Day 15 : Los Angeles

The night before today was an interesting one. We got to see first hand what the "scene" was like in Newport Beach. You know how everybody thinks that MTV show "The Hills", is scripted? It isn't. People actually act like that out here! I'll give benefit of the doubt and assume not everybody out here is like that. Our friend Ashley isn't among that kind of person at all. Other than that, the place is filled with beaches, rolling hills, cliffs and sand dunes. Southern California is fairly ideal if you like the beach.

Today we headed from Orange County up to Los Angeles. The drive was a little hectic, but I'm definitely getting the hang of the style of driving out here. The California freeways have an average speed of 80, if you don't go at least 75, you are going to be beeped at and more likely to be rear ended. So while the lifestyle may be a bit more laid back out here, the driving is freakin nuts.

We started off Los Angeles at the Union Square Station. Directly across the street there was some sort of Mexican festival with hundreds of people and shops lined up and down an alley leading to a small park. I had no idea there was such a large Latin culture out here. After thinking about it, I realize that common sense would say that there would be. It was interesting checking out all of the shops and authentic products.

At the moment we are in a Sushi Cafe in Manhattan Beach, about 20 minutes or so outside of Central L.A.. It seems to be an uppity place, and has a very nice beach area. Plenty of shops and cafes. Tonight we will be staying with a host that is attending a Couchsurfing Meeting. So we will get to attend and see what that is all about.

Tomorrow we'll be heading to Hollywood. Maybe we'll get famous or something.

Day 14 : Orange County

Started off today leaving San Diego for Orange County. Got the oil changed today as well as a brand new air filter. Maybe we will get better gas mileage, woo hoo.

We've been in Newport Beach all day practically, a nice spot where a lot of people seem to hang out for a day at the beach. It is March 14th and was only 65 degrees out today, but there are still people in bathing suits tanning out on the beach. Not something you see everywhere. I'm just now starting to notice that it is a bit more laid back out here than back east.

So Dan and I are sitting on a bench near the beach with our "Yucca" Hiking Stick pitched up in the sand, when a couple about our age stops and tells us nice stick. They also had a hiking stick with them. I told them we got it from inside of the Grand Canyon (which we did of course) and immediately a conversation was started. Dean and Ponti (who had moved here from Iran years ago) were two very sociable and friendly people. They invited us along with them on their walk and we all went back to Ponti and her roommates place for a delicious dinner. Persian hospitality is incredible!

At the moment we are in a parking lot, awaiting to be picked up by our high school friend, Ashley, and then heading out to a bar for food and drinks. That is all for now, we'll see what happens next. Tomorrow we will be heading not so far north up to L.A..