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Published: March 22nd 2011
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US LIfesavers
US version of that grand old beach tradition of saving people from drowning, being eaten by sharks and committing beachware fashion faux pas. Monday 14th March – First Taste of Los Angeles
All packed in Waikiki and a trip to Honolulu airport to fly out to mainland USA and see our very good friends in LA:
Brian and Tanya – How wonderful to see our old friends again, with whom we shared many happy times, in London, Bournemouth, Chicago and LA.
Norms Diner – Despite a late arrival, a great old US diner beckoned and we eat at the institution that is Norms.
Tuesday 15th March – Kicking Back in California
The start of a relaxed end to our travels with no real plans, plenty of good food and excellent company:
The Back Bay – Just a stone’s throw from the apartment and we were walking alongside one of the many waterways that spill out to the Pacific Coast – a conservation area with five beautiful hawks soaring gracefully overhead.
Comedy TV – Brian, being fully acquainted with British humour, provided recordings of some of America’s best – laughter being indeed the best medicine.
Meso – A dining experience at this hip Californian bar/restaurant/club, with great food and very cool company.
Wednesday 16th March – Laguna
Laguna Beach
A Californian establishment in this swanky seaside town - weather a bit overcast in this shot. Beach
More California cool and catching up with old friends:
Laguna Beach – A wander round well-healed Laguna Beach with Tanya, looking at art and apartments; both of which we couldn’t afford.
Betty – Great to see our good friend Betty again in Rancho Santa Margarita, convalescing from a recent op but in top form.
Pizza at Selma’s – The four of us enjoy sharing a huge pizza at this local establishment – also survived the early start which doubled as children’s happy hour (very effective form of contraception).
Thursday 17th March – Flexing the Plastic
More food and shopping, but this time in larger proportions:
Asylum Taco – An unusual and tasty taco sampling experience, with lunch at this very funky LA food-house. Roll out the hot, hot sauce.
South Coast Plaza – One of the biggest shopping malls in the USA and the suitcases gradually get heavier for the final journey home.
Italian at Ecco – Another great foodie experience (notice any trends here?), coupled with a very personal service from Jason the waiter and the friendly staff.
Friday 18th March – Back to Blighty
One last day to soak
From Russia with Love
Our good friend Tanya with Deborah, complete with palms and pacific. up the Californian sun before saying a fond farewell for now to Brian and Tanya and heading home:
Final Stroll – One last walk along the Back Bay, and some definite plans made to change a few things for the better when we get home.
The Art Institute – A light lunch at the chef training establishment where student chefs make and serve real food to real people – pretty good actually.
LAX – Final goodbyes to our very good friends and a night flight to end the trip.
Postscript
If you got this far, then you followed us on a long journey; one which we will always remember with fondness for the interesting places, foods, cultures, people and very good friends. We survived, despite the forces of nature apparently amassed against us, and are almost certainly wiser, stronger and more fulfilled for the experience. Happy travelling to you all!
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