12-19
Christmas
this year, for us, will be in Los Angeles. We have reservations for six days at
Playa Del Rey, just south of Santa Monica. On Christmas Day, we’ll meet Terry’s
(sister)San Joaquin Valley kinfolks for dinner at Hollywood, along with her
niece Kaylee, a student at Whittier College.
We’re
planning a tentative itinerary for our LA visit and making a list of the attractions
which we have not visited before.
12-27
Out
visit to L. A. was just perfect. We enjoyed every minute of the experience,
with sight-seeing, dining, shopping, and visiting. Visiting and Dinner with
Terry’s sister and family at Universal Studios and City-Walk, was definitely a
highlight.
Los
Angeles is a city of interesting history, geography, geology, culture, economy,
sports, education, and government. Our visit centered on the things that we had
not previously experienced and we still only “scratched the surface”. It
definitely is a destination that will keep you coming back! The city and county
of Los Angeles, with legendary Hollywood northwest of downtown, the San
Fernando Valley to the east, and the inviting beaches of Santa Monica and
Malibu to the west, offer infinite views and attractions. Of course, the
ever-present Pacific Ocean and beaches are stunning views.
My
favorite discoveries were downtown, an incredible site of history,
architecture, entertainment, dining, and sightseeing, which is often
overlooked. Another favorite was our ramble along the coast to Malibu and then
over to Simi Valley. Hollywood and Beverly Hills, with its historic film
studios, beautiful buildings, homes, and landscapes was fun, however, we didn’t
see any celebrities. Also, the Metro rail is a comfortable, inexpensive, and
expeditious alternative to transportation around the city and county.
Thanks
for the tips and suggestions from friends on fb! We researched all of these
attractions before we went, so we knew the what, when, and where, in advance. We
didn’t do it all but the following is a summary of what we did do and see;
Bradbury
Building an architectural landmark in Downtown L. A.
Los
Angeles Theatre an L. A. lavish landmark
The
Cathedral of Saint Vibiana 1876 Cathedral, now an L. A. public historic site
Los
Angeles City Hall 1928 the “Dragnet building”
Cathedral
of Our Lady of the Angels the new Los Angeles Cathedral
Getty
Center John Paul Getty-art center for L. A.
Little
Tokyo downtown heart of the L.A. Japanese community
Old
Farmers Market a Hollywood street-market landmark for “foodies”
Pueblo
de Los Angeles Old L.A. town center
Olivera
Street Historic downtown L.A. old district
Masonic
Hall 1858 Now part of historic downtown
La
Luz del Dia a real Mexican yummy food joint
Chinatown
interesting items, shops and restaurants Downtown L. A.
Biltmore
Hotel Downtown L. A. with stunning Lobby and Galleria
Grand
Central Market Downtown L. A. with murid of food vendors, shops, and fun
events. Mix of Cuisines and cultures.
L.
A National Cemetery U. S. National Cemetery with interments from
Mexican-American War to present
Dodger
Stadium Elysian Park home of the L. A. Dodgers, overlooks downtown L. A.
UCLA
Campus second of 10 campuses in the UC System, nothing like visiting this
inspiring campus
Runyon
Canyon A walking-trails park in the Santa Monica Mountains, adjacent to
Hollywood
Semi
Valley and Regan Presidential Library sweeping views from the mountaintop
Malibu
Pepperdine
University a private Church of Christ affiliate university, magnificent campus
King
C Gillette Ranch on Malibu Creek in the Santa Rosa Mountains, the “razor man’s”
ranch, now a popular park
San
Fernando Valley/Hollywood/Universal CityWalk north of L.A. Basin, circled by
mountains
Mission
San Fernando Rey de Espana 1797 Mission, and now a Catholic “Chapel of ease”
with a cemetery of famous people like Bob Hope.
Canter’s
Delicatessen on Fairfax, open 24/7/365, with scrumptious eats
Farmers
Market with curious vendors, restaurants, shops
Loyola
Marymount University private Catholic university
The
Apple Pan In West L. A. is a 50’s-style with great food and Model for “Johnny
Rockets”.
Griffith
Park A sunny day, beautiful park, and Daisy loved being walked there
Forest
Lawn (a corporate complex of cemeteries) Cemetery adjacent to Griffith Park
Hollywood
Memorial Cemetery One of the oldest cemeteries in L. A. with many famous
dignitaries and stars
Happy
New Year!!!!
Los
Angeles Itinerary:
12-22
Thur. Playa Del Rey
12-23
Fri. Hop-on/Hop-off (Purple Route (Downtown LA))
12-24
Sat. Hop-on/Hop-off (Yellow Route (Beverly Hills/Santa Monica)) OR
Metro
to Chinatown/Universal City-Walk/Hollywood
12-25
Sun. Drive Around and Dinner with Sister
12-26
Mon. Drive-Around; San Fernando Valley
Reagan
Presidential Library off Madera Road
Mission
San Fernando Rey de Espana
12-27
Tue. Pomona/Riverside
We
finish 2016 with work in the Kiosk, with our fellow-hosts. We have six couples
that we share the work with. They come from a multiplicity of places;
Brandon
and Kelly from Iowa
Dick
and Devera from Montana
Dave
and Zara from Pennsylvania
Bob
and Pattie from Redding California
Gordon
and Connie from Alberta Canada
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