Chicken and Waffles and Marijuana, Oh My!

First, a clarification.  As I searched to see if a Gallup wound up in any of the paparazzi photos of Mr. Clooney, I learned that his unknown date was, indeed, his on-again/off-again girlfriend Stacy Keibler.  Far more amusing?  His dinner companions were Cindy Crawford and her husband :)  When we first arrived, and I took my first glimpse at the guests in the courtyard, I thought to myself, "that's Cindy Crawford."  I can think of no better testament to the power of Clooney that once I saw him, I completely stopped thinking about the three people with whom he was dining.

Alas (and THANK GOD!) we were not in the photo, though I'm amazed at the poor quality of the photos I found.  Four photographers clicking nonstop, and the few published so far all leave something to be desired.  Of course, that could be because members of my clan have managed to ruin all the others! ;)

So, yesterday we awoke, said goodbye to the best digs we'd have during our vacation, had brunch at the apparently famous and incredibly popular Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles, where Daniel ordered the "Obama Special."  Watch the clip here - http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/  - to better appreciate that choice.  Since it was just a half block from our LA residence, we were able to see the long lines of people outside at all hours.  Michelle would have been proud of the moderation we all showed, as we daintily ate just a portion of our waffles and what is some of the best chicken we've ever had.

Then it was off to Grauman's Chinese Theatre for some good old-fashioned sightseeing.  While Maddie was initially reluctant to give in to her inner tourist, she got into the spirit, as she stepped into the footprints of George Clooney, Will Smith, the cast of Star Trek and Harry Potter, and Robert Downey, Jr.  We also took to the spot where one is able to get the best photo of the Hollywood sign and enjoyed the overall nuttiness of the area.  As Dana put it, it's California's Times Square, with all the good and bad that suggests.

Maddie tries on Emma Watson's handprints for size

Jules and Vincent wonder what Jack Sparrow is up to

Next stop: Venice Beach.  Ever since I saw White Men Can't Jump - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdacW9XDUz0 - ignore the few curse words for what is an otherwise very funny scene), I have wanted to visit Venice Beach.  It didn't disappoint.  Two basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, and an outdoor "Muscle Gym" stretch out on one side (between the beach and the boardwalk), while shops, food stands, and medical marijuana "clinics" (where a "medical evaluation" can be given instantly) stretch out on the other side of the boardwalk.  We only spent an hour exploring the boardwalk, as parking is at a premium, an hour the maximum allowed in a metered spot, and we weren't about to get another parking ticket!  Still, that was time enough to see the ample color present there.
 

Medical evaluation, anyone?

After Venice Beach, we were on our way to San Diego, our home for the next three days.  We somehow managed to initially drive to the wrong hotel (the Solamar, rather than the Palomar, both Kimpton properties) - once we'd cleared up the confusion, we were pleased to find ourselves right in the heart of the Gaslamp district, which was hopping last night.  After walking up and down a bustling 5th Avenue, we finally settled on Urban Bar and Grill for a late dinner and enjoyed live music and good food.   We're now ready to trade in the creatures of LA for the creatures in the San Diego zoo.  Expect lots of photos of cute animals in the next day or so.