Los Angeles: 17.07.18

I spent the morning walking  around Santa Monica, I had some flowers to collect from a shop on Wiltshire Boulevard, me being me I got there over an hour early! So wandered around and found a little cafe, where I had yet another sub standard coffee! I really miss my Coffee on the Corner Flat Whites!

The weather was pretty overcast, I think it might be smog, which takes a while to burn off. Santa Monica seems like a pretty safe, quiet neighbourhood, lots of lovely trees, and not many people around, I think it might be to early….nothing seems to open till 10!

Having collected my beautiful flowers I went back to my hotel and made my second successful Uber call! Go Me! My driver was lovely, very chatty. We made it to Whittier in about 40 mins, where I had arranged to meet my Uncle Daves friend, Larry, at the Rose Hills Memorial Park.

I have spoken to Larry several times on the phone, and had a picture of him in my head, a small dapper older gentleman, quite proper and reserved, well, Larry was the complete opposite a large, open, friendly and funny man, who I instantly took to. Larry and I visited the spot where my Uncle Daves ashes, and those of my Aunt Bertha were scattered, it’s a beautiful, peaceful spot with a panoramic view.

Larry and I then went to lunch and visited Daves old house, where I had stayed on my trip here back when i was 21. We stopped and had a drink, Mojito and Margarita to toast Dave and then I headed back to Santa Monica.

It was a very special day, sad, but I am so very glad that I finally got to meet Larry who has been amazing in his role of executor and frien, and pay my respects to my lovely Uncle.

I had another interesting Uber driver, and as with my first our conversation was all about Trump…..

I have yet to meet a single American who doesn’t think he is a total Idiot and an embarrassment to the USA, but also very dangerous. It is really good to hear the thoughts and opinions of those living here.

I spent my evening having another little wander around the neighbourhood and found myself in the most amazing Organic, vegan, non vegan, health food, food emporium! Wow, it was full of scrumptious things, I spent about 40 mins just walking around looking and drooling at things! I left with a bloody amazing smoothie, fresh fruit and a sandwich of dreams.

Today, the 18.07.18 I have spent looking around Santa Monica Pier in a thunder storm! And then heading down to Venice Beach, which is a pretty full on, mad place!

I have loved just people watching, and I’m currently sitting in ‘Larrys’ sipping a Bloody Mary and writing this blog!

I am leaving tonight on my longest flight, 11.5 hrs to Fiji! Fingers crossed for an upgrade, or a ro was of seats to myself at least.

Next blog will be after the 20th, as I am entering the twilight zone on this flight and I lose the whole of 19.07.18!  😳😬😁

Author: hereandthereclaire

Hi, my name is Claire and I am 60 years young, welcome to my blog. I am new to the whole travel and blog writing world, so no judging! I recently made some big life changes, leaving my job in education and moving myself and my younger children to Newquay in Cornwall, I then started a business with some fantastic friends #coffeeonthecornernewquay. And now I am about to embark on my first big travel adventure...I would love to share this with you. Since starting this blog in 2018 I have made more changes, and now in 2024 I will be traveling full time for the next year! Please join me in sharing my Big Adventure! ❤️ View all posts by hereandthereclaire