January 8-10: San Diego. Stayed at HI-SD Point Loma. Highly recommended! Only $46/night for a private double. Free wifi, free parking on the street, grocery store across the street, nice big kitchen, free pancake breakfast! Very friendly and helpful staff.

The first day we settled in and walked to Ocean Beach and ate only half of an enormous “small” fries order at Hodad’s. The next day we spent the entire day at the San Diego Zoo was very worth the kind of pricey $24 admission.

Third day it was off to LA! Stopped at the Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute on the way.

January 10-12: Los Angeles. Went to Pasadena first, to James’ house. Checked out the Gamble House with him and his girlfriend Claire, followed by a delicious dinner cooked by his mom. His parents are very cool. Drove to Westwood to crash at Yvette’s apartment by UCLA.

Next day started out as a disaster. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to go to Chinatown. We managed to get downtown and circle around the Walt Disney Concert Hall, but there was nowhere to park that didn’t cost $8. Didn’t seem worth it. Finally pulled over at a Burger King and plotted our escape to Venice Beach, where there was free public parking!

Made it back to Westwood before rush hour. Yvette gave us a tour of the UCLA campus and then we explored a bit on our own. Caught the end of her frisbee practice and got some good pizza.

On our last day in LA we got up and left early, first checking out the Getty Center but then getting away from the smog ASAP.

January 12-16: Santa Barbara
Mostly relaxing, enjoying the 70F weather and spending time with my family.