Monday, December 10, 2012

Just For Fun on Olvera Street

Today, just for fun, we took Amtrak's Surfliner train into downtown L.A. to visit Olvera Street, a historic and popular landmark that both celebrates and commemorates Los Angeles' Mexican heritage. Olvera Street covers roughly a three block area, built around a traditional plaza, replete with shops and restaurants featuring all things Mexican. Although we were looking forward to the opportunity to practice our Spanish, the real attractions of the day were the authentic food and margaritas!

 It was a gorgeous day here in California - high 70's and sunny, and we had a grand ole' time. I'll let the photos speak for our day:
Waiting to catch the Amtrak train
When we arrived at Union Station, we simply crossed the road over to picturesque Olvera Street
Colorful wares
String puppets
An old colonial door
Yummy Mexican dulces . . . should I or shouldn't I give in to temptation?
A first - Lime Cerveza Margaritas at La Golondrina restaurant. They were terrific!
Really, everyone should have "just for fun" days from time to time. Isn't that what life and early retirement are all about?
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6 comments:

  1. It was my love of Olvera Street that gave me the idea of living in Mexico. The real thing is much better!I've never regretted the move.

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    1. Funny how things interconnect isn't it? I so admire your spirit of adventure in leaving the USA and creating a whole new life in Mexico.

      I'm continuing to work hard on my Spanish, and though slow, it's moving along in the right direction. A friend just invited me to visit her in Mexico City over Easter, and I'm giving it careful thought, thinking the opportunity to immerse myself in the language and the culture would be wonderful.

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  2. "Just for fun days" are the best. Malcolm and I are flying into LA in April and will drive to San Diego. Maybe we will have time to visit Olvera street. Those margaritas look worth the trip.

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    1. We'll be in N. San Diego County the beginning of April for the Carlsbad 5000 running event. :-)

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  3. Living close to a large metropolitan area has its advantages but give me the rural life of the Midwest.

    I spent a lot of my business life in the late 80s and early 90s in Guadalajara and thoroughly enjoyed it. The people there were so much more friendly to each other than we are in the U.S. They are more family centered, loving, and laid back... Just talking about it wants me to go back for another visit. And you just can't beat the weather in GDL; in the 70s just about the year around...

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    1. Now see, I feel the same way in reverse about leaving metropolitan L.A. and living in the Midwest. :-)

      Everywhere we've lived, we've created small neighborhoods within our larger community. Where I am now, as an example, in urban Orange County, is comprised of two close knit neighborhoods connected by a walking path. Each evening people come out of their homes in order to wander along the path with their dogs. I think the dogs are just an excuse though, as the real purpose is to simply visit and talk with each other. It's lovely, and makes me feel very connected with my neighbors.

      And thank you for dropping in - very little about politics on my blog, but much about my version of living a full, rich, meaningful life.

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