Zoom Zoom...

Since living in Southern California, Kyle and I have been chipping away at a "list" of must-do activities in this area. Our "list" is actually more of a verbalized creation of fun ideas that we either hear about or discover through casual research. As travelers at heart, we enjoy approaching our everyday lives with the same wonder that comes from foreign experiences. That said, yesterday Kyle and I checked off an item that has been a lingering thought for some time. In route, we ventured down to Santa Monica for the big REI sale. I had my sights on a new bike, as I have decided to commute to work in a more environmentally friendly manner. After hours of shopping and deliberation, I selected my new green machine (see middle photo above). To celebrate the purchase and to finally accomplish one of our Californian goals, we rode along the infamous bike path from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. Along the way we saw lots of scantily clad individuals, eccentric performers and vendors, and funky art. We even happened upon an adult jungle gym on the beach where people were swinging on monkey bars/rings, walking tight ropes, and swirling hula-hoops. The most striking part of the experience, however, was being around all of the active individuals who were either running, roller blading, or biking. Interestingly, it appears that numerous people are clued into what it means to internalize the notion that is quoted on my new bicycle, "Bikes are freedom." Cheers to the inventors of a fabulous machine and to those who exercise their freedom of movement!