This morning we picked up a Toyota Corolla from Hertz on La Brea. We’re always a little nervous when first driving a car on the other side of the road but the American tendency for automatics made it easier in this case. We picked up the kids & as we were leaving, we met Francie. When we told her our plans she immediately offered sun hats for the girls – how generous.
We drove along Sunset Boulevard to the Pacific. We passed through loads of famous places such as Beverley Hills, Bel Air, Palisades & also past clubs such as “Whiskey a Go Go” and the “Viper Room”. There were great views and it was a fun drive. After a while we reached the Pacific – this was the first time for any of us to see it.
The plan was that we would visit the Getty Villa, with its ancient artworks. However it was closed (as our guidebook said it would be if we’d bothered to consult it) so it was time for Plan B – swimming and in some cases mere paddling. Great fun for all except me as I was clever enough to forget to bring togs. The added bonus was that a sea lion popped up just 20m out – fascinating.
We then drove south on the coast to Santa Monica, with its lovely wooden pier with amusements including a big wheel. We had great food in a bar next to Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach workout area and agreed that it was way too hot for cycling or anything strenuous like that.
South again to Venice Beach – the one with the “real” Muscle Beach, with all the guys showing off their bulging biceps. There’s a real bohemian air to the place – we all loved it. I managed to buy togs & joined the girls for a fantastic Pacific swim, fighting the strong surf and loving it.
With a little effort we found & walked along some of Venice, California’s “famous” canals. While they were nice, they by no means approach the grandeur of the canals of Venice, Italy. We eventually found Venice Boulevard & made our way home.
the de Burca family on our worldwide travels 
You lucky lucky BASTARDS!!!
Day 5 here..of incessant rain. The longest, darkest days of the year. Sometimes we hit highs of 15′
It’ll be a long ol winter if things don’t change.
So, Spain through to the Euro final tonight, having beaten Russia. High jinks throughout Madrid (and Spain) tonight. Yann says they are out topless in 6 lanes of traffic using their flags as Matadors cloaks..treating each car as bull…and the screams of “OLE” are only deafening! Sunday: final. Spain and Germany. They haven’t forgotten Guernica!
Sorry to talk footie. Have a great time you lot. We have your house on the market. Let us know asap where you want your cut of the proceeds sent to. We’ll mail it from Bali when we get there.
For now, Glen and Maire
remind me not to leave my house with your friends when i go away