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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!

This morning I got the joy of walking to breakfast with Katie, my amazing friend and former “travel partner”. I’m so thankful for such a remarkable person in my life. She has a pure heart and a radiant personality that has the ability to make you laugh to tears… running in search of the nearest restroom before it’s too late! (yes, personal experience). I’m honored to know such a vibrant woman.
A few pics during our past travels together:

Belize- We watched a local man make these hats from leaves

Ambergris Caye- Scuba diving

Costa Rica- Zipline, monkey business and white water rafting!

Mexico- An unforgettable cruise

New York City- We were the only ones that missed the “rain memo”

Can it all fit into one back pack? Fingers crossed here we go…

Yeah! After 2 attempts and a glass of wine, it fits!

This is it… Just the two of us.

At Sacramento International Airport. First stop LA!

“Happy Trails Celebration” was an absolutely incredible evening! Each time I turned around (literally) there was a familiar face with bright eyes, a warm smile and a hug waiting for me. As if my journey couldn’t get any better… 

So to the ones who showed up, thank you so much for taking time out of your holiday schedule to send me off with your presence. I hope with all of my heart that I was able to greet everyone and snag a monster hug before the night was over. If for whatever reason we didn’t get much conversation, please know just seeing your face was a shot of love to my heart. (kinda cheesy, but I mean it!)

To those who were unable to attend, I absolutely understand.  Its the connection of friendship and unconditional support that matters the most to me… Now you’ll just have to fly and meet me somewhere to make up for it!

The cards, cash and gifts… Oh my!! As I sat and read every word, at first I tried to fight back the tears thinking “No no girl, not yet… No time for crying”, and then one little tear snuck out and then it was over. Before I knew it, I was snotting all over the place… you would of thought I won a huge prize (which is true in my mind) or found my lost puppy or something! 

 I was taught by my mom, like everyone in my generation, that you MUST send out thank you cards. Well, turns out I found something that doesn’t rank  very high on my “strengths” list.  So please hear me know as I send my appreciation out to all of you. From the thoughtful gifts and warm wishes, to the emotional support… not to mention the years of business, I thank you for going out of your way to enhance my life! I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such vibrant people.

Hello dear friends!

To those who know me well, you fully understand how this whole “blog” thing is new and totally foreign. My goal is simply to share my journey, create some smiles with new friends and keep in touch with those who have supported my dreams.

So please be patient with any grammatical mistakes and accept them as “just me” being more concerned with the content, over how Mrs. Siraff may grade my work… wink wink.

Love for all of you,  always.

Erika