Living in LA was good and bad, but I'm glad it went out with a bang! For my last wkd in town my friend Jess came into town and we made a busy day out of it! First on the agenda was a stop at the Getty Center which is an architectural marvel as well as free museum. Upon our arrival we walked into what must have been a field trip and some very interesting dance/singing exhibits put on by middle schoolers was going on. After a few laughs we hopped on the tram and began our tour. Time completely got away from us as we walked amongst Rembrandts and Monets, and of course the twisty garden path leading to an almost labrynth like design in the small pond below us. And if this wasn't enough we were offered the most wonderful of views including ALL of LA and a snow capped mountain in the distance. I forgot to tell you that it was the perfect temperature and there was no smog, just a little haze.
Our next stop was to C&O Trattoria to have the most amazing garlic balls...and our meal was pretty good too. With full bellies we set off for the sights of Venice Beach. I'd heard that there were canals modeled after the ones in Italy, and just in case I don't get to make it to Europe I decided this was a good chance to see some canals for myself. By pure happenchance we took a turn and ended up in the exact neighborhood with a perfect parking spot right infront of the canals. Adorable. Chic. Cozy. I LOVED walking the canal pathways, peering into people's houses and finely manicured patios. I could live there but I can't afford it. I'm actually not sure what I can afford in CA. I can barely even bring myself to pay $5.19 for off brand syrup. That really makes me question my love of pancakes. But continuing on, as we strolled the canalways while musing what "a perfect date" this would make we eventually wound up on the beach where the freezing cold waters greeted us just as the sun was beginning to set and surfers still polka-dotted the waters waiting for the perfect wave to ride in. Venice beach is quite a colorful place and I argue to say that the pedestrians themselves count as art that rivals the views and murals along the boardwalk. Venice beach is most known for it's muscle gyms and outdoor facilities. Since we went so late in the day all the body builders had gone home (which is OK by me! Men with big muscles like that which could potentially kill me in just a simple hug scare me!) but we found lots of other visual stimulation at the skate park and in the free skate roller rink. I loved the skate park just because back in the day...middle school...i had a big obsession with guys who could skate. After 3 attempts I finally got this awesome shot of some teenage boy, who was totally showing off for me, grinding the rail...saweet! Because he was probably illegal and I didn't want him to take my photo obsession the wrong way we moved on to the free skate section where grown men in possibly women's belly shirts appeared to be practicing their ice skating routines. I really hope that painted a good word picture for you. Then, as all good boardwalks have, there are the illegal street performers who dance and jump over random members of the crowd for tips...the word LIABILITY kept repeating through my head. I'm trying to live life on the edge a bit more than I used to but you still won't catch me let strangers jump through the air over my head!
All too quickly time snuck up on us and we had to book it all the way across town (no fast or easy feat in LA) for the main event! Roller Derby!!! A few months ago I watched the movie "Whip It" with Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page and really enjoyed it, wishing that I was brave enough to do something that outrageous! For those who don't know me well, I tend to be the "safe kid", I don't want to jeopardize breaking a limb then being out of work...I'm just too responsible. Plus, I can't even do a cross over on roller skates or blades, I still just LEAN to whatever side I want to turn to! Randomly that week I googled roller derby and there it was, LA Derby Dolls. It was one of the best venues to people watch. Just take a moment and think about who you would think would be there, what they would dress like, etc. Initially I was worried it'd be a lesbian fest (and I was leery given I've been hit on by more women than men this past year) but it was the most diverse crowd ever! You had the pin up girls, a disco section, the regulars (like us), the supportive boyfriends/husbands dressed in tutus and wrestler costumes as their mascots, and just a whole other alternative crew...and it was fabulous! We stood next to a bachelor party and the groom was a total sweetheart, no wonder he's getting married ;) It didn't matter to us who was winning, it was all just so contagious! And I know it's cliche, but I definitely yelled "Whip It" a few times. I'm already looking forward to introducing new friends to this new sport I've discovered. You should check it out too!
It's so hard to end a great day, and since you don't want it to end you always have to find one more thing to do to prolong the greatness! Jess and I headed down Wilshire towards LACMA to grab a few last photos amidst 202 restored LA street lamps. I love old lights and seeing the revolution of style through the years. Please feel free to copy our itinerary if you're ever in the LA area. It's proven to be fun!
A few things that weren't so fun:
-the cost and lack of parking in LA (validation for 2 hours is NOT enough)
-the stress of the commute
-the commute of up to 1hr and 45mins
-some antiquated ideology on CA-BSI prevention
-acquiring random scratches on my car w/o explaination
-the strange way you can be in a city populated by millions yet feel so lonely
-and I'm sure there's more...but I'm still thankful for my time there!
I want to hear your thoughts on CA-BSIs! And I agree, your agency did not put you up in a very good location for working at UCLA....Children's L.A maybe, but not UCLA.
ReplyDelete~Emily