From an aerial view of about 30,000 feet over the western half of the US, miles and endless miles of wasteland is visible through the airplane window. As you grow closer towards the San Andreas fault, this barren dessert soon instantly becomes a home to a sea of civilization known as Los Angeles California.
I had not been to California since I was about 7 years old. We were living in El Paso, Texas at the time and we took the family truckster for the 800 mile distance to the city of Ventura, CA. While we were there, we would visit family, go to the beach, and go to Disneyland and Universal Studios. I remember the crabs and the many shapes and sizes of starfish from the sunny beach of the west coast, the Matterhorn was my first roller coaster and I remember just how fake Jaws looked up close and in person.
Over 40 years later, I now have had the opportunity to return. It was for somewhat of a limited stay but the beloved family that was hosting us made sure that we saw as much as possible in that short amount of time. We saw many places and shot photos of numerous things such as Capital Records, the well known Hollywood sign which overlooks the city, and saw a lovely sunset at the Santa Monica Pier. There were however, a few experiences that really stood out for me as favorites. Some of which may possibly be overlooked by tourists.
Westfield
Visiting a shopping mall isn't necessarily on my
priority list when I travel from out of town.
I was happy to learn that Westfield locations are also in Los Angeles and even better, within walking distance from the home of my beloved family!
It had been a day of sightseeing and adventure and we were cooling our heels for a while back home. Laurel was working on her Anime drawings and it was very quiet at home. After a while, I began to feel a little restless as there was more of LA to see right outside my window. I put a little groove in my step as I made my way through the swanky area of Century City. I was proud just to take in the moment to celebrate the fact that I had intentionally made the choice to be free from all worries and on go on a vacation. Regardless of the sacrifice, it felt amazing!
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though you are in a "room without a roof." It is really no different than the malls
we have here at home with that exception... Well, in actuality that is the concept of this particular location. Since there is very little rain in Los Angeles, it is possible to have a roofless shopping mall. In doing so, it is also possible to chill on hammocks located around the premises and walk your dog. It was also where I was able to have a taste the local culture of the city. Luckily, my timing was good in this capacity. It just so happened that there was a promotional event for Hendrick Scottish Gin. The floral themed promotion was for a new variety called Midsummer Solstice infused with floral essence (read this of the bottle.) Here I was met with a beautiful marketing display, fresh flowers to take home and was followed by a walking human garden. Westwood Village
It would be our big day before our plane for Tokyo would go airborne for a sleepy time flight at 1:00am the next morning. Before the chaos of this evening to follow, we were in the need for a visit to a special place with some tranquillity. It was very sunny and quiet in the heart of the city. My beloved family took us to a very well kept secret in the midst of this bustling metropolis. I was in awe and speechless as we were surrounded by beauty and pleasant memories.
(Next that same day after lunch, we visited Venice Beach. There will be a slide show for that one!)
Rodeo DriveNow I just wanted a pair of socks. That's all. Or something of that nature. Even if I had to shell out $20.....but only Rodeo Drive. No where else. So in case anyone asks, I can simply say: "I got it on Rodeo Drive!"
When we left Tokyo, we were fortunate to not have to say goodbye to vacation right away. Our beloved family once again welcomed us as we passed through one more time and this is where we spent our afternoon. It was just as swanky in real life as it was for Julia Roberts and I couldn't get the Pretty Woman theme song out of my head!
When we we first approached Tiffany & Co. we thought "Are we actually allowed to go inside this place?" The store employees knew we likely would not be buying anything today but with tourist around often, I'm sure they already knew that.
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| This was the only item with a price tag. |
It was really more like a museum. Each piece we saw was beautifully crafted and uniquely designed like a work of art. Some of the collections at this store are designed by a woman named Paloma Picasso. Anyone with the name "Picasso" is worthy of a considerable price tag.
We walked through the area and saw names like Versace, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and other smaller retailers where you could find a pair of shoes for about $1000. However, ice cream is available and affordable from the ice cream man and can be purchased between Gucci and Prada!
I came away with a little more pizazz than a pair socks and on Rodeo Drive that I could afford!
Paloma Picasso is a direct descendant of world-famous artist, Pablo Picasso.
Fun Fact:
In 2008, my identity was compromised and my so called "avatar" had loads of fun at not only Tiffany's but also American Girl and Old Navy until I pulled the plug after receiving a call from my bank. The charges were disputed and reversed thankfully but I still however receive the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book in the mail since this pilferer likely used my billing address for the purchases. My credit has been frozen ever since.
Laurels favorite part from Los Angeles:
In the midst of the craziness of the Hollywood streets, many posers of superheros in cheap costumes attempt to try to manipulate the tourists into having photos made with them and "collecting" afterwards. That's not even the funny part. The really funny part was the reaction of the Superman wannabe to the smarter tourists who knew to flee.
nice post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading!
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