Sunday started off pretty normal; except for the fact that the first game began at 10am. We agreed to meet a friend of ours at a bar called Happy Ending, near the heart of Hollywood. Unbeknownst to us, the place was a New York themed establishment. The bartender wore his lucky Giants jersey and Big Apple memorabilia littered the walls. One might expect that a Boston fan might dislike the New York homage, but I spent a great deal of time in New York so I felt right at home. (The environment brought back some great memories!)
The New York Football Giants killed the lowly Falcons and which made the faithful more jubilant. It was a great environment to watch the game and we were well prepped for the main event. To our amazement, there were several other Broncos fans in the building and a healthy number of Steelers fans.
The game started off stupendously and the Great Tim Tebow led his team to an early lead. We had some light banter with the Steel City fandom which created for a more enjoyable experience. With the Broncos leading at the half by a score of 20 to 6, I was disappointed to watch the biggest Steelers fan of them all, walk out in disgust! (This guy needs to get a lesson in “gotta support the team!”)
I don’t have to remind everyone about the details; yesterday’s epic playoff victory will go down in history. We will all remember where we were when we saw Tebow Time enter into the post season. I’m not sure where we will watch next weekend’s games, but two of the waitresses are originally from Green Bay and they both promised to wear their jerseys for the big game against the Giants. It definitely should be a great atmosphere!
After the game which ended around five o’clock, locally, we headed for a cookout! (LA is an amazing place to live!) We ended up meeting some great people through one of @EFifdalgo12’s connections and they welcomed us to their home in East Los Angeles. I’m sure many people have their own thoughts about East Los, but we have nothing but positive things to say about the people and the area; we can’t wait to go back!
There was one major hiccup. We planned on buying some alcohol before arriving; we don’t like to show up empty handed. The first liquor store we entered was an experience we’ll never forget. The woman behind the counter notified us that she no longer sold alcoholic beverages. We were definitely shocked, but there was another liquor store directly across the street, so we assumed the competition got the better of her.
We entered and suffered the same fate; there was absolutely zero alcohol in the store. We called the house and explained our situation. In an effort to welcome us to the city, Leo was understanding and suggested that we bring soda. Showing up to a cookout with a couple bottles of soda is not our style, but we had very little choice in matter.
Apparently, there was a crackdown on liquor stores which operated outside of the law and the host, Carlos, was well aware of the situation. Thankfully, we were saved from embarrassment, and the next time we’ll purchase the liquor prior to arriving in East Los!
Carlos and his family were gracious and welcoming. We truly feel as if we are home! Obviously, no city will be able to replace Boston, but LA is definitely going to be where we plan on living for the foreseeable future.
I would have to say that the highlight of the night came towards the end of the evening. We explained that we are die hard Broncos fans and the guys listened attentively to our explanations for why we are all about the Mile High Ponies. They also admired our courage to just pick up and move across the country. Carlos shook his head and said the following, “I think it’s great that you guys flew out here and are trying to pursue your dreams; most people would be scared. I understand why you guys are here, but there is one thing that continues to baffle me. I get the whole explanation about being kids and hating the Patriots, but I just can’t understand why you guys like the Broncos. And I don’t think I will ever understand; it just doesn’t make any sense!” (Leo and Carlos are both Raiders fans; a fact that we definitely enjoyed!)
Los Angeles has its challenges, but for the most part, the people are friendly, helpful, and down to earth. I get the whole superficial stereotype, but we simply haven’t come across those types of people. Tomorrow is another day, and I can’t wait to wake up to a completely new experience!
By the way, getting up at 8am Pacific Time is the easiest thing ever. (I hope I am able to stay on Eastern Standard Time, forever!)
**We definitely had the AC on blast in the car, today!**
@PeteTeix617
Wacky Pete's Wicked & Wonderful Words of Wis-dumb 
Sounds like a good time!
It has definitely been fun!