Los Angeles- Day 2

Los Angeles- Day 2

After all the farmers markets we’ve been to, we would like to think we are some what close to being experts on the subjects. The Santa Monica Farmers Market was definitely one of the best markets we have been to in all our travels. There were blocks of vendors with every kind of fresh fruit or vegetable you could want. We always enjoy meeting workers and locals and hearing their stories or causes they are supporting.

We met some women volunteering their time for UNHCR and raising awareness about the need for more aid for refugee services. We made friends with local farmers and exchanged samples for the juiciest plums and the plumpest peaches I’ve ever eaten. We stayed for hours before the vendors  began taking down their stands and packing up what was left of their offerings.

We walked over to the Santa Monica Pier where the ferris wheel loomed above the masses of people enjoying the ocean. Fishermen fished off the side of the pier while young girls cleaned and prepared the fish at various sink stations dotting the boardwalk. We gave samples to artist as they sculpted the faces of children or painted pictures of families. We walked down to the beach and stuck our feet in the ocean before gathering up our things and heading to Venice Beach.

There was such a contrast between the two beaches it was hard to believe we were only a few miles down the coastline. The sidewalk was overflowing with teenagers, tourists, and young adults walking in every direction. Every three feet there was a different artist or table decked out in jewelry. There were paintings, sculptures, and random shoes displayed and priced to sell. It was easy to engage the countless spectators walking by taking in the sights. Store owners came out of their shops to ask us if they could have more samples and curious customers asked about our product. We walked along the boardwalk chatting as the sun set over the ocean at Venice Beach.