10 Things to do in Los Angeles

It's my second time in Los Angeles.  My first time was theme park-based and we weren't able to go around because of time constraints. This trip was  supposed to be work, but who would pass up on an opportunity to explore the city? I wouldn't.  So what would a working mother of two do in the city of angels?  I have 10 suggestions.

1. Watch Cirque du Soliel's Iris at the Kodak Theater

Roughly around P5000 for a ticket to see the world renowned Cirque. My budget concious mind is battling between going or foregoing. Well going won. How many times would I be here? The fact that it's the Kodak Theater, home to the Oscars,  made the decision easier. I now have something in common with Hollywood greats.

2. Check out your favorite star at the Walk of Fame

Stars and their stars. Hand prints, me and a camera - what a way to "hold hands" with your favorite icons.

3. Get to the Hollywood sign

We got a tip that we can get closer if we follow a prescribed route. My direction-impaired self wasn't able to get the exact address of where we were but we got there. We got the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - the Hollywood sign - upclose, unobstructed picture-perfect.

4. Visit the Universal Studios

I can see it from my hotel room. Awesomeness. To be able to visit it for free doubles the fun factor. We got to go in the afternoon because we had work in the morning, but no complaints. We also got to brush elbows with Filipino stars because of the One Kapamilya Go event which happened inside Universal.  Playtime in movielandia will always be a welcome treat.

5. Try the iFly Indoor Skydiving

Defy gravity and have a taste of how it feels to be up in the air. I think everybody needs to experience their two minutes high.

6. Visit the Staples Center

I'm not really a basketball fan but my husband is. This visit is for him. To walk on the same grounds where basketball greats Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Hakeem Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant have set foot was like paying homage to his basketball demigods. And it was a nice surprise that Fox was preparing for the 63rd Emmy's.  We weren't able to catch anyone famous but their set-up was a nice backdrop for a photo op.

Home to sports legends

Ready for the Emmy's

7. Drive around

Hollywood. Rodeo Drive. Sta. Monica Boulevard. Sunset Boulevard. Poshness to the maximum. It felt like the movies only it's real.  It was a treat to see those street signs and those houses, and you get to take it all in... free of charge. And oh, don't forget to window shop. It's nice to look at all those designer brands. Although I know I wouldn't be able to afford them, and even if I could, my kuripot-self know I wouldn't buy them, masaya lang tumingin-tingin.

8. Meet up with Filipino friends

It's always nice to meet Pinoys in a foreign land.  It makes you feel homey and at ease.  Moreso if these Pinoys are your friends. They'll bring you to their home, cook food for you or they'll treat you. But the best part is the catching up. You'll get to talk about the good ol' days and the happy times with LA as the backdrop. And after the short rendezvous, you'll be reassured that time nor distance don't really affect real friendships.  And your heart can only be filled with delight and gratefulness.

9. Visit the Griffith Observatory

The grounds give a very nice view of the city landscape. Sitting on the slope of Mount Hollywood, it commands a wonderful view of the Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean.  The first thing that caught my fancy was Foucault's pendulum, an exhibit which demonstrates the Earth's rotation. The best thing?  There's no entrance fee.

10. Pig out

There's really a whole lot to choose from. 

Big Bobs - For that American diner feel.  It's like walking into a 70s movie. Red interiors, old photos.  Their milkshake was the bomb.  It's calorie overload in a tall glass.

Denny's - For that breakfast meal. They cook your eggs anyway you want it and they can replace your ordinary bread with wheat bread.  But I didn't order those.  Mine was a chicken wrap.

Ihop - For those creamy pancakes (which i didn't order). I had the lard-infused crusted chicken which was alright.  I should've ordered those pancakes.

Miceli's - If you're craving for Italian.  The toast with cheese was good and sinful at the same time.

Carl's Jr. - Just because I missed this in Manila.  Grilled chicken in a wheat bun with fries and iced tea.  So fastfood, yet so tasty.

Ben and Jerry's - Ice cream. I got to have them.  

California Pizza Kitchen - For the sake of enjoying CPK in California.  I love their nachos!

The Cheesecake Factory - Have you seen so many cheesecakes in your life?  I did.  And in here, they're creamy and velvety.  Everyone ordered a slice and shared it with everyone.  It was a diabetes-inducing exercise but it was worth it.

P.S. Thank you Edsel Misenas and Paolo Ramos for being my travel/work buddies in this trip. I really had a great time.  And thank you for the wonderful photos. Thank you Ms. Pia Carrion, Mr. Mike Carrion, Mr. Anthony Antonio, Mr. John-D Lazatin and Ms. Therese Paulino for taking care of us.  Thank you Marianne Hernandez and Donna Santos for taking time to see me.  It was short but very sweet. I miss you both. :-)