DTLA

Friday afternoon Ross picked me up from work. Exhausted, I was excited because I knew I had a 4-day weekend upon me! But then the most beautiful thing happened.

ROSS TOLD ME HE HAD MONDAY OFF.

I think I choked. On my own breath. Maybe I zoned off into Lala Land of Impossibility. I don't know how long I was gone. But when I came to, I still didn't have many words. I tried to act cool.

"WANNA DO SOMETHING?!"

So we set some plans, mostly centered around Ross's recent hot dog craving. I personally crave two kinds of hot dogs. 1. LA hot dogs and 2. Jdawgs.

When you need a hot dog. You need a hot dog. So I got that boy a hot dog.

But not before stopping in downtown LA first. I've been to the flower market, and I've been to to classier part of downtown, lots of parts of it. Even the Skid Row part of it. But I never spent time in the fashion/garment district area.

It's all a bit overwhelming. Bloggers love to tell you their tips and tricks for fabric steals. But take it with a grain of salt because I felt like I was being bulldozed by 1,000 huge rolls of fabric on every corner.



How you grab said fabric out of the center of these rows, I do not know. No one is getting through this exit for a while.



But it was fun just walking around amongst it all. I kinda felt like I needed to leave some bread crumbs somewhere but luckily everything in DTLA is a grid and pretty easy to navigate even if it all starts looking the same after awhile.

The area isn't just for fabric though. This one shop (well, more than one) was dedicated to trimmings, ribbons, chains, jewels, rhinestones- almost floor to ceiling.

We also checked out Moskatel's, a huge warehouse style Michaels. They had huge Halloween displays including a haunted swamp shack surrounded by bubbling smoking water.



Craft items as far as the eye can see! Including probably 100 different floral arrangement cards!

Santee Alley ain't what it used to be, but you gotta walk down it just for the experience. $3 leggings and shoes and knock-off Mac make-up galore.



This Yelp review of Santee Alley, "Now I know what it's like to be sober in Tijuana. Guess i can check that off the bucket list of stuff I never wanted to do." Bahaha.



Last minute before we split for some hot dogs, we found a knock-off perfume shop. I always get a kick out of knock-off names (see proof here). So I was having the time of my life browsing.

U-GO BOOS.



I almost had tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm currently obsessed with Juicy Coture's Viva La Juicy. I found a sufficient knock-off and for $5 snatched it right up. This is perfect for me cos then I get to try out the scent without full monetary and day-long-effervescence commitment.

On our way back we cut through the Flower Market which was closing, but still fun to catch a glimpse of the busy-ness from earlier that morning.



Next we rolled over to the aforementioned Pink's hot dogs. An LA necessity.



I once saw it on a list of overrated things in LA. I was personally offended on both moral and emotional levels. Then I promptly lost offensive by drowning myself in a hot dog smothered in all sorts of guacamole and nacho cheese. Pink's hot dogs are my spirit animal. Or maybe the bacon on top of those fries.



I've been wanting to explore Los Angeles's beach communities a little more. For as long as I've been going to beaches here, I don't have much variety. Today seemed the perfect day to visit Manhattan beach.






It's the middle of October but still really hot.



We walked out on the pier but mostly just wanted to jump into the waves.



So we did the next best thing and visited a cute little ice cream and candy shop. They had pretty tasty looking cupcakes but our eyes were on the homemade ice cream sandwiches.



They were divine. Why can't every day be a day off?

Flying Porta-Potties and Scandinavian Things

I hope that title got your attention because "Solvang with Mom, Dad, Cassie, and Calvin" is kinda boring.

The tots adorbs newlywed Cass and Cal were in California this weekend. And whether the aebleskiver pan was calling their name, or just a little adventure, I don't know. But squished in the back seat of my parent's sedan we were on our way to Solvang (see my brief mention here). To be quite honest, I think we were hoping for some cooler, breezier temperatures closer to the coast as well.



It was bright and sunny and a great day to hang out. Mom has always wanted to eat in Solvang, to see how aebleskiver straight from the source (well, so to speak) taste. We ate at the Red Viking, in a bit of an awkward squished table next to some annoying foodies from LA (well, they thought they were foodies- really they just ate food and were snobby). The food was honestly disappointing, and we all agreed that Dad's aebleskiver are the best there are (now I sound like the snob!).



We walked around a bit. I found an aebleskiver cookbook for dad, if he decides he wants to get fancy. We of course had to walk by in famous wooden shoe. Our family always had to take a picture by the shoe, Cass being the youngest would always sit in the shoe. She's just a little too big now but you still gotta get that pic!

Mom and dad bought us some pastries to share. I love this picture- how do you begin to get at something of that creamy magnitude?!



I had to make sure to snag a few of these while I was there. I haven't been able to find raspberry danish dessert anywhere else (okay, okay, if I got desperate I could turn to the internet).



I almost closed off this post without mentioning the flying porta-potty! Well we were on our way to Solvang when we see a helicopter over the beach with a long rope-type cord hauling something. We were all mystified wondering what was happening and if everyone was okay. Then when we drove past we looked behind us to see the Unidentified helicopter-aided-Flying Object was... a porta potty. Definitely was not expecting to see that at the end of the line.



To break up the longish drive home we stopped at Refugio beach. The ranger at the pay station was super awkward and asked my dad, "Will I be charging you the $7 fee or $8 fee?" Luckily my dad was totally on it and politely joked with the ranger that, yes, he just might make the senior citizen discount. Everyone else in the car was totally lost. Like you really have to be that awkward over a $1 difference? Pretty sure my dad would've given it to you had you just asked.



The campground at the beach was teeming with unkempt urchin children running wild, RVs, trailers, and tents. We had the right idea though and walked straight through to the beach.



Always a good time for some photo ops. I love this picture. My mom hates pictures so you have to sucker her into them while she is in her happy place.



Mom's happy place = anywhere the beach is!

The Coconut Beach

Wednesday evening some of my work friends arranged a nice chill hang out. After work we went out for drinks at this restaurant called The Coconut Beach. I didn't have a preference but when Lauren suggested the place I was really excited because I had always wanted to go. Apparently the food isn't great but we were just there for drinks so it was all good. 

Plus, look at that sunset! That is hard to beat. Cassie, I just loved the atmosphere, you know? Being able to kick back and relax with your toes in the sand, a pina colada in your hand is the quintessence of island life right? It was the perfect evening. It was one of those events that you kick yourself for not doing more often. The company and conversation were the best I have had in a long long time. I am reminded once again of the truly amazing people I have met here in Grenada. I am beyond lucky to be such good friends with them, and I know that the bonds I formed will last long after I leave. 

Sadly not everyone could make it, but for being last minute, I think 5/7 is still pretty good.

The END: Family Visit Day 6

When I woke up on Friday ... actually lets back up a bit. 

Thursday night when Ross  and I were driving back to our apartment, we were chatting about how quickly the week had gone. It seemed just like yesterday when my mom was saying, "It's only Monday! We have lots of time." But here we were, late Thursday on the cusp of "One day left."

When I woke up in Friday I was already a little sad that this was our last day with them. I don't mean to sound like they were dying, but lets face it, when I return to the USA in just 7 weeks we won't have the option of hanging out on a beautiful beach, leisurely searching for sea glass, or climbing around a waterfall.

I got over to their hotel as soon as I could (again, I'm making it sound like they were dying yeesh). We decided to do what we do best... bum it at the beach and fit in some more snorkeling. Throughout the week my parents kept commenting on how awesome it was that we were so close to the beach. Livin' out in Palmdale I'm sure my parents are used to the the standard "round up the troops!" mentality. That is, prepare for an hour plus trip to get to the beach + pack the boogie boards + make sure everyone (6 kids) have towels + does everyone have water? + did someone pack the sandwiches?!. You get the picture.



I'm sure it's nice to just be able to grab a towel and book and get in the car for a 10 minute drive. We decided to go to (the pictured above) Magazine Beach, which they hadn't been to. I terrified my parents when I off-handedly mentioned I wasn't 100% sure how to get to the beach and that it would be an adventure to get there. It involved some pretty bumpy patches and of course, the trademark "driveway" down the hill to get there. If you need a refresher, said driveway is two little crumbly tire track streaks. Pretty sure my parents had no faith in me, but that is just because they don't understand, it isn't up to us. Right Ali?

When we got down safe and sound we found a beach all to ourselves. We had a couple beach vendors come up to us (again with the spice necklaces in my nose folks!). One of them was talking about how there was a cruise ship in so in about 15 minutes the beach would be covered in tourists.

Call that guy Ms. Cleo cos my dreams came true in no time flat. As the tourists were pouring out of buses, DSLRs in hand, my parents turned to me, "Ummm... how did those big buses get down here?"

Yep. Those same fancy tire streaks. Haha. We all had a good laugh at that.

After sometime we decided all the wind was making the waves choppy so we packed up and headed over to Groom's. We enjoyed some snorkeling and relaxing, that is what vacation is for right? Afterwards Dad and I went to pick up some lobster I had ordered from a local fisherman.

Daddy the Science Guy struck again. I love this guy!



We waited for our lobster guy at the docks on campus. Not a bad view.



Not a bad view, but after three hours or more of waiting and back and forth, I was pretty irritated by his run around. Long story short, we left empty handed. I've made multiple valiant efforts to get my hands on fresh lobster and the only lesson I have learned is that lobster guys are LIARS. Such an incredibly frustrating experience.

But no worries. I dropped by work because my co-worker said her mom would make us some Oil Down (Grenada's Nation Dish). I was expecting just a small amount to sample and share but whoa! I'm so blessed to have amazing friends that really go above and beyond for me. She gave us a huge dish I could barely carry it was really that heavy. Another one of my colleagues made me and my crew a container full of gulab jamun. Which is an amazing and sweet dumpling type dessert.

For dinner we hung out at the hotel and had a West Indian feast!



Complete with Ting of course! I think my family was a little apprehensive about trying Oil Down, since quite often it has iguana and various animal parts, but this Oil Down was really incredible. Thanks Karla & mom!

During the week we had also picked up some pholourie mix. I think this is originally from Trinnidad so it fit right in.

It was really delicious too. We got these sauces to have with them. They are bottled right here in Grenada. The West Indian Hot Sauce is an absolute staple in my office at work. I work with women who have no sense of spiciness. This is a perfect example. The Nutmeg Banana Ketchup was also good, subtle like ketchup but a nice surprising flavor. 

As we cooked and hung out we made sure to catch their last sunset. :( It was sad but we were too busy yelling at the camera flash to go off, and shoving our face with food.

This estrellita!

Like I mentioned, the flash on all 3 cameras was not behaving. As a result, this one looks totally fake. Like the ones you get on Hollywood Blvd or Universal Studios.



My wonderful parents. Please don't go!



It was a pretty perfect night. After dinner and the sunset we looked at our photos from the past week, played with sea glass, and thought of everything we couldn't quite fit in during the trip. Despite that, it has been a fantastic week. I am so humbled by the sacrifices my family makes for me. The time, energy, and money commitments are huge to plan a trip like this. And if I know one thing in life, it is that I am one lucky girl!

Love you guys and miss you already.

Mollusks? & Life Lessons: Family Visit Day 3

Tuesday morning we headed to Pandy beach. One of my favorites.

I don't think I will ever get sick of these waves movies I take (or my Dad takes).

My parents had a good laugh when they saw the sea glass literally littering the shore. The glass that was yesterday so elusive, was sitting in plain sight. Haha. 

There is lots of interesting sea glass, but I like the alternative route. Finding stuff that isn't sea glass. I'm never really happy until I find something to impress my parents (see: Urchel), and I am happy to report I found a real stumper!



What is that thing?! A mollusk of sorts? The curious thing, as you might be able to see, is that it is wrapped around the branch. I found it on the shore, dry. The little thing is dry and hard like a shell. There was another one, just a few inches down on the branch. And after a little more walking on the beach I found another one, near a branch, but not attached. My dad has since brought it back to CA and gave it to his marine biologist friends. I will keep you updated, since I know you are waiting with bated breath.

One of my favorite things of the past week since my parents left is finding these little Daddy The Science Guy gems from his videos I snagged.

Tuesday we also had the honor of Ross's presence. He hasn't been slacking nearly enough, so I'm trying to remind him how to do that. If there is one thing Ross will skip studying for, it's snorkeling. Snorkels, masks, and fins in flipper hand we headed to Groom's Beach.

Pretty big fans of the beach.



We traded off snorkeling, swimming, and lounging.

Ross and I decided to climb around on the rocks. 

 

We saw a dude snorkeling in the water just in front of us, and then the man tried to get our attention. We couldn't understand what he was saying, but his pushy and adamant tone made it seem important. After a few moments of listening over the waves we understood. He was telling us not to climb on the rocks because the whole cliffside could come crashing down on us at any moment.

....

Typical Grenada. Love it or hate it, Grenadians have a way of parenting all children, even if those children are adults. Even if that cliffside would also probably crush him, seeing as how he was swimming about ten feet from where we were walking.

Confused, we wandered back to sandy, less perilous shores. He made sure to track us down, get out of the water, and give Ross a talkin' too!

I've immortalized his words in text so that we never forget his sage advice:

We ended the day at Grille Master. An inexpensive, rather delicious, fast-food type place. "Fast-food type" because, this is the Caribbean after all. I got a cordon bleu burger which was delicious, but I think all of us ended up envying Ross's jerk chicken wrap. Another awesome day of vacation!

Spring Break: Go Wild!

On Friday Ross finished his last exam of the first round of midterms. It's times like this when a little candle flame of hope flickers, and you gotta take advantage while you can.

Saturday some of our friends were celebrating a belated birthday by getting day passes at a nice resort. Ross and I didn't get the day pass, but that didn't stop us from hanging out on the beach and having a nice relaxing day.

The resort is on a small beach that I have never been to, Groom's beach.

It has a mix of white and black sand with decent shade (always a plus). The snorkeling was absolutely amazing. I've always just gone to Magazine beach for snorkeling, but I have been missing out all this time. I saw bright yellow fish, iridescent fish, striped fish, corals, and a sea fan forest. It's moments like that when I really wish I had an underwater camera.

It was so nice to sit in the sun and relax. I love pina coladas, and I have been trying them wherever I go. I got one at the resort (La Luna) and it was really really good.

Mmm. I felt so fancy sitting at the tiki bar sipping my drink staring over the chic pool out towards the beautiful water.

The friends that got the day passes got access to their paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel stuff, hobie cats, etc. They had fun taking them for a spin. The birthday girl Ida had fun doing some yoga while she was out.

Our friend Ethan took a couple pictures for us, no need for selfies today!

Eventually we headed home so we could get cleaned up and go out to dinner.

One guess where we went. Here is a hint.

Yes, none other than Schnitzel Haus! It was, amazing as always. We went with Ross's friend Ethan. He was joking that this was their Spring Break, so they could go all out.



Yeap, this is how we spring break, going to the beach and eating out. Haha. Ethan got an appetizer for us to share, and we all got desserts. I liked these even better than the apple strudel last time. Ross and I got an "Ice Pancake," ice cream in a crepe with whipped cream and a cherry. Ethan got "Hot Love" which was warm raspberries with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Since I was little I loved the combination of hot and cold in desserts (thanks dad!).

Let the record show that Ethan's shirt was not actually that tight. I honestly have no idea how the picture turned out like that. 

It was a truly unforgettable day. Lots of fun with great friends.