Since Los Angeles was our first real stop after leaving life on the trail, it had the chance to live up to the nickname “the promised land.” Ahh the luxuries that awaited us; running water, hot food of all kinds, soft beds with sheets and most importantly, Chris, Jack, Kim and Erin! How lucky am I that I can visit so many best friends in one city?! Malcolm navigated us with expertise through the 7-lane traffic of The 5 (a little different than the sparsely populated two lanes of I-89 in VT) and we arrived at our LA haven, Jack and Kim’s house in Echo Park.
The McLoughlin-Strobel family of four (including new kitten addition Abe the Babe) welcomed us back to society in style. We were eating things like fresh fruits, vegetables and non-freeze dried entrees, soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying delicious margaritas- this city is amazing. Evening walks around Echo Park revealed funky architecture and amazing gardens (the things you can do when your garden survives 12 months of the year!)
Kim and Stella led me on a sunny hike of Mt Hollywood, and I gained a few pounds back by spending lunchtime at Local, Jack’s restaurant. A portabella and goat cheese burger accompanied by crispy spicy fries, curried chicken salad on a bed of fresh kale…perfection!
We celebrated Jack’s birthday with a backyard BBQ, complete with a piñata and ice-cold forties-an appropriate welcoming of year 27.
Erin showed me the lay of the land in Santa Monica, including a stroll down the 3rd Street Promenade and delicious tacos. I’ve come to the conclusion that I could happily eat every meal out of a flour tortilla or taco shell for the rest of my life!
Chris took a turn at hosting and we spent a little time in downtown LA where I checked off the “dancing to late 90’s music” and “drinking tall boys of PBR” items on my to-do list.
Of all the modern joys that Los Angeles offered, quality catch-up time with good friends tops the list.
(Though those margaritas WERE good…)
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