LA 산타모니카 해변

After work, it's time to hit the beach.

It seems summer has extended its stay in LA. The day was clear and sunny although it was temporarily interrupted by sea fog in the afternoon. I was told it rarely rains in California as its climate is that of a desert.

It is always a rejuvenating experience to be at the beach.

Santa Monica Beach, LA. End of trail but start of paradise.

Pacific Coast Highway (below), a thousand km long road that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Ocean. No word to describe.

치킨먹고갈래?

One night before leaving San Francisco I had Korean chicken for dinner. It is as authentic as it can be because the outlet is run fully by Korean Americans. I ordered 10-pieces garlic soy sauce "Gangjung" old school Korean crispy chicken and it proved to be an excellent choice.

A cozy, informal restaurant serving quick, home-style Korean-American street food

The question of the day: Korean fried chicken or Gangjung chicken?

Garlic soy sauce "Gangjung" chicken glazed in layer of sweet and tangy sauce

Left San Francisco. Sunset at Bakersfield today.

클램 차우더

I am back at Pier 39 for its clam chowder. If you ask how it tastes? 엄지척! (thumb up) but I did not gobble down the sourdough bread bowl that came with it. The soup is thick and creamy and comes with handsome serving of clam meat. The mild sour taste of sourdough bread helps to enrich the flavor of the soup. The bread crest is firm enough to hold the soup well without risk of making a mess.

Pier 39 is a very crowded place. In order to find a seat, I need to go at an "awkward" time, i.e. a time too late for lunch and too early for dinner.

At Pier 39, you can enjoy both sea view and city view

I am back for you, clam chowder

Price of clam chowder is $8.99 before tax

Clam chowder, a must-try if you visit Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf

눈부신 햇빛

I enjoyed a day filled with California sunshine but the day was neither hot nor warm; it was windy and chilly. The clear and high blue sky of autumn made everything pops. This kind of day is perfect for sightseeing.

My day started at the busy Ferry Building Marketplace, took a break to watch sun-basking Californian sea lions at Pier 39 and ended at the Golden Gate Bridge. There was a lot of walking but probably not enough to burn away the 900 calories from the "World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae" I had earlier at Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Alcatraz Island across Pier 39

Californian sea lion-watching crowd at Pier 39

Vintage F-line streetcars at the Fisherman's Wharf

An idyllic day filled with California sunshine

A coffee truck by the sea

Clear blue sky of early autumn at the Yacht Harbor

Sunset at North Pacific Ocean

Finally, the Golden Gate Bridge