L.A.nd of the rich and famous
Trip Start
Mar 30, 2009
1
8
Trip End
Jun 29, 2009
L.A.,
United States
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
So it was March 30th and I set off for my trip. Been looking forward to this now for such a long time and am very very excited. Said goodbye to mum in the morning which was sad and Viktoor - but that's ok as we'll see each other in Sydney!! Dad drops me off at Heathrow and I feel great knowing that Mum and Dad both support the trip :))
Flight to L.A is fine and manage to stay awake so that I can sleep as soon as I get to the hostel. First impressions of L.A are just what you would expect. Lots and lots of cars driving like maniacs and on their 'cell phones' whilst smoking and drinking at the same time...quite impressive really. Arrive at the hostel late-ish in the evening and then it is pretty much shower and bed.
First day feeling a bit tired so am off to explore the Getty Center. This museum is situated on the edge of L.A and is absolutely magnificent. The building is created by the architect Richard Meier and is absolutely beautiful. There are many concepts into its design (too many to go into now) and the gardens that surround it. But between the spaces of the buildings you can catch glimpses of the city and on the edge of the museum the whole of L.A lies beneath you as symbolised in the Cactus Garden. The place is so serene and beautiful it is a great way to enjoy my first day!
Day two and off to check out The Grove a local shopping centre next to the Farmers Market. Here I found the Apple store where some of you received emails...!This place looks just like a movie set! In the afternoon I venture to Hollywood Blvd and behave like a typical tourist. I go off for a cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel air to see where the celebrities live. Many houses are well covered by trees and hedges to keep us nosey parkers out....Then off to famous Rodeo Drive. Funnily enough there aren't many people actually shopping there but some of the stores are just amazing.....unfortunately my camera runs out off battery so will just have to go back :))
Day three and am off to Santa Monica though with a detour to Rodeo Drive where I see some famous people!!Valentino received the rodeo drive style award and Anne Hathaway was the special guest. Valentino has a definite case of spray tan disease.........At the bottom of Rodeo Drive is the famous hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed so obviously have to have a picture of that! Then off to the beach where unfortunately it is cloudy but have a nice walk to Venice beach from there. It is a little more eccentric but resembles something quite similar to what you might see back in the U.K!!!!
Day four and my last day in L.A. Have just about seen everything now so it's back to the grove and to the A&F store where they have a sale - naughty I know but am sure Zoe understands!! Then quickly a walk along Melrose and off to the airport! Again a quick detour though as I had arranged to meet up with Lindsey who I lived with in my first year of uni and we manage to grab a bite to eat before she drops me off at LAX. Was really nice to have a very overdue catch up.......
I am now in NZ in a place called Rotorua where I have some time to write this. Hopefully I will be able to fill you in on what's been happening here soon!
Lots of love Abi x x x x x x
Comments
Hello from Sunny Norwich!
Hi Abs,
Your first week sounds very exciting and that you've been to some fab places! Keep us filled in of your travels, am looking forward to the next installment.
Take Care, Amanda xxx