Backpack

Like Cliff, Backpack happily escaped the cold to welcome in the New Year in sunny Southern California. However, as his travel usually involves heading to another country he felt slightly confused upon finding himself still in the United States after a long flight on a United 777 (his airplane of choice to Europe). To remedy the situation Backpack decided to look for the foreign in Los Angeles.


His first stop was Olvera Street, the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles. He took the Metro Gold Line from Pasadena to Union Station (contrary to popular belief there is public transportation in the LA area…and some people even walk), and crossed the street into a bit of Mexico in LA.


Backpack wandered around the colorful marketplace and plaza, and took a peek inside Avila Adobe, the oldest house in Los Angeles. The sight of all the Mexican food made him rather hungry, but as the restaurants were crowded he decided to wait and indulge in Mexican food at Señor Fish, just a short walk from where he was staying in Pasadena. He greatly enjoyed his big glass of horchata and a very yummy vegetarian sope (he has yet to find a decent sope in DC…if anybody knows of a place please let him know!).


Having gotten his taste of Mexico, Backpack decided to take further advantage of the city’s diversity and get in some German culture. He thus made his way to the Alpine Village in Torrance, where he wandered the shops in search of German Christmas decorations and accessories.


Of course the highlight of any trip to the Alpine Village is the grocery store, which is stocked with German treats and has a great bakery. Backpack tried to be good, but couldn’t resist a fresh poppy seed Kranz, which he devoured rather quickly. What can he say, he likes his carbs, and calories don’t count on vacation anyway.