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Woke about 4 am but managed to get back to sleep. Had a good sleep. The bed was very comfortable and the room quiet. We decided not to have breakfast at the hotel but to go out exploring. After all the travel we needed to have a day at a slower pace.
We left the hotel at the olive street exit. Walking down some steps we saw the beautiful and ornate sitting area Very grand... Found the below ground car park at Pershing square which we are thinking of using instead of the $45 a day hotel one. This was $16 for twenty four hours. Much better and we could have a few cocktails with the saving.
We decided to find the Grand market which is situated on third street , one block away. This was in process of renovation so not so grand. There were some fruit sellers and some Mexican food sellers. We saw this long queue and found it was for an outlet called egg slut. What ever they were selling we were going to have some of it. I had the fairfax which was scrambled eggs with chives,caramelised onions,cheddar cheese and sriramha Mayo in a brioche bun. Yum yum. Martin had a slut. This was coddled egg on top a smooth potato purée cooked in a glass jar. Fresh orange juice and a side salad of arugula ( rocket) leaves finished the meal off. A breakfast to remember.
Weather is 87f, but slightly cloudy. The heat hits you out of the air conditioned buildings.
Needing to walk off breakfast made our way to the Walt Disney concert hall. . A building made of stainless steel and lots of angles. It was not open. Around the building lay coils and coils of electrical wire apparently filming is taking place on Sunday and Monday. How exciting.
We continued walking past the to be opened museum of contemporary art and the downtown financial area. Very quiet but quite a few homeless people milling around. We made our way to the jeweller district where you can buy lots of gold and knock off watches. Not much open. Found a seven eleven and got some water and fruit.
Needing a drink we stopped at a Mexican cafe and had some nice shakes. Very Latino atmosphere but food looked a bit dodgy.
Circled back to the hotel for a welcome coffee. Still only 12 noon.
Went for. Swim in the hole swimming pool. We ere the only one there. Availed ourselves of the sauna and the jacuzzi. Very luxurious.
Decided to go out again. Looked up a street called Oliver's street. This was the original oldest street in LA. Very Mexican. It was a little walk to it. The heat had not abated. Discovered that a festival was taking place as it was Mexican Independence Day. Lots of stalls selling Mexican food and trade stalls. There were entertainers and lots of music. The U.S. Army were there for recruitment but they also had stalls. Walking down the narrow Oliver's street there was the usual market tat except it was all Mexican. Lots of day of the dead stuff and brightly coloured jewellery.
Started to feel hungry and stopped at a Mexican restaurant. Had the largest margarita cocktail that was very strong but went down well. I am not too keen on Mexican food but tried enchiladas with refried beans, rice and a sauce. Martin had the same but with cheese. Did not like the beans but the meal was huge. We were also given free tacos with a spicy sauce. Large portions. We could not eat it all. Fuelled up we enjoyed the rest of the festival. Bizarrely picking up free sample of Colgate toothpaste, tea, clothes conditioner and men's deodorant. How the other half live!!! Martin also got a free tee shirt from a legal firm with Mexican writing on it. We felt quite local and a little bit Mexican.
Walking back we discovered the Last Bookshop. This had a unique interior and loads of books. Back to the hotel where we moved the car to Pershing square car park. Returned to hotel about 5 pm. Martin collapsed and at 8 we went to sleep. The time difference still catching up with us. A fabulous and diverse day that seems to last a very long time.
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