V is for Venice

The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles is obvious almost anywhere you look in Southern California.  It is something that I am still not tuned to. I move at a slower pace due to my laid back attitude which I got from growing up in Hawaii. Everyone moves at that speed there. There is just something about the island that gives off a feeling of relaxation and ease. So it is not a surprise that I find most comfort in the town of Venice, California. That is why V is for Venice.

Image courtesy of Salzano Photo

Venice first got on the map back in the 70's where the "Z-boys" first introduced the world to skateboarding. It was also brought up when "Muscle Beach" moved from the Santa Monica pier to Venice. Today, a stroll along the Venice beach boardwalk will provide you with people from many different walks of life as well as vendors selling any and everything one could imagine.

The part that I enjoy is the laid back, easy-going feel that Venice has. I reminds me a lot of Hawaii. I can walk along the boardwalk here and I'm moving at the same speed as many of the people. That doesn't happen when I'm on the streets of Beverly Hills. I get honked at for crossing the street too slow in a crosswalk (the self-important drivers of Beverly Hills are a whole other topic).

Image courtesy of Me

Some of my favorite places to visit are the canals which were created by the founder of the city of Venice to make the marshlands into residential areas. Before you get super environmental, this was way back in the late 1800's so he did not know. I also recommend coffee or tea from "The Cow's End". It is quite tasty and makes a perfect fit for any occasion.

Image courtesy of Me

Venice is quite a unique place to visit, especially in LA. I'm sure the same can be said for many of the little suburbs but I have yet to get the same feeling in any that I have been to. Perhaps it just comes down to walking speed, no where else that I have been to in California, do people walk at a pace I do. On the other hand though, perhaps this whole time, it is really just a fact of me moving at an extra slow pace.

Adventure: A Simple Walk

As with most days down in Southern California, the sun was shining and there were hardly any clouds in the sky. It would've been yet another fun morning to get in the water to catch some waves with one problem; it was between two swells. There were not much in the way of waves to be found without going a distance north or south. That did not deter me however as I still found my way outside to wander the canals of Venice.

Now before I get any hopes up, these are in no means the grand canals of Venice, Italy. But what the canals here lack in, well, everything, they make up for in convenience (being right here) and quietness. They only spread a few square blocks. But the way they are laid out makes for a nice little walk in the morning time.

After wondering around for about an hour I eventually trekked home. I had a smile on my face. I fresh air in my lungs. It was a wonderful day to start the weekend. It reminded me that not every adventure has to be big. You can have a great time just walking around your own neighborhood. It is all about how you take everything in. Keep a positive mind. Most importantly, enjoy yourself and have fun.