In August, we, Gitiim, Matidi, and I, spent six days touring sites in, and around, Los Angeles.  For mother and daughter, it was a home coming, of sorts, returning to this city where we used to live, some 30 years ago. The timing of our trip coincided with the celebration of my 80th birthday.

Apart from the definite highlight of our trip—doing Sunday brunch with long-time friend, Geri Robinson, who, like us, is a former New Yorker and Manhattanite—we wanted to revisit and give a nod to old haunts, and to things we used to love doing, like Saturday brunch at The Rose Cafe, in Venice, and driving along the coast to the beach cities, as far south as Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, where, on a Saturday afternoon, we’d go to browse and shop. And, yes, we ended up, pretty much, covering everything on our must-see/must-do list.

Gitiim was the designated photographer on this trip, and her beautiful shots inspired the creation of this new gallery, and related sub-galleries!

A View from The Rose

After Saturday brunch at The Rose.

…with pepperoni, mozzarella, oregano, chili honey.

…with sweet and bitter lettuces, salami, provolone, green olives, pepperoncini, red onion, pistachio, red wine vinaigrette.

Almond milk and vanilla over ice, and topped with cinnamon.

30 years ago, it was The Rose Cafè.

Sunday at Cerritos Sculpture Garden.

In 2006, the City of Cerritos dedicated the sculpture garden to the community for its 50th anniversary.

“Infinity” by Cliff Garten, “Mirage” by Ted Schaal

“Dancer” – by Lyle London

One of a set of four sculptures in the collection, “The Elements” – by Jane DeDecker.

“Flame” – by artist Lyle London

“Statue of Freedom” – Sculpted by Michael Maiden

— El Porto Beach, in Manhattan Beach, CA

View of the Pacific Ocean from a street in Manhattan Beach.

Your classic Porsche. Sunday cruising in Marina Del Rey, CA

Us, at Seal Beach, in CA.

Traffic jam leaving LAX.

Gitiim pointing to the “Hollywood” sign in the distance. Griffth Park, Los Angeles, CA

— Seal Beach, CA

…at Burnside Avenue and 6th Street (near La Brea Ave.) in Los Angeles, CA

On North La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles.

…Book Store and Library.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard.

Restored movie palace on Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, CA

Hollywood, CA

Posted above the entrance to The Museum of Selfies.

Matidi at Burger Lounge in Sepulveda (CA). Great burgers!

In Old Pasadena (CA)

The Crack Shack in Old Pasadena.

The Crack Shack in Old Pasadena serves, what else? Chicken!

On Santa Anita Street, in the San Gabriel Mission area. San Gabriel, CA.