Pasadena/Arcadia - The First 24

Greetings Folks,

So many of you to update, much easier for me to write once here and post the link.

As some of you know, after a long employment hiatus (since 3/31/2011), I've secured a new contract job in Pasadena - I start this Monday, 8/29/11.

Quite the relocation from Richmond to Pasadena, and one fraught with difficulties due to financial status/background - so while I'm working through it, in order to work, so I can work through working it out :), I've taken up temporary residence at an extended stay hotel in Arcadia (a few miles East of Pasadena - easy bus ride). I landed here late yesterday afternoon, so this post marks about 24 hours.

As part of my own initiation (complete neophyte) to the L.A. area, I've promised myself to go scouting and take lots of pictures, and in that spirit, I'm starting close to "home" - here are some pics of the actual hotel and room I'm calling my "residence" for at least a few weeks while I look for more permanent digs.

This is a view of the hotel from its own parking lot - early morning (about 7:00) - note the sun is up on the mountains to the North (I believe the "San Gabriel" range) in the background. It's also about 75 degrees F, by the way - predicted high today 98:

Here's a pic of the same hotel right just before dawn (too lazy right now to crop or balance these, BTW):

Here we are walking into my room's front (only) door:

Here's a view of the kitchenette from the middle of the room - full size fridge! Yay! Mini-microwave and 2 burner stove, sink, and counter space not bad for a tiny studio. The toaster & coffee maker are both provided, as are enough plates, bowls, cups and flatware for exactly 2 people:

This is looking from the middle of the room toward the bath (kitchen out of view to the left). Nice little desk but no drawers (fortunately there's an ample chest of drawers you'll see further on):

Mid-room again looking toward the corner opposite the kitchenette - the curtained window provides a stunning view of the parking lot (meh). Note the armchair and divan (or whatever Martha Stuart calls those) - quite comfy, and for someone who is capable of sleeping on trains, and even buses, a probable occasional alternative to the bed:

Here's a shot of the clothing rack area opposite corner from the bath - looking along the wall (left) that has the window. One item worth noting is the air conditioner in the foreground - a truly essential piece of equipment here. Also notice the chest with the TV (sadly) BOLTED to it - I'd remove it and stick it in a corner out of the way otherwise. They do have "Showtime", so maybe I'll watch a movie sometime (or maybe not). They do allow pets here, but you have to register them and they can't be too big - I don't think my fuzzy snake (I could never think of a good name for him - want to help?), Sparkle, my pony on the TV, or Blue (the little eh "pink" dog on the right below Sparkle - nobody believes me - he got washed!) count. I'll be getting more clothes (and hangers!!!) in a UPS box promised Monday:

Here's a better shot of the chest, with Sparkle and Blue - also a small table & chair (kitchenette on the right) where I put my laptop and - oh look - it's my fuzzy snake coiled up there! Well, what can we expect from a snake?:

Here's my actual view (see my stylish slippers?) of the whole arrangement from the cushy chair by the window. I didn't take any pics in the bath, as it's not very exciting - it does does have all the essentials, including a tub/shower combo, and pretty roomy full-wall vanity.

That's it - those are my digs for now, anyway. I did check the most important feature the moment I arrived here - the WiFi (which is free) - not super fast, but faster than some, and seems reliable so far. Biggest deal is Skype likes it so I can make phone calls with my Bluetooth and be dirt cheap. :)

The most major event today (Saturday) was tackling my first grocery shopping expedition (remember, I don't drive). I asked the front desk where the nearest big grocery chain store was, and they gave me some Google map directions (driving, of course) - I got the address off that and Googled it myself for BUS directions, and found the already familiar 187 goes straight there (well, as straight as buses go) - so I grabbed my traveling satchel (you can see it on the floor in the clothing area above) and my rather lengthy list of bare bones essentials for a week of living in and packing a lunch to work, and headed for the bus stop. It was already quite warm at about 9:00, and quite the task to keep my weight and space count down so I could carry that thing back! I managed it though, and just managed to miss the first bus back, so had to wait 1/2 hour in the (ahem) nice warm sunshine (I'd say it was 90F or better), for the very happily air-conditioned bus. After a very warm walk home from the bus I began my recuperation. :)

I'll try to post more pics of the area as I get them. I'm told these high temps are "rare" for this (Pasadena) area, so if it cools off, I'll definitely be out more.