Sleep

Yesterday I spent ten hours packed like a sardine into this flying bus...sitting, wayyyyyy at the back. I'm very tired, and though I slept most of the day, I'm heading back to dreamland after this post.

I stayed at this place in Santa Monica. It's right on Ocean Drive, and I could see the pier from my window. The hotel has some history, and was interesting and friendly. The art decco style reminded me of South Beach, and its location was hard to beat.

Across the street there's a sort of park area, and beyond that, a bridge over the road running along the beach. Yesterday morning, before heading to the airport, I had a brief walk around, and was astonished by what I saw. They say Santa Monica is the "home of the homeless". In the space of half an hour, and maybe 500 meters, I took these pictures....not all were homeless, but most looked like they were..........the pics match my present state of mind....

Not all the pics came out, so I've missed out a few, but you get the idea. Remember, I was walking around a place that is RICH, RICH, RICH! There were plenty of rollerblades and silicone flying past as I clicked away.

According to the National Coalition of Homeles Veterans, 23% of the homeless population are US military veterens: 67% of them served for three or more years; 45% of homeless veterens suffer from mental illness,and more than half have substance abuse problems.

Just before I left for the airport, I saw an interesting, saddening exhibit on the beach, which seemed rather poigniant given the stats above. I'll post what I saw tomorrow.

Goodnight everyone

Terry