Three Strangers through the Desert: Vegas to LA

Here I sit in downtown Los Angeles, my back up against the wall, with my luggage separating me from a group of actors and their friends. We all just left the screening room, where we watched a comic independent film based on the idea of Lucifer trying to get back into heaven. How in the world did I end up here with my luggage? It all started when the loudspeakers at the airport gloomily sounded off an apology for a thirty minute delay in our departing flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Supposedly, this was in hopes that a nearby shop would have the “part” our plane needed to successfully deliver us to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, but predictably, it was only ten minutes later that the attendant spoke again, but this time with embarrassment and fear; the flight had been canceled, and the part could not be found. 

As everyone on the floor, including me, quickly gathered our belongings scattered around us, those sitting comfortably in the chairs formed a long line, leaving the floor occupants the line caboose. We are presented with a single option to take our 50-dollar voucher and find a hotel until we can catch another plane tomorrow morning. As I sit and ponder this scenario at the back of the line, I turn around and ask the lady behind me if there was any information I missed. As I turned to ask this question, I realized I was face to face with the woman who I had previously been unabashedly staring at from my comfortable position on the floor. She was clearly Italian, and her voice carried far beyond her pink flip phone, which echoed throughout the entire terminal. As I was reading my Bloomberg Businessweek, I felt a twinge bit impatient with her repeated phone calls, each heavy with, “Oooooohhhh girrrl!” and “You know what I mean?” This prompted me to move initially to a farther location and thus “potentially” missing crucial information on our flight-cancellation situation. Flash forward thirty minutes, and I am now looking into this woman’s face, hoping for more information. Unbeknownst to me, I am now also looking at my second option. 

She quickly reminds me of her heritage, grabs my arm, and loudly and enthusiastically tells me, “Oooooohhh girl! I already called my friend and she is renting me a car online right now! I am going to Los Angeles tonight!”  This, of course, did not answer my question, but her answer left me mumbling something like, “That’s a good idea,” and I am not sure what else as I pondered this newly formed second option. Before I could respond, a young man's back opened up and said, “Really, you are going to drive to LA?” What followed in the next thirty seconds was head nodding, and somehow, overlooking the two people sandwiched between us with confused expressions, the three of us agreed with our eyes. With that, we were off. The three of us, complete strangers, left the line and gleefully smiled at the others, looking on in admiration and caution. This is not something I would recommend, but I believe I am a good judge of character and hoped that these two individuals simply needed a second option as much as I did. We introduce ourselves, and once in our rental car, we quickly become familiar with each others’ pasts and presents. 

For four hours, a brain surgeon from Glendale, CA, a makeup artist from Detroit, and a geography professor from Texas journey across the lonely stretch that so many friends make between the megacities of LA and Vegas. This voyage, however, was not filled with reminiscence but of new discoveries and fantastic conversation. 

  The makeup artist, come to find out, desperately needed to get to LA before 7pm for a movie premier downtown; this was her first special effects, and she was hoping to do some great networking. When we got to Burbank to drop off the rental car, the friend I was staying with was already in acting class, so I asked if I could tag along to the primer to get a little closer to my final destination. The ride, the movie, the theater, and the people were all worth the diversion. But, back to her story: her father had left Armenia during the Turkish-Armenian War and fled to France. He met a Nepalese woman there, and soon they were in love. Shortly after, they moved to Detroit to reunite with the man’s brother, who had fled to Detroit after the Turkish-Armenian War. This is how you get an Italian-Armenian, French-speaking makeup artist from Detroit. Wow, what a fascinating woman with incredible stories. 

One of our elongated conversations revolved around the brain, imagination, and medical history because the man happens to be a brain surgeon. He had to be at the hospital by 11pm for a shift, and thus, the reason for his eagerness to join us in the adventure. Strangely, the woman’s father had been hit by a car last year and had been left in a coma with severe brain damage. He is now fully recovered, and all the questions this woman had of her father’s potential full recovery and other things were answered by our very own brain surgeon – chauffeur. 

Between the three of us, we also discussed North Korea’s future, Christianity and its differences for those who assume to know Christ and those who live with him on a daily basis, the illegal tiger trade and its potential lifeline of territory in the Himalayas, medical history throughout the US Revolution and WWII, and so much more. What a group and what an adventure.

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 10 & 11 Catalina Island

Catalina Island

This could be one of the best excursions to your Southern California trip. Long Beach is the gateway to this special destination: Catalina Island. You will have less than a five-minute drive to the ferry from any hotel in downtown Long Beach, but don’t miss your exit! It is on the left and one of the last before you get on the highway. 

Catalina Island stirred my interest as soon as I saw the old vintage postcards all over Long Beach of the “Casino,” which is actually a theater and dance hall built in 1929. As I started my weekly swing dancing ritual, it was not long until I heard about the magical nights when people from all around the country go to Catalonia Island for a night of glamor and dancing reminiscent of the glory dances. Needless to say, I was going to Catalina. I was persuaded to not go until my then-boyfriend could go with me the week I was leaving California. I reluctantly waited and ended up getting engaged on the island. You can find the story in my Wedding Bliss blog category. But let's get back to what you will be doing while you are there! 

Unlike anywhere else in the world, the zip line tour through the mountains of Catalina Island gives you a view of the ocean, gorgeous beaches, sweet Italian-looking seaside villages, and the surrounding forest. Even the famous Costa Rican zip line companies have taken tips and used the technology found on the Catalina lines. They are superior in safety and, in my book, view and adventure also. So start your day with a bang and go for it! Drop your bags off at a sweet little, non-chain hotel; we stayed at the Catalina Cottages. It was a lovely little escape, and I would highly recommend it. Avalon is the town you will dock in and likely stay in. This place is very small so bring your walking shoes! We walked to the zip lines from our hotel, and this gives you great ways to see the town. 

If you want to spend time on a beach, the one directly below the zip line will take your breath away. It is so tiny and precious. It gives you great views of the Casino and Avalon. The beach, while rocky, has fun crevices and creatures to poke at. If you decide to spend more than a day or two here, there are several remote beaches where you can camp out overnight if you are looking for a more rugged adventure. If this is your style, you should also spend an afternoon diving in the area. I could not do this, but here it is very nice and will be on my list for my next trip! 

Besides these primary activities, the island is buzzing with golf carts and bikes you can rent to explore this sweet escape.  But me, I am a walker. My fiancé and I walked this island and made an afternoon of it. The steep climb can sometimes be challenging, yet the top view is worth every deep breath. Once you are above the coastal hub, you can see how the locals live in their beautiful, cliff-hanging homes, driving their golf carts and loving the island life. I highly recommend you take off and adventure around the neighborhoods; this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. 

 

I cannot wait to go back! 

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DCC Audition Advice - from Kalli Fullerton 2012 (from season 1 and season 6)

Even though there was a six-year gap between the two times I went through the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp, what they say is true; some things never change. I will write a few advice blogs for those auditioning for DCC in 2012. These tips and insights will not be what you find on the DCC website or be outlining the obvious. After auditioning twice and staying in training camp until days before the Squad Photo both times, I want to share the critical lessons I learned that might help other women in their endeavors.

Preparing for preliminaries can be overwhelming simply because the situation is so unpredictable. You will dance in small groups to one of the four or five songs the judges have picked. In my experience, the choices included at least one hip-hop/rap song and one bubbly (girl “Katy Perry-ish”) song, along with other top 40s songs.  Therefore, I would suggest listening to Pandora’s Rihanna Playlist and having a freestyle in your living room. In both years, I prepared three eight-counts worth of choreography. In 2011, to prepare for this round, I danced this small piece of choreography over and over to the top 20s. Of course, for the first 15 seconds of my “performance,” I asked myself, “Are you serious? You can’t remember that simple dance you have practiced for three months!” And it never came to me… Oh well.  Regardless, practice a variety of music, both slow and fast. 

You Do Not Have to Follow the Crowd
Make sure you are comfortable in the shoes, but keep in mind, especially for the last two rounds, a lightweight, white sneaker (the DCC preferred) will help you be more stable and get that foot higher in the air for the kick lines. If you make it to training camp, you will also want to wear white sneakers. I had a Puma pair that worked out great. This leads me to important advice: You Do Not Have to Follow the Crowd!!! Just because everyone else bought the expensive Air Nike doesn’t mean you have to. Just because everyone got their audition outfits handmaid and ornamented with Schwartzki crystals does not mean you have to.  Just because everyone else gets a Brazilian Blowout or Eye eyelash extensions does not mean you have to. And believe me, the DCC audition process is plagued with these temptations from beginning to end. The reason these things do not matter is the greatest advice of all…. 

You are not competing against anyone except yourself. 

That might seem strange since you are technically at Texas Stadium by 7am, looking better than you did for prom, to compete against hundreds of girls. But honestly, you are there to make yourself stand out and let Kelli and Judy decide if you fit. There is no perfect number. Throughout my first time at training camp, I counted down the girls and prayed to be the 36^th girl. I was 37^th, and they took a squad of 35. That is because I WAS NOT RIGHT for the squad, not because someone else beat me out.  The squad is not built on a number. It is built on the women with the skill to be DCCs who attend auditions. You either are, or you are not. That can change from year to year, of course.  So forget all the fluff, avoid rivalries, and focus on yourself and your strengths. If you make it to training camp, help each other and be there to support one another because no one is your enemy; it is all up to you. Everyone is fighting their own battle. If it is to be a better dancer, have a better memory, gain more maturity, or get in better shape, that is your battle and what you need to focus on. 

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Geography Awareness Week Participation

As the new adjunct faculty at TCU, in my first semester, I sought to restart the geography club for both majors and those simply interested in geography. To promote the club and to celebrate Geography Awareness Week, I spearheaded a Photography Contest held in the campus library with the help of newly elected Geography Club members. We had over 123 votes for each of the 6 categories. We considered the contest a great success! 

The Student Union contacted me after hearing about the great success of students and library staff. To my great delight, they have continued the initial goal of geography awareness by blowing up the winning photos for display in the student union. 

This was a great event to strengthen the geography club and was the perfect way to participate in Geography Awareness Week! I would love to see more of these campus-wide events nationwide to support Geography Awareness Week!

Below are the Winning Photographs and a short description. 

Physical Landscape 2nd Place  

 "When I look from the Sky" 2009, by Skylar Boyce-Dry 

The significance of this photo is that you cannot take it unless you are high above land. Also, the depth and beauty and wide range of colors and landforms that this photo possesses are very rare to catch in a camera.

Urban Geography 2nd Place  

Holyrood, Edinburgh (Holyrood Castle), 2010 by Maddie Martin 

The Holyrood Abbey ruins lie in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. It’s a historical establishment reflecting the rich gothic architecture still prevalent in the city today. Unlike most urban areas, Edinburgh has somehow managed to be a metropolitan city without feeling like one. In a constantly evolving world, this town can embrace the past and preserve what remains from centuries ago.

Urban Landscape Winner 

Bird's Eye View, New York City, NY, 2007 by Ashley Shin
New York birds unabashedly welcome tourists on top of the Empire State Building.

Human/Cultural Geography Winner

"Work in Progress, Kenya 2011" by Haley King

This Samburu woman who lives in the Matthew's Mountains of Northern Kenya is beading a necklace similar to the many she is already wearing. This art form in their culture is a never-ending work in progress for the women.

Rural Landscape Winner

Long Neck. Don't Care. Fossil Rim Animal Park. 2011, by Alex Mechalske 

The inspiration for this came from the Animal Park in Glen Rose, where you can appreciate the wildlife up close. The animals are unique and beautiful, and this highlights that beauty.

Rural Landscape 2nd Place 
"View of Venice" Venice, Italy 2008 by Kalli Fullerton 
Venice is one of the most famous cities of both the modern and ancient worlds. The locals, however, have been steadily leaving due to impossibly high housing prices and lack of opportunity outside the hospitality industry. Today, wandering the lonely canals outside the typical tourist's path, Venice feels more rural than urban. 

Geography in Action Winner 

"Lake Gatun" Panama, 2011 by Steven Goeken 

This photo was taken on Lake Gatun during a river adventure trip exploring the natural fauna and flora of the Panama Canal region. It shows TCU students learning firsthand about the issues and problems this area is experiencing today.

Physical Landscape Winner

 "Chagras River Mouth" Panama, 2011, Steven Goeken

This photo was taken at San Lorenzo, the primary fort protecting the lucrative gold trade on the River Chagres. This fort set the stage for many fierce battles involving the Spanish Crown and infamous pirates like Captain Morgan.

Texas Landscape Winner

"Caprock Canyon Glow" Caprock Canyons State Park, TX 2009, by D'mon Peeples 

When in Texas, expect the unexpected.  The drive along State Highway 287 from Amarillo to Fort Worth is a vast plain of flat, red land broken up occasionally by mesquite thickets and a few lean cattle.  But, take the exit just past Estelline, walk along the desolate roadside, and down into Quitaque Canyon at the head of Caprock Canyons State Trailway, and before you know it, red cliffs rise up around you.  Circling hawks, well maybe buzzards, but hawks sound more regal, ride the updrafts.  If you are lucky enough to get there as the sun sets, the canyon walls light up as if they are on fire before the sun disappears and leaving you in inky blackness with a million stars in the sky.

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Saying "yes!" When Moving to a New City

The first month of living in Long Beach, California, without a friend in the world, was tough.  Soon enough, I found myself with an ultimatum: go solo and be active, or become best friends with my TV. I chose the first. I adopted a “yes man” mentality and started doing anything I was invited to, but more importantly, I started saying yes to my desires. One of the first of these was to join a sand volleyball team on Meetup.com. I rode my bike down to the beach and found myself looking at ten courts full of people I didn’t know. I started asking people if they were the meet-up group and finally came to the proper court.

This was scary and not fun at first, but the time I spent on Wednesday evenings on the beach playing sand volleyball was amazing! I ended up with a handful of new friends, great exercise, and was a part of something I’ll never get to do again. When you move to a new place, you must tell yourself to say “yes!”

I have mentioned Izzi, and I hit the road every weekend, and what guided me was my interests. I spent most of these adventures alone, so I could spend as much time there as I wanted, lingering and really experiencing places that moved me. The Getty Villa is one of those places. If I had visited this magical place with friends, I would have been pushed through and rushed. I spend the entire day there on my clock and am so thankful. This is what moving to a new place can give you.

This will not last forever, and you will start building a group of friends. But even then, include them in your “yes” mentality. My friend Kat one day asked me, “I was thinking about going swing dancing; would you go with me?” She initiated the plan, and I said, “Yes!!!”

What happened next still thrills me to say, “I am an avid swing dancer!” When you say yes, you might end up starting a new hobby you will keep with you for your entire life. Kat and I spent the next two years swing dancing at Atomic Ballroom in Irvin every Tuesday and most Friday nights. We also got all dolled up in our vintage outfits and sought out famous swing clubs in Los Angeles that were iconic hangouts for Frank Sinatra, like Cicada Club. That one “yes” led me to many adventures and has given me a passion for a hobby I will always keep up with.

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Teaching Chinese Students

The presence of foreign students, particularly in geography classes, can have great benefits and bring heavy difficulties. Having multiple Chinese students in my classes made my first teaching semester challenging, to say the least.

First of all, the presence of foreign students makes me continually check my perspective and present the information as unbiased as possible. Yet, having a very educated Chinese national sitting in the front row to pose opposition or different opinions on almost all tense topics made that goal of unbiased presentation difficult. 

On the other hand, this made me double and triple-check all my facts, and in the end, this left me with a well-vetted lecture series.  This is especially true for the Russian Realm, North Korea, and China. As anticipated, areas experiencing ethnic and territorial disputes, such as Tibet, Xinjiang Province, and Taiwan, were very irritable topics. One way these students could “boycott” the Western perspective was to purposefully miss the map quiz question to locate the Republic of China (Taiwan) by not answering the question at all. 

Keeping face as an authority in the classroom while accepting commentary from this student was a balancing act that took practice.  My advice for this situation was to openly discuss with these students after and before class.  This time allowed one student, in particular, to give me their full perspective and opinion before the topics were discussed in class and also allowed me to explain the details more fully to them. This process was especially helpful in talking about the territorial disputes in China. At the beginning of these discussions, their first comment was, “You will NOT say there are two Chinas… “ etc. By the end of the semester, however, the tone had to change to “I respect the way you presented the situation.” This transition took time, and there were certainly several uncomfortable moments in class when I would simply have to tell them, “We will talk about the issue after class, but for the purposes of this class, you need to know these facts.” 

On the other hand, I had another Chinese student who welcomed the Western perspective and the information he had been guarded from his entire life.  For example, presenting the events of Tiananmen Square and the numbers reported for the deaths of those under Mao caused both reluctantly and curiously. 

Regardless of each foreign student's attitude, it is important to remain the professor and now allow the student to take over your class. However, it can also be the best days of the semester when a student opens up and tells their side of the story to support or challenge the presented information. Be ready to walk a tightrope. 

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Engagement Story: Catalina Island

As my last week of Graduate School at CSULB ended, George flew out to help me move back to TEXAS after two long years of separation. When George arrived in Long Beach, we drove straight to pick up the Uhaul and packed up my apartment. After a long day of packing nothing was left but a few hours to sleep before we set out the next day for Catalina Island. George had promised me months not to go to Catalina without him, so after a long wait, we were both really anxious about making the trip. 

The next morning was filled with complications. After waking up to a rainy day and me being 30 minutes late, the deadline to make it to the ferry on time was fading. Then, as I fumbled with directions (as usual) and George tried to keep it together, we missed our exit and pulled off the highway with the Uhaul in the rain.  All hope of making it on time seemed lost. Running up to the ferry and pushing our tickets into the clerk's hands, George's heart was able to start again as the voice on the loud speaker said, "Last call," just as we crossed over the threshold and onto the Catalina Ferry.  

Once George could breathe, under the disguise of “going to the bathroom,” he made a few phone calls since the rain threatened his plans for the day. However, once we landed, the sun came out, and we embarked on George's plans for the afternoon, starting with zip lining through the mountains that gave us the most gorgeous views of the beaches. Once we got to the last stand on the zip tour, George convinced me to go last and I reluctantly agreed. Once we hit the stand, I was quickly whipped around and unstrapped from the wire.  A stranger with a flip cam stood before me and asked, “How was it.” After an "it was amazing!" I turned to the side to see what this new friend was awkwardly pointing to my right.... it was George on one knee with a little black box.  George raised the ring up and said...... "Kalli.............." Being more than shocked, I turned away to collect my thoughts but quickly turned around and yelled, "Yes, yes, yes!!!"

Once we were down from the zip line and all the gear was off, a man showed up with a basket of champagne, cheese, and other sweets. The best part of the day was ahead of us because George had reserved a little bungalow for us to spend the rest of the day in as we soaked up the beautiful scenery and all the excitement!!! The spot was breathtaking, and because of the rain, the beachgoers had all stayed home and left this perfect day for us to enjoy practically alone on a pristine deserted island. It was a perfect proposal, trip, and start to a new life together!  

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 9

Private Beach, a day of exploration

Schooner or Later is a must for breakfast/brunch in Long Beach because of the food and memorable view of both the harbor and the wider ocean view. The first day in Long Beach was full of shopping and being on your feet. If you did not make it to Retro Row or Naples Islands, take the morning to make those unforgettable stops. One of my favorite things about Long Beach is the eclectic array of architecture along Ocean Blvd. Each house is unique, beautiful, and curious to gaze at from the large ocean-side sidewalk.

Stroll down Ocean Blvd, starting at the crossing of Junipero Ave; park anywhere around Bixy Park. Once you reach Redondo Ave, take a left, and then another left to stride down 1st Street, which happens to be the home of my favorite two houses of all time! I love the Oxford, brick-castle-looking home where I can imagine myself being a well-renowned Geography Professor sitting in the lounge reading from my extensive library. Closer to your car, you will eventually pass my favorite house, it's orange and very hard to miss. For some reason, this house evokes such excitement and envelopes my daydreams of a life of beach days and lazy dinners in the courtyard. If walking is out of the question (I love to walk and there is no better place), then take a quick drive around this little four block square, you will be glad. I walked this loop every day for two years with Izzi and never got tired of the scenery, and there was always something new to spot.  

OK, to the beach! If you were a local and had a pup, I would tell you to head to Long Beach Dog Beach. This is the best dog beach in all of Southern California, yes, even better than the ones in San Diego. The people are friendly, the dogs are great and well-behaved, and there is such an ease to it. This, however, is not the top place to visit on a sans-dog vacation. So, instead, live it up and head to a private beach created just for you by your dear friend Donald Trump. This is not a joke; there is a private beach only 30 minutes from Long Beach that is a part of the Trump Golf Course at 3850 Ocean Trails Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

First, this is an elite stretch of SoCal that is not publicized for the everyday traveler or locals, but the beach is open to the public and worth it. Simply drive through the golden gates with an “I belong here” attitude, park in the small parking lot to the left, and head down the path. Ensure you have good shoes because you will climb down a dirt trail, snaking along the cliff face to the pebble beach below. You may find one or two other beachgoers here, or more likely, a few locals walking their dogs along the waterfront, but regardless, expect an incredible view from a small picturesque cove all to yourself. This allows you to walk away from your beach bag and look closer at the rocky outcrops and all the creatures inside; be adventurous and keep going. On one of my visits here, I shared the beach with a couple who happened to be photographers trying new techniques and camera films. I got to be their muse and ended up with professional, though artistic, photographs to remember this special place. You never know where the day will take you when you are a traveler instead of a planned tourist.

The sunset from this majestic place will stay with you forever, so if you are in for a long, lazy day, wait until the end and take it all in. Few restaurants are nearby, as it is an elite residential area, not a tourist spot. Head back to your hotel and freshen up. Once you are ready for dinner, get excited about La Palapa. This is the only place in Belmont on the water, and of course, that means a great view. The food was always great on my visits, and there was usually a good band or entertainment. Locals and visitors alike mingle at the bar and enjoy the great service. Overall, it is a great place to end your beach day, and you might even end with a midnight beach stroll. 

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 7 & 8 a day in Long Beach and Naples Island

Day 7 Beach Heaven 

Experiencing the ideal SoCal beach scene, depicted in magazines and daydreams alike, will lead you to the three neighbors of Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach. All three of these small and immaculately clean beach towns will fill your desire for sunshine, bike riding, surfing, or playing beach volleyball. The crowd is also a pleasant visual. Shopping is great, the restaurants are chic, and all three can be found close to the beach. They are on the upper scale of shopping and eating, as are the tourists and locals.  This doesn’t require a lot of direction; they are beach towns, after all, so I will move on to the next place to nest….

Day 8 Long Beach 

I lived in Long Beach for two years and truly do not think I would want to live anywhere else in California if I had my pick with unlimited resources. This is probably shocking to residents of the surrounding area and even locals. But Long Beach had the perfect touch of class, beach, art scene, eccentric people, and laid-back attitude for me, not to mention it is directly in the middle of anywhere you could want to visit. In every direction, as soon as you leave Long Beach, you will enter an atmosphere of “better than you,” which is not all bad, but in Long Beach, you are just as you are, and it is fine. 

I would schedule two nights here, and I would suggest downtown. There is easy access to all the major highways from there, and you can still find your way to exciting nightlife and fun restaurants. My favorite lunch place in Long Beach for lunch is Hole Mole; get the fish tacos (at least 3). The fact that they are the only place in SoCal with Texas-size to-do cups gains a lot of favor with me, too! Sit out on the porch and think of me. How much I wish I was in your place! 

Take the day to get to know Long Beach, something most tourists rarely do. One of the unique places nowhere else can compete with is 4^th Street; park at the crossing of Cherry Ave and 4^rd street. Known as Retro Row, this street is full of vintage clothing stores, antique shops, off-the-wall restaurants, and stores that just can’t be put into a clear category. This was constantly a favorite destination for my visitors, and they always came away with incredible treasures and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. One of the great things about Long Beach is the coffee shops; they are everywhere. I don’t drink coffee, but I would still head to the end of 4th Street and bring a book or my laptop to spend time on Portfolio’s patio or inside huddled up in an overstuffed chair. Grab a tea, or coffee at the least just to go in and see the local crowed doing their thing, you will be thirsty from walking anyways. 

Jump in the car and head back towards the Ocean (this is how I always got around); once you hit Ocean Blvd, take a left until you run into 2nd Street. You will know you are there by the adorable shops both familiar and the incredible boutiques like Romance Etc, which happens to be my favorite store I have ever been to, and true to my nature I am not sure I have ever bought anything from there! Just love it, though. However, keep on driving, and you will be back. You are about to go over the sweetest harbor you have ever seen. Once at the top, hopefully, there won’t be anyone behind you; take time to look over and admire how adorable this little inlet of boats and blue water is. As soon as you get over the second bridge, take a right onto the strange, seemingly uninteresting street. Then prepare yourself; you are now on Naples Island. 

This little island is some of the most expensive real estate in Southern California, and for good reason. I loved to spend a warm afternoon biking or walking Izzi through the canals, which makes this place so special. Like Venice Beach, the canals have walking paths along them, but in my opinion Naples’ are much better. The homes are all unique and, as I mentioned, adorable! I love how these homes have extended their houses out into the front yard but left off the walls and just put up a substantial waist-high gate to keep the dogs in. You will see what I mean. 

Strangely, the most beautiful days I have ever experienced in Long Beach were in December; the sun was always out, and the sky seemed clear and crisper. If you are here this month, you must attend the Naples Island boat parade. All those with boats light them up and decorate them like we do our homecoming floats in Texas. Then, there is a parade through the canals, but that is not where the spectacle ends. The homes are more decorated with Christmas lights and décor than I have ever seen in any condensed area.  Each house could light up an entire block in Fort Worth. It is spectacular, and like I said, everyone is enjoying the night in their extended living room, or as we would call it, front yard.

Once you have spent an hour or so falling in love with this little community and feel you can part, head back to 2^nd Street or to your hotel to change. If you are a shopper, keep on rolling and find yourself surprised at the variety of options, not just in clothes but all types of great shops along this promenade. My favorite restaurant, where I have ever eaten, is here: Open Sesame.  This restaurant haunts me in my dreams. It is Lebanese, so you will taste the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors come together. Get the chicken skewers; the sauce that comes with it is to die for, the pita bread is the melt-in-your-mouth, the hummus is silky smooth, and the olives are perfect. This is a must on your list, no matter what! 

If you are big on nightlife, stay where you are; there are plenty of places to kick back along this strip. If you are a fan of True Blood, head to Alex’s Bar. It is a little ways away, but it will be a neat experience. I have never seen the show, but apparently, those who have been there with me say it differs from the show, but you can still see where everything takes place. Long Beach, in general, is a great place to spot filming crews; the street I lived on was a mecca for CSI Miami and Bones. If you would like a lower-key, local hang-out to visit, try The Pike. There is usually a band and the food is great, sorry again I can’t comment on the drink specials.

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