Pacific ocean: reached

Had a couple hours to kill before my flight, so I headed over to Santa Monica pier to set foot in the Pacific.  It felt cool and refreshing on my toes (OK, I was wearng waterproof Northface boots, but it was still nice).  Was surprised to find Santa Monica to be a sort of sleepy beach town - main street kinda reminded me of Shipbottom, NJ or something like that.  Big name, little town. 

Did I listen to Everclear's "Santa Monica" while walking along the beach toward Venice?  Did I order the Code Red??   You're damn right I did! 

Venice Beach is about as hip as it gets - the woman sitting next to me at the bar was a former New York real estate dealer who rented her Manhattan apartment by-the-week via internet - to pay for her to "just chill" in Santa Monica.  Not too shabby.  Unfortunately, rollerskate girl from Californication is nowhere to be found.  Speaking of hot girls and Californication, the whole endeavor of traveling and being in Santa Monica and alone really makes me miss Kassie.  If I were Hank Moody, I'd self-destructively chase some local tail to show her just how much I miss her. I, however, find myself facing the dualistic personal journey of distancing myself from Hank behaviorally, while vaguely pursuing the grand delusion of becoming him professionally - maybe.  For now I just have to figure out how to get to the airport.  

Thanks to Johnno for letting me crash and showing me a blast; also thanks to Shorty, Emilie, Ryan, Meg, Barry, and everyone else who made my stay in LA totally memorable.  Wanna come back soon.  Couple hours till my flight for Hong Kong.  Holy shit.