In LA

Jan 27, I think: What a long train ride! Not sure I'll do that again. It was scenic for the first part along Puget Sound and the last part along the coast south of San Luis Obispo but the rest wasn't especially noteworthy. I get a kick out of Amtrak employees. My impression is that it's their train and you're riding by their good graces and you better behave. A pillow? Not time for pillows. You'll get one later. Overheard a guy with the temerity to ask for one and was told, "we already gave pillows out!" "But I just got on??!!" Grudgingly, with exasperation, "I'll see what I can do." Later, "where did my pillow go?" "We have to get this car cleaned up now." And so on. Definitely not like the airlines.

My seat mate, Elvis Rosales was from Honduras so I got to practice my Spanish. Wish my comprehension was better. Elvis invited me to his home in Honduras if I ever get down that way, assuming he returns there.

Got in to LA yesterday evening about 9:30. Glad to have my fleece on; it was cold! My cousin, Anita, came to pick me up and took me back to her home in Santa Monica; gave me food and she and her husband, Gary, and I chatted while her three teenage kids made sporadic appearances. Woke up to guess what? A nice day. Like always in LA; or mostly according to Gary. Went for a long walk on the beach. Saw some dolphins; at least I think that's what they were. Glorious, warm sunshine and endless beach. All sorts of LA types in attendance: skateboarders with surfboard under arm, gangbanger dudes, glamour folks, beautiful people and just regular folks.

Pretty soon I'll take the bus downtown to catch the train to Albuquerque.

Take care everyone. Sending my love.