L-A

LA!

What can I say, the original plan was to stay 24 hours but the city had other plans for us.

Upon arrival, we were able to meet up with one of my dearest friends at a lovely restaurant for some yummy lunch and a very much desired connection to reunite. There are some people who just make the world a million times better and D does just that. You see, she had (yes HAD-just got the all clear last month) brain cancer. She went through surgery, chemo, and radiation all while GOING to SCHOOL to maintain health insurance to beat cancer. But that's not what makes her so special. She's a person who inspires and empowers me and has since we worked together at a coffee shop oh so long ago. She sees me for every last ounce of my potential and loves me for my flaws. She is the most amazing friend with the best sense of humor. And we got to start our LA adventure with her presence and beauty.

From there, we went to our hotel, the magic castle, just off Hollywood BLVD. This is the best hotel of the entire trip. These people met us with a glass of sparkling lemonade and a toast upon our arrival. The rooms are amazing and attention to detail impeccable. These people know how to open their arms and welcome guests in style. Classical music welcomed us to our room as did a bed that swallowed us up in down comforter. This place made me want to stay and hang out in the hotel and forget the rest of the city. Thankfully, we left the room and explored Hollywood and Sunset for our evening activity.

Not only did we look for all of the stars on the walk of fame, we took photos and made out like the average tourist with a visit to Voltair for a fortune telling extravaganza. Grauman's theater was packed and full of super heroes, musical legends, and strippers, of course.

To end the night, we cruised Sunset blvd to check out the scene and get to know the city.


The next morning, we knew we had to stay another night. Not just because our hotel was awesome, but because we had people to meet and sites to see. We starred the morning off with a trip on Mulholland drive for a city view (smog filled) and the Hollywood sign too. We drove through Beverly Hills to check out the neighborhood and all of the fancy cars.

Griffith park was next on the docket with a walk around the observatory and more city views. Hunger pangs led us to meet up with friends at a restaurant known for the best breakfast in LA, Blu Jam. Tasty, but Portland food is mighty flavorful....

After a lovely meal, we met up with a couple I haven't seen in 12 years for adventure filled tours to the first pueblo ever in LA (such humble beginnings) then Chinatown, little aremnia, and Ethiopa Village where we dined on nice grub.

The details escape me as we prepare for bed and our next adventure in San Diego. Life is a beach, baby.