it's pronounced "pee-dro"

I just returned from a fantastic day of walking and taking photos in San Pedro. It was the first sunny day in the two weeks that I've been here. Earlier I went down to the fishing pier with S&C, and we were amazed by the high waves breaking on the normally placid beach. It was busy with surfers, strollers and photographers, and I ran back to get my camera. The waves smashing onto the breakwater were probably 20 feet high and I snapped like crazy. After I had my fill, I walked along the water to downtown San Pedro. b and I had been in some of the antique shops on our last trip, and I wanted to get another look. Among the best shops are Best of Times Antique Mall, Dwelling, (rustic and exotic antique furniture, objects, and art) Williams Book Store (the oldest book store in L.A.!) and Union War Surplus. (an authentic army-navy that still sells surplus alongside the new stuff) Taking a break for lunch, I tried one of the city's many taquerias, Jolly Burrito on 6th. I was bowled over by the flavor and enormous portion of the fish taco special I ordered. Some of the best pico de gallo anywhere (all the ingredients chopped fine) and a complimentary bowl of chips. 6th Street is also home to the Warner Grand Theatre and Sacred Grounds coffee house where they have live music or poetry readings every night of the week.

Since I had walked some thirty blocks plus two trips out to the pier, I decided to take the bus back to the apartment. I waited about fifteen-to-twenty minutes for the bus, and found out they run only every half hour during peak, and every hour off-peak. Public transportation has been on my mind big-time during this visit, comparing the ease of travel in nyc with the gridlock of autos in L.A. The buses in San Pedro are MTA operated, so it's worth it to check the schedules online if you're planning on visiting. I could go on and on about the loveliness of this little port town. If you like to walk and hike and explore, there's plenty here to do, and you'll avoid the sprawling traffic mess of the rest of the L.A. Long Beach is right across the Vincent Thomas Bridge, spanning the enormous ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Visiting there the other day, I was surprised by the size of the city. I spent some time on 4th Street between Cherry and Junipero, known as Retro Row, the place to go for vintage clothing.

Checking the nyc blogs, I see it's been snowing there. ah well, a few more days here in paradise and then it's back to the gritty city! (can't wait!)