If I had to pick one word for Day 4 of our LA trip, it would be: connection.
We kicked off the day with that quintessential Southern California experience — a morning at the Santa Monica Pier. The sun was out in all its glory, casting that dreamy golden filter over the Pacific. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing under the wooden pier, and the laughter of families on the rollercoaster instantly set the tone for a laid-back, feel-good morning.
We strolled past the street performers and candy-colored game booths, and watched the iconic Ferris wheel go round and round. My daughter was mesmerized by everything, and let’s be honest — I think I was, too.
But the real highlight came in the afternoon.
After months (honestly, too many months), we finally reunited with family right here in LA. It’s amazing how a simple hug after a long time can fill up all the empty spaces that phone calls and video chats just can’t. There’s something about sharing a meal in person, teasing each other, catching up on real life — it made this day unforgettable.
Another heartwarming moments of the day came from an unexpected place — a street performer at the pier. He was attempting the “hang bar challenge,” trying to hold onto a rotating bar for as long as possible to win a prize. We sat nearby enjoying our burgers, cheering him on. He didn’t just win — he turned the win into something special. Without missing a beat, he walked over our baby with a warm smile and invited her to choose which soft toy she would like for his prize. That simple, generous gesture touched us deeply. It was a reminder of how small moments can create lasting memories.
Next we switched gears — quite literally — and made our way to Rodeo Drive. It’s everything you expect it to be: palm-lined streets, luxurious storefronts, and that glitzy energy that makes you feel like you’re in a movie scene. While we weren’t exactly there for a shopping spree, it was fun to stroll through the fashion capital, window-shop some iconic brands, and snap a few photos pretending we belonged in a couture campaign.
One of the most unexpected and hilarious highlights at Rodeo Drive? My wife and her love affair with the plants — especially the succulents. While most people were drawn to the designer labels and luxury storefronts, she was out there marveling at the landscaping. “Look at this one!” she’d exclaim every few steps, crouching down to admire a perfectly arranged succulent or snapping close-up shots like she was curating a botanical coffee table book. It was like watching someone walk through a high-end plant gallery — totally in her element. Honestly, it added such a fun, personal twist to our Rodeo stroll, and we couldn’t stop laughing at how her “souvenirs” were just dozens of plant photos.
We all then headed to the Hollywood Walk of Fame together, and even though it’s one of the most touristy spots in LA, it had a different vibe this time around. Maybe it was the glow of the city lights reflecting off the stars on the sidewalk, or maybe it was just the joy of being surrounded by loved ones — but it felt magical. We were lucky to spot Mickey Mouse’s star and then of course my daughter went crazy at the Disney Store.
As we drove back, I kept thinking — LA gave us its best today. Not just the sights and sounds, but the warmth of people and the reminder of what really matters.
Kenrick Vaz 