My first time traveling to the West Coast surely was a memorable one.
I met my dad's paternal side of the family for the first time which was an incredible experience. So many people it was hard to keep up -- uncles, 2nd uncles, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, aunts, 2nd cousin's in law. [jeez] But I loved every single one of them and can't wait to be reunited again!
After our big family reunion, we loaded up the cars and took a trip to Original Tommy's Hamburgers, known for chili burgers. Not gonna lie, they were some pretty bomb burgers.
The next day we took a trip to Olvera Street, the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles. [aka El Pueblo de Los Angeles] [But I like to call it, Little Mexico]. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip. We had an authentic Mexican breakfast at La Luz de Dia restaurant, where I had two carnitas tacos, refried beans, rice, and guacamole and chips. [BEST TORTILLAS EVER] The street of Little Mexico had vendors all up and down -- selling authentic Mexican EVERYTHING, pottery, bags, candy, dresses, ponchos and sombreros. I even got myself a little guitar to start up my mariachi band. We heard live music, had great food, and ended up trip to El Pueblo with a cheesy family picture.
Next we took a quick detour to take a look at the Griffith Observatory [where I was not impressed] but took a mediocre picture of me and the Hollywood sign.
We then drove thru Rodeo Dr. and reached the absolutely gorgeous beaches of Santa Monica Pier, where I fell completely in love with California and caught the sunset [which made for some epic pictures]. Although it was freezing and I didn't go on any rides on the pier, I still enjoyed the view as we walked around. I got to see a sea lion in the water and my dad even bought me a cotton candy! [Thanks, Pa]
On Day 3, we took a mini-roadtrip to Malibu beach were we saw some incredible mountains and not so much beach [thanks fog] But on our way there we passed some really impressive strawberry fields and some EXTREMELY hardworking Mexicans [SHOUT OUT TO MY FELLOW LATINOS #BernieSanders2016] We even passed by a little fruit stand and bought some! Look, how gorgeous!
On our last day in Cali, we packed our things in our rental van, checked out of our room, and took a trip to the San Pedro Seafood Market. Although it was packed with people all over the place, we somehow found outdoor tables for the 10 of us. We made a super long line but at the end of it all we had our huge shrimp platter, dozen oysters [mostly for me], beers and horchata, and my 2nd uncle even bought us each our own [big ass] crab. It was awesome.
Finally, we drove back to my great grandma's house to have everyone meet up so we could say our last goodbye's [for now]. Overall, it was an amazing experience to travel and see new places but most importantly, to meet my family who I adore so dearly!
Till next time, y'all!
xoxo.
Love, Ash.
