Well, my home exchange in Long Beach is over for this year.

Despite one earthquake, torrential storms on Christmas day, mudslides and a terrible head cold which began on the second day of my trip (resulting in almost total loss of my voice for two days), I did manage to see:

San Diego Wild Animal Park
Norton Simon Museum
San Gabriel Mission
San Juan de Capistrano Mission
Universal Studios
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Museum of Latin American Art (Long Beach)
Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Buffalo Bill Wild West Show (yes, it was kitchy, but I had a half price coupon; this attraction is now closed)
Whale Watch out of LB harbor (OK, no whales were spotted but we did see a few sunbathing sealions and got a great view of or both the LB and San Pedro port complexes).
A lovely dinner at The Golden Truffle in Costa Mesa courtesy of someone I have met through the AOL boards).

A lovely evening at "Cirque Dreams" at the Cerritos Center courtesy of the same someone.

"A Christmas Carol" at the LB Theater courtesy of my home exchangers terrific neighbors--who came racing to see if I was OK after the high rise condo building swayed in the earthquake. Fortunately, I was elsewhere and did not feel anything.

In my spare time I drove around the areas that are on the ocean and poked around Dana Point. Friends and neighbors also took me to see Christmas lights in various locations. Some were really something. On New Year's Eve I got treated to an early dinner (because we are all getting too old to stay up until midnight) at an Italian place in Naples (Sorry, I did not write the name down). I then went to a party at some other neighbors and, when I finally pooped out, had to set my alarm for 12:15am to get up and watch the fireworks set up in LB harbor--which I could see out my living room window! I then went back to bed.

Please note that I have been to Southern California before, which does account from the absence of the Getty Museum and Disney on the list--among other things.

Best thing about this exchange: We are probably doing it again next year. This is getting to be a regular gig. My home exchange family has grandchildren near me which accounts for their interest in Washington and I can always use a change of scenery--the essence of any vacation. So, why not? Next year the Rose Parade and San Diego Zoo are topping the list!

Great trip!

Sounds like wonderful time, Lauren! I'm glad you enjoyed our beautiful state! ***kim***

Nice to see you on fodors, kimamom. Thanks for the positive feedback.

Southern California is always a good place for a trip. I could have skipped the cold I picked up though. I am hoping for better luck next year.

Some other sights for your consideration are:
Festival of lights boat Parade in Newport Harbor .....many crowds but worth it.

Sherman Gardens N.B.
Rogers Gardens (particularly at night) N.B.
Joan Irvine art gallery N.B.
Bowers museum Santa Ana
Performing Arts center Orange county
Walt Disney concert Hall L.A.
Bslboa Island (very quaint shops) N.B.

Lauren, I was going to ask you if you saw the WD Concert Hall. When we were in Astoria, we were fortunate enough to see the Portland group Pink Martini at the Liberty Theatre.

I saw on their schedule that they were performing on New Year's Eve at the WD Concert Hall in LA. They were amazing!!

Did anyone out there go to that performance? ***kim***

I never got to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Kimamom. That is on the list for next year.

I arrived too late for the Newport boat parade but my friends did take me around that area and I saw some wonderful Christmas lights. I saw some "trees" of lights in the water--which was really nice!

Was this home exchange organized by a company, or was it somethng you did yourself? I've often thought of doing this and wonder what exchange company to use, and how they compare. Thanks.

The home exchange was done through listings in either Homelink or Intervac. I list with both and never pay attention to where the people got my name from.

I have gotten an occasional swap within the US from the net. They generally result when people ask questions. My first question is always: Where do you live? Ha!

I have been involved in home exchange since 1990. I am now branching out to elderhostel trips as well. I have one planned to Russia in 2004 and a cruise to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands in 2005. Those are places where I would probably not get a home exchange.

If you have specific questions about home exchange, please email me directly.