one more cup of coffee for the road

[zyzyly]

I'm in Temecula, which is a little town in the hills east of San Diego. Arlina's cousin lives here, and I brought her parents down for a visit. We endured the worst traffic of my life yesterday--four hours from LA to here. I don't know what I was thinking about when I planned to hit LA in mid afternoon.

this is what it looked like, the whole way. ugh!

I was crabby when we arrived, and mumbling "never again" over and over. But little and big nieces have the perfect antidote for crabbiness, and it was so good to see everyone again. Shrimp fettuccine and bruschetta doesn't hurt either.

These are the folks who were living in Italy when Arlina and I were there a few years ago. The same ones who provided me the italian coffee I have been drinking for the past 6 months. I ran out, but they still have a stash.

I woke up this morning and was served a wonderful cup of espresso and belgian waffles with peaches and cream. They even have the little espresso spoons I have been pining for. I managed to refrain from pocketing one, but only with great effort.

I am leaving Arlina's folks here for a few days while I head back down to the LA area to see friends and family. I guess this is the start of my journeying.

Comments

[filmsacramento.livejournal.com]

Part of me actually misses LA. Am I sick, or what?

[myasma.livejournal.com]

It has that gravitational pull. I remember flying away from here, leaving everything I owned, just to get away, but crying as I watched it recede. LA and I have always had a love-hate relationship.

[filmsacramento.livejournal.com]

I find it completley fascinating. Sort of like a dystopian nightmare. And yet, you're right, it does have that magnetic pull. I could never live there again, but a rather large part of me wants to spend some time documenting it in photographs.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

oh, i hate backed-up traffic. the dc beltway is like that at times. feh.

but the coffee! dio mio. thanks for the description, and the photo.

may the rest of your journey be free of bumper-to-bumper traffic!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I spent another three hours in traffic today, but again, had something good at the other end.

It does make me rethink this whole roadtrip thing, though.

[ex-angeldove677.livejournal.com]

That picture is so inviting!

Maybe not espresso for me but I always love a good cup of coffee, something milder and sweet like capuccino.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

Just add some milk and sugar, and there you are!

[ilea.livejournal.com]

I want to see the rest of that table.

[iluvdaphne.livejournal.com]

me too..maybe when you come back to pick them up ;)

good journey

[myasma.livejournal.com]

oh yeah--I have to pick them up!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I'll try and remember--the chairs too.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

that cup looks delicioso, Mike!~paul

[myasma.livejournal.com]

It was a wonderful cup, made even better by sipping it as I spent time with family. Interestingly enough, one of my favorite moments in italy was sipping espresso in a little plaza one evening with the same folks.

[annabellissima.livejournal.com]

God Bless and may your travels be very safe and free from danger, dear traveler.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

thank you, thank you!

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

the journey begins...... safe travels friend! xoxo

[myasma.livejournal.com]

ahh the journey--let us see where it leads.

[niquildrvr.livejournal.com]

Safe and fruitful travels to you. I don't quite remember how I got to your journal, but I've been touched by your candor in your loss and amazed by your photographs. Thank you for sharing.

[bravencrazy.livejournal.com]

OMG, it's the 405!!!!!!!!!

I never thought I'd get excited, or feel an intense longing, from looking at a picture of the 405 in its natural state (gridlocked).

I'm on the other end of the 10 freeway, in Florida. At least once daily, I fantasize about getting on the 10 West and not stopping until I'm just south of where your picture was taken.

[sweet-memories.livejournal.com]

if you would have taken to 60 you would have visited me! =)