an exhilirating 2.5 days in santa monica: part 2

day 3

i started my day 3 with a 2.5 mile jog down to venice beach and back.  after a quick shower and cup of coffee, i  rented a bike and went back to venice for some breakfast and people watching.  the weather was perfect.  the homes i passed on my bike ride were really impressive and unique.  venice certainly is a colorful place.  i stopped at the terrace cafe for breakfast, where  i had the most delectable stuffed french toast.  it was right on the beach at the base of the venice beach fishing pier,  where i strolled after stuffing myself silly.

i laid on the beach, enjoying the sunshine and watching the surfers, until it was time to head back.

as soon as i got back to the hotel, it was time for tiffany to pick me up.  i've known tiffany since 4th grade, and we see each other about once a year, if that.  it was such a treat to meet up with her on the other side of the country!  we got lunch at the disney soda fountain, and tiffany showed me all the fun touristy stuff in hollywood.  i had such a good time!

after gallivanting around hollywood for a few hours, tiffany took me back to the hotel and i got ready for cocktails and dinner with greta & co.  we headed to border grill for mexican food, where the chef is Susan Feniger from Top Chef Masters.   i had the seafood paella, which was magical.  however, i was unimpressed with the presentation of some of the food (the guac especially) and the prices of the mediocre drinks.  alas, not everything can be perfect, but i was certainly expecting more.  we ended the night with a trip to angelato cafe, and i got my favorite gelato combo- banana and nutella.  we headed back to the hotel fat and happy, and sat around a fire pit listening to the ocean until we were too tired to sit up straight.  early next morning we headed home.

i had a marvelous time in santa monica.  i managed to pack a lot into my 2 and a half days, and i'm really proud of myself for making the most of every moment i had there.  many thanks to my good friend and college roommate greta, without whom this trip would not have been possible.  it was super generous of her to let me tag along and share her hotel room with me.  she even gave up a king sized bed so that we could get a room with 2 doubles!  i think i owe her some baked goodies and a trip to our favorite mexican joint.

have you ever been to santa monica? did i miss anything?