Olvera Street

And yet again I return to Steinbeck's quote.  I couldn't control the blizzard the Southwest Chief hit in the southwest, and the three hour delay which was a consequence of said blizzard thwarted my plans to put my feet in the Pacific. While on the train in Cali, I found the need to improvise.  Following the suggestion of several other travelers, I decided to hit up Olvera Street. 

I did not write the following information.  It's copied and pasted from http://www.olvera-street.com/html/olvera_street.html.  The site gives a nice, though at times syntactically awkward, summary of what one will find when visiting Olvera Street.  I have supplemented the site's info with a bit of my own commentary.

Olvera Street is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, otherwise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument.  The colorful village features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican style plaza area. Wander around the marketplace and shop for souvenirs including handcrafted Mexican wares typical of old Mexico. There are also free docent tours by Las Angelitas.
Stroll through this beautiful street and stop for the popular taquitos or tacos at the outdoor cafes. Olvera Street also offers a variety of traditional authentic Mexican cuisine, with delicious enchiladas, mole and other native dishes.  

For lunch, I ate at El Paseo Inn. Thanks to the gorgeous weather, I was able to dine on the outside patio...in a t-shirt.  When the waiter came up for my order, I asked him his favorite thing on the menu.  He said the sopes with beef.  So, that's what I ordered which gave him a chuckle.  I also ordered a margarita before 2PM on a Tuesday.  I was on vacation, after all. 

On weekends you can enjoy outdoor entertainment by strolling bollero musicians, Mariachis music and performances by Aztec Indians and folkloric dancing.   

While on Olvera Street, I enjoyed the music of a couple of mariachi bands, even have video of one of them!  Just you wait.

The original pueblo was built by the 44 settlers of Los Angeles in 1781.  (For more information please visit History, Fiestas to find out about our event schedule). Today Olvera Street is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the City of Angels, located right across the street from Union Station, La Placita Church and one block from Chinatown. 

Olvera Street was a great impromptu adventure!  I bought a ton of earrings and postcards, drank a margarita in an authentic Mexican restaurant, and saw the most beautiful church.......that's not a very valid statement, FYI.  I've only been inside like four churches in my lifetime.  It was gorgeous, though.  Honest. 

Before I wrap this post up, I want to give a quick shout out to Los Angeles who escorted me to Olvera Street.  Also, when I had questions about what signs said or the jewelry that I was looking at, he acted as my translator.  Gracias, LA, for helping this gringa navigate the language barrier.  I now realize I really need/want to learn Spanish.

P.S. Please enjoy the music while your party (i.e. me) writes her next post.