Monday 29 November 2010

Hour of Power

It was time to tick off another item on the things-we've-never-managed-to-do-in-LA list with a visit to the Crystal Cathedral.  The last time we made it here it was deserted thanks to the strange sight of water falling from the Orange County sky.  This time, although the wind huffed and puffed, it did not threaten to blow this house of glass and steel down.

We arrived just as the afternoon service was emptying out and so decided to look round the visitors' centre while we waited for the area to clear.  You don't want to be approached by any scary Christians in a place like this.  The centre turned out to be a large gift shop and a cafe, so after perusing some fabulous Christmas tat we wandered back over to the main building.

We had missed our opportunity!  With a quick walk around the reflective edifice we discovered that none of the doors had any handles on the outside.  Inside an army of cleaners was at work, and no one was going to let us in.  A cathedral that locks people out, with a gift shop that stays open longer than it does?  Hmmm.  Even Gen (mildly atheistic in the way the South Pole is mildly chilly) was shocked.

There was nothing for it but to seek out the best barbecue food the OC has to offer at Johnny Rebs' - fried green tomatoes, pulled pork, and chicken fried steak.  Real soul food.


It looks nice from the outside.  Still waiting to see if the inside is as impressive...


Frankie's spiritual education begins!  And ends.


Jesus, actually walking on the water this time.


It's all about convenience.


James enjoys a small pre-dinner drink.


So does Hannah.


Unripe tomatoes.  Fried.  With bacon bits added.