We're On a Road to Nowhere (Literally)

    On one of the rainiest days of the year, 

    Berlin decided to honor its annual tradition of turning over the streets

    to Germany's thriving rollerblader community

    (Yes, I thought that phenomenon had ended in the late 90's too).

    In addition to making a completely pointless traffic nightmare

    (since no rollerblader would be caught out in such a down pour)

    the city was also kind enough to remove any helpful traffic sign 

    for those of us foolish enough to have picked the wrong form 

    of transportation for the day. 

   And after spending nearly 3 hours to travel less than 10 miles,

   the only people who could add a little upbeat perspective to my plight

   were, of course, Michael and Diana.

   So please enjoy them as they ease on down the road with a lot more 

   grace than I did!

Ode to Los Angeles Part I: Farewell Food

      Los Angeles, give me some of you! Los Angeles come to me the way I came to you, 
      my feet over your streets, you pretty town I loved you so much, you sad flower in 
      the sand, you pretty town! - John Fante,  Ask the Dust

    Don't think I won't miss you, Los Angeles...

    When your beaches look like this in January.

    And your berries are ripe all year long....

    In this great city, so fraught with contradiction...

    there is indeed much to love.

    So before I go, I must tip my hat to some of my favorite things and places. 

    I would like to begin by biding adieu to some of my favorite foods:

    Farewell Randy's and your coconut donuts

    Farewell Palm's Thai and your lunch specials

    Farewell taco trucks

    Farewell Hot Dog on a Stick and Cherry Lemonade

 

    Farewell Cait's Cakes and your custom-made cupcakes

    And Farewell to you, Apple Pan French Fries

    Stay tuned for Ode to Los Angeles Part II: Farewell Architecture...