I spent last week in Los Angeles which meant we went from 0 to 70 degrees after flying for 6½ hours. This was the first winter vacation I have taken since high school. Warm vacations are great in the winter. Here are some highlights:
- Spectacular weather all week: sunshine and blue skies with average highs in the mid to upper 70's. I had to remind myself that I was not dreaming.
- Meeting our seven month-old nephew for the first time. His name is Toby and he is really cute.
- Reconnecting with family and friends I've missed: Lillian, Ethelind, Yvette, Stella & Jesse, Paul & Virginia.
- Day trip to the OC! Wearing flip flops, strolling along Newport Beach and Laguna Beach and enjoying the cool ocean breeze. Both cities are filled with lush tree-lined streets and pretty houses nestled in the hills.
- Lunch alfresco at the Farmers Market on 3rd Street. Farmers Market reminded me of an outdoor Faneuil Hall. Dinner at Sam Woo BBQ which is similar to Hong Kong Cafe. (Yay, J & S)
- Visit to the Getty Center. The sweeping view of LA from the courtyard, plazas, walkways and balconies of the museum is amazing. Definitely take the tours that are offered during your visit to gain insight into the history of this place. We took the architecture and garden tours.
- Traffic in LA during rush hours can be frustrating as in any major city. We took advantage of the carpool lane as much as possible and rejoiced when we passed by hundreds of cars.
- Didn't get a chance to go to In-n-Out but our friends took us to Islands (only in Southern California and Arizona) and we all had Hawaiian style burgers with grilled pineapples on a whole wheat bun. (Yay, Y & D)
- A trip summary is not complete without a sushi report. Lil took us to Crazy Fish in Beverly Hills and we went to Koto in Newport Beach two days later. Both were very different in terms of atmosphere and clientele. Crazy Fish is a trendy spot and was packed with young people. Lines were out the door. Koto is located in an office park and caters to working folks: we waited behind a large group of Japanese businessmen in suits.
