L.A.~ Freeway~

I had the lovely opportunity to visit L.A. to be with my girl friends. I don't mind L.A. per se - I lived in San Diego for a few years, and learned to appreciate the culture and vibrancy that L.A. offers, but visiting - without wheels - is a big hamper. Sekusu Roba's song always comes to mind.

No mind. I got picked up at the airport by Yuka. I ate a solid breakfast before boarding, but flying in the early a.m. just got to me. I got queasy, and actually had to get a baggie, and rush to the bathroom to, you know, get rid of what was in my tummy. So Yuka actually picked up a pretty green-faced queasy friend. Perfectly Yuka, she asked, "wanna go to a bath?" Perfectly me, albeit off kilter, I said, "sure!" even though I had little idea what she had in mind.

Wish I had pictures to show the loveliness we had for a mere 15 bucks. Leave it to awesome KoreaTown. Other than the rather odd roman/greek statues they randomly had around to I suppose make the place to feel fancy, it was down to earth, about feeling good and focusing on the body. Reminded me so much of the bath culture I grew up with in Japan. No zen-wannabe music or individual rooms for privacy. The main room had several large baths both hot and cold (must-have), a corner right in the bathing area where people got massages or あかすり treatments (no wikipedia page), meaning you could move from of a steam room directly onto a treatment bed. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get such treatments, but no matter; there was a room where you lay on mineral rock balls, a room where you could lie on mineral salt blobs, a steam room, a salt room, and a general yoga slash fall asleep room. All for a mere amazing $15 and so good for you!

And, since I arrived queasy, we sat at the food bar in our robes first so I could have spicy noodles and kimchi. It was perfectly what I needed, and such nourishment seems to be there so you can spend a full day there melting from room to room if you want.

BEST part was sitting in the tub/salt room/mineral bed/salt bed with Yuka, chit chatting and catching up. I texted Dav immediately upon leaving: "I'm having the BEST gal day ever!!" I keep getting distracted, but having time 100% with girlfriends is so lovely. Must keep it a tradition to gather.

Thereafter, the day just got better. I mentioned to Yuka that I rarely shop for clothes as it's just too much hassle, so wouldn't mind window-shopping if there was a close place. She took me to a lovely cute boutiquey place in Long Beach close to her home. Loved it and found 2 tops (50% off) and an amazing dress for less than $40 that fit me (which is a huge feat). Sorta sad to note that pretty much every store had huge sales just because of the times. But to get new clothes, I am quite pleased!

Went home to Yuka's to change for our fancy dinner at Koi that Ele arranged. Before leaving Yuka's, she gave me the most beautiful necklace. Loooooooovvvvvvveeeeee it!! Can you imagine being pampered like this? I got the bestest of friends. I LOVE Yuka. My only regret is that we haven't lived together since I sense we'd have a blast. That kind a friend : )

Big kudos to Yuka because Ele and I would not have been able to easily go to Koi without Yuka's driving. Frankly, although it was a trendy and an interesting scene, the food wasn't amazing. Nice all around, and fun to have gone, but I don't think much about stars and all that so I was more pleased about my Yuka & Ele company.

Oh yes, Ele! She's in L.A. because ...tadaaaaa!!...She is opening Love in Bloom, a beautiful boutique in Raleigh, NC. She's doing ALL - concept, designing store, buying clothes, everything. I want to be pregnant just to shop at her store. The more I talk to her, the more I am excited for her as this is her thing. Hard work, for sure, but she's in her element doing all the fashionable stuff that she's amazing at. I see peeks at what she's doing, and I have to say, it's one of those moments where I see someone doing what they love and are good at it. If we lived closer, I'd be asking her for fashion advice as she knows how to incorporate the individual's style in addition to her sense.

Sunday, I felt fashionable. Wasn't wearing anything special, but Ele took me to places that made me feel fashionable. We had fun!

p.s. I have to note that I missed Kari...but we have our 20th H.S. reunion coming up in S.F. so I know I'll see her soon. L.A. is just too big for quick visits!