+ minty fresh

We took a long walk on Saturday to the end of Venice Beach, first swinging by to check out the Annenberg Community Beach House at the top of Santa Monica Beach. 5 hours later, I had a burnt red nose and crazily exhausted feet to show for it.


On the way, we came across this apartment block hued with a delightful minty green. I love the beach, mid-century modern American-ness of it all.


Then at Ocean Avenue, just before descending the steps down the bluff, we chanced upon Barbie looking kinda seedy, maybe sleeping off a big night out on the town?


The pool at the Beach House was my reason for the visit. What a shame it's not open year round (it's not even open every day of the week during the season either!) because it just looks so inviting.






A squadron of kites was impressively handled by one man.


I finally got to see Venice's Muscle Beach in action. Forget the muscles though, will you look at those short shorts!!


This photo cost me a dollar (generously paid by Benj)

+ Main Street

Main St is less tourist-orientated than the Third St Promenade precinct of Santa Monica, but still a nice walkable area (especially from the apartment). There are decent cafes, some boutiques and a whole bunch of council buildings.


Like City Hall.


And the Civic Auditorium.


This lovely art deco mural was rather unfortunately painted over in parts with white paint. What a shame. Also, a large mobile home was inconveniently parked in front of it so I couldn't take a wider shot.


I don't know if this is the real deal from the movie, but the store window it was sitting in suggests it could be. It was kept company by an array of vintage tin toys and novelties.


Main St is also an easy distance to the beach.


By the end of the shops in the drag, I found myself on the border of Venice and Santa Monica, though I didn't venture any further south. If cheap, crappy trinkets and airbrushed artworks of reggae artists are your thing, look no further!


These ladies caught my eye though.