Three Strangers through the Desert: Vegas to LA

Here I sit in downtown Los Angeles, my back up against the wall, with my luggage separating me from a group of actors and their friends. We all just left the screening room, where we watched a comic independent film based on the idea of Lucifer trying to get back into heaven. How in the world did I end up here with my luggage? It all started when the loudspeakers at the airport gloomily sounded off an apology for a thirty minute delay in our departing flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Supposedly, this was in hopes that a nearby shop would have the “part” our plane needed to successfully deliver us to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, but predictably, it was only ten minutes later that the attendant spoke again, but this time with embarrassment and fear; the flight had been canceled, and the part could not be found. 

As everyone on the floor, including me, quickly gathered our belongings scattered around us, those sitting comfortably in the chairs formed a long line, leaving the floor occupants the line caboose. We are presented with a single option to take our 50-dollar voucher and find a hotel until we can catch another plane tomorrow morning. As I sit and ponder this scenario at the back of the line, I turn around and ask the lady behind me if there was any information I missed. As I turned to ask this question, I realized I was face to face with the woman who I had previously been unabashedly staring at from my comfortable position on the floor. She was clearly Italian, and her voice carried far beyond her pink flip phone, which echoed throughout the entire terminal. As I was reading my Bloomberg Businessweek, I felt a twinge bit impatient with her repeated phone calls, each heavy with, “Oooooohhhh girrrl!” and “You know what I mean?” This prompted me to move initially to a farther location and thus “potentially” missing crucial information on our flight-cancellation situation. Flash forward thirty minutes, and I am now looking into this woman’s face, hoping for more information. Unbeknownst to me, I am now also looking at my second option. 

She quickly reminds me of her heritage, grabs my arm, and loudly and enthusiastically tells me, “Oooooohhh girl! I already called my friend and she is renting me a car online right now! I am going to Los Angeles tonight!”  This, of course, did not answer my question, but her answer left me mumbling something like, “That’s a good idea,” and I am not sure what else as I pondered this newly formed second option. Before I could respond, a young man's back opened up and said, “Really, you are going to drive to LA?” What followed in the next thirty seconds was head nodding, and somehow, overlooking the two people sandwiched between us with confused expressions, the three of us agreed with our eyes. With that, we were off. The three of us, complete strangers, left the line and gleefully smiled at the others, looking on in admiration and caution. This is not something I would recommend, but I believe I am a good judge of character and hoped that these two individuals simply needed a second option as much as I did. We introduce ourselves, and once in our rental car, we quickly become familiar with each others’ pasts and presents. 

For four hours, a brain surgeon from Glendale, CA, a makeup artist from Detroit, and a geography professor from Texas journey across the lonely stretch that so many friends make between the megacities of LA and Vegas. This voyage, however, was not filled with reminiscence but of new discoveries and fantastic conversation. 

  The makeup artist, come to find out, desperately needed to get to LA before 7pm for a movie premier downtown; this was her first special effects, and she was hoping to do some great networking. When we got to Burbank to drop off the rental car, the friend I was staying with was already in acting class, so I asked if I could tag along to the primer to get a little closer to my final destination. The ride, the movie, the theater, and the people were all worth the diversion. But, back to her story: her father had left Armenia during the Turkish-Armenian War and fled to France. He met a Nepalese woman there, and soon they were in love. Shortly after, they moved to Detroit to reunite with the man’s brother, who had fled to Detroit after the Turkish-Armenian War. This is how you get an Italian-Armenian, French-speaking makeup artist from Detroit. Wow, what a fascinating woman with incredible stories. 

One of our elongated conversations revolved around the brain, imagination, and medical history because the man happens to be a brain surgeon. He had to be at the hospital by 11pm for a shift, and thus, the reason for his eagerness to join us in the adventure. Strangely, the woman’s father had been hit by a car last year and had been left in a coma with severe brain damage. He is now fully recovered, and all the questions this woman had of her father’s potential full recovery and other things were answered by our very own brain surgeon – chauffeur. 

Between the three of us, we also discussed North Korea’s future, Christianity and its differences for those who assume to know Christ and those who live with him on a daily basis, the illegal tiger trade and its potential lifeline of territory in the Himalayas, medical history throughout the US Revolution and WWII, and so much more. What a group and what an adventure.

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 3 LA and Runyon Canyon

Los Angeles & Runyon Canyon 


You are tired; give yourself a late wake-up; today is going to be ACTIVE! For lunch, stop by Toast. The area is neat for shopping or strolling, so take a walk and have a fabulous lunch. The food is great, and there is a large variety.  Everyone can find something, but the bakery will undoubtedly satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! 

For the rest of the afternoon, you will see the great outdoors inside the LA city limits. Runyon Canyon is your next destination. Almost every weekend, I made one trip to Los Angeles, but not for the typical reasons. Izzi and I would spend up to three hours hiking Runyon Canyon. This local favorite hiking spot is only a few blocks behind Hollywood Blvd. Give yourself time to find parking! By the end of my time in California, Izzi and I could take off on our own “off the beaten path” trails and never see a sole.  

one of the beautiful hidden paths in Spring 

 This would allow us to leave behind the hikers, walkers, sunglasses, hat-wearing celebrities, and the unfortunate few tourists who decided it was okay to leave their pumps and tiny blazers on for this outdoor sightseeing opportunity. However, for the day tripper, I suggest staying on the path. I spotted Cat Deeley, Amy Smart (whipped cream bikini in Varsity Blues), Robert Downey Jr., one of the guys from Gossip Girl, and a few others on the primary paths and viewpoints, so you will have a good chance of running into a celebrity while getting a great work out. At the top viewing point, you have a direct eye-level shot of the famous Hollywood sign on the next mountain (skip that hike and try Runyon). What a fantastic photo opportunity! This is also the time to take in your surroundings. As a geographer, I love to have a viewpoint, and this one is amazing. You can see all of Los Angeles, and on a clear day, all the way to the ocean. See how many of the Hollywood hot pots you can point out… Chinese Theater? Magic Castle? Rodeo? 

not one of those clear days, but still beautiful 

great place to take a unique shot of you & the Hollywood Sign

Comme Ça is a classy French restaurant that was always outside my price range, but the bar area is open to everyone. It sits right inside the middle of the restaurant, giving you a great vantage point over the diners. Stay for dinner or grab a drink, but it’s a must on my list. I saw my mom’s and my favorite soap star, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis off Young and the Restless), here, and she is, laughably, the only star I almost ran after, but I didn’t, regretfully. Take in the sophisticated atmosphere and wonderful aromas. The area has several bars and a busy, entertaining neighborhood to wander through.  If you skipped Comme Ca for dinner, there is a restaurant down the street with a large open patio.  I cannot remember the name, but I remember how great the food was! 

I always enjoyed dancing, taking in the history, and people at Teddy’s, at the Roosevelt Hotel (perhaps you are staying there!). The DJ always played great music and the crowd is constantly changing. Sorry I can’t comment on the drinks at any of these places (I’ve never been a drinker), but if you get restless you can always walk around the historic hotel itself.

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 2 LA at it's best!

Los Angeles

If you are a shopper, which I am not, but can still have fun walking down beautiful streets, head to North Larchmont Boulevard. This strip is full of fun stores and is a beautiful pedestrian-friendly area to walk through and do a little window shopping. Whichever of the tourist sights you didn’t get to the first day, finish up today because we are leaving LA soon! 

Also, stars get their ‘stars’ on Hollywood Blvd pretty regularly. So, if seeing a celebrity is a must for you, then look at the schedule and plan to include the duration of your trip to cover an ‘unveiling.’ If you have done this, it would be a great day to visit Hollywood Blvd and hear the celebrities give speeches about their achievements and gratitude. I made sure to do this while I was in California, and lucky enough, I could see Russell Crowe get his star. He was precious and so thankful.  Jay Leno and a few others were also there to congratulate, which is typical.  

 

For my Frogs, I swear that's Boschini! ha ha

The food in Los Angeles is fantastic, so pick a place nearby, and if all else fails, always go for the fish tacos! I will forever be addicted. When your arms are full or your feet are tiered, head back to the room to get all dressed up for dinner at Cravings. It is right on Sunset Blvd and gives you a great view of the strip and all the beautiful and unique people walking by. Edward Burns parked right in front of our table while my sister was visiting, so she got her celebrity fix that day! P.S. There is free parking right behind the restaurant.

My favorite places to go out in Los Angeles are the Den, where you can eat good food, so some dancing, and is also just a great place to people watch from a booth or out on the patio. The Den is close to Chateau Marmont, the famous hotel where all the A-list stars stay. There is a small but very cool Bar Marmont right next door that is frequented by both up-and-coming talent and full-blown stars. We missed Prince Harry here by minutes. So, head in that direction for a different feel. 

Bar Marmont

You will be hungry by the time they kick you out, and luckily for you, right down the street is the best late-night taco place in Los Angeles. Pinches Tacos on Sunset is on a corner and parking in the back. Sit out in front with your fried shrimp tacos and take in the Strip and all the fun cars driving by. 

If sweets are more your thing, be sure and swing by Swingers Cafe where the cupcakes are delicious and come in such crazy and wonderful flavors, like, cookies & cream, sherbet, sprinkles, and the goodies like red velvet ;)! The Café is old school, with a 50s feel; you choose your cupcake by browsing the huge cake stands displayed along the snaking bar. This is such a fun experience at a truly local hangout.

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Perfect Trip: SoCal Day 1

Your perfect trip to Southern California

Planning a trip to California? Let me help! This blog series will include the perfect tips and ideas to plan an incredible trip to SoCal based on my personal favorite places and activities! Each day of the trip will be its own post, so keep checking back for a full two weeks of beaches, cities, restaurants, and hidden places to choose from (Geographically from Malibu to San Diego). 

While I am so happy with my career, being close to family, and most importantly, being in the same state as my fiancé, I cannot help but miss my life in California. I made every day count and feel like I truly got to experience the best parts of Southern California. When living in a new place, it is hard to go and be out and experience the place on your own, but it also gives you incredible freedom to live and see what makes your heart warm.

For me, that was being outside. I miss the lifestyle I led in California more than anything else. During the week, I woke up and walked Izzi down to the park that overlooked the beach to play ball for a little while before I biked the 40 minutes to class. The ride home was just as tough as the bike ride there. Long Beach is incredibly hilly, so the trip was literally uphill. But it was worth it; the streets were lined with precious homes, amazing flowers, and trees that only an out-of-stater could appreciate. I would spend the rest of the day sitting on my little porch in the sun, reading for my classes or thesis literature review with Izzi stretched out under my chair.

 

my little porch

On the weekends, we (Izzi and I) hit the road. We saw everything and loved every second. Over the next few weeks, I will be laying out my perfect trip to Southern California based on my adventures and experiences. This will be filled with my tips, secret favorite places, and actual day plans you can follow on your trips to SoCal. 

Day 1. Los Angeles

Flying into LAX is the best way to go, and it is a great central location. To venture outside your hotel in California, you need a car. So rent yourself a little sedan and get going to avoid that terrible LA traffic. Stay wherever you can get a great deal because you will have to drive no matter what. But, if you have the freedom, I recommend the Roosevelt on Hollywood Blvd.  On your first day, stick to the traditional sites like Rodeo Rd., Hollywood Blvd., and Chinese Theater and visit the Grove and Farmers’ Market for a fun shopping experience and possible celebrity sighting. I would skip the first two, but if you must, get them out of the way. 

For lunch, take a different look at LA and wander past the numerous and diverse stalls in Grove’s Farmers’ Market. You will be surprised by the greatness of the food, and the people-watching is priceless. The desert stand in the middle displaying cupcakes (the size of your fists put together) has the best red velvet cupcakes I’ve ever had (and I have a heavy resume for tasting them). 

For your first night, venture over to Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. My favorite restaurant in all of LA is Figaro’s Bistro. This jewel is straight out of a Parisian painting, with small sidewalk tables topped with candles. Inside are low-hanging chandeliers and a dark atmosphere that is so romantic whoever is sitting across from you will start to look like Paul Walker (my Hollywood crush, but insert yours). The first time I visited, I was walking by with my friend Hayley, and I was so taken aback by how precious this place as we sat outside and shared a crumpet (yes, a crumpet).




Until a beautiful white Mercedes Benz pulled up to the curb, Hayley and I had been completely oblivious of Paula Abdul sitting two small tables away. As she stood up and quickly got in the car, we both said, “She is so little!” Could be the smallest woman I have ever seen. At another time, my sister and I saw Natalie Portman here, pre-Oscar. 



the other side, "the lounge," is my favorite part of the restaurant

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Remembering Dog Beach {Long Beach}

Waking up to the sunshine flowing through my open window, I know the day will be the same as the one before; after all, it is Southern California. Washing my face and pulling on a swimsuit, I finished my ensemble with a beach bag filled with a towel, dog bowl, water bottle, an apple, tennis balls, and a Traveler magazine. The contents speak to my destination: Dog Beach.


Izzi, my fifty-pound blue heeler- Australian shepherd mix, pulls me up Ocean Blvd, over the stairs, and through the parking lot in three minutes flat (think of a sled dog pulling a water skier). I try to convey my sincere apology to the cars Izzi continues to ignore as she pulls me towards the sand with all her might.  Once her paws hit the sand, the game was over; she had won this round of tug of war. I get her to sit long enough to unleash her while there are no bikers within ten feet so she can cross the bike path safely (for her, but mostly the bikers). She barrels towards the waves.  A few minutes later, I reached the coned area where we were supposed to unleash. I find Izzi chest-deep in the water, chasing the splashes of a three-year-old girl in a blue and white swimsuit. I set up my towel and Izzi's water bowl and let the sun soak in. 


I sit up, hearing something happening at the water's edge. I pull my hand out from under my wet hair; my fingernails are sand-filled. Covered in the scent of a wet dog, I push myself up from the warmth of my towel and step into the breeze coming off the hazy blue water of Long Beach Bay.  People are grabbing boogie boards and rushing into the water to get close to a pod of approaching dolphins. They had gone uncensored until they were fifteen feet from the shoreline. Seven deep, gray fins rise and fall out of the waves while the dogs bark. A few brave dogs paddle out with their owners to see the new beach residents up close.  One man, returning to the squealing crowd on the beach, shouts, “I touched one!” 

I make the short distance from my familiar nomadic home consisting of a towel, dog bowl, extra tennis balls, and geography articles to the group of "dog beaches" I’ve come to know as friends over the last few months.  Everyone is ecstatic to see the dolphins back. A fisherman once told me dolphins used to be a common presence in the Long Beach waters, yet the last ten years have been barren, absent of all signs of the graceful creatures.  The fishermen, like the "dog beachers," have been bragging and spreading the word of the multiple dolphin sightings this summer in front of Granada Beach.  After thirty minutes of interacting with the dolphins, they start to leave. The dolphins either grew tired of the constant flashing of cameras, reaches of hopeful swimmers, and buggy boarders, or the fish had moved on. 

The crowd and I slowly retract back to our towels. We sink back into our chairs, or even better, let the sand curve to our bodies, and everyone eases back down. I close my eyes to take in the moment.  

Of course, there are the "not so glamorous" moments at Dog Beach. Everyone at one time or another witnesses, experiences, or shamefully has to claim their dog’s bad behavior.  Unexpectedly, being trampled by a herd of bulldogs, having your PB&J snatched away by a Saint Bernard, or suddenly feeling a warm spot form on the back of your chair as a suspicious wiener dog trots away looking distinguished is bound to happen to you at some point when you claim a patch of sand at the dog beach.

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