Day 18 - West Coaster

After another staggered start, we spent the early part of this morning just sleeping, primping and blogging at Z's. The plans for breakfast (which are always of high importance) were to go to a local diner - Cafe 50's - as a particularly special treat. The diner itself was impressive and fun in its nostalgic design; unsurprisingly harking back to a certain golden decade. However, we couldn't spend too much time looking at the wallpaper instead of the menu, and so it was soon down to business. We all indulged on variations of the 'power breakfast' - a smorgasbord of morning treats including eggs, sausage and a choice of pancakes or french toast. A truly American way to start the day.



The Cafe was located near the famous 'Venice' area just along the coast from Santa Monica, and so once finished, Z drove us through this region - a journey in which we also learnt about the series of canals that resemble the Italian original, and that give the place its name. He dropped us off just by (the even more famous) Venice Beach, where we enjoyed exploring various tourist-orientated shops and walking along the front. We gradually made our way through the crowds, the street-vendors, and the rollerbladers and walked towards the pier at Santa Monica.



Once there, we decided it was time for a quick roller coaster ride before we went back to Z's - see the video at the top of this post for another inventive video blog. After a short spell at Z's we then headed out for a jam at Frazier Park, as we were due a good freestyle session. Again, it was a highly enjoyable jam, and so with winds that were strong but fairly steady, we all shredded satisfactorily. Frazier is just perfect for frisbee, and definitely one of our favourite jamspots that we've visited.


Another short spell at Z's followed, in which we were able to get brief showers and catch Obama do his thing, we walked out with Z and his wife Susan and made for the pier. Having just been there in the daytime, this was an interesting experience. Tonight, the pier played host to a reggae extravaganza, and literally thousands of people had showed up to hear the music, and soak up the buzzing social atmosphere. Not only were there hundreds of enthusiasts on the pier directly in front of the bands, but there were also an equal number sitting below (the 'wine and cheese crowd', as Z put it) on the sand at the side. Needless to say, the music was still clearly audible from this location. We had some food with Z and Susan at the top, then mingled inconspicuously below for a while - also taking the oppurtunity to show some real skills to one of the many people who had brought a light up frisbee to the event. We then went back to Z's.



Now it's time for another night's rest,
All our love,

J und J