A Day in LA

Yesterday we did a tour of LA, starting at 9am and we arrived back here at 5pm.  It was full-on all day, but really great. Our driver (we found out at the end of the tour) knows Serj Tankian - musician. They grew up together.  It was really weird as Hannah had just been listening to one of his songs on her IPod.  Anyway we toured all round downtown LA, then on to Hollywood with the walk of fame stars in the footpaths and the hands and feet in front of Man's Chinese Theatre.  I must say I was thinking of the old, old tv series when we were in Beverly - Hills that is, swimming pools, movie stars! Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive are now on my - "oh yes, I've been there", list. We saw the oldest surviving house in LA on Olvera Street, which is very Latino. They were celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe in the square there. I bought a couple of small maracas and Tim found a hat for Craig. We had lunch in the Farmers Market - sort of reminiscent of  Melbourne markets but not as good. It was very hot and stuffy in the middle of the markets. Venice Beach was a great place for people watching. We saw the outdoor gym where various strong men from the past have worked out - Sylvester Stallone and Arnold S used be there apparently. Lots of weed was offered for sale and the usual junk. Lots of strange characters inhabit the beachfront promenade - one guy was wrapped up in a large piece of reflective cardboard, with just his head poking out the top, groups of guys were crumping etc. We ended the day in Fisherman's village in the Marina Del Ray which is the world's largest man-made small boat harbour.  It reminded me a little of West Beach in Adelaide.

That evening after a rest, we went back to Disneyland - Downtown Disney for dinner in a lovely restaurant called Las Uvas. The food was excellent! Then we saw firework display and a big light production with Mickey Mouse. All in all a most fantastic day.