So I had never been to LA before. Well technically had been to LAX numerous times but never stepped out of it. So this time round I was excited to see what LA had in store.
I literally had no expectations. Well other than cruising down Venice beach on my low-rider beach cruiser hair flicking in the wind, smiles all round. Which happened- although not with the bike I imagined, more of a mountain bike not providing as much street cred.
I guess I should preface this post by saying we were fortunate enough to stay with family in a pretty little spot in Redondo Beach. I should also preface and say that it wasn’t at all glamorous in our double air bed that deflated each night, each of us praying that the other didn’t have to get up for any reason to use the bathroom (consequence being that the unfortunate sucker left in it would be flat on the ground in the most uncomfortable way!).
Anyway that aside, what I learnt about LA is that you need a car. Luckily we had this tee’d up too through family. Saving us a lot of money. If you were to hire though, get a convertible so you can go top down and feel that wind in your hair!
Car highlights were that feeling of turning off the freeway without being hit or popped by an agro motorcyclist (he gestured a gun with his hands but who knows maybe he had an invisibility cloak on the real deal!). Cruising to LA themed songs on the freeway on the way back from Long Beach (heaps of Snoop Dogg obvs). Also the ability to check out the Hollywood Sign and the observatory – which I hear is incredible, but closes at 8pm so we never made it in! Always too sidetracked by burritos DAMN. But seriously the burritos are on point. Hometown hero being El Burrito Jr (CHECK IT) that’s some serious hangover cure.
Architecture wise you MUST go and see the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry. It was fascinating in that from every angle it looked so different, those beautiful paper folds making it look like a big gentle piece of origami, that stainless steel absolutely shimmering in the sun. Also with recommendation is a visit to The Broad.
This modern art gallery is fantastic not only for the array of incredible artists inside – Lichtenstein, Warhol and Jeff Wall to name a few; but also for the interior and exterior architecture, with its use of natural lighting, basket woven feel exterior and space age sink hole, the architecture is phenomenal and at a cost of $140M for the building I guess you would hope so! My BIG tip is to organise tickets prior (they are free) and you can avoid the tremendously long line of punters.
I wasn’t sure about the nightlife in LA. You really need to be adventurous with it! Go to something weird that you are not sure if you will like. What I was sure about – was HAPPY HOUR. FIND THEM. FIND THEM ALL and abuse the hell out of them. I mean $4.00 margaritas. This is an Australian kids dream and if you are not working get there at 4pm (when they usually start) and do not move until 7pm. Then stumble somewhere slightly better in terms of decor (happy hour places aren’t usually pretty). The ACE Hotel for instance. Acehotel.com/losangeles Awesome rooftop bar with some of the ‘who’s who’ you like to associate with LA and also great people watching in terms of fashion. Loved it there. Although the margaritas are definitely in the double diggis.
Also what is food without drink? I mentioned the fantastic mexican. But also there is fantastic hawaiian. Poke Bowls. Try Hooked at Hermosa Beach http://www.hookedpokemarket.com main drag when you’re not eating mexican. And good to Malibu to watch the sunset. Truly special! Try Malibu Farm for organic eats http://www.malibu-farm.com
Pave & Pave Creative 