Many tourists visiting Santa Monica are surprised that there are so many homeless people on the streets of this city. It is quite unexpected to see these unfortunate individuals amidst the wealth that surrounds them. I am not the one to offer solutions or comments, just making an observation that I have heard from many tourists and visitors. I visit Santa Monica almost on a weekly basis and have never had any problems or issues or whatever … just don’t be surprised.

We would not have noticed Java & Joe if our accommodations were not in the vicinity. To get into town, we would pass by this small coffee shop and it was only natural to try it out too. The space is large and has a small shop in one corner. There are several tables strewn about. There is a great coffee aroma in the entire place. We had a vanilla late and a regular coffee. Both were excellent. A great find. Not too pricey either. Check it out when in Ojai. It is on Matilija Street just a few steps from the main Ojai Arcade area …

Java & Joe
323 E Matilija St Ste 105
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-3138

I am sure that the restaurant owner purposely named it Mucho which resembles Michi, a most popular Manhattan Beach restaurant destination for years. Kind of clever, I would say. Now to more important matters at hand : I have gotten word that this restaurant is excellent, like really really good top notch. Must try it out soon. Perhaps as soon as in the next few days. In the meantime you can find them at the address below.

MUCHO ULTIMA MEXICANA
903 MANHATTAN AVE
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266

T 310.374.4422
F 310.374.4402
http://www.muchomb.com/

A friend of ours brought us a full Pear and Almond Tart from Le Pain Du Jour French Bakery yesterday. It was soooo delicious. Perfectly sweet, moist, crunchy, buttery, pear-y, almond-y, you name it. I could not stop eating it. I must visit this bakery ASAP. They are located near the Pico/Lincoln intersection in Santa Monica.

Le Pain Du Jour Inc
828 Pico Blvd Ste 2
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-4870

I recently tried the coffee served at the The Healthy Bean Coffee shop. The name did intrigue me and that’s why I stopped. I thought that the name was just an advertising ploy, but actually they do try to serve healthier coffee apart from it also being an advertising ploy. The Torrance store is the second store, after the original West Hollywood location. Here is a blurb from their web site www.thehealthybean.com which describes it a bit.

The Healthy Bean coffee enhances the antioxidants already found in coffee, many of which are lost during roasting. In a patented process, this organic and Fair-Trade certified coffee is infused with low-lactose whey protein and antioxidant compounds from pomegranate, blueberry, grape seed and green tea to create a truly revolutionary beverage. The Healthy Bean’s antioxidants are sourced from the highest quality laboratories in the nutraceutical industry.

The coffee itself was good, though nothing out of the ordinary. I am curious to see how this concept will pan out. For some reason I think that there is a market out there for healthy coffee. Here is their Torrance address:

The Healthy Bean Coffee
23211 Hawthorne Boulevard, #100,
Torrance, CA 90505

They have a coupon for 20% off One Drink, any size on their site so check it out.

Since SeeTheGlobe.com has posted some cool articles provided by the Vienna and Zurich Tourism offices dealing with the 2008 UEFA Euro Championship it is only natural to post the TV schedule for this competition. Here it is from ESPN.

UEFA EURO 2008 Championship TV Schedule for the US from ESPN

Cool!

I like going to the Landmark Theater on Pico (10850 West Pico at Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). It has unique movies, not always the mainstream ones which is great. Last two times I went though, the picture was blurry during projection. I complained both times to the staff but nothing was done about it. One can tell if they tried to adjust the sharpness if they really did try anything. I wonder if others have noticed this. It basically ruins the movie. When I have mentioned this to friends they agreed. I wonder if someone will do anything to fix this.

A while back I stumbled upon Crema Dolce in South Redondo. I used to stop by the Coffee Cartel to hang out at times. Then, a gelato place opened next door. Naturally I had to try it. It was good. Actually really good. I love home made ice cream places (and gelato) and this is one of the rare establishments in the South Bay that has home made (tasting) gelato. They also serve ice cream but it is not home made (go figure). They have many flavors. My favorite ones are always the chocolate batches like “death by chocolate” or “double belgian”. I like Nutella too, as the Coconut and Pineapple. The gelatos are tasty, creamy, with rich flavors. Prices start around three dollars for a single up to “whatever you want”. Service is always friendly. We have been coming here for a few years and will continue to do so in the future …. The only issue I have with Cream Dolce is the lack of a nice seating area. The one on the premises is very narrow. You can always sit outside though at one of the Coffee Cartel tables. What we often do is take our gelato and walk down to the water’s edge and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pacific … Sweet stuff !!!

Their web site is homemadegelato.com and it is unique to say the least. Get ready for an explosion of size an color.

Crema Dolce
1820 S Catalina Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 944-3773

Fiesta Hermosa is a happy event. The main downtown area streets are closed off and booths set up. Many artists are present with their crafts, many organizations, there are plenty of food stalls and live musical entertainment does not stop. All of this is also right by the beach. Many people visit this festival making parking challenging at times. One option is to park at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach.

We walked around today and looked around. A very positive vibe was present everywhere. Our favorite booth was from a company that makes metal sculptures of dessert plants. Most impressive with its size, look and the sheer idea. We got a coffee and a treat while walking around.

Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce puts on Fiesta Hermosa and they call it the ”largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California”. OK. I like this event. It is put on every Memorial and Labor Day. Check it outl.
More info at the official site: Fiesta Hermosa

I was grabbing a coffee at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel and saw a bunch of, what looked like, business cards laid next to the cashier counter. Here is what they say:

Jetset Sundays
Pool party
2-7pm every Sunday through Labor Day
Starting May 25

Live DJs and dancing. Poolside or swimwear attire. Unlimited grilled and vegetarian selections and ice cream treats. $15 per person

I do find it interesting , that’s why I am mentioning it. For a relaxing Sunday, if you are staying at the hotel or in the vicinity or if you do not have a pool and want to chill a bit poolside - why not?

As it turns out, both are proper. Traveler is used in the USA and Traveller in the UK. So it does not matter what you are, a traveler or a traveller, just go out there and travel … or something like that ….:!:

Pinkberry started the frozen yoghurt craze in Southern California. Copycats soon followed. Around town you can find an entire plethora of frozen yogurt locales that play off the “berry” theme. Nowhere is this more evident than in Koreatown. We drove down Western Avenue the other day and were amazed and amused by their names. Every mini strip mall has its own frozen yogurt shop. Here are some names:

Kiwiberri
Berri Good
Iceberry
Cake & Berry
Snowberry
Yogurberry
Berry Nutty

awesome … here are some I made up …. MangoBerry, OrangeBerry, Berrymeter, HairyBerry, FairyBerry, MerryBerry (this one rocks)

It would be cool to take an excursion down Western and try them all. Make a rating list or something. I am sure that some must be really good … So, next time you are in Koreatown in LA get a berry something frozen yogurt ;)

I think that all articles that pose this question are completely superficial. Gas is around four dollars per gallon now and YES, that does affect everyone’s travel plans. Now, articles that tell you how to save are a completely different thing. That’s always helpful.

How to Arrive in Tuscany: Flights

* Florence Airport (FLR)
* Pisa International Airport (PSA)

Suggested Itineraries and Tuscany Bike Tours, have a look to have an idea on what to visit and time required.

From Florence to Pisa - A 8 days self guided biking in Tuscany from April to October

Program - Km 252

* Day 1: Individual arrival in Florence
* Day 2: Florence – Passo dei Pecorai 32 km
* Day 3: Passo dei Pecorai – Radda in Chianti 41 km
* Day 4: Radda in Chianti – Siena 40 km
* Day 5: Siena – Colle Val d’Elsa 41 km
* Day 6: Colle Val d’Elsa – Volterra 40 km
* Day 7: Volterra – Pontedera by bike and Pontedera – Pisa by train 58 km
* Day 8: after breakfast end of the tour

Florence, Siena, Pisa - A 8 days biking tours in tuscany available from April to October

Program - Km 252

* Day 1: Florence
* Day 2: Florence – Passo dei Pecorai - 32 km
* Day 3: Passo dei Pecorai – Radda in Chianti - 41 km
* Day 4: Radda in Chianti - Siena - 40 km
* Day 5: Siena – Colle Val d’Elsa - 41 km
* Day 6: Colle Val d’Elsa - Volterra - 40 km
* Day 7: Volterra - Pisa - 58 km
* Day 8: Pisa

Florence, Siena, Florence in mtb - A 8 days/ 7 nights mountain bike holiday in Tuscany from April to October

Program - Km 204

* Day 1: Florence
* Day 2: Tavernelle – Badia Passignano – Passo dei Pecorai - 28 km
* Day 3: Passo dei Pecorai – Radda in Chianti - 36 km
* Day 4: Radda in Chianti - Siena - 39 km
* Day 5: Siena – Colle Val d’Elsa - 34 km
* Day 6: Colle Val d’Elsa –Certaldo 32 km
* Day 7: Certaldo - Tavernelle 35 km
* Day 8: Florence

Travel Guide Basics

Tuscany has two very diverse faces - the art cities such as Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa on one hand, and the countryside on the other. The small towns, villages, castles, villas and vineyards of Tuscany make a welcome change from the traffic and noise of some of the larger Tuscan cities.

* Weather
* Official Region Site http://www.intoscana.it/

How to Move Around

By Bus
Within Tuscany, bus service between towns is conducted primarily by two private companies, Tra-In and Lazzi.
Lazzi Eurolines (Via Mercante 2, Florence. 055/363041. www.lazzi.it). Tra-In (Statale 73, Levante 23, Due Ponti, Siena. 0577/204111).

By Boat
Passenger and car ferries link the Tuscan islands with the mainland. From Piombino, Moby Lines sails to Portoferraio on Elba. Toremar, which provides ferry service between Piombino and Elba’s main ports, also offers service to the smaller islands: from Livorno to Capraia; from Piombino to Pianosa; and from Porto Santo Stefano to Giglio. Prices can differ drastically, so comparison shop before buying your tickets. Reserve your seat ahead of time during in the peak season months of July and August.

Moby Lines (Nuova Stazione Marittima, Piombino. 0565/221212. www.mobylines.it). Toremar (Nuova Stazione Marittima, Piombino. 0565/31100. Porto Mediceo, Livorno. 0586/896113. Piazzale A. Candi, Porto Santo Stefano. 0564/810803. www.toremar.it).

By Car
Renting a car is the best way to see the destinations west of Florence, as many of them are not on train lines or are served by buses that run sporadically. The A1 connects Florence to Prato; for Pistoia, Montecatini, and Lucca, follow signs for Firenze Nord, which connects to the A11.

For Empoli, Pisa, and hill towns west, take the FI-PI-LI superstrada from Scandicci (just outside Florence). the A12 will take you from near Pisa along the Versilian coast to La Spezia, entryway to the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre itself is impractical for car travel because of the narrow roads and lack of parking (although better access and parking are available at the northern and southern towns of Monterosso al Mare and Riomaggiore); from La Spezia you can take the train, which is the main means of access to the area.

* Official Region Site: Transportation

Attractions

Ballooning over Tuscany: What better way to see Europe’s most famous countryside than floating lazily over the olive- and vine-covered hillsides in a hot-air balloon with a champagne breakfast? Many outfits offer this indulgent pastime. Rates start around 200€ ($260) for a sunrise 1 1/2-hour flight (champagne included). Contact Ballooning in Tuscany at tel. 0577-725-517 (fax 0577-725-519; www.ballooningintuscany.com).

Museo Zoologico la Specola (Florence): As if a 19th-century natural history museum full of glass cases displaying stuffed specimens from all species around the world weren’t enough, you’ve also got room after room of well-crafted late-18th-century wax models of human beings in just about every stage of dissection imaginable. These models are medical study aids from the days before genuine corpses for gross anatomy were available in every med school.

Museo Stibbert (Florence): This former private museum of an eccentric Scottish-Italian is made up of the general clutter of more than 50,000 random items and a huge collection of armor from all eras and world cultures, including an entire regiment of armored mannequins.

Prehistoric Lunigiana Statue-Stele (Pontrémoli): These mysterious tombstone-shaped statues were carved over a 3,000-year period starting about 3000 B.C. by an extraordinarily long-lived cult isolated in the Lunigiana. Some of the abstracted figures bear a suggestive resemblance to how ancient Roman historians described Celtic warriors from Gaul.

Etruscan “Sunken Roads” (Maremma): No one is quite sure why the Etruscans of the Maremma carved a network of passages, some more than 20m (66 ft.) deep, into the tufa surrounding Pitigliano, Sorano, and Sovana. Many stretches of the Via Cave have survived the millennia, and you can follow them sometimes up to a kilometer (2/3 mile) in what are kind of open-air cave tunnels.

…more

Downtown Ventura has been going through a major makeover over the past several years. A modest area originally, now it boasts funky stores, cool cafe shops, trendy restaurants and artsy galleries. Every time we visit we are surprised by the expansion and rejuvenation. This past weekend’s quick stroll was no different. Parking can still be found for free (who knows how long) in the vicinity. We walked up and down Main Street, stopped by several galleries and had coffee at Palermo (Palermo, 321 E Main St, Ventura, CA, (805) 643-3070). Many people were out in teh streets enjoying the fine day. Cool place and worth paying a visit to … I still cannot get enough of the City of San Buenaventura City Hall building (historic courthouse). It amazes me every time. Such a stunning structure.