Brunch at Gjelina's - best food in the world! What is even better is spending time with Sarah, Jess and all their friends. It feels like I'm part of a big family here in Venice. The blueberry-buckwheat-ricotta pancakes with maple sirup was definitely #1 and I will work on duplicating that recipe. I also had an asparagus & smoked salmon soft scramble (had some green onions too) - delicious! Then a bike ride along the beach to Santa Monica for a shopping spree....

Experiencing Venice by bike! We rode to the beach and went swimming (definitely much colder than Clearwater beach!). The waves are high and strong. Tried to catch them and ride them with a boogie board, but will need a bit more practice... Stopped at Jess' favorite taco place. A hole in the wall with tasty, authentic Mexican food. Riding your bicycle is the way to get around here. Parking seems a nightmare and expensive! Biking is fast and fun.

Arriving late at the airport, Sarah took us to an amazing restaurant in her neighborhood, "Gjelina". Fresh food - better than home cooked (if there is such a thing...) and the deserts were out of this world! The restaurant is in walking distance from Sarah and Jess' cute little house. We needed that walk after all those calories!