For the second year in a row, I’ve been lucky enough to spend two weeks in California during the month of January. This time, I entered the country when Barack Obama was still the president, and left the country with the president being Donald Trump. Although the first trip was wonderful, this trip offered a lot that can’t be seen on a tour bus or paid for (very corny, but whatever).
On the 20th of January, my family and I had one day to travel through San Francisco. It was cold and raining and in hindsight I really should’ve worn an extra pair of socks. 
Anyway, knowing that it was the inauguration we expected protests. However, it was still an odd but thrilling feeling walking up the stairs from the underground San Francisco railway system to be confronted by a crowd of people chanting and yelling. I look back on it now and congratulate the timing of us arriving and the protest being in that exact spot considering the march had absconded further into the city 10 minutes later, leaving anyone just arriving unaware of what had just unfolded. Later on, The Golden Gate Bridge was joined by a cast of purple people walking across it in what was our second viewing of another protest against Trump. At its conclusion, whether it was thanking a camerawoman for filming the event or taking photos together, the protesters seemed excited and happy to be with each other. Which made me wonder what would happen if the world had outstanding political governments and there was no reason to
protest, how else would large groups of people bond together?
The afternoon concluded the protests in San Francisco, but there was still plenty of spirit (and Marijuana) in the air during our visit to the Haight-Ashbury area. For those of you who don’t know, this is the area where the entire hippie movement began and lingers due to numerous stores featuring psychedelic clothing. After raiding American Apparel, I visited a record store for the first time. It was also the first time I came within 10m of a Medical Marijuana counter which was conveniently placed out the front. Trying to keep within the theme of the neighbourhood, I purchased Odessey & Oracle by The Zombies, a record that was created in the 60s and well known for its signature psychedelic sound.
San Francisco was followed by Las Vegas and would be the second time I’ve visited the town without being old enough to gamble. Instead, I just spent my money on Shake Shack and New York style pizza.
The best thing about America is the synthesis of both astounding man made and natural places. Half an hour from the manufactured light parade was Red Rock Canyon. I’ve never been great with adjectives so I’m just going to let the photo’s show the beauty of this place.
Our final town to visit was Los Angeles, I spent my time here trying to be 60s California girl. Like the ones from Lana Del Rey’s music videos. I did okay at it, I made sure to wear my 60s mary janes 24/7 and keep my hair long and flowing. Hollywood’s architecture is photogenic, which is a sigh of relief really. I’d feel pretty bad for it if it couldn’t compete with the celebrities that inhabit the area. Like look at this photo:
My most treasured moment was getting to stand on the Academy Awards stage (you know the place where they announced the wrong best picture) during a tour I went on in the Dolby Theater. Disney Land was pretty cool too. I still haven’t managed to see any celebrities yet so I’ll be back soon. Until then,
Emily 😀
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