MARGOT, EDDY, AND THE SEA...( I I I )

They hadn't seen each other in years, and the long ride from the Airport to Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood, gave them a chance to catch up a bit on lost time.- Jose said that Marita was cooking Eddy's favorite dish: "Paella," and that both of them were very happy to have the opportunity to see him. You never been to L.A. before, have you? asked Jose. "No, this is my first time. I heard a lot about this city, though." Well, we'll try to show you some of the more interesting places. Three days is not much time, but we'll do our best. This city is huge, and the distances incredible. Some people have to drive sixty miles, one way, to work every day. But tonight, we'll eat, have some cold beer and stay home talking. We want to know what you've been up to, Eddy. Sounds good, Jose. Can't wait to taste Marita's Paella again.- By that time, Jose was parking in his designated spot, and as they walked toward the door, it opened and Marita came running to hug and kiss Eddy on the cheek in welcome,
talking non-stop.
Dinner was even better then expected, and they stayed up late talking and enjoying each other's company.

Next day, Jose didn't have any classes, so it was decided to give Eddy a general tour of L.A., starting with the Griffith Observatory, on a big hill near by; hill that is also home to the famous sign: "HOLLYWOOD".
Jose pointed out that a scene of the James Dean film "Rebel Without a Cause" had been filmed there. From the Observatory, they took Eddy to the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard and showed him all the foot prints in cement left there by Movie Stars; and the "Walk of Fame" on the sidewalk.
Santa Monica Beach and Wharf was next, and then next door to adjacent Venice - all kinds of entertainers performing in the street.
Going the opposite direction, Jose drove to Malibu, where dozens of Movie Star's mansions are located on the beach or on a hill across the highway, with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It was quite a tour and Eddy loved it! Back in L.A. they stopped at a Bar called "El Cholo" on Vermont Ave.(or Blvd.) well known for their Margarita Pitchers and sampled two of them. Marita, who drank very little, insisted on driving on the way home. Jose started to object, but she countered: "No sense in risking a DUI and spending the night in jail, Jose". That was enough for him to agree.

MARGOT, EDDY, AND THE SEA...( I I I )

Eddy checked out of the Hotel, and a few minutes before noon. he was on board the "Adventurer." He could see that the loading was not completely done, and went up on the Bridge to greet his good friend and Captain of the ship, Capt. Charles (Charlie) Seems.- Capt. Seems was a pleasant man that always treated everybody with respect and courtesy - but could be a very serious problem if crossed in any way. His friendly, good nature attitude was a coin with two sides; and the other side was a veritable, living nightmare for whoever crossed or disrespected him.- The Captain was 6'5" and tipped the scales at 350 lbs. of pure muscle.- Oh..! and to finish the picture, he held a Karate Black Belt.- Eddy was very glad and proud to be considered a close friend by Capt. Seems.

By three O'clock that afternoon, the loading was finished, and "The Coastal Adventurer" was on its way north. Eddy went down to the Engine Room to check everything and organize his crew into the three/eight hours shifts.-
It was an uneventful cruise back to the San Francisco Bay, where the freight was to be unloaded and transferred to other ships and modes of transportation, to reach its different destinations.- A new load awaited them also for their next trip south. Eddy - not having any role in the loading process - was planning on flying to Los Angeles for the two or three day expected furlough, and visit with a good friend he hadn't seen in years - Jose Marin - a very likeable fellow from Valencia, Spain.- Jose had asked him to visit and stay as his guest in his Apartment, just off Santa Mnica Boulevard; not too far from UCLA where he taught Spanish and Mathematics. He was married to Marita, also from Valencia. She was an eceptionally good cook, and her "Paella" was the best Eddy had ever tasted.- He put enough clothes for a couple of days and a shaving kit in a small carry-on bag and made arragements for transportation to the Airport. He called Jose with his flight information, and they agreed to meet at the Los Angeles Airport.
As Eddy walked into the waiting room of L.A.X., he could see Jose waiving at him with a big smile on his face.- Three days, Eddy thought: and couldn't help wondering what was Margot doing that very moment.