We jsut returned from Cali, and I had an awesome time. We spent a day/night in San Diego, at the Hard Rock. It was a nice hotel, although nothing was complimentary. Then we made our way to Venice Beach; which was a fun adventure in itself. People of all descriptions, selling all sorts of weird stuff. The beach and pier itself were my favorite things; baking on the beach; watching the surfers; hunting crabs in the rocks; awesome! in Marina del Rey, we stayed at a lovely Holiday Inn Express. We spent some time out at Santa Monica as well; neato midway. Much alcohol was consumed, and much fun was had. We went to Pacific and Mission Beaches; Mission was especially cool with all of the stores and vendors around.
We spent a few days in LA also. Hollywood was interesting! I loved the Walk of Fame, and the Chinese Theater. Just walking the streets was fun enough as well. Then for 2 nights, we hit the Sunset Strip, and had a crazy great time drinking at the Rainbow; we had planned to do the whole strip, but had so much fun there, that we didn't move on, hehe. We met B Real from Cyoress Hill. My husband met Blackie Lawless from WASP. (lol.) And partied harder than rock stars.
It was so weird for me, to see palm trees, too. I have never seen anything like them. You warm-weather natives might be used-to them, but I thought they were wild.
Finally, we wrapped things up at my friend's aunt/uncle's place in Yuma, AZ. The drive out there was super surreal for me.. I have never seen desert. Wow; what a landscape. I felt like I was on Mars! We took a few hours and rode their speedboat on the Colorado River; this was amazing. Most of it was unspoiled wilderness, and I glimpsed some egrets and mountain goats. Didn't see any herps, but I could imagine what lurked out in the desert we were driving by.
We had fun there.. the worst part was coming home. I can't wait to live in Cali! I literally cried on the way to the airport to go home.

Mark and I at Pacific Beach


Mark in front of the Chinese Theater with the Storm Troopers!!


Me walking on the beach for the first time.


Sunset Strip!


Sarah and B Real!







The Mexico-US border


Weird rock hills


Marky!