Christmas Visit From The Bacewicz's
Teresa and I spent Christmas in Long Beach. We’ve decided to not make the trip across country for major holidays. Between the weather and the long ride, its more enjoyable to travel another time of the year. Besides, its an excellent opportunity for family to visit Southern California from the Northeast! Our parents, Charlie and Lisa, arrived the two days after Christmas. They spent the weekend with us before driving north to San Francisco.
Their flight landed the middle of Saturday afternoon. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at our place for a late lunch. We ate sandwiches and enjoyed the deck. They couldn’t get over the 60 degree weather with sun. It did feel great to be outside. Lately, the weather has been cool and rainy, but it cleared up for the New Englanders. They said it was in the single digits back home. Buurrrrrr.
We had a surprise for our parents—a gondola ride through Naples. I was excited to see their reaction. As we pulled up to the launch point, they didn’t quite get it. After seeing the boats and men in red striped shirts, the quickly figured out the gift. Originally, the plan was for the parents to enjoy the ride by themselves. They talked us into joining them, and I am so happy they did. Our ride took place during sunset, and the gondolier shuttled us through the canals of Naples. Its an interesting vantage point for the unique houses of this neighborhood. We enjoyed laughing at some eccentric boats and even eccentric lawn ornaments. We passed sea birds, ducks and sea gulls. As we floated under bridges, I got to make out with Teresa in front of our parents. The gondolier said it was a tradition.
The next day, we spent the entire day in Santa Monica. Its about a thirty minute drive north. I just picked up this new guide book called Not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles. Their web site is sweet, and the book seemed like a good idea. It didn’t disappoint. Instead of crowding the 3rd Street Promenade with the rest of the visitors, we followed NFT’s suggestion to walk Main Street. Its more low key and has tons of unique independent restaurants and boutiques. Charlie and I played shopping helpers while the ladies perused the goods. We gawked at a motley crew of pets for adoption. One Chihuahua was missing a jaw and howled like nothing I’ve ever heard—complete with massive amounts of drool. It was hysterical. A bike valet also caught my eye. A large farmers market was happening, and the city closed about a block of car parking spaces for the bike valet. People dropped off their beach cruisers or road bikes, and the valet organized the lot. It was definitely a different sight to see. A few of the stores were totally chic and amazingly expensive. Lisa bought two headbands at Planet Blue and demanded a shopping bag. She and Teresa wanted to be like Britney.
NFT came through again with the lunch recomendation—Library Alehouse. We found a four top on the heated back patio. I gawked at the beer selection and helped everyone make a decision. Lisa kept it safe with Stella Artois. Teresa loves summer, so she had the Alaskan Summer. I choose the Mad River Steelhead Extra Pale Ale for Charlies. For myself, I went with Mad River’s Jamaica Red Ale. We each shared a taste and the group liked Charlie’s the best. The Pale Ale was clean and refreshing; a perfect beverage for our afternoon meal. Speaking of the meal, it was fantastic. I had a grilled portobello sandwich with sweet potato fries. If the Library Alehouse was in Long Beach, I’d be a regular.
We didn’t spend the entire day on Main Street. The parents wanted to see the Santa Monica Pier and the 3rd Street Promenade. In the early evening, the pier was beautiful as was the beach. We walked along the bluff above Santa Monica State Beach and enjoyed the views. Its been very clear, so you could see Catalina perfectly. Facing North, Malibu was sparkling along the mountains. It is really breath-taking. We walked 3rd street for a minute, but it was very crowded. After experiencing Main Street, its too much to deal with.
Before the night was over, we drove back south and had dinner in Seal Beach. It was the parents first meal in Orange County. By the time we made it to Main Street, Seal Beach, Sunday was almost over. They didn’t get to walk the entire street, but they did love its quaintness. We ate dinner at Walt’s Wharf and sucked down a few oysters. Very tasty.
Charlie and Lisa told us they greatly enjoyed their few days in Southern California. They loved all the cool neighborhoods and especially our little place in Long Beach. We really enjoyed their company and hope they can visit us more often. We’ll have to return the favor and plan a trip to Boston.
