http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from North America , United States , California , Venice en-us Tue, 21 May 2013 22:24:40 +0000 Tue, 21 May 2013 22:24:40 +0000 AKA The Birthday that Started at the Spa and Ended with a SprainI decided this year to mark a big birthday all I wanted was a place near a beach where I could celebrate with friends and lots of food. Since two of my best friends Dan and Ilya live in Los Angeles and I happen to really love sunshine a weekend jaunt down the coast sounded perfect.After a great Virgin America flight I kicked off http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/blog-688870.html This morning we hired bikes from our hostel for 10 for the whole day and we headed off at 11am on the Hermosa Beach Bike Trail. The trail went for 15 miles all the way through Venice Beach up to Santa Monica and then 15 miles back again. Some of the ride is on the road but most of it is a path that goes through the sand so you ride alongside the water. It was another perfect day weatherwise http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/blog-623943.html Day 1Arrived in L.A. last night in the dark and the incoming views on the plane where fab. Staying on the beach in Venice Beach took a trip to the rooftop bar last night and again this morning and the contrasting views are awesome.Here unitl 10am tomorrow morning so a stroll along the beach for breakfast this morning then Santa Monica pier this afternoon and hopefully the Hollywood walk of fame http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/blog-570335.html We started the day with another breakfast at the Hotel.We checked out and drove to Santa Monica in order to be close to the Airport and see some work folks that I hadn't seen in awhile.I dropped the girls off on the Third Street Promenade and met my boss at the Coffee Bean.After some coffee and chatting we walked a bit on the Third Street Promenade and eventually met the girls who were down on at http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/blog-549867.html Firstly after previously stating she would never drink again Hayley was offered champagne 10 minutes into the flight and accepted it After an 11 hour flight we finally arrived at LAX around 3.25PM and due to America's very strict immigration laws it took a while to get through customs When we did get through I managed to leave my new jumper on the first bus we get on After wondering for a lit http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/Venice/blog-531815.html