My sixteen days in California was nothing short of amazing. As usual.
I flew into LAX on December 27th. Two of my friends, Aurora & Ariam, picked me up from the airport (I got in around 8:30 a.m. so bless their hearts for waking up early for me).
Aurora was driving her new car which was really exciting because when I lived in Cali she didn't have her drivers permit and was just barely starting to drive with her Dad sometimes. After they got me from the airport we went to Aurora's house where I got to meet her adorable baby niece who was just 3 days old! We hung around East Los for the afternoon and got to sit outside in the sunshine :)
Later that day my friend Mayra came in on the bus from Coachella and Daisy went and picked her up and then came and got me and we went to El Mercadito! I got my first Raspado of the trip there.. yum.
We then went to Daisy's home in Watts and ended up hanging out there much of the rest of the day. It's always so nice to hang out with my friends. I love them so much and am so happy that Mayra came into town while I was visiting! That night I went to Naby & Mayte's house (which I also claim as my house too--i mean they DO have an extra bedroom that is basically mine ;] ). That night I talked to my friend Ray who lives in Bakersfield and he suggested that I come to Bakersfield the next day (Friday). He was going to come to LA to see me on Saturday, but he thought if I came in on Friday then he wouldn't have to make the drive to LA all alone. When I woke up Friday I looked into the Greyhound bus tickets and decided I was going to go. Of course the website wasn't cooperating, but at the last possible moment it let me purchase a ticket, literally right in the nick of time. I got to the Greyhound bus station (a little later than they recommend--oops) and loaded the bus. I always get nervous right before traveling, whether it be by bus, train, or plane. So I was all worried like-what if I sit by someone really unpleasant? Butttt I saw a girl around my age sitting alone, so I took the seat next to her. It turns out she had been visiting her sister in Palm Springs & was headed back to SEATTLE. That girl is crazyy!! Way too long of a bus ride if you ask me. She told me about her ride down which was a complete disaster with overnight layovers and bad weather, I hope the ride home didn't give her as much trouble. I stayed overnight in Bakersfield on Friday and Ray had to work a half-day on Saturday which gave me plenty of time to sleep & get ready :)
We headed back to LA around 4 Saturday. Once we were back in the LA area Ray wanted to stop at a mall. He suggested the Northridge mall but we weren't sure if we had already passed the exits. A few seconds later we saw the exit sign for Cal State, Northridge! We took that exit, and I was overcome with emotion. I could not wipe the smile off my face even if my life depended on it. It was so exciting to see all the familiar places and streets as we drove through Northridge, we passed campus and headed towards the mall (which i spent manyyy hours at when i lived in the valley). Once we pulled up to the mall he pulled into the Macy's parking lot and when we got inside he went straight for the watch counter (he's obsessed). I didn't know what he was looking for but he looked in the Guess case and couldn't find what he was looking for. When I asked him what he was doing he said that he saw a watch he wanted to get me but they didn't have it. We walked out of Macy's and he saw a Guess store a few doors down. He insisted we go check it out, once in there he went straight for the watch case again and found the one he had wanted to get me. I'm spoiled. & i absolutely LOVE my new watch.
It's amazing isn't it?! love love LOVE it. It was extra special because he had picked it out too. :) & now I can't wait to wear it for Valentine's Day.. it's perfect!
Alright, well I've only covered my first 2.5 days in California, but I need a break, so the rest will follow soon.
Stay Tuned,
xoxoKaila
