Day 1538: Huntington Gardens

I slept like I was dead, despite the helicopters overhead and near constant sirens.  Colin and April have adjusted, but the noise drove Steve crazy.   We visited their favorite diner for breakfast and had unusual dishes with a Mexican flair.  Colin and I tried huevos rancheros and Steve had chilaquiles. The place was mobbed and a long line of people waited outside.

Their neighborhood is even more urban than Justin's.  The building is an old office building that has bee renovated into industrial style apartments and condos.  Inside, it offers security and refuge from the intensity of the streets.  Outside is barely controlled chaos.   People let their dogs pee and poop everywhere and don't clean up after them.  Homeless people are everywhere and are very aggressive.  I don't know how to respond appropriately.  Noisy music blares from bars, shops and movie sets.  But, the area also offers great nightlife, restaurants and proximity to Colin's studio.  The area is working well for them now, but they won't be staying after the years lease is up.

After a half hour drive, we reached Huntington Gardens, a huge sprawling estate covered in all different types of gardens.  We weren't used to the heat and had not worn hats or applied sunscreen.  We toured for hours and thoroughly enjoyed our time together as well as the lovely, colorful blossoms.

Then, dinner back in the city was at a Mexican restaurant.  Again, we tried lots of new dishes and ordered far too much food.  Tomorrow, we'll keep to more modest meals when we go to the beach!

Rooftop view of the skyline at dusk

The Gardens