California, Santa Monica.. So LA!

 

 

 

Leaving Wilshire Grand Hotel it is a short walk to Grand and 7^th. I am looking for a “Big Blue Bus”.

Familiar with “Small Yellow Buses”, I am excited that things are becoming bigger and more colorful in my life.

 

 

The No.10 Santa Monica Express bus soon comes to an abrupt stop in front of me. Without exact change for the $1.75 fare I deposit $2.00 and inform the driver that I am giving her a 25 cents tip. This brings a smile and a new bus driver friendship.

 

On Interstate 10 or “The 10” as most Angelenos would call it, traffic is bumper to bumper. I think I see a turtle pass us by.

I have my doubts that we will get to Santa Monica anytime soon. My doubts are soon removed as I witness some bus driving skills that I am sure not even Ralph Kramden could compete with.

 

“Y'all better watch out, I am driving a 40,000 pound bus” our bus driver warns those brave enough to enter her path. I love it!

Too much for even the bus to handle, a PA announcements request “Open your windows, my transmission is over heating”. With it's engine turned off we sit a few minutes on the side of the interstate to allow the bus to catch it's breath.

“Don't worry, y'all going to be OK on my bus”

 

Sure enough it's not long before we are in Santa Monica but not before some more impressive bus driving skills.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides a beautiful beach within walking distance, “The Third Street Promenade” is also a part of Santa Monica.

Cool restaurants, movie theaters, street performers and shops makes this a great place to hangout.

So LA, even guys can be seen shopping here.

 

 

At Cabo Cantina, I sit back and take in the scenery while enjoying a Torta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steak, grilled onions, green peppers and jalapenos sandwiched between warm soft toasted bread is another way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico.

A daily 4-7pm Happy Hour 2 for 1 Margarita would be a nice complement.

 

 

 

 

From the cliffs of Santa Monica I view a wide beach expanding as far north and south as I can see.

 

The weather is California beach beautiful in the mid 60's on the cliffs and 70's on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cross Pacific Coast Highway then relax on a beach sidewalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As bicycles and skaters go by, I watch a family enjoying a game of beach volleyball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The World Famous Santa Monica Pier lies to the south. A walk along the pier is a must.

 

There Forrest Gump invites you to dine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or visit the nearby Santa Monica Aquarium.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to venture beyond Santa Monica bike and roller blade rentals are available along the beach.

Venice Beach is just a few miles or less to the south or Malibu Beach about the same distance to the north.

 

 

 

 

 

“Ice Cream, One Dollar A Scoop”, “Ice Cream One Dollar A Scoop”, I swear I hear from a pair of parrots parked on the side walk as I make my way back to find the No.10 bus.

 

 

 

 

250 percent cheaper than the going rate on The World Famous Santa Monica Pier, I investigate.

 

 

 

 

“One Scoop Coconut Pineapple, One Scoop Butter Pecan”, “ One Scoop Coconut Pineapple, One Scoop Butter Pecan”.

 

Did I say that or is there a guy around here with two dollars?

 

 

 

 

 

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