the other week. I had never been to CA or the West coast & my toes got to feel the cold Pacific Ocean. Rich's sister, Deb, & her fiance, Dom, moved to Hollywood about two years ago & are both pursuing their masters in painting. We stayed with them & enjoyed the sites of LA...through the rain! It had not rained since February, so I guess it was time. We did have some glimpses of sun while visiting the Hollywood sign.
The sunset was so pretty over the Hollywood hills facing downtown LA.
A few highlights included M Cafe's delicious vegetarian faire in Culver City. "Pulled Pork" with wasabi potatoes {I wish I could eat those potatoes right now!} & "Bacon" club with kale & peanuts. So good.
Cue the music to one of the best tv shows ever. Also, say good-bye to the sun as it does not reappear for the durration of our trip.
We drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu one morning, picked out which "house" we will buy {I kid!}, & then drove to Venice Beach.
Here you may catch a little glimpse of the Santa Monica Pier.
Notice how we are basically the only people on the beach. I do agree it was a bit chilly, but it was downright cold for most of the natives. Those who were out on the boardwalk were decked in hats, scarves, & boots!
While we were at Venice Beach we went to Urbanic Paper Boutique, which was just as lovely as expected, & I bought a few pretty cards & notebooks. Other food highlights included breakfast at Green Peas, in Culver City, & a very fancy, shmancy dinner at AOC Wine Bar in Los Angeles. We also went to The Beauty Bar & another bar...I think it was called The Piano Bar, but I am not entirely sure. I do know this band was playing & at the end of the night the drummer let Rich jump on his drums & play for a few songs. Awesome!
Overall, we had a great time, though I found LA very overwhelming at times. Apparently I am a New England girl at heart. However, we will certainly be back to visit soon! Hopefully the sun joins us!




I really enjoyed the short journal of the Yankee's foray into the wilds of the western frontier. Thanks for bringing the rain to our busy desert. Let me know if y'all want to check out the pacific northwest in the future!
Posted by: Phil | October 19, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Mmmm, those West Coasters sure do have their health food down pat!
Posted by: Cirilia | October 19, 2009 at 05:02 PM
ohhh these pictures make me homesick for LA. looks like you did a lot of fun things! hope it wasn't too overwhelming for you...maybe if the sun was out, it would have been better :)
Posted by: lyndsey | paper girl | October 21, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Cute! I have that same plaid dress!
Posted by: amber of theambershow.net | October 26, 2009 at 12:16 PM