I keep wondering if I got my first taste for the west coast as a twenty-something, would I feel differently? The beaches, the sun, the ocean breezes may have out-weighed the infrastructure. The character of the best scenes may have outshone the indifference in between. I just wasn't feeling it.
As a vacation, LA was a great choice! Their family friendly and educational sites must be the top in the universe. It was a fun place for us and the kids. The food was always fresh. Tomatoes tasted like tomatoes, you know? The weather was beautiful (except for our day in Pasadena, where it was just HOT)
I would love to know what you think about LA? Love at first sight or did you take time to warm up?
PACKING UPDATE: Four shirts worked well for my husband for 7 days (three packed in the suitcase, one on the airplane). I shopped at Madewell on Day 2 or 3, so I was set. My green jeans looked TERRIBLE after the flight. They were baggy and wrinkled and no hand-washing could fix them, they needed a dryer. I did laundry in the tub four days in a row (each morning). I should have packed two sets of PJs for the boys - one set didn't last all week. Also, I forgot nail clippers (that was annoying) and ran out of baby wipes (bought more). Air Canada forgot to charge us $25 for our suitcase on the way, but charged us on the flight home. I didn't realize they have zero free baggage allowance. We will do two carry on suitcases (or two medium, carry-on-sized backpacks) next time plus a purse, diaper bag and camera bag. $50 is not a big deal, but hands-free (backpacks) beat wheely luggage, anyday! We also took two umbrella strollers and two car seats (no fee for baby equipment).
ps. We got back last Saturday.
pss. Seven days was an ok length (vs 9 days in Copenhagen last fall). We might try 5 or 6 days next time when traveling within North America. I would rather have five great days and return home to unwind, then add extra time and watch the boys self-destruct due to fatigue.
