After living in Los Angeles for six years during my early teens and visiting several times after, I never noticed how many mom-and-pop donut shops are scattered throughout LA. I discovered one can snag a maple bar every few blocks on our recent layover, making a visit to the sunshine state even sweeter. I slept better knowing that old school independent donut shops of my childhood were not a thing of the past!
Having an extended layover in LA was as sweet. And, being able to watch the inauguration on US ground was the extra icing on top (wow, that Amanda Gorman was incredible)! I didn't realize how much traveling abroad during COVID had been wearing on me recently. LA was just the break I needed to recharge in a familiar land where I didn't have to think about rationing our drinking water until we figured out the unpredictable COVID store hours or sourcing our next "safe" meal. I could start the washing machine without questioning if I just set my darks on a three-and-a-half-hour hot cycle with dishwashing detergent! We could figure out all of these things, but mixed with the uncertainty of ever-changing travel restrictions and language barriers made it more difficult.
Our trip to California was easy and blessed with familiar faces. Our Airbnb in Claremont was close to our friends and the RV park where my parents were staying. It couldn't have worked out better with this last-minute layover coming together right as my parents were about to drive to Arizona in their trailer. We were able to spend some quality time with them and our friends, Yanina and David. We scored with sunny 80° weather, so visiting outdoors was a breeze. Upon arrival, both my parents and Yanina and David came equipped with bikes for us to use during our stay, which was so thoughtful and a fun surprise.
We loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa!! Saying goodbye was hard.
Of course, our whole family was anxious to fill up on our favorite cuisines we have missed over the last four months. We carefully planned out every meal to make sure we satisfied our Mexican, Thai and burger cravings. Walking through the aisles of Trader Joes and picking up our old favorites was an exciting excursion in itself. We couldn't get over the shocking difference in prices between Europe and US food. We quickly racked up $120 on two plump bags of groceries at Trader Joes where our usual shopping trips throughout Europe (also consisting of about two bags per trip) cost about $30. Groceries are easily 3-4 times the cost of Europe, which surprised Clint and I.
No trip to LA is complete without a stop at In n Out!
We also had the pleasure of spending time at the Old Tub, our friend David's dive garage bar that came into fruition during the COVID lockdown. Viewing his collection of vintage beer signs and trinkets all nestled around his succulent plants and finely curated vintage furnishings in person was an honor after seeing it evolve in pics on social media this past year. His fridge was stocked with an array of local brews and his smoker filled with a feast for us to share. Thanks for making us feel like we were going out again like old times, David!
Old Tub and its creator, Tio David
Being back in the states also made it easier to take care of some business and unload some of our items we didn't find necessary on our trip. We were able to ditch all of our winter stuff and cut our pack sizes down a third! We scheduled another COVID test (we don't even bat an eye at these anymore, for we are so used to the routine) because our next destination required one. The US has been one of the only countries to not require a test before entry until today when a new testing policy goes into effect. You wouldn't believe how difficult it has been to find testing sites that meet the travel requirements if you are not a local or have their insurance. In every country we have visited, including the US, we only found 1-3 places each that met the airline and country testing requirements. One of the three testing sites in LA wanted $475 per test!! All countries have required a molecular RT-PCR test that takes 24-48 hours to receive results (except the new US testing rules allow rapid tests).
Overall, LA was the perfect pitstop before we embarked on our French Polynesian adventure. I may be the only person who ever cried while heading to the airport to go to Tahiti. It was hard to leave our loved ones and the comforts of home, but I knew I would get back into life on the road before I knew it.
Having a peaceful visit with my parents at my brother Dustin's grave.
Kate had a blast on the secret rope swing during a hike.
My childhood best friend, Yanina and her daughter, Alina
Alina, Eric and Austin hanging outside the Old Tub.
COVID yard art in Claremont, CA.
I spent every morning hanging out in the sunshine in our backyard.
Washing machines in Turkey
The Bernie memes have made me giggle every day since the inauguration. Though we can't visit Disneyland, I find joy in watching Bernie ride down Splash Mountain.