The End of the Line!

Possibly an odd title for today's posting, which marks the start of our latest California road trip. Nevertheless, its apt as, today, we visited Santa Monica, which marks the endpoint of legendary 'Route 66'. But first things first. We arrived in Los Angeles yesterday, the Sunday before Labour Day, which for Americans marks the end of summer and a return to school for the kids. We had flown direct with Virgin and had just about the best cabin crew you could wish for, which was much appreciated during a ten-hour flight. We cleared Immigration quickly and got the only car left with both SirusXM Radio and chewing gum graffiti on a rear panel! Our hotel (Best Western Palace) is conveniently situated close to the Expo/Sepulveda Metro station and after some well earned sleep, we used the Metro to travel to Downtown Santa Monica ..... the fare being thirty-five cents, each! On arriving, we walked the the pier and saw masses of people beginning to arrive for the beach, complete with everything bar kitchen sinks. We took some time out in the attractive downtown shopping area and stopped off for two small ice creams and a small bottle of water. The cost? $16.80!! (Tip: check out the prices before buying!!)

By midday it was getting hot so we decided to take our leave and jump on the  Metro, again. This time, we ventured to Culver City, an historic and fashionable district of LA. We called into the 'Public School' to split a Reuben sandwich and I had a great local craft beer. Afterwards, we ambled round the historic centre, once home to MGM, Desilou studios, and where films such as The Wizard of Oz were made. The Historic Culver City Hotel is now a site of national interest and is well worth seeing. A nice place to see.

As a musical reminder of today's adventure it has to be Sheryl Crow's reference to Santa Monica Boulefard