Sunday, 30 March 2014

Baby talk and earthquakes


Almost a year has passed since my last blog post, so I thought an update was needed. There’s been good reason for my absence...we’ve been busy welcoming our first baby into the world. Ananya arrived in November 2013 and is currently a curious 4-month-old and a joy to be with.

But enough about her...what have we been up to? Well, Richard and I enjoyed a belated honeymoon in Maui in April 2013. Maui was and is a wondrous place, filled with amazing beauty and stunning dramatic landscapes. I can't think of anywhere else on earth that can boast a volcano, windy scenic roads with black sand beaches and tropical waterfalls at nearly every turn. With the flight only 6 hours from LA, we had to go. The only problem is we now want to go back and explore the other islands of Hawaii.  

The summer of 2013 passed with a sultry ease. Being pregnant can seem like a long time but when you factor in doctors’ appointments, gathering everything you need and trying to mentally prepare for this momentous event, it flies by. Before you know it you’re counting down the days and regretting the spicy chick-pea curry you’re convinced brought on labour.

Yes, I spell it l-a-b-o-u-r. I’m sorry but I’m only getting to grips with calling a nappy a “diaper” and a cot a “crib.” I also take Ananya out in the buggy, but it’s a stroller here. LA is certainly not short of its yummy “mommy” brigade and I’ve been fortunate to meet some lovely fellow first-time-moms to share this experience with.

As I was home a lot, increasing in size and decreasing in mobility, I decided to take some creative writing courses online during the summer with the Gotham Writers' Workshop. I really enjoyed them and came away with a few short stories under my belt. I may share them on the blog sometime if I'm brave enough! And if anyone's actually reading...

Since Ananya’s arrival in November life has turned on its head. For those who know me and know about my love of routine, I’ve begun to adapt to a life where things don’t always follow a schedule. I think it was about time really...Embarking on parenthood with Richard has been the best thing we’ve ever done, and doing it out here has been a great experience. Getting used to Ananya’s dual citizenship will take longer. To remedy that we’re making sure she’s exposed to as many episodes of Eastenders and Rab C Nesbitt as possible...

We’ve also had to deal with the ever-present earthquake threat in California. There have been a few this past month which have made the news and woken us from sleep and rattled the apartment. It’s a very strange and helpless feeling, experiencing a ‘quake, and the sound of it is unmistakable. A low, groan and rumble that you can’t predict. If anything it’s keeping us on our toes.  

Until the next post, bye for now.

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

San Diego

Memorial Day weekend, May 25th. We set off down the coast to San Diego for the weekend. The city has a busy harbour and bustling downtown area with plenty of bars, restaurants and a holiday atmosphere. All within walking distance which makes it very different to Los Angeles.  Reminded us of Brighton...but bigger.

On Sunday we visited the very impressive San Diego Zoo. Featuring all the big stars of the animal kingdom and some unexpected ones too...

San Diego harbor and the USS Midway 
Tapirs at the San Diego Zoo

These hippos were enjoying their playtime


Leopard...taking it easy


Loved seeing this Orangutan so close up.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

Santa Monica's highest peak

In early March we hiked to the top of Sandstone Peak, which is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. At 3000 feet it's quite a view and not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo!






Windswept!




Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Stepping up the hikes

Two more fantastic blog entries to feast your eyes on. This time, hikes in Temescal and La Jolla Canyon. Featuring lizards, rocks shaped like skulls and even more stupendous views. The hiking bug has well and truly taken hold...

Temescal Canyon. 

A 5.5mile loop starting just off Sunset Blvd.

The trail was very busy, thankfully on the way down and not up. 

Lizards scurried across the trail path. This was one of the smaller ones.

The trail leads to 'Skull Rock' 

The view from beside the 'skull'

Looking down on Pacific Palisades

Skull Rock was eerie and magnificent
La Jolla Canyon 

This 6 mile loop trail starts further up the coastline, at the very western end of the Santa Monica Mountains. So different to Temescal Canyon, with wide grassy plains and very few hikers.

The trail took us through a cool and shady canyon

The mountains stretched far behind us

Grassy plains...we're a bit early for spring wildflower season so may go back sometime

Sweeping views of the ocean on our way back to the start