Back in September 2019, our friend’s Bryan and Valerie invited us on an afternoon of yachting that they won in a charity auction. Our friend’s Greg and Susan were also invited. The six of us definitely equal trouble!

I’ve been on many different types of boats, but this was my first time on a yacht.

It was a warm, early fall day in Long Beach, California, where we set off from the marina for a three hour tour. You’re welcome for getting the Gilligan’s Island theme stuck in your head!

Our vessel was the Connemara.

I don’t remember the names of the two co-captains/ co-owners, but they were very welcoming and even prepared a picnic style lunch for us. Sub sandwiches for the win!

We sailed past the iconic Queen Mary, which I have had the pleasure of visiting many times. It’s truly a historic landmark in Los Angeles.

Here we all are enjoying the salty air and sparkling sunshine.

A few shots of the yacht, including the interiors.

Our day was lovely and relaxing, until the wind picked up and the yacht leaned so dramatically that I was certain that we were going to capsize.

We did not capsize, but it was tense for about twenty minutes.

We headed back as the sun was starting to set.

Back at the marina.

We ended our day with cocktails at the Shoreline Yacht Club, which is for exclusive use by members of the club, so it was a special experience to be guests of our captains. The drinks were strong and we drank too many!

We had a beautiful day on the ocean. A big thanks to Val and Bryan for including us in this experience. It was a bit extra special, because just over a month later, we would move to Colorado, far away from my beloved Pacific Ocean.

Grand Central Market is an iconic landmark, and a must-do when visiting Downtown Los Angeles.

Built in 1917, Grand Central Market is located on the ground floor of Homer Laughlin Building, right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The market is comprised of vendors, mostly food, representing the many cultures that call Los Angeles home.

Entering the market is a feast for the senses. The clashing fragrances assault your nose, and the visuals of neon signs and displays of food are dizzying. It’s crowded, loud, and exciting.

The biggest dilemma is figuring out where to direct your limited stomach space. Ideally, if you’re staying in Downtown Los Angeles, you’d make multiple visits Grand Central Market, trying different stalls each time. Initially, I wanted to try Egg Slut, one of the trendier vendors, but I was in the mood for Mexican food, and grabbed a carne asada burrito at Ana Maria. It was delicious. If you live outside of Los Angeles, trying Mexican food in California is a vacation must.

My dessert was a scoop of coffee ice cream from McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream. I was thrilled to see McConnell’s at Grand Central Market. It’s original location is in Santa Barbara, and having their ice cream immediately takes me back to sunny vacation along the coast.

Directly across from Grand Central Market is one of the most famous Los Angeles Landmarks: Angel’s Flight.

Angel’s Flight is a funicular that was built in 1901, and ran until 1969, when it was dismantled to make way for a new development. However, the parts were saved, and Angel’s Flight was reconstructed on a new site in the mid-90’s. It ran off and on, closing for years at a time due to safety concerns.

This was my first time actually riding it!

Costing only a dollar per ride, I caught the train going up to the top of Bunker Hill. I had the train to myself, and I was giddy with excitement over having a chance to finally ride on the historic Angel’s Flight. During the short, steep ride, I thought about my parent’s riding Angel’s Flight during their childhood in Los Angeles. To ride Angel’s Flight is like stepping back in time.

Coming soon, I continue my Los Angeles journey with a trip to The Broad.

Yachting Adventure!

Grand Central Market and Angel's Flight