At the airport hub: People moved all around me. I couldn't help from staring. The diversity of ethnic backgrounds really hit me. There were Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, Caucasions, etc. People were waiting for local buses, private limos, shuttles, cars, etc. In LA, you could be a starbucks coffee toting Buddhist in traditional garb walking a poodle with silver studded black leather collar and you would perfectly fit in. I love LA.

( Not too long ago. When someone i.e Malaysian international student, an Australian student entertaining studying in US enlisted LA as the city they most coveted to see, I silently cringed. I cannot stand LA.)

But today. I love LA. Those words would come out of my mouth repeatedly.

Upon arrival at Venice beach. The guys playing B-Ball. The original Golds Gym. The realization no one is haggling me. No one even notices me. Girls in rollerblades. Corndogs. Cheeseburgers. Bling Bling flashing. The cool ocean breeze. The stretch of sand. Again, such a diversity of people enjoyin themselves.

During my first swim in the Pacific.

While watching the lifeguards as they do their tag team drills. Kayak. Swimmin. Rafting. Ripple of muscles and sinew cutting fluidly through the surf as the sun set.

At my first visit to a Kwik-ee mart where a line of people formed outside. (To celebrate the Simpsons movie, 30 7-11s were converted to Kwikee mart. Coincidentally, the one I went to were staffed by Indians).

And being greeted my a familiar face. A friend of the sea creatures and writer of scripts, I met not so long ago in Thailand. Ben turned out to be a pro bona fide host. Don't think you'll be reading this, but THANKS!