My Last Trip to Cali...For Now

So, I went to LA in February for the last of my 500-hour yoga teacher training w/ Shiva Rea. It feels bittersweet. I'm so glad to have finished the training - a huge accomplishment, comparable to achieving a master's degree in Spanish Lit. Now I'm sad that I don't have a "real" excuse to keep going back to California every few months!

I rented a car this time. LA traffic really wasn't as bad as I had heard. It must have been a full moon or something :). It was fun traveling on my own, exploring the city, thanks to the GPS on loan to me by my hosts, Michael and Michiko.

Here are some pics from my oftentimes rainy drive: Ventura Blvd., the 405, Mulholland Drive, the PCH, Laurel Canyon Blvd., Malibu, Pepperdine University, and a dog wash called Moondoggies (I couldn't resist).







































Michiko and I went to a private party at Nobu. That's Ron Howard in the background. He's the guy in the blue sweater. You'll just have to trust me on that.



I drove into Venice Beach from LA for the training most every morning at 5:45 a.m. to beat the morning traffic. Here is a pic of Santa Monica, taken from outside the health food shop where I had lunch most days. Also some pics of the Venice Boardwalk.

The Shiva yoga training. So much to learn, so little time.

Outdoor training. Sunny, but cold!











An evening at Agape. Hanging out w/ my sweet yoga friends before leaving.

I'll miss Cali.

California Part III: More Venice

Oh, I'm not done yet...
I was missing my chihuahua, Moondog, about then.
Van Gogh replica on the boardwalk.
The entrance to Venice Suites, my great hotel.
The ceiling at the entrance.
A Rasta guy w/ a very strong opinion about our government. Notice the trailer in the background. Lots of the vendors on the beach drive their trailers to the beach to sell things. Because parking isn't allowed on the beach at night, they drive up the block to park and sleep before doing it all again the next day.

California Part II: Venice Beach

Well, what can I say, it's Venice. Lots of unique people, artists, homeless, performers...
Harry Parry, the infamous turban-wearing, roller-blading, Jimi-Hendrix-inspired Venice mainstay. I see him every time I visit.
A view from my apartment window. The "candle guy" and other artists.
One of the many homeless, this elderly man slept outside of our window. People brought him food every day which he shared with the pigeons. There was one white pigeon that would sit on his lap and eat out of his hand.
I liked this guy's tattoo.
Look at the kid in his pjs skateboarding on a Sunday morning. Doesn't get much better.

homeless snow angel

surfer dudes