Hollywood Hills

Ok, so the traffic is manic and the people all speak a different language, but LA is really fun.

I checked into my hotel on Wednesday having navigated successfully from Bakersfield and found myself at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel nestled in downtown Los Angeles. I scored a deal on Hotwire for this amazingly old and intricately decorated hotel. I dropped off my bags and got back into the car and headed for the Ocean, I love the Ocean (hence, I capitalize the word b/c of the reverence I feel towards it).

Santa Monica...oh how beautiful you were. I sat on the very edge of the Pier on a cute little park bench and just watched the waves go by. From being a busy bee, and manic about getting stuff done in a certain amount of time, it was so refreshing to just sit. I watched little kids try to fish off the pier with the grandfather, I listened to a street performer sing and play the keyboard, and I journaled about everything around me. The sun felt so good and with the breeze there wasn't an opportunity to feel too warm in the sun. I walked from the Pier up a few blocks to the Promenade shops and cafe's, I went in and out of stores, but mostly just watched people. When I was finished with the window shopping, I returned to the beach where the sun was beginning its set. It was so beautiful. I with several others ventured underneath the pier to take photos of the sun coming through the beams.... I have posted all of the photos on Facebook so go check 'em out.

So far, I think that night was one of my favorites since being on the West Coast. It has been so great seeing family and friends, and I have felt renewed and refreshed from my visit in Bakersfield. I got to relax. I got to read. I got to chat on the phone with friends from back home. It was wonderful. But, sitting on the pier and looking at the expanse of ocean before me, it just took my breath away. While I wished that I had ten of my best friends there with me, it was a perfect night for just me.

Today was a busy day--and for the most part I didn't get lost while driving around. I went to Beverly Hills this morning and did the Rodeo Drive thing...it was so funny. People were everywhere taking photos and fighting for parking spots. I went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, and it was of course delicious. Upon paying for my check the bartender asked me if I was with the Burgess' of Virginia. I definately didn't know what to say, but it turns out he is a Burgess, in Virginia, and his family was the first of their family line to begin a life in America. He asked me how old my family was in the country and I sat dumbfounded for a second...and I said the most honest answer, while having no idea what I was talking about. That was it, I never asked where in VA, and I only offered once that I lived there now. It was so strange.

After lunch I took off for Hollywood and Highland. I wanted to see Mann's Chinese Theater, and see the sights on Sunset Blvd. The streets were full of people walking with their heads down so they could read all the "Stars", and I became one of them fairly quickly. While I didn't see anyone completely stellar I did find Mickey Mouse and some other fun ones.

Now back at the Hotel I am trying to relax and recount my day. My feet are tired, my eyes are strained (I don't know why), and my back is ready for rest. Tomorrow I think I'm going to go to a museum or two. I am looking forward to balancing my "Pop Culture" experience thus far with some real "Art Culture". That's all for now, I'm doing well- I am having a blast, and have often pinched myself wondering if this is truly my life.