Santa Monica Beach -Good Bye CA

Our last day to be with the family, Audy decided before taking us to the airport we would stop at Santa Monica Beach.  So, so happy she made this choice.  This is one of Marlon and I's favorite places to stay.  :-) Love this view.

 Seamus had some modeling time so we took some pictures of him posing, gonna miss you so much.

 Nice walkway out to the beach which was lined with lots of tall palm trees.

We are getting closer to the pier, almost at our destination.

 It's early and there are still lots of bikes to rent, along with a few motorized ones.

 The rides on the pier are up and in operation.  
 Yeah, we have reached the pier.

 Marlon is in this picture of sunglasses, can you find him?

 This sign made me smile, how about you?

 Audy, Greg and Seamus Route 66

 Great view of the beach!

 Seamus meets another dog that looks just like him, but this dog was a girl.

 Time to head back to the car and on to the airport.  Such a wonderful time spent with the fam.

 Love the pretty colors.

Arrival In Santa Monica ~

It's 3:45 am and the Dublin taxi is outside waiting for us to take  us to the airport.

Quick ride to the airport with not much conversation.  It's finally time to check in bags and get to our gate for departure to Washington then on to LAX airport.  Bags are checked and in line waiting for security.  As we are waiting in line Marlon looked at our tickets and his are missing.  We got back out of line and talked to United airlines about his tickets, not printing.  They printed his tickets and we went back through security; check.  Once we got our luggage checked Marlon's bag was pulled off to the side and they wanted to inspect his bag because they thought they saw something in his suitcase.
We are at our gate and there is not even a place to sit down.  The plane is a 777 and is going to be packed.  I still can't believe a plane this size is packed.
The plane is fully loaded and we are on our way to LA CA.
 Mar. 1, 2016 | Columbus, OH, US (CMH) to Los Angeles, CA, US (LAX)

• Depart:
  6:05 a.m.
  Tue., Mar. 1, 2016
  Columbus, OH, US (CMH)
• Arrive: 7:28 a.m.
  Tue., Mar. 1, 2016
  Washi ngton, DC, US (IAD - Dulles)
• Flight Time:
  1 hr 23 minUnited

Change Planes. Connect time in Washington, DC, US (IAD - Dulles) is 1 hr 27 min.

• Depart:
  8:55 a.m.
  Tue., Mar. 1, 2016
  Washington, DC, US (IAD - Dulles)
• Arrive:
  11:38 a.m.
  Tue., Mar. 1, 2016
  Los Angeles, CA, US (LAX)
• Flight Time:
  5 hr 43 mn
  
  
  8 hr 33 mn  Aircraft: Boeing 777-200

 This was the smoothest flight I have been on.  Take off and landings were great.  I had the biggest smile on my face as we got off the plane and happy we will be here a month. When we got off the plane Marlon was having trouble getting his ears to pop and he is in some pain. This is not good and worries me.  If it doesn't clear up by in the morning we will have to find a Dr.
I see the bus marked Fox which is where we rented our car from. Flagged down the bus and are on our way to get a car.  30 minutes and we are out of Fox Car rental and on our way to our condo.    I loved our condo till I found out it doesn't have any air conditioning.  Nothing we can do now we are here and moved in. First night was fine.

Time to find a place to eat.  Decided on a Carribean  restaurant that is very close to where we are staying.  Loved the place and the food, but did not like the birds flying around and landing on tables.  

Gonna take a walk to the store and pick up breakfast for in the morning.  It was a longer walk then I wanted to do in heels.   I made it there and back with some complaining.  On our way to the Whole Foods, I did see several things I want to share on this blog. :-)  Loved the murals on the side of this building and of course, this gigantic palm tree,

 Walked by Hotel California and the song Hotel California by the Eagles came to mind.https://youtu.be/iqODbP1T3nk  link to Hotel California song.

As we walked farther down the street to Whole Foods grocery we crossed a street that was totally lined with big trees.  The trees made a canopy over the street.  Awe, so pretty.

Shopping done at Whole Foods and on our walk back to the apartment.  We did walk down Santa Monica Blvd. and the good times are just starting there.  Lots of musicians playing in the streets, shopping, and many places to eat.

Back at the apartment and ready to go down to Santa Monica beach and watch the sun go down.   Headed down the street and onto the boardwalk to find a place to enjoy the view.

 As we sat on the bench, I could see the Santa Monica pier.  Wow, we are closer than I thought.

SANTA MONICA, CA PIER

 The sun is beginning its descent down and the view is majestic.  I'm so glad to be here with hubby who puts so much time and effort into our trips.  Sunset tonight was great, as it always is. 

Well, it's time to get back to the condo and wait for the arrival of Audy and Greg.  Our visit was great.  During their visit, we started making plans for when we can meet and do some things together.  Looks like Sat we are going to the Chinese Lantern festival and Sunday to Huntington Beach.  Looking forward to our time together with them.