Chess Players at Santa Monica Beach
Just got back from a trip to Vegas and LA.
Stayed on Fremont Street this time. You know the economy is challenging when sex trade workers are boldly staking out business in busy tourist areas. During one of his encounters, my partner was followed to Walgreens and waited for while he shopped inside - lol. Nice guy - he thought by explaining he’s married, she’d cease and desist. He eventually had to drop into security officer mode (from days gone by) and, in his best base tone, tell her that he wasn’t interested. Guess the over-politeness that we can be known for in Canada wasn’t working in the context. Anyhow, the casinos were not of the same caliber we’re used to, and I missed the gaudy monoliths of the Strip. Yes, Vegas is one of my guilty pleasures.
After the stopover, we headed to La-La Land. Not having stayed there for years, the size of the city was overwhelming at times. To get a sense of how large it seemed to me, the population of California is equivalent to all of Canada. As my Grandma used to convey, I sure felt like a "country mouse"! Nonetheless, I did enjoy its colors and textures. By the time we returned home, I felt as if I was living in a bucolic town. Vancouver is one of the younger cities in Canada, and she can be pretty monochromatic in terms of urban life.
I love my country for several key reasons, but there’s an energy about the States - a drive, determination and spirit - that’s contagious. Great opportunity to bring some mojo (yeah, baby) back with me and start the new school year off right.
Chess Players at Santa Monica Beach
