This past February, I had the opportunity to escape the cold Canadian winter for a week of sun and fun in the City of Angels.
It was my first time in LA.
I was ecstatic to be heading on a new adventure and I was planning to stay with (of all people) my ex-boyfriend who was a local and would for the week, be my tour guide.
I arrived exhausted after a 10 hour overnight layover in Dallas, where I got little sleep (I'm not doing that again!) but I perked up as soon as I stepped outside of the airport and saw the infamous "LAX" landmark. It was also my first time seeing my ex in several years - so that was a little awkward at first, but it didn't effect the trip too much. He was actually a great tour guide!
I fell in love with Los Angeles quite instantly - actually, before the plane even landed.
All it took was the view of the desert and mountains from above, and the sunshine and I was hooked. This was my first impression of LA.
My second, was the infamous In-N-Out Burger. A fast food obsession of the locals.
My week was a leisurely one.
My tour guide had to work part-time during my stay, so I did some adventuring around the area myself - mostly scouring the local Goodwill and vintage shops for pretty things to bring home. I also went out for lunches, sent postcards to friends and spent as much time in the sunshine as I could.
We spent a day downtown, where I went to this unique bookstore that used to be an old bank. The ceilings were high, there was vinyl music playing and there was local art on the walls. I highly recommend you check out The Last Bookstore, if you ever get a chance!
Afterwards, we checked out the Museum of Death, which is just as morbid and macabre as it sounds - yet very informative and entertaining!
Another day we strolled down Hollywood Boulevard and saw the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, where preparations were being made for The Oscars. The streets were crowded with people and entertainers dressed as famous celebrities.
Later we went up to the Griffith Observatory to see Los Angeles in its entirety. From here you could see the whole city below and of course, the Hollywood sign.
The view was simply breathtaking!
Some other highlights include seeing Murder House from season one of American Horror Story, the bench from 500 Days of Summer, and Venice High School where Grease (and many other films!) were shot. That's the thing about LA - it's seeped in history. Especially if you're a film buff!
My very favourite part of the trip however, was our day on Venice Beach.
Venice was an eclectic mix of people - bohemians, artists and families walking around under the bluest sky. The water was a little cold for swimming (even for a Canadian) but that didn't stop me from getting my feet wet.
We finished the day up with a walk from Venice to Santa Monica Pier where we rode the iconic ferris wheel which overlooks the sea. It felt very much like a scene from a movie!
Reality kicked back in however as too soon after, the week came to an end and I was back on campus.
Since then, I've been plotting and planning into ways that I can get back and stay a little longer. When I can be with my people again. My laid-back, yoga-doing, juice cleansing, talking-on-the-phone-about-my-new-script people.
Los Angeles, my second home.
Planning a trip to LA?
Here are some of my favourite reads before the trip! Where to eat and hangout, a guide to Los Angeles and my personal favourite - best thrift shops in Los Angeles!
With thanks,
Brittany
{All photos (c) Encircled Inc. May be used with appropriate credit back to our site}
Leave a comment