California – Last Day of Trip – Part II

We are now heading up to Los Angeles, for a short look around before heading off to dinner.  Here is downtown as we approach on the freeway.

Ahh, the old Transamerica building no longer has the T but USC on the side.

My office was on the second floor – it was fun when they were making movies or tv shows below on the first floor.  I remember them standing on this balcony shaking shaved plastic down on Cagney and Lacy with them standing in winter coats in the middle of summer in the heat.  How did they not sweat?

An interesting structure – 

We parked and walked in and around Union Station.

And a piano for you to play – remember I said you not me…..

And a chair to rest waiting for your train.

On to Olvera Street –

Yes it did sort of move on the street – not in my camera.

Becky was surprised to hear that all the time I lived in LA, I never went to Olvera Street.

Lots of stuff to buy …..

And restaurants

Becky told me stories about driving down here and letting someone out of the car to place and get the order from this stand while they drove around the block.  Must have been good.

Becky hanging out with the guys again….

and kitties galore for me

And we must include the statue of Antonio Aguilar before leaving Olvera street. The 18-foot, bronze statue of Aguilar features him sitting on a horse — a fitting depiction of the performer who died in 2007, and was known as “El Charro de Mexico” (the Mexican Cowboy).

Now on to Chinatown and one of my favorite restaurants – Hop Li.

But we parked next to this temple which I don’t remember from years ago when I lived here.

Living in Florida, I do so miss certain foods that I enjoyed living in Los Angeles.  Squid with Spicy Salt, Hop Li Beef, wonderful green beans with garlic, etc.

Of course, we had to introduce Bear and Bearbette to Hop Li

We had a wonderful meal and grand conversations. It was so much fun to be with my friends – my travel buddies, my best friends.

Becky, Carol, Gloria, and Lloyd.  

Thank you Carol, to you and your family, for taking me around Hawaii. and Thank you Besties – for the nicest ending for this trip.

Til our next trip together…….Much Love

 

 

 

 

California – Last Day of Trip – Part I

This was basically the last day of the trip as the Los Angeles weather decided I needed to remember how it is out there when it rains, and I mean really rains.  But we did manage to get in a drive to San Pedro Ports o Call, and to dinner in Chinatown before the sky opened on us. I am breaking this into two posts so you can see the fun we had in San Pedro.

Bear and Bearbette in the car making sure they have some water before walking around.

Becky and Carol checking out the fresh fish.

And just next door is another fish market.

And games for the little ones – or maybe the big ones.

Here I am “Grabbing the Bull by the Horns”

And Becky – well she is hugging it.

Here are the Brigantine Irving Johnson and the Brigantine Exy Johnson.  They are training ships, with a length of 111′ ft, they can hold 30 people.  The twin Brigantines and their youth crews are  “The Official Tall Ships and Maritime Ambassadors of the City of Los Angeles”.

And of course, Carol found flowers.

and we were in Los Angeles’ port.

And another fish market/restaurant.

and the kids must play….

They are supposed to be fixing the area up, and there were some quaint little shops at the end of the walk.

Where of course, Becky had to propose. Hmm what does Louie have to say about this?

Nothing like a best friend.

And more flowers for Carol

Now we see the Welcome sign.

And the squirrel welcomed us

rubbing his paws together – “Oh my lovely”

And Bear and Bearbette were feeling left out – so here are some pictures of them posing by a couple of places.

Back into the backpack for our trip to Los Angeles.