Day 8: "Los Angeles"

The City of Angels is probably anything but, but was awesome nonetheless!

States: Nevada - California
Miles: 230.8
Weather: Beautifully sunny all day!

$$$
Gas: 49.11
Wahoo's: 18.00

Total: 67.11

Signatures: +2
33/100


So today started out like all the rest...late! We stayed up late last night fixing up the blog and hanging out in the how tub, so getting up early was most definitely a chore. After saying goodbye to Phil's aunt Lisa, we made our way out of Vegas and into the Nevada desert, which is very pretty, I might add.
Well, I found out today that what they say about the Los Angeles highway system is true: it really is insane! To make our way into the city, we had to weave and speed through tons of traffic and many different road changes. Eventually, we were able to get to Torrence, a suburb of L.A. just south of the city limit. In Torrence is where a friend of ours, Maurissa, is spending a few weeks with her family. Naturally, we elected to stay with her at her sister's apartment and have her be our own personal tour guide, since she knows the city much better than we do.
The first thing we did when we got here was eat (we were really hungry, and pizza never tasted so good). Next, we made our way to the Hermosa beach for a quick swim. The water was pretty warm, as far as the ocean goes, anyways, and the sunny weather made for an awesome time. We then went to Venice Beach, where we strolled up and down the boardwalk along the beach looking at the shops and street vendors, and picking up a few little things here and there.
After that, we headed to Rodeo Drive, where we parked the car and walked around the streets oooing and ahhing at the unbelievably fancy shops and world-reknowned designer labels. It was quite a sight to see for sure. One other thing that was probably more amazing than the shops themselves was the massive amount of luxury cars that were in the area. It was ridiculous! Literally, while at a stop light, the only cars in view around us (some six or seven) were made by Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. During our tour of downtown, I saw cars made by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce among others, and, needless to say, I was in awe. Wow!
Later, we drove through Beverly Hills, and found our way to the gates of the Playboy Mansion. The security was ridiculous, and we couldn't see the house at all, but just seeing the gate was enough to get our celebrity fix for the day. Before we returned home for the night, we ate dinner at Wahoo's Fish Tacos in Manhattan Beach, and the food was excellent. None of us had fish, but I would personally recommend the burritos...
Upon returning to the apartmant, we took a dip in the pool in the complex, relaxed in the hot tub, and now are heading to bed after yet another packed day. Goodnight everyone!

Matt

P.S. After some talking today, we decided that Mj's somewhat harsh criticism of Las Vegas yesterday was a result of a bit of culture shock, as we were in the wilderness for days on end, and Vegas was the first big city we really stayed in. After being in L.A. today, it is easier for us to look at Vegas in a slightly better light.

P.P.S. Another thing I forgot to mention is that, upon entering California, our car was subjected to a search by the California Department of Agriculture. They asked us if we were carrying any fruit or vegetables in the car, and when we responded positively, the officer proceeded to closely examine our lone apple for what seemed to be at least twenty seconds before letting us go. How odd is that!

Matt (again)