Santa Barbara to L.A. Baby

Santa Barbara gave us a taste of the cash to come... palm trees coming out of our ears by this point, we headed through Ventura (i found a cool shop full of memorabilia tat and old toys). We didnt stop to sleep, but we did explore some 'Thrift' shops, which are big charity shops, and there were lots. Also, just beyond was this marina, which took us forever to cycle around. Silly boat names i saw were Trophy, Sleeper and Xanadaz or something... there wasnt even enough room in the man made marina alleys (it was filtered through peoples back gardens in canals stuffed with yaghts) that a lot were in boat parks. aye aye captn. Although they were obviously clinging onto their roots by calling it Fishermans Yard and things like that. I doubt any fisherman could afford anything within 20 miles of these places.

Going through Malibu was a big dissapointment for me. I think because id confused the drinks Malibu, and Lilt, and stupidly had in mind the old lilt adverts. It was one long stretched out retail park, but with even more benign shops and restaurants. 27 miles of it actually. We stayed in a camp ground there chocked with mega RVs called things like Night Creeper and Navigator (Check out this one's expanding wings! This is Navigator). I did take one picture in malibu, this giant mexican man here. I took a wheel around Downtown at night and came back dissapointed, but i did get a nice Steak Burrito.

Nic and I had a chance lucky meeting at night, as she was stuck at a spooky isolated dark bus stop trying to get back home, just as I decided to take a detour back through the crap shops, and right past the said bus stop. It doesnt sound that remarkable does it? But it was quite. I think i missed some of the thrill there. I will delete this paragraph for the book version.

Traffic increased arriving into LA, and i got buzzed the closest ive ever been by a car, so we quickly found a bike path, which turned into this path.... which was pretty. Then it went on for exactly 15 miles (no exxageration).

It had a few turns in it, but it was sand sand and featureless sand. Oo it was hot too... my head was exploding, but uit was out of the traffic (the highway is off the left here) and it was pretty Glam. people were jogging all over the place... or they were roller blading, or looking silly power walking. I think everyone works out here, all ages. gotta look good for the movies.

We were headed to Hermosa beach, where our hostel was, squeezed between some bars and it was a nice place.

Now ive hooked up with Timo in Santa Monica, whos kindly putting me up in his mini apartment. He tooke me out to lunch to meet up with Jimmy and Mattias, who are friends from sweden days. We whizzed through Westwood at lunchtime which was quite exciting and i felt right like a child amongst all the hoo haa and buzz. It feels amazing to have a friendly guide to show me around a bit.

I dont think ive seen anyting imcredible yet, but i havt seen one percent of it yet. east to west, it is 160km ive been told. Oh the street entertainers and peddlers here in santa monica must have come from a pro school, all verty neat and efficient. today ive had spanish guitar, acrobats, and folk music. And a shoe shop i went in, i met Kerby, who was happy to help me with choosing some shoes, and shook my hand for the commision garauntee he'd been practicing. Its actually all quite dissarming, when shop people ask you about your day, howz it goin, whats up man, and how are you today sir. I dont mind it though, learning that they dont really want to know makes it easier. I think i might even like it... strangers are less friendly here though. Im smiling at less people already, which has been a New Thing that ive been trying, it makes an afternoon into a good afternoon.

Its sad to leave Nic, but she has to stick around and get some work to raise funds for board and things. That feels a bit hard, specially now that i have a comfy place to stay here, but theres no more room at the inn, and she has a friend who will put her up a bit. Shes tough. We'll meet this week. I will bleach her hair and she will cut mine. Ive decided to continue on to San Diego, and probably dip into Mexico while im there. I dont want to stop yet. Ive done 730 miles now, but its all gone fast. Im going to approach a few animation studios here before i leave, may aswell i thought. Theres a few about. I should wash my clothes first though, ay Mum.