01-11-2024 Entry

Went for a shorter early morning walk around the neighborhood before driving over to Oceanside with Ann to catch the train up to LA.  The Amtrak train was delayed because of a trespasser on the tracks (so we heard), so we ended up boarding a Metrolink train to Laguna Niguel and then switching to another Metrolink train into LA Union Station.  The train ride up was interesting, pretty on the first half, which took us mainly along the coast.  The second half was through more industrial areas, and that was also fascinating in its own way.  Union Station, and the LA Metro system, was somewhat depressing, we saw a fair amount of people down on their luck during the day in LA.  We went to the Grand Central Market, taking the Metro B Red line.  There wasn't so much to see there, and we weren't quite ready for lunch, so we took the Metro back to Union Station, then walked past Olvera St and into Chinatown for lunch.  Lunch was pretty good for me, Ann's wasn't quite as good.  I was worried that we wouldn't find a restaurant with vegetarian options, but this one had some choices.  After lunch, we walked to a DASH stop and then took it over to the Broad Museum, which is in the LA cultural center: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, etc.  Entered the museum a little bit before our scheduled time.  The Broads were world-class collectors of post-WW II modern art, including works by: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns.  Lots of really large artwork, some of it quite intricate.  The visit was memorable and enjoyable, including a short visit to an infinity mirror room.  Afterwards, we walked back over to Grand Central Market for ice cream, and then had a drink and a snack at a bar on Hill St serving happy hour.  Then it was back to Union Station to catch our return train, this time getting on Amtrak and the trip going smoothly and more quickly than the outbound trains.