Saturday, May 11, 2013 - Happy Mother's Day, Tomorrow

Woke up early to go to the Los Angeles Flower Market in downtown, Los Angeles. As you're driving down the streets of downtown, you can tell the hustle and bustle starts long before the sun rises as the sellers are setting up their stands, suppliers are dropping off their goods, the homeless are packing up their tents, and the street parking is already full. It's a stark contrast driving out of the lazy suburbs just 15 minutes away. Made it to the Flower Market at 6 a.m., right when doors open to the public. Admission for the public is $1. Street parking meters don't start till 8 a.m., so street parking is free until then.

 Los Angeles Flower Market entrance.

 Los Angeles Flower Market entrance. There are 2 separate buildings on either side of this street. People are transporting flowers back and forth between the two.

Workers transporting flowers.

Sold flowers wrapped up and placed on the street next to a trash can, waiting to be picked up.

Workers transporting flowers. Bacon dog and taco truck in the back.

Buyers with their flowers. Everyone on the street is walking around with their purchased flowers wrapped in newspaper.

Streets of downtown at 6:30 a.m.

 Streets of downtown at 6:30 a.m.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there. $30 for 4 dozen roses. Not bad.

 Headed out to Maragume Monzo for fresh udon noodles in J-town.

Mentaiko Squid Butter Udon