I can’t believe we’re in March already. I’ve since been to LA and back. So much for daily blogging of my trip! Got some catching up to do. This was the post I wrote at the start of the trip. It’s the only post I wrote on the trip. The pace was unbelievable. We had stuff to do everyday. We hit at least 15000 steps a day.

We got off to an early start – the sun comes up early, LA is a morning person town. The sun goes down very quickly so it makes sense to get in as much sun and the day as possible.

First stop, Tartine for breakfast. I decided to let my son pay for breakfast and wow, whopping over $80. US dollars. Thank goodness he is getting paid in USD. Most delish potatoes, egg sandwiches!

Then onto Santa Monica. First third street market – lovely display of fruits, flowers, and a person pushing a stroller with the fattest bunny I have ever seen. I wish I got a snap of that!

Next up a walk to the Santa Monica Pier – touristy destination but a must do. Iconic, not too crowded. We took some necessary pictures on the pier, and looking at the ocean it was beautiful. But the backdrop of the pacific palisades, the burnt out hills, was sobering.

Walked along the beach where my son got some exercise on pull up bars and hanging ring action – one thing was confirmed, lots of athleisure and dogs in LA.

We then stopped for coffee at Dog Town Coffee in Ocean park for a leisurely stop, enjoying the sun with live music in the back patio. And some cute dogs. This was South Santa Monica.

After coffee, headed back toward the town via Santa Monica City Hall, closed down auditorium, passing by a closed vintage Sears, and the Chains monument, and anti-nuclear installation. It was a bit eerily quiet on that walk back, likely as it’s more of a government area on a weekend.

We then had a lovely lunch at Elephante – what a vibe for a restaurant on the beach.

After lunch we headed to Venice to check out the market and shopping area. Parking was almost impossible, had to give credit to my boy for his patience in finding a spot. Picked up a coffee at Blue Bottle, it was worth the line up. My daughter was in search of much needed sunglasses, she wanted to get a new pair here in LA. It was fun to check out the market but I felt like I was looking at my old wardrobe I had donated 15 – 20 years ago. Ed Hardy, Paul Frank, low rise denim, slip dresses.

From the market we walked along the street which had most of the usual brands that we have up in Canada. Reminded me of our Toronto Beach neighbourhood in its heyday, but on a bigger scale.

We then found our way over to the Canals neighborhood of Venice. I didn’t know of this area, some unique and pricey homes lining several canals. Several ducks roamed the walkways and swam along the water as neighbours. Not sure I would like that so much as we noted other tourists walking through, gawking at the houses.

From the Canals we walked toward the beach – Venice beach, which was quite different than Santa Monica. There were the paddle tennis courts, the muscle beach, the very touristy carny atmosphere. And then the ultimate destination – the skate park. Witnessing the speed and athleticism of the skateboarders, some younger kids and an older fellow that you see here – in person at close range – very cool.

Rather than going to dinner at a resto my son had pre booked, we were pretty tired and still a bit full from lunch. We decided to have dinner in – so headed back to the car and to Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s, another unique experience for us. The groceries cost about what they do back home even with the conversion. I think our eggs are definitely cheaper (they had a one dozen limit due to the egg crisis here right now.)

My son and his partner (girlfriend I guess, but they’re so much more serious!) made us dinner – what a treat! I have never had fried capers before. Trader Joe’s Salmon seasoning with a green salad, home made croutons and fried capers.

After almost 20,000 steps, what a great way to end Day 1.

I’ll put up other posts of our activities, but still catching my breath as we were there for 8 days!

How was the rest of your February?