We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled dress blogging next week, I promise.  I’m planning one post that will riff on the Gossip concert I went to, what, two weeks ago now?  and another on my new favorite girl group song (a song that involves either what is either a reference to organized crime or a somewhat unfortunate metaphor).

Anyhow, today was wonderful and amazing because my friend Pauline and I walked to the beach from downtown, following Pico for about 15 miles.  I love going for long, ridiculous walks like this because it is fun and exhilarating, and they remind me of how much beauty there is to find in a city has an undeserved reputation for being an endless sea of concrete.

Google maps very optimistically estimated that the walk would take about five hours, which is, of course, madness, because this figure doesn’t take into account important side trips that need to be made for important things like Ethiopian food and educational trips to pinata shops.

I am happy to report that there are no blisters to speak of:  special thanks go out to Nexcare Flexible Clear First-Aid Tape, truly a godsend to anyone with feet, for preventing blisters that would otherwise have been inevitable.

I took lots of pictures, and I’ll post them to flickr or wherever when I’m less tired.  But in the meantime, a few highlights!

The best place to go for a jet black bouffant.

Pinatas, all in a row!

Two wonderful things about this scene: the sign that could possibly say "Pico Disco," the large banner underneath it that reads "Going out for business."

Jingle Bell Furniture, for when furniture stores that make sense simply won't do.

Sadly, I do not have any pictures of the fabulous jukeboxes inside Jukebox Wurlitzer repair, because the nasty man came outside and yelled at us for taking pictures. (My mother said I should have played the Canadian card. "But I'm from Canada! We don't have Wurlitzers there!")

It's hard to see from the crappy angle, but the sign for this meat market features a pig being chased by a lady WITH A SWORD. Yeah!

Celebrity mural on a liquor store

Street art

I want to eat here someday. I'm sure the food will be terrible, but the decor is clearly to die for.

Apple Pan, my love, my all, shining like a beacon.

Rae's! Elton John shot some cover art here, I've eaten waffles with bacon baked into them here. Clearly an auspicious place.

The Santa Monica pier lit up at night

Dear Los Angeles: I heart you.