My husband and I are housesitting in Santa Monica and I feel like I‘ve struck it rich! Santa Monica’s western border is the magnificent Pacific Ocean and nothing is more beautiful than the sight and sound of ocean waves. The air is fresh and invigorating and smells great, and from where we’re staying I can walk to the ocean, bask in the beauty of the beaches, enjoy the seaside life and return home all in a matter of a few hours.
Today while walking barefoot on the beach, dodging waves and strings of seaweed, my friend Kate and I saw hoards of pelicans swooping the ocean waves and forming perfect V’s as they soared first higher then down to dive and eat. We were thrilled at their grace and beauty and felt a rush as they soared over us, gliding gracefully on the wind currents or flapping wildly to reach some unknown but most assuredly exotic destination. Wildlife in the city…I love it!
Santa Monica is where hip, creative and “relaxed” people of all ages come to hang or roost. The politics are pretty liberal…they probably have the best school system in the area, the most farmer’s markets where you can get fresh and organic food, and the cleanest streets. Because the population is generally tolerant, there are lots of homeless people, particularly around the Ocean Avenue promenade. They are part of the scenery and, from my experience, pretty benign.
Probably my second favorite part of Santa Monica is the Third Street Promenade. It’s a outdoor shopping mall that’s closed to traffic for several blocks with clowns, jugglers, dancers and musicians all marking their street spot to attract crowds of, mostly, tourists. It’s a carnival and a sideshow that would make America’s Got Talent proud… AND there’s shopping and food! I love spending afternoons here and though I’ve seen it all before, it never fails to amuse and entertain.
I stroll the busy streets loving the activity, the energy and the humanity. Residential streets are crowded with trees and other green things. Up and downscale stores provide great window shopping. And an hour or so at Peet’s on Montana, sipping some dark roast and watching passers-by, perhaps joining a conversation or two, and I feel like I’ve actually done something worthwhile. Connected.
Mark and I moved to LA 22 years ago and have seen many changes in that time. Neighborhoods have transformed, ”gentrified,” and not necessarily for the better from my perspective. Though Santa Monica has gone through it’s changes too, it is still a charming small city, a refreshing retreat from the busyness and concreteness of LA.
Beverly Lubin is a guest blogger for the LA Transplant. She and her husband Mark moved to Los Angeles 22 years ago and she has plenty of stories to share with us! Interested in submitting a post for The LA Transplant? Drop us a line on the contact page.
photo credit: gtall1 via photopin cc
