Flatpack furniture

Six days into our new apartment, and the furniture has been assembled and everything unpacked. The area has a nice mix of shops, cafes and restaurants and we're looking forward to exploring.

I passed the California driving theory test this week, and have the 'behind the wheel' test next week, so fingers crossed for that everyone! Then we'll have to buy a car as soon as possible, as I return our hire car tomorrow. It's been my trusted companion for the last 6 weeks and I'll miss him!

Sunset beach

The hit show from the 1990s was actually filmed at 'Seal beach' down in Orange County. Pointless fact there for you.

Coming back to the highlight of this post, Richard and I enjoyed our own beach sunset yesterday. It's been 6 weeks since we arrived in LA, but the first time we ventured down to the beach to actually witness the sun setting. Definitely worth it as the photos show.

Loads of surfers testing their skills and tourists collecting their own holiday snapshots. It might have taken us 6 weeks to appreciate it, but I don't think we could ever take the view for granted.

Moving on

In a couple of weeks we move out of Marina Del Rey, into an apartment in West Los Angeles. I picked up the keys yesterday and we dropped off a few things today. It's considerably warmer in our new location than 3 miles down the road by the coast, but that's where the air conditioning helps :).

There is a lot of storage in the apartment which is ironic considering we don't have a lot of stuff! I'll have to remedy that...  The apartment also features a fireplace - inexplicably - so as nice as that is, it'll probably remain out of use.

Update: 4 August 2012

Well, it's been a busy week here for the Parkinsons. On Monday I met with the Director of Operations for a charity based in Santa Monica, helping children around the world. It's called 'Go Campaign' and they have a voluntary role as a website 'intern' which I've been accepted for. It will mean I can keep myself busy while the US government processes the form that gives me permission to work (for money). 

Lots of viewings this week, which culminated in us signing a lease for an apartment just off Santa Monica Boulevard, towards West Los Angeles. Pictures to follow!

A less exciting and more tiresome task involved us visiting the federal building in downtown Los Angeles to correct a mistake by US immigration in our passports.

Downtown LA is a strange place; a mix of people who are destitute, sleeping on the streets, with city workers from high profile banks going about their business. Quite shocking. Topped off by witnessing the SECOND man I've seen this week peeing on the street. Not in the corner, not next to a tree like a dog would, but bang in the middle of the 'sidewalk'. Gross.

Speaking of dogs, I didn't think there was a country more dog-mad than the UK, but the Americans have proven to trump us Brits even in that category. They're everywhere! People here are especially fond of their 'toy' dogs. Basically overgrown rats but less intelligent. I don't see the point in them myself, but each to their own.

We've been keeping up with Olympic news and coverage on NBC. But it's really annoying because NBC don't broadcast live events; they save them up until the evening when they know the viewing figures will be higher. It's caused quite a stir over here (critism from other broadcasters) but they deserve the criticism. And when they DO show the Olympic coverage it's all about the Americans, or "Will and Kate." I'm pretty sure "Will and Kate" have been shown more than Jessica Ennis, Chris Hoy or anyone who isn't American. Makes me mad!

Saying that, I wouldn't turn NBC down if they offered me a job. Just for the record. :)