Vaccination Vacation, Part 2: San Marino and Other Nearby Cities
APRIL 29: So after a few hours of flying I find myself at LAX, my first California visit since August 2019. Collin picked me up from the airport and we went right on over to Brother Cousins for some wonderful, wonderful tacos.
APRIL 30th: Woke up and met Blair. Then she took me around the neighborhood and I met some of her favorite traffic cones and parking meters.
A little bit later I went with Collin to Santa Monica for a breakfast of Sidecar Donuts and a Santa Monica walk-around. Do you see that chubby squirrel? I kicked him.
Then our day on the town really began to swerve about. Went to Brentwood Mart to try on a suit, went to Petit Trois for oooh boy what a meal and what a burger, drove about some more, took some calls, ate Sichuan hot chicken in Silverlake, and made it to Grandma’s. We all had Yang Chow.
After Yang Chow, a birthday cake! For me! Thanks, Grandma! What a wonderful birthday I had.
MAY 1: Ok, a new day in San Marino. First things first, gotta walk over to CalTech and check on the turtles!
For lunch we picked up burgers from Goldburgers in Highland Park. And after lunch I went and got my haircut for the first time since early February, 2020. Then I drove to see the gates of Phil Spector’s castle and picked up a hitchhiker on my way back to Grandma’s house. Later that night I’d enjoy some tacos at Ditroit, Enrique Olvera’s new taco stand, but I only have a picture of the ample parking situation at that establishment.
MAY 2: Big big day! Blair came over to Grandma’s for dinner and boy did they hit it off.
Then it was time to…you guessed it…check on the turtles!
Back at the house, eventually we had to all say goodbye.
But Sunday wasn’t even over yet! Because Grandma brought me to game night and Wow did I have a fun time with Helen and Lucy and their Apple Watches.
MAY 3: Started the day with a turtle pond visit, of course, and boy those guys were out! Saw at least 100 sunning themselves and roaming the grounds. New world record!
Then Grandma took me to lunch at the Guidados they have in Pasadena now. I hadn’t had Guisados in…seven years? Lucy’s neighbor is the owner, so that crew all has an interest in what’s going on at this taco shop now. I had a ceviche tostada, a potato and chorizo taco, AND a Level 10 spicy Cochinita Pibil taco. Level 10 put up a fight but I think I could handle a Level 13, at least.
Then we went over to Alhambra to see Louise and learn about reinforcing apartment buildings for earthquakes.
Making a stop at Dinosaur Park first, I picked Grandma up some Korean fried chicken for FHE dinner before heading to the westside myself.
At the remodeled home of Keith and Leslie I saw Gwendolyn for the first time in, I don’t know, 15 years? Nothing’s changed! Then Keith, Collin and I went to Top Round, which I’ve been dreaming of getting back to for not quite 15 years but it’s been a bit.
MAY 4: Surprise! Did NOT go to CalTech this morning but Lacy Park, instead.
Had a bit of an LA afternoon, beginning with a couple shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco before meeting up with Broek for Sonoratown.
Then we went over to Lucy’s to have a look at her garden. Grandma brought sheer gifts for the gardeners.
And then…how’s this for a surprise? Dim sum dinner with Greg! Followed by an inspection of local construction.
MAY 5: Up very very early to secure the only Uber in Los Angeles for a ride to the Burbank airport. Where would I fly to next? I bet you can guess!
