I then went to see a little bit of familiar Paris while I was around:

just happened to see a segment during TV news showing how much work is left

apparently it will still take at least 2 years to fix

By now, I had seen most major museums in Paris, but while walking around, I did stop by Choco Story:

Until next time...

I had limited time the first day after arriving, so I started by seeing whatever exhibits the new church was showing now, usually journalism pictures (they rotate often).

Next, I went to Madame Tussaud Amsterdam (on its own page, click for the report)

Next, I took a train north to see some of my cousins who were nice enough to invite me for dinner:

The next morning, I went to Zandvoort to spend the next 4 days for Luminosity Beach Festival.

After it was over, I came back to Amsterdam on monday morning, and since I had a day to burn and most museums were closed on mondays, I went to the Botanical Gardens and Artis Zoo Complex.

After being rained out, I spent the rest of the day at Ripley's Believe It Or Not, which wasn't stellar, but beat the rain outside:

And that was it, it wasn't a very long trip in Amsterdam, but nice to see a few things and family each time.

Long Beach/San Pedro has lots of shipping ports:

I was a bit jealous of Thomas, he played the game right and got the full self driving beta for his tesla:

We started with the Wayfarer's Chapel, which has a very interesting architecture and a great view:

We then went around Point Vincente and its interpretative center:

Next was white point, and the former Nike Missile launch center:

After that, a few more things nearby like a small marine rehabilitation center:

A beautiful park with view of the ocean and a lovely Korean Friendship Bell:

In the same place, was another unexpected fine, Fort Mac Arthur used to be a mostly concealed fort that could launch shells at any incoming attacking boat during WWII, and could reach all the way to Catalina.177*

impressive range, for shells

big cannons

full generators to run off-grid

and a full phone system to reach all the departments

The same area had some of its buildings used by train modellers, this was not on the itinerary, but we figured why not? :)

another building had smaller n scale

The rest of the early afternoon was spent at Point Fermin Park:

After that, it was time to check in my hotel and go to Dreamstate Harbor. Thanks to Thomas for meeting me and spending the morning with me.

The next day, I did go to check out the small Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which was fun.