Whole day in LA (part 1)

This is also one of the days I was really looking forward to.
It's the only full day we spent in LA!! I've been to almost all the places in LA but with my husband who is new to LA, I would love to have a typical LA tour again.

We saw beaches yesterday so we started from Century City.



Since this shopping center has rennovated in 2004, it has changed a little bit from 5 years ago. I was actully working in a Fitness Gym locating in this shopping center 5 years ago.



It's a quite modern shopping center. Spacy and comfortable for shopping an less not rains.

My husband bought puma shoes from here.

Next place is,,, Beverly Hills! You cannot miss this place in LA.

We parked the car in Rodeo Drive.

We left our car in the under ground parking lot and as soon as we came back to the street, it was already a world of "Pretty Woman":)



We strolled down the beautiful white street of Rodeo Drive. Whenever I walk down this area, I feel like Julia Roberts:)) It's a magical place for girls!!



We found a unique shop without a name. My husband is especially fond of stylishly designed shops. Photo of interior was prohibited, but anyway he managed to take some photo secretly. He's done exaclty same in Prada shop Tokyo.



Model of Prada?

He was even asking a name of architects.

Then I had a happy surprise in Dior. My husband bought me an early Christmas present!! I walked down Rodeo Drive many times but never had a real shopping!!

And then we had lunch at the most popular corner of Rodeo Drive.





I came to this corner many times but never thought of having lunch with a view of this famous hotel!



Once I was traveling LA alone, staying in Youth Hostel, my friend and I went into this hotel out of curiosity. We didn't have money to spend even for a drink in this hotel, but hotel cleark was so kind and let us into the bar just for costless water!!



Last time I was here with my friends from Youth Hostel, I really didn't imagine taking photo at this place with my husband only 5 years later. I have a photo taken exactly at the same place 6 years ago. In the photo, a thin Japanese student standing there with a little bit unconfident way. I have to smile whenever I see the photo.

Already done a lot only a half day in LA but there's more to come!! Our tour continues to Hollywood..

Arriving in Santa Monica

LA is the place where I feel most familiar with. We drove down from San Jose and finally arrived Santa Monica.

5 years after last visit in LA. Maybe it's because of the off season but the first impression was "calm than before". Much less people on the beach. But I used to go out with my friends and spent time on the beach a lot.



3rd street was there just like before. Maybe some chages in shops on the street.



Venice beach = Muscle beach. Here, I often walked down with some friends, checking shops along the beach. I was about to put tatoo in one of the shops but thinking of hot spring life in Japan, I didn't. In Japan, those who has tatoo on their body are not allower to bathe in hot spring.



On this street, once street performer who was surronded by many people captured me and dragged me into the middle of the circle. I had to perform with him:)



Less people than before but beautiful.



In Europe, there are many stone beach but I love this soft sandy beach.



I remember clearly about these birds. They are always running around the shore.



I can see more birds than people.



Los Angeles is huge and has many faces. But Santa Monica is the place where I feel most comfortable. Looking forward to the next day enjoying the city full day, we stayed Marina Del Rey on this day where the friends of my husband live.

17 miles and Freeway 1

After spending couple of days in San Jose with my parents, me and my husband drove down to LA by using freeway number 1, which eventually merge to 101. This road takes longer than number 5, which goes straight through the land but we've chose the road with a coast view to enjoy.



Driving for 1.5 hours from San Jose, we reach Montrey.



Montrey is a classic fisherman's town famous for great Aquarium. Since we have limited time, we had to skip aquarium but took quick tour here.



Montrey is very traditional town. It used to be the first wharf successful in California. Now it is much smaller than that of San Francisco but you can still enjoy great seafoods and cram chowder.


The house, which used to be a can factory reminds visitor of those old days.



Then we left Montrey and took the famous toll road of "17 miles". Although it unusual toll street (9 dollars) in US, it is one of the favorites among tourists.



Unfortunately it was foggy day but absolutely worth paying!



Lots of great view points of beach. I felt the power of ocean.



So-called "Ghost Tree".



and the symbol of Montrey, "lone Cypres".



Cypres is the typical tree grown in this area. But this "lone Cypress" is a famous one which stands on the cliff alone apart from other tree. The fog even increase the feeling of it's loneliness.



We had quick coffee at Camel. Camel is a city often being visited together with Montrey. Two cities are connected with 17 miles. But the character of the city are totally different. Camel is quite European. It also has a beautiful beach and would be better if the weather was good.



Pretty shop those who taking good care of your garden.



We continued driving. Winning road continue along coast side and we had to stop several times to breath the breeze from ocean and feel the power of pacific. View point were often thrilling. We stood at the edge of the cliff.



Fog cleared up once we left winning coast. Finally we saw clear californian sky.



I say this it the real American drive!



Even the dog is enjoying a ride.



Before arriving to the place where we staying, we found such a funny beach!




Beach for Elephant Seal!!!!


How lovely and funny this creature is,,, has been written on the other page!



We departed San Jose around 9am and at 5pm, we arrived at Sycamore, where we staying.
I really recommend staying here for those who driving down. It locating completely between San Francisco and Los Angeles so you arrive here around the time you feel exhausted. Perfect place to take rest!

Kingdom of Seal Elephant

On the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles, (close to Sycamore) there is a Elephant Seal beach.



After driving down this foggy Freeway 1, here it comes..



First, I had to doubt my eyes.



On the beach, you only hear sqeeking voice of seals and wave. It looks like they are gathering together to keep warm. Just like human do!! Maybe there is even a community for each group!



Some could be really agressive...



Almost start biting each others...



Fighting even in water..



So agressive they barking each others but all of sudden..



Sleep. Hey, don't you care which one has won??



I think this guy is the king. Unbelievably huge.



This small one has been barked by other and now moving his place. Poor boy.



This guy doesn't care of the others and happy to be alone. Giving himself foot massage.

Now they are having peaceful life but about 100 years ago, they were about to dying out. They have been captured too much due to their body oil. But now they are protected by law and continue increasing their number.



In this beach, it is prohibited to feed them. People only allow to enjoy this unique creature from the trail above on the beach.

Once you get tired from driving long freeway, wahching Seal Elephant is fun way to refresh!

Shopping Center in Santana Row

In San Jose, there is a beautiful shopping center in the place called Santana Row.



Normally, shopping center is a big complex having at least more than 3 stories.



But here, the shops and restaurants are locating on the ground.



Very flat and huge.



This is possible only in like the place San Jose, where has plenty of land and flat.



My father showed us a cute fountain. He joked "all the art in US are imitate from Europe":)



I saw real Gaudi's work in Balcerona but even so, I found these fountains very cute.



Actually, there is another shopping moll across the street which is original. This one is consist of 3 stories.



My father always know where to eat.. He proudly escorted us to one of his favorite seafood restaurant in this shopping center... (continue to all about food)