Santa Monica - The end of the Will Rogers Highway

At the end of Santa Monica Boulevard is a plaque which reads: "Will Rogers Highway, dedicated 1952 to Will Rogers, Humorist, World Traveller, Good Neighbour.  This Main Street of America, Highway 66 was the first road he travelled in a career that led him straight to the hearts of his countrymen."  This symbolises the end of the Mother Road.

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It was so special for me to visit the pier from where “Forrest Gump” was filmed.  Forrest Gump is my favourite movie of all times!  The beach front of Santa Monica is a hub of activity - strolling, running, cycling or just relaxing.  The trees are all imported and planted. 

We think Stephanus missed his true calling...

Stephanus quickly got the hang of the petrol pumps:  Get the pump number (in this case, number 6), then decide what you want to put in your vehicle, go to the Office, pay your money and go and fill up.
 

The air pump is self-service too.  To switch on the AIR, put $1.00 in the slot and Bob’s your uncle.  The funds are donated to help NEEDY CHILDREN.  What a good idea for South Africa.

Malibu

I expected Malibu to be a collage of Mansions, but that wasn't the case.  One sees many “normal” houses and lots of apartments.  On the hills, over -looking the beach, was where the mansions were. 

The beaches are very nice, but we prefer our South African “white” sand.  In our opinions, the Malibu beach sand appears grey.

The University of Malibu impressed me the most.  The sculpture, as a land mark, was visible long before you see the actual buildings.  Then there were the 2800 USA flags on the grass in memory of all the 9/11 victims.  That, according to the Americans, brought their nation together and made them a force to be reckoned with.  They have respect for their fellow Americans, their country and their flag.

Morro Bay

In Morro Bay we stayed at the Villager.  A beautiful and very friendly Indian girl checked us in.  The rooms were spacious and the toilets were sealed with a sterilized tap.  Stephanus was very impressed with that.  After coffee, Hans,  Stephanus and I, walked down to the beach where we saw SWEET SHOPS we have never seen before.  There were buckets of sweets, any shape or size.  I opted for the chilli ones.  Elly took a stroll and browsed each little shop.  The people here, seem very surprised to hear that we are from South Africa.
 

We all had drinks at different little Pubs.  At seven o' clock we met at the American Fisherman’s Restaurant.  We enjoyed their Fish and Chips with Red Cabbage (a strange combination, but very tasty).  In South Africa we have a saying: Magies vol, ogies toe (translated it means tummies full, eyes closed) so needless to say, the uphill climb back to our hotel was very challenging.  Eventually at the top and full of laughter and giggles we said Goodnight and tucked ourselves in.

Wine Tasting

How can one pass all these wonderful vineyards and not do a wine tasting, especially when there are two wine farmers in the group?  We stopped at Claiborne & Churchill.  The boys bought some wine at a hefty price.  One should not take any chances driving under the influence in the USA – not only do they arrest you, but they confiscate the vehicle too.