Hollywood and The OC Riviera

After last weekend's failed attempt to watch the footy I woke up late on the Sunday and drove up the busy freeways into LA central. 'When in Rome do as the Romans' goes the phrase and I think the most stereotypical 'LA' thing to do is drive your oversized car absolutely everywhere and generally in a fairly rushed and hectic manner preferably whilst disregarding the notions of fast, slow and passing lanes. After leaving my trusty steed in a dubious car park I spent an hour or so wandering (yes really, I walked!) around Chinatown- which I found pretty much devoid of any Asian atmosphere aside from an excellent circus performer. I then drove onwards up to the Griffith Observatory that sits on the edge of Griffith park. The views overlooking the city from these hills was well worth the drive and I even did some more walking (shock, horror) along a trail to a view point looking towards the famous Hollywood sign. At this point I realised I had not really got into the tinsel town vibe and although I am sure for movie buffs this area is fascinating, I don’t think I will endeavor to return and cruise along Melrose and do the studio tours- I think my precious free time is better spent down by the Pacific:


This view is looking over a bay just near Laguna Beach along from Newport and Balboa. I went down there last Saturday to spend some quality time doing not a fat lot! The town is advertised as part French Riviera, part Sicily with a dash of Spain thrown in for good measure and the description is surprisingly accurate and I thought not really because of the architecture or location but more because of the vibe of the place. All these affluent coastal areas in South Orange County are obviously very expensive areas to live but I found everyone I met there very friendly, laid back and down to earth- much like everyone else I have met whilst here in South California.