Yesterday we were up early (ish!) and went out and explored LA. Our first stop was Venice Beach where we strolled down the promenade people watching and boy are there some funny people! We also saw a bulldog wearing sunglasses outside a tattoo shop - you see it all here in LA!We then continued up the coast and walked around the pier at Santa Monica, a totally different feel to Venice Beach despite only being 10 minutes further up. For lunch we stopped off at the university campus of UCLA in a district called Westwood just a few blocks away from Beverly Hills. It gave us a good feel for typical American college life. After filling our stomachs with Mexican and pizza we drove along Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive! No celebs though, despite Rach thinking she saw Bruce Willis in a car!! We then made our way to Hollywood driving along Sunset Boulevard. Once we arrived at Hollywood we parked and walked along the strip where they have the stars on the pavement. We walked around the Kodak Theatre were the Oscars took place just three days before - again we saw some funny people in fancy dress not necessarily for any reason apart from just being noticed walking around! Later on we looked at the skyline of LA from the Griffith Observatory before heading to the Staples Center for a bite to eat prior to the LA Lakers game. We met up with Chris & Diana, Diana's brother Brian and a chap called Michael who is working with Chris on his Africa project. The game was fantastic with Kobe Bryant scoring in the last second to win the game! We also saw Eddie Murphy and Russell Brand on courtside!
It was pretty late when we headed home and just before we turned into where we were staying suddenly from behind us we saw flashing blue & red lights!! The LAPD stopped us because one of our headlamps had blown! Mark kindly explained to the policeman he was from the UK and borrowing the car. The cop asked for his license which he looked at like it was a coupon for a McDonald's meal - he had no idea whether it was real!! A great end to a great day and our last on our travels!
We leave today at 6pm from LA arriving home tomorrow at 12:30.
We're really looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone. We've had an amazing time and memories we'll keep forever.
Love to all.
Mark & Rach. xxx
Well, looks like you topped your adventures off pretty well and what a brill sign to find!! Funny about the cops!!! You always seem to get stopped!!
ReplyDeleteWe are so loking forward to seeing you....have a safe flight.....love to you both,
As always, big hugs...xxx
Did I do it....??The last one....??!!
The End of The Trail eh! It's been a long one, but definitely looking forward to seeing you later on today!
ReplyDeleteI will have to concede defeat to Sally, she has been there throughout...Well Played! My only excuse this morning can be that I am not at work and as such have been pretty busy! Hold on thats not right ;)
Any way see you soon. I have really enjoyed reading this blog, dunno what I'm gonna do now.
Much love xxx
Sounds as though you managed to fit a lot in! Kirsty went to UCLA and lived in Westwood - we had a tour from her and its an incredible college!
ReplyDeleteI remember Venice Beach being pretty mental, i'm jealous I didn't see the dog with the sunglasses though!
Hope you have a safe flight today, Im pretty excited to be honest!
Take Care
Love you lots
xxxx
ps- only 4 hours now!!
Well, you guys should be home safe and sound now......I just wanted to tell you both that it has been fantastic to be able to follow your journey of a lifetime, thank you for taking the time to update us all xx Really looking forward to seeing you on Saturday....and hours of pics!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks to fellow bloggers....I have enjoyed reading everyone else's comments of support for Mark and Rach...I'm sure that we have kept them amused!!!
See you soon xxxx
Well I might not be first all the time but I at least can aim to be last!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home Mark and Rach!
Chase the sun......certainly tried but followed the rain might be a better title as you will have woken up to rain on your first morning back in the UK.
Its been an 'Incredible Journey' and hope its the first of many you will share.
Love you both loads, xxx