Dear Claire,

Hello from LA! As I write, it’s the Fourth of July and we’re gearing up to spend the afternoon and evening at Manhattan beach. Looking forward to picnicking; lots of red, white and blue; sunset over the Pacific Ocean and, of course, fireworks!

Highlights of our trip so far:

•   The Huntington Library. I couldn’t help but think of the two of you! The Ellesmere Chaucer, a first folio of Shakespeare, one of twelve Gutenberg Bibles printed on vellum, a first edition of Paradise Lost… amazing botanical gardens that seem to go on forever… and a lovely afternoon tea in the Rose Garden.

•   The Walt Disney Concert Hall – incredible architecture on the outside and a beautiful auditorium, which we were really fortunate to see as it’s not concert season and not usually open otherwise. If you are ever here I recommend a highly creative tour called Thought Experiments in F# Minor.

•   The Santa Monica Pier, with its national historic landmark carousel and solar powered Ferris wheel overlooking vast expanses of sand and sea.

•   The Warner Bros Studio Tour. Great fun to see the working back lots and sound stages, hold an Oscar, experience sound mixing, and sit in Sheldon’s spot on the newly opened set of The Big Bang Theory!

We haven’t yet managed to hob-nob with any celebrities, but you never know 😊

Much love,
Sam