Oceanside and Historic Los Angeles
Oceanside PierI can’t think of a better way to start the day than to walk by the beach with a soft breeze from the Pacific blowing through our hair and the warm sunshine all around us. It was an especially nice way to begin celebrating my birthday.
The Oceanside Pier is very near the Amtrak station and a fun place to go for breakfast is Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier. Although not exactly health food, Ruby’s offers great views and a hearty menu. Later we caught the Surfliner to LA where we got to see the ocean beaches that we missed on our way down the Coast.
Union Station in Los Angeles is just across the street from the Los Angeles Historic District. When you step on to Olvera Street, it’s like stepping into old Mexico or at least early California.
There are many small shops, arts and crafts booths and cafés surrounding the square near the old church, La Igleisia de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles (Church of Our Lady Queen of the Angels).
La Golindrina Cafe and Historic LandmarkWe arrived on the first day of Las Posadas. This is a Spanish Christmas tradition that was new to us. Las Posadas take place each night on the 9 days before Christmas. It is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph trying to find room at the Inn . A host business or home greets a procession of carolers carrying red poinsettias lead by couple dressed as Mary and Joseph.
The host as “the inn keeper” invites everyone in for a Christmas prayer, followed by a party with food, beverages and mariachi music. There is something for all ages. The children enjoy the raucous fun of bringing down brightly colored piñatas filled with candy. What a joyful celebration in anticipation of the Christ child’s birth. Apparently each night one of the restaurants or shops on Olvera Street hosts a Posada. We would have liked to stay to participate that night because everyone was invited, but our train was scheduled to leave.
Inside La Golindrina CafeStrolling musiciansWe did get a chance to have an early dinner at La Golindrina Café.
It is was the first Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles and is located W 17 Olvera Street in the first brick house that was built in LA. The authentic food, together with being serenaded by strolling musicians made this a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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