Sunday, March 16, 2008

Day 1, 9:25pm PDT






We finally departed today, Sunday, March 16, on AA Flight 3, bound for LA. There is a new (for American) way to watch inflight movies: an Archos 704 pre-loaded with about 20 movies, some new, some old, and a pair of Bose noise-cancelling headphones. (The first picture shows Joyce navigating the Archos.)

The flight was smooth, the weather in LA was perfect -- sunny, about 60, and the hotel (Loews Santa Monica) is right on the beach. We walked over to the Santa Monica pier and boardwalk, where we saw the Iraq memorial, Arlington West, which is put up each Sunday by Veterans For Peace. The crosses and stars of David represent American soldiers who have died in Iraq, and the coffins represent the Americans who died in just the past week (13). (The red crosses represent 10 dead Americans because the space necessary to set up 3,988 crosses was taking up too much of the Santa Monica beach.)

For those who have not visited Santa Monica, it is one of the most delightful places on the California coast, with a very wide beach, a sinuous running trail, volleyball nets, etc.

We have a full day in Santa Monica tomorrow because our flight to Tahiti departs at midnight, arriving in Papeete at 8 a.m.

3 comments:

Ariel said...

You guys look like you are having a lot of fun!!! Tahiti does look beautiful! and that roller coaster seems right up my alley! OH! I got my license today! Hope you guys comment back soon, I'll check the site regularly! <3 Ariel

Deb said...

Hi Dad,

We wanted you to know that Ariel is now a licensed driver. Insurance went up by $1800 per year. She picked up Phoebe at Terramar tonight. Hope you are enjoying Tahiti!

Love, Deb

joycee said...

congrats arie! do not use your cell phone when driving pls! we love you and will send pics fro, tahiti tomorrow when we get to papeete. here we have a very slow french computer but yes this island is right up your alley. stqrt sqving your bqbysitting money and you too xill fall in love with moorea!
love gumpee and joycee