Blog Archives - Comfortable Nomad

Lessons from a Dancing Child

5/14/2014

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The cold weather across the United States even affected California this year and Spring was welcomed by residents in West Los Angeles. With temperatures dropping to 50 degrees in the evening, the warmer weather has resurrected the beach lifestyle and melancholy mood of Southern Californians. Vibrant, light and playful colors again fill up the landscape and people of Santa Monica.

A mother and her children enjoy the return of sunny, weekend days by soaking up the refreshing rays and ocean breeze of Santa Monica State Beach. The pictures capture the essence of blissful, beach living and the dancing child in the images triggers memories of dog day afternoons. The Santa Monica Pier in the background is a landmark for those familiar with California and a symbol of ocean life for others.

The first clear and hots (90 plus degrees) days in May this year brought large crowds to the beaches and reminded Los Angeles not to take the sunny hours for granted. Traffic to beach towns along the Santa Monica Basin is bumper to bumper and beach cruisers fill up the bike paths from Pacific Palisades to Manhattan Beach. A carefree melody again fills the air, at least for those fortunate enough to hear it.

Austin: America's New Youthful Traveler's City

5/11/2014

AUSTIN, Texas — The best of both worlds is the way to describe Austin, Texas. Music, love of city and growth are the commonalities that keep the energy of the city alive. Home to the University of Texas Longhorns and capital of nation’s largest state, Austin may be every yuppie’s dream town.

The liberal and carefree spirit of college, the loving conservatism of the South and a rich blend of art and music are among the qualities that make the town of Austin so appealing and pleasant. Barriers and issues of political ideology, race, sexuality and gender do not exist because no one demographic is overwhelming and the optimism of the city binds everyone together.

The fastest growing city in America from 2000 to 2006 and as many as 150 people relocate there a day. A political scene fueled by the capital, a booming economy from a plethora of recent graduates and a nightlife filled with live music and closed down streets should make the city a consideration for all young and singles.

The river runs like a dragon through the city and provides the perfect backdrop for kite flying, picnic lunches and water sports. A bikers and runners path follows the river and a pedestrian bridge links the two sides of the city. Congress Avenue and the 6th Street District makeup the cityscape and quench any dining, shopping or entertainment thirst. A condensed downtown makes walking and alternative transportation favorable.

Texas mega-cities Dallas, Houston and San Antonio may cast shadows over Austin, but Texas is better enjoyed in the shade.