Sweet Home Virginia???

I flew down to Richmond, VA (from Toronto) to see Christopher. This is the second time I had been there, but this time I got to do more Richmondy (it's a word!) things. 

We went to Maymont Park, which has a whole slew of Eurasian inspired gardens (Japanese, Italian) as well as areas where animals are kept. Lovely park to have a picnic which is just what we did. 

We walked through Carytown, a lovely area further away from Richmond downtown. Many little restaurants and shops that are worth a visit 

- Weezie's Kitchen- Cheap drinks and great mozarella sticks. AND SMOKE-FREE!

- New York Deli - Fun place to be :) 

- Elwood Thompson Cafe- Organic coffee and all that goodness! 

- Nara - very cheap sushi and fairly good. Though not amazing. 

Final Verdict?

Southern California gets 4.5 sails up. 

- The people were almost always friendly and welcoming. 

- The April weather was a nice change from the temperate climate of Toronto. 

- You are always near a beach, if you like that. 

Shout Outs: 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

- You guys were amazing. You didn't have the car we wanted intially, so you gave us a Jeep Wrangler for an even cheaper price.  The service was incredible. Thanks1 

Hotel Pepper Tree

- 100 dollars a night for a fully loaded room with kitchen, plus heated swimming pool? This must be a dream. The receptionists were always friendly as well. 

Long Beach Aquarium and Venice Beach Redux

We left Anaheim in the morning, returned our Jeep and rented a Cobalt (you would think smaller cars are easier to drive? THINK NOT!)  

We went to Long Beach to go to the much talked about Long Beach Aquarium. The aquarium wasn't large, but still nice. If you have kiddies (why else would you be there? unless you are Christopher and I and love fishies), they are in for a treat. They let you pet sting rays and little sharks (I didn't go for that one). The admission was $23 American each. I still thought it was worth it. 

We left the aquarium and went to Venice Beach, the beach of debauchery (apparently). We walked along the boardwalk and encountered the World's Greatest Wino, Harry Perry (the turban wearing, guitar playing rollerblader), myriads of clowns, and henna artists.  Lots of little shops and what not, worth the walk. 

Restaurant: 

Japanese Sushi Grill on Lincoln Ave 

- The. Best. California. Rolls. Ever.  The sushi was amazing. The restaurant is Zagat rated. Drools. 

IHOP

- I am Canadian. We lack IHOPS. I love IHOP. 

Road to Mexico

I went to Tijuana as a child. I remember being completely in awe and surrounded by clutter and confusion. I recall the rapid colors of a bustling shopping district and never letting go of my mother's hand.

But more about that later... we need to get there first.

Tijuana was my second destination this morning. First I was going to visit one of my most revered locations on earth. Being an avid student of Eastern traditions and Yoga; I have wanted to visit the site where Paramahansa Yogananda decided to set up his base of operations for the proliferation of Kriya Yoga... the science of god realization.

The temple would be closed today, but the meditation gardens were open during midday hours (Sundays). I had heard of the beauty and careful maintenance of this garden, and was excited to partake in its rejuvenating visuals. I would not be disappointed. Perfectly selected flowers and trees adorned a narrow path as we made our way into the garden. I could instantly point out the followers of yoga from the wandering tourists as they wistfully let themselves get lost in the flora, waterfalls, and exuberant aquatic life. I challenge anyone to enter those gardens and not feel a part of themselves succumb to its beauty. Actually... nevermind... I would prefer you have a seat on any bench and take a moment to revel... let the garden take you in.

Ok, back on the road.

On the way to Tijuana...

It was hot... Where did that come from? The weather had been perfect in the morning; granted we had travelled quite a ways toward the equator and the sun had found its way to straight up by the time we made the border. I cannot legally drive in Mexico because I do not have Mexican auto insurance, and aside from that, rental cars cannot leave the states; thus the mighty jeep was left on the side of stars and stripes.

We walked around narrow corridors looking for an elaborate entrance with customs agents and officers ready verify and guide along the way...

BUT...

We did not find them. Instead, the only thing standing in between us and the land where my dollar bought 14 pesos was a simple metal revolving gate, and a string of cab drivers to ignore.

Eventually after getting lost we took the aid of a cab and for 5 dollars (before tip) we arrived at Revolucion, the shopping district. Either it must have been a slow day; or my confused childhood mind simply was overwhelmed all those years ago... but the streets of Tijuana were remarkably quiet and uneventful.

So the game began. The game anyone who knows about this game must play. The haggling game. Products in Mexico are cheap; Really cheap. So cheap that you can talk down the written price of literally anything. The streets are lined with Mom and Pop shops who are probably marking up products 500%, in hopes of either finding an American dumb enough to pay full price... or to coax them by offering them a severe discount (maybe down to 300% markup).

A $70 dollar blanket became $20. A $25 belt became $11. We had worked out a game plan. If we found something we liked.. we would beg the other to buy it, and deny back as the shop-owners constantly offered us lower prices, additional items, or a shot of tequila. Truly fun. Give it a shot.

After an hour we began to realize that our pale heritages simply were not designed for the heat and made a break for the states... seeking cool frozen beverages and perhaps some time in water...

Tijuana, while only a short distance from the border; is like another world. The poverty is obvious... the difference in services and facilities is drastic, and the part that really bugs you is the realization that this is one of the more affluent areas...

I encourage a visit... bring sunblock, and a poker face...

"I discovered North America and all I got was this lousy t-shirt"

Christopher

Route 1 to Tijuana via various towns

Route 1 was taken again to Tijuana.  We drove through various towns on the way to our destination, like the infamous Laguna Beach and Newport Beach (from the equally infamous and dry "reality" shows) , as well as San Diego and Encinitas amongst other smaller towns. Laguna and Newport have large homes built along the coast, they seemed massive and there were a lot of gated communities. Though to be fair, if one lives near the coast, one must be LLOOOOOAAAADDDDDDDEEEEED. 

Our goal was to see the Self-Realization Fellowship along the way.  The Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas is one of the rebirthplaces of Kriya yoga in North America. Only the gardens were open to the public on Sunday, and it was free to enter. The gardens were obviously built in such a way so as to encourage meditation and deep thought. There were waterfalls and lots of ponds to along with seats for the general population to meditate. Well worth the time and stop. Christopher was excited to have seen this place and as a non-yoga person, as was I.  

We didn't stop at any other place along the way until we got to Tijuana. We dropped the car off at the border for 10 dollars at the parking spot. 

To enter Tijuana was scarily simple, there was just a mere rotating metal pronged door. That's it. No customs....nothing. There were some police looking guys around. There were lots of fellows in yellow shirts, but they were cab drivers. 

After 100 m, you can easily see the contrast between Tijuana and the United States. The emergency room in Tijuana was a dilapidated building with spray paint, while state-of-the-art facilities (with some exceptions and even those do not diminish this place). The shopping was done on Revolucion Street which compared to Morocco was clean. The shopping was decent, the vendors were all friendly. We spent less than 2 hours in Tijuana, because of the debilitating heat.

The cross back was a tad more difficult, but not exactly daunting. The drive back to Anaheim was nice and windy (thank goodness).  There were signs along the highway about being careful of people running across??????? Desperation knows no bounds. 

Restaurants: 

- Cafe Francais in Dana Point (near Newport Beach) 

The food was great. I had crepes that made me nostalgic for my Oma's. 

- Jack in the Box

Great smoothies. 

Sites:

-Self-Realization Fellowship 

GORGEOUS! 

-Tijuana 

Great shopping and cheap goods. 

That's What She Said 

Christina 

Anaheim: It's as pretty as it sounds

We drove to Anaheim to attend a wedding. 

Most of Anaheim seemed to consist of suburbia with palm trees, and Disneyland. 

Hotel- Pepper Tree Hotel which was well decorated, and had a kitchen ensuite (fridge, microwave, utensils, stove and all the accessories needed). It also had: 

- Internet (5 dollars for the use) 

- HEATED Swimming Pool

- Grocery store across the street and restaurant in the plaza. 

- Golf nearby. 

Restaurants: 

- Sizzler 

There's a reason why the steak and lobster tail were 15 dollars. The steak was fine. The lobster tail was not, and had tasted like it lost all of its' flavour. The butter was synthetic and awful. I should have been wary of the great deal that was offered. 

-In N Out Burger 

The California stapel. It was your typical fast food burger place, but for some reason it tasted better. The fries were cooked differently and it was evident. 

Stores: 

- Ralph's Grocery Store 

Fair prices. Cheap booze. What more can you ask for? 

Places: 

- Crystal Cathedral 

It was nice. Glassy. Had lots of statues of Jesus et al. Woo. 

That's What She Said 

Christina 

The Pacific Coast Highway/ Route 1... from the Driver's side

Basic Summary... DO IT!!!

I love cars... I love talking about cars. I love looking at cars. I love driving cars...

I walked into the rental merchant where I had reserved my convertible for one of the most coveted roads the big blue rock has to offer. I walked up to the counter and had my ID and credit card plopped on the counter. I looked across to the other side and saw the day's reservations on a printout. My name was at the top with the words "Convertible; Preferably Mustang." They could not promise me the mustang, but I had my hopes up.

I would sadly find there was no mustang waiting for me. In fact there was no convertible at all. My reservation made 3 weeks in advance became worthless. I needed a vehicle. I even managed to talk the guy into renting me a jag with a sunroof for the same rate as the mustang, but because of insurance issues, I had to withdraw. After a bit of arguing back and forth they found something that was a "convertible" technically. After seeing the way his eyebrows raised in an almost fit of sarcasm I asked what he had.

It was not a mustang, not even a seabring...

A jeep. He wanted to rent me a jeep. I knew my travel partner would be disappointed. I made her disappointment clear enough to get a massive discount. I was lucky I had her disappointment as a bargaining tool because to me... rolling around California in a Brand New 09 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is just about unbeatable... Unless the car came from Italy or bore a DB9 insignia on the rear, I would not be more excited.

We began our journey in a massive V-6 gas guzzler in the flagship state for hybrid cars. It takes an hour or so to reach the coast from Hollywood, but the rush of air on the uncovered jeep help more excitement per moment than Hollywood had offered in an entire day.

The coast was evasive but after the foreshadow of a sweet scent of salt water, we were given our prize. Unending sea on one side, and on the other, cliffs and mountains finely crafted by millions of years of erosion and tectonic violence. This road had it all; and we hadn't even made it to the coastal highway yet.

Once we entered upon the famous route 1; it became immensely clear that the new jeep was a serious automobile. The steering was impeccable, and the designers opted to make the vehicle more aerodynamic than its predecessors. The corners were sublime and I would find myself in constant reprove from my navigator. My mind was on the road and the fun of testing the limits of grip on a vehicle not quite designed for task, in theory. The jeep held true... I was in love...

But I would take a mistress, and her name was the pacific. The ocean was a blue that was pure and unending, save for moments of sublime green. My mistress had an attitude though; and she used it to grind into the Americas with such vigor as to carve breathtaking cliffsides and force the road to take evermore exciting turns to avoid an unintentional belly flop into the deep.

The vista stops were well placed and gave you an upfront hint that something amazing could be found. Do not hesitate to stop if you have the time.

The main course of this feast however, would not be entire made from nature. The most breathtaking views in this driver's eyes would be punctuated by the work of engineers. Bridges... while making the drive less curvaceous, they looked almost natural themselves the way they dug into the land and became one with the rock. The bridge at Big Sur was the perfect melding of technology and nature. The cliffside's beauty was accentuated by the sound of the tires as they entered the bridge, and the echo of road noise invoked the chasm below. Stop after this bridge and get out of your car. You need to see this spot.

The Pacific Coast highway is the surreal combination of gratuitous natural beauty, and gratuitously curvaceous roads to provide excitement. But, there are multiple highways that will get you to the other end faster; this road is functionally obsolete...

So if this is not the best way to get from point A to point B? Why drive it? Why bother building a road by the sea when it is an hour shorter to take the 101?

Well... I once heard someone attempt to define "art." For something to be truly art... it can have no purpose except for existing, and it can serve no other function. Well, while you can get across the state using route 1... you wouldn't be driving it just to do that...

The Pacific Coast Highway is not just a road... it is a work of art in itself... inspired by nature and expressed by man.

"I discovered North America and all I got was this lousy t-shirt"

Christopher Columbus

The Pacific Coast Highway/ Route 1

We set out from Hollywood with the goal of driving to Monterey and driving back to Anaheim.

In the morning, we had the luck of not getting our convertible and instead got a Jeep Wrangler. The drive to the PCH wasn't too awe inspiring, but it was well worth the drive.

The piece de resistance/the Mecca/ the most beautiful fucking drive ever was the drive to Big Sur. If you ever get the chance to do it, you must. I won't say much more or I may spoil this for you.

Restaurants: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - The Iced White Chocolate Coffee is great

Olde London Pub - Monterey in Fisherman's Wharf- The fish and chips were great.

Subway- Same shit. Different country. Probably less healthy.

Sites: Hearst Castle- The tours are all 2 hours long so we didn't have a chance to do it. Otherwise, we'd miss the sites along the coast. But from far away it looked great!

20 dollars for adults for tours.

That's What She Said 

Christina

Hollywood and Venice Beach- The Trek of Stars

We started out the day trying to find some stars handprints and signatures in front of the famous Grauman Chinese Theatre. It did not fail to please for my goal of the day was to find Frank Sinatra's handprints. I think I may have figured out his many marriages, his hands were the same size as mine own. You know what they say about men with little hands.....or what gross assumptions are made about men with big hands. Either way, it was great. We walked around and found more signatures. The great artist (with lots of sarcasm intended), Bruce Willis. His block was noteworthy for including Yippy kiyay in his. Humphrey Bogart gave Sid Grauman a lovely threatening message. Whoopi Goldberg created a picture of her dreads. There were many more that were different and special, but I liked those the best.

We went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, as I had recognized it from several trashy novels that sometimes make their way into my readings. I usually read Tolstoy! I swear!

We meandered back to the Motel 6 in Hollywood, where we were lodging. It is barebones, but cheap, clean and has free Wi-Fi. We had decided at the hotel that we would make the long hajj to Venice Beach. Google Maps informed that it was 13 miles, but we were pretty pumped so the warning went unheeded. We walked down Hollywood Blvd to La Brea to Wilshire to Hauser to Venice to Beethoven to Washington Blvd (See map to the right).

It took us about 5 hours.

In those 5 hours of walking, we saw nothing of interest except for a few cute animals and a few gorgeous homes. We didn't take a single picture, or find anything intriguing, noteworthy or memorable. The only thing memorable about the walk was that it was just so dull.

The walk was still worth the trouble when we got to Venice Beach. By the time that we had reached Venice Beach, it was 6:45 pm. It was chilly and windy, and we were exhausted. We walked down one of the piers and stood by and watch the sun set. It was a illustrious sight. The light illuminated the waves and the fog (smog?) made the peninsulas seem under a cloud or some sort of mystery. We hailed a cab and headed back to the hotel (47 dollars American) and promised to ourselves that we would return to Mecca of Bodybuilding and Weird Human Trickery on Monday.

Restaurants : IHOP (I do love the Butterscotch Pancakes, these places can be found all over the United States)

- Black Dog Coffee (FREE WI-FI :) Great for us lost soles/souls!)

- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (White Chocolate Coffee thingie? was delicious)

- Mercedes near Venice Beach (Enchiladas Florentine were delicious, as was the fried Calamari, but it is not cheap. Be prepared to drop at least 40 dollars and that's if you don't want any alcohol)

Stores:

- Target (Nicer less evil version of Wal-Mart and that's what Christopher Columbus would have wanted)

That's What She Said :)

Christina Columbus

Los Angeles... First Impressions

The glamorous west coast... I step off the plane in the middle of the night, expecting all of the stories of winters in shorts and New Years in t-shirts to describe the weather I would be stepping into. Upon stepping out of LAX I came to the less than charming realization that it gets pretty chilly at night in the City of Angels... After shelling out more than my first nights hotel stay on the taxi en route... I quickly retired and prepared for the first day...

Thankfully I no longer trusted the stories of perpetual warm weather and elected to wear a sweater... it is still only April after all.

The journey began in Hollywood. The glitz, the stars, the lights, the never-ending excitement must have ended the night before and picked up the night after... or perhaps we come to find out Hollywood is just a chunk of residential and commercial property just like any other place.

The truth is it seemed that aside from a few tourist attractions (Chinese theater, Hollywood Sign, walk of fame) you can quickly run out of things to do in Hollywood, unless of course you wish to spy on celebrities from the safety of a tour bus.

So, we opted for an afternoon in Venice beach. Being meticulous and wanting to catch as much detail as possible, we took to the beach on foot. 12.8 miles we would hoof to the pacific. We knew it would be a long walk, but we were in Santa Monica, and Hollywood; surely there would be sites along the way to keep us captivated...

Sadly, as the walk progressed; the impression that Los Angeles is a city simply became more and more pronounced.

So, first impression of Los Angeles... it is a city, no matter where you go. And go ahead and rent a car; taxis are expensive; the sign showing bus routes is written in Sanskrit, and the only memory you'll take from walking is sore feet and smelly socks.

'I discovered North America and all I got was this lousy t-shirt'

-Christopher Columbus