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Sunday, July 4, 2021

Days 6-8 SoCal + Disney

 Day 1: See Land of the Giants Blog- The rest of the time was driving to LA

I HATE driving in LA. Love visiting, hate the traffic.  It took 90 minutes to go the last 40 miles down to Long Beach.  It's the first time I've stayed out here and I like it, I just hate the traffic.  

So I rewarded myself with dinner and drinks at The Social List. I did walk there, it was a little less than a mile from my AirBnb, so I worked for my dinner.  They have ALL DAY Happy Hour on Thursday. I had 2 Moscow Mules (Titos on Tap) - one for each hour I spent in LA traffic.  Then I had another great burger--story of this trip, great burgers--no complaints.  (See burger description and photos) 

Today finished at 8,711 steps and the equivalent of 17 floors. - This includes my time in Sequoia- read here, if you haven't read that post yet! 


First night sleep- great. Nice Firm mattress.





Day 2: DISNEY- I debated doing both parks, but I don't have time for that this trip, so I am just doing California Adventures- better rides overall, and Marvel, mostly Marvel. I was there at rope drop (8am) and was done by 12:30.  

I'll be honest I was secretly hoping that the park would still be at limited capacity.  Unfortunately they are at full capacity.  While the first hour or so was nice and quiet by Disney standards, by 9:30 it was crowded and by the time I left it was full and very overwhelming. 

I spent the first 2 hours in Marvel universe.  Its a great space, a like that they are taking a cue from Universal in how they are interacting with guests now.  I am a fan, and I hope it stays long term.  The new "Web Slingers" ride is fun.  It took the tech from the toy story ride and turned up the coolness.  I will say my arms are very sore afterwards.  I did guardians twice and then bought some new pins from Marvel and got a pretzel bigger than my head from Pym's test kitchen.  I recommend the pretzel and splitting it with others.  It was a bit much for me if I'm honest, but I did try. 



After Marvel I moved on to the rest of the park doing the Incredicoaster a few times.  Easiest single rider line of the day. I got through 3 times in less than 15 minutes. I was then a little wobbly on my feet. 

At around the 3 hour mark it was too hot and muggy, so against my normal belief system, I went on the water ride.  No regrets. Soaking wet from head to toe. I was finally cooled off and relaxed.  I finished off my day with Soarin' and Disney Philharmonic before heading back to my car.  

I am not a rope drop to fireworks sort of person any more.  I could barely handle it when I worked for the mouse, let alone at 30 something.  Too many people, too hot and too long of a day for me. 

Finished out the park with 9,370 steps 

I got back to my airbnb, took a shower and a short nap.  I decided to have dinner at Ballast Point.  I didn't end up having a beer, because the Flying Embers Watermelon Chili Hard Seltzer sounded so good on a hot day.  It was pink and balanced, not too sweet.  While I couldn't really taste the chili, I do credit it for stopping the drink from tasting like a jolly rancher, which I appreciate. 

After dinner I dropped my left overs back and the airbnb, grabbed a sweat shirt and set off for the beach. Slightly less than a 1 mile walk. I enjoyed the start of sunset on the beach, and waded in the ocean. I walked about 7 blocks down the shore and walked back a round about way, enjoying the beautiful community I am staying in. There are some very talented gardeners around here. 






This evening's Walk: 5,789 steps 

Total for the day about 7.5 miles I can only really feel it in my left ankle and shin. 


Day 3: So there is a solid chance I messed up my ankle.  I'm hoping I just knocked it on something. I'm a klutz it happens, I often wake up with bruises and have no idea how I got them. Anyway, my ankle started to hurt last night, it's warm, swollen and it hurts, with limited movement...so...not sure, but I will try to be careful and minimize movement. 

Didn't sleep for as long as I wanted to last night. I don't begrudge my airbnb hosts from having a life, but they were really specific about quiet hours starting at 9pm, but were up much later than that having a birthday party.  I've been in bed by 9pm almost every night of this trip, so it was hard to not be able to get to sleep til later.  And like it or not, my body wakes me up at 6am every day- no need for an alarm here.

My morning was quiet and just me time, finally got use of the laundry, which is why I booked this place. 

 I met up with an old friend for brunch in LA.  I've known London since my freshman year in HS. We were nuns in Sound of Music together.  She is an AMAZING human. She does what we all should, she makes herself happy with the work she does everyday, I am so proud of her for always following her passions and I am happy to live vicariously through all the cool experiences she has. She is a wonderful artist who I am going to shamelessly plug here. We cannot all afford original pieces in our home, but her prints are so much fun, and I love having them in my home, and giving them as gifts.  We've stayed connected through the socials and we were finally in the same place at the same time.  4 hours later I was sad to say goodbye, but it will not be 15 years before we see each other again. 

We had brunch at Bull and Butterfly in LA.  While their sweet brunch items looked INCREDIBLE, sweet brunches make me sick, so I had the Jumbo lump Crab and Grilled Asparagus with an egg SO GOOD. I did go a little crazy on the champagne cocktails, but I'm on vacation, I'm allowed.  

Today was a mostly sit in the sun day, and then sleep because I was tired. So only 1 mile today, but I feel so good about getting on the road again tomorrow. 


Airbnb Review: If you are looking for a lovely place for 2 to stay in Long Beach, take a look at this location. 

Pros: Off Street parking, apartment size fridge, gas range, high end microwave, TV, Wifi, comfy couch, dining table for 3, standing shower, plants, comfy (Firm) bed, A/C, ceiling fan, photographic for the gram, really bright space, shades for all windows for privacy, essential oil diffuser with oil options, responsive host.

Cons: A/C has a lower limit of 70 Degrees, corner of bed is sharp (Yes I ran into it more than once), no dishwasher, laundry isn't in the unit and is shared- so it may be difficult to use. Quiet hours don't seem to apply to everyone equally. 





If you read ALL THE WAY TO THE END.  You're amazing thank you! 

Signing off for now

-C

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