Monthly Archives: January 2012

So there I was. A morning walk to catch the tram and then headed over the river through the city to find “Crown”, a 24 hour casino. No, I haven’t picked up gambling as a new hobby, they were the only place that had American football showing…It’s the playoffs! I walked in expecting to be the only person there however I was pleasantly surprised to find a group of 20 already front row with beers in hand. It was great! The local guy next to me laughed every time we clapped and cheered. He said “Only Americans clap and high five when they get excited”. Made me smile. Here’s a picture of some Saints fans that were “clapping” in front of us.

Any guesses on the price of this round? (answer below the pic)

$28.50… Thank you Taylor!

After the game I met up with some new friends and off to the city we went. Just a couple of pics from our day.

Yes… This is a car actually being covered by what I would call turf.

Found a street market with some incredible art and even more intriguing people. These are vintage pieces of luggage that have been converted into musical entertainment equipment. Check it out by clicking www.sonvalise.tumblr.com .
Dear Ruben, your peaceful view was ever so refreshing and I absolutely appreciate the encouragment. Thank you for leading by example…

This is a non profit organization that works to inspire people of Africa to create income for themselves through art education and projects (I got a had crafted coin purse) There website is worth checking out. www.upendoartistassociation.com .

During my stay in LA I was lucky enough to have dates with old a new friends every single day. Elementary school friend Erin and her perfect partner Katie started it off with a walk to a local diner and some jokes about the good old days. 

Ive already posted about the evening with my travel buddy and dear friend Katie (see post “Times with Katie”).  

I then got to reunite with the gorgeous Annie. I met this striking girl during a 2 week tour in Europe in which we ended up rooming together.  We joked about the day we’d have sushi in LA (which didn’t seem realistic since we were in France at the time). But there we were, eating at Rok Sushi in Hermosa Beach! Our date was only missing the 3rd roomie, Sonia from the east coast.  This spicy girl was exactly the balance our room needed. She teased me about being a Cali hippie and I loved her “jersey shore” energy. Below is the  3 of us before I night out in Spain.

The following evening I was spoiled by the presence of a new friend named Mark. This gentleman has a unique way of making one feel totally comfortable and in the moment. Great conversation and smiles led the whole night through scrumptious food and live music. The band “Retrofit” was a 2 man show, one with a box (yes, a wooden box) for the rythym and the other an acoustic guitar and the accessional kazoo! Check it out! www.retrofit.com. My long time friends Jackie and Jason joined us to top of the night, making it an absolutely wonderful evening…especially when Jason told the band I was leaving and  to play something for me that’s old school country. Would you believe they played “Folsom Prison” and then “I’m an Okee from Muskogee”. For those of you who don’t know, my family is from outside of Muskogee Oklahoma and I was raised in Folsom… What a trip!
Mark and I watching the band.

Retrofit

Me and sweet Jackie

My last evening was dinner on the way to the airport with Nogen. This is an intriguing guy that I met at a karaoke bar in Florence. Him and his friend Nick sang, we all danced and had one of those memorable nights that enhanced my entire journey. We exchanged info and “hoped” to see each other again. I woke up the next day to realize their contact info had fallen out into the streets of Italy. My heart was heavy but I smiled knowing I still had the memories.  On my way out of Florence our group stopped at the lookout for a picture and then…. There they were! In a crowd of hundreds I approached them and made sure we had the info. Long story, but I got home after weeks of traveling and couldn’t find the number!  As I was cleaning out my room for the big move, wouldn’t you know it, I found it! I had safely put it with my travel receipts.  So here we are at the Florence lookout: Nogen is on the left and Nick on the right.

I know… I know, there aren’t any waves… but I did it! I give many thanks to my patient instructor Chris and his love for water. What an incredible morning…

Beach cruisers to the water

I’m on a boat!

First paddle out

Thanks Chris!