2.26.2015

Flying In & Night in Santa Monica

February 2nd we flew in to the US after packing up our apartment, selling and shipping off pieces of our life in China, and saying lots of goodbyes and 'see ya laters.' This trip back to the US is the first time we've been home in 3 years, except for two funerals. This trip home was long over due! We decided to start our time back in the Good Ole' US of A, by spending 10 days in sunny Los Angeles for some R&R.
Don't you love this sight when flying? That city view, meaning you've almost arrived at your destination! After trans Pacific flights, this view brings some of the best feelings!
 
Almost landed!
After landing, pick up our girl dog, going through customs and getting our rental car, we made our way to Santa Monica to drop Chara off for a bath. We knew she'd be tired & groggy from the long flight in her cage, so we thought a bath would be nice and refreshing for her. While she was being bathed and loved on at Rover Kennels.
 
While Chara was getting her Spa on, Zachary and I walked down  the lit Main Street looking for a place for dinner.
We decided on Lula's Mexican restaurant. You can't go wrong with Mexican food after nearly 5 years abroad!
We found a dimly lit table in the back and patiently waited our chips and salsa.
He hearts them, or me, probably both really.
II decided on the fish street tacos, while the Z Man choose Chili Relenos. It was all delicious.
After dinner, we went back to pick the girl dog up. She was extremely happy. In China, she hated going to the groomers but here, she was all smiles, tail wags and giddiness. The girls who worked at Rover and who bathed her had nothing but good things to say about her and gave her tons of pets as we were leaving. It made us feel great to see how happy our girl-dog was just a few hours in the US and off the flight.
After picking her up, we walked around some more so we could all get in some exercise after the long flight, and to stop and eat some Ben & Jerry's, which is the obvious walk treat. ;)  We were so surprised to see such huge scoops for a small! In China they give you the tiniest of scoops for close to $5! I'm not going to lie, with my favorite Ben & Jerry's flavor, Phish Food, and Zachary's Almond Joy some kind of amazing-ness flavor, I was happy we weren't in China!
We had such a great first night back in the US! Cheers Santa Monica for being so charming, feeding us well & taking care of our girl dog. Thank you Lord for such an amazing night and safe trip back to the US!
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2 comments :

Unknown said...

I love that view when you are just about to land. its so exciting!

Diana L. said...

Sounds like a good first day back!

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