USA Trip: Los Angeles Times & Beachy End

Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

I dedicated day 2 in LA for shopping and must I say it was my least favourite day throughout the trip due to the rainy weather. I mean, I kind of seeing it coming from the weather forecast and it didn't hit me to consider visiting museums (something more indoorsy) until my AirBnB host mentioned to me at the end of my stay. I started my day at Alfred Coffee and I tried their Vanilla Latte, their most popular drink, which was recommended by a YouTuber. I guess latte isn't really my thing. I still prefer my usual Mocha. It was already raining as I walked towards the cafe from my place. I downloaded TAP application on my phone, which can be used on buses and trains. I purchased daily pass for 3 dollars and hopped onto the next bus to Beverly Hills signage.

Putting on my Calvin Klein, getting ready to shop. Or so I thought.

Vanilla latte for my caffeine of the day. Too bad it wasn't my cup of 'coffee'.

Look at the rain. Putting my Columbia jacket back on. Sigh.

The iconic view of Beverly Hill street with the palm trees, minus the sun.

Been hearing about Beverly Hills on the media for as long as I remember for being the residence of popular celebrities, the driveway with palm trees. Not to mention that the name of my neighbourhood back in my hometown is actually named after this place. The whole vibe was ruined by the rain though. Quick photo at the sign and I decided to stay indoors for lunch break, hoping the rain might subside a little. Googled there is The Cheesecake Factory at Rodeo Drive and so I went. I guess the weather really dampened the mood as I couldn't seem to vibe with the street that much. I mean, I do enjoy fair share of window shopping back in Malaysia even if I couldn't afford them. More so at one point there was one civilian seemed to have a little heated argument with shop keeper when he was adamant to stay when he was asked to move since the shop was closed, or he was not a customer. Either way, I left for Westfield Century City, an outdoor shopping mall. There were a number of departmental stores such as Bloomingdale's', Nordstorm and Macy's. There was Tesla Motors Store too. My last stop of the day was The Grove and again, it was another outdoor shopping outlet. With the weather was still pouring, my plan for shopping day just didn't get any better. After doing a purchase at Coach Store, I decided to Lyft back to end my day early.

It was March 14 Day so I ordered Shepherd "Pi". Get it? 

Original Cheesecake to conclude my lunch. Penny wasn't on shift today. Oh wait...

Me, not looking that enthusiastic at Rodeo Drive. The little argument was at the end of this walkway.

I didn't watch Julia Robert's Pretty Woman but this was one of the movie's settings, I think.

A selfie won't hurt, for memory.

Miss driving Tesla, though this was Model X.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Beach

I would be checking out from my AirBnB to stay at different hotel for my last night in LA. Packed my luggage and the host was kind enough for me leave my stuff behind as I could only check in at the hotel after lunch hour. Had my quick brunch at Melt, I walked my way Hollywood of Fame. It was heavily fenced up during my first day which was then been cleared. It was another rainy day but at least not as heavy as the day before. Beeing seeing the boulevard on screen for whole my life and being able to see things in real life seemed so surreal. Came close to TCL Chinese Theatre reminded me a scene from Mighty Joe Young when the gorilla climbed on top of the building. A visit to the boulevard would be incomplete to enter the theatre where they hosted the Oscars which was just few days back. You can book a tour but it was not available the week I was there. The pillars were showing the list of movies that have won Best Picture, included the recent win, Everything Everywhere All At Once. My initial intention was to get my souvenirs since my trip in the states was coming to a close but I found them tad too pricey so ended up didn't buy any. The sun appeared in the sky before I made my way back. I could heard someone said "finally". I guess I wasn't alone dreading the cloudy and rainy weather for the past few days. Had a good chat with my AirBnB host before Lyfting to my last hotel.

Typical American meal for brunch. 

The theatre where Joe climbed onto the roof.

Dolby Theatre, the venue for Oscars.

Those who know me well enough will know what to look at at this photo.

Grand staircase, walking up to the theatre.

Hollywood Boulevard. Walk of Fame.

Couldn't leave this place without her. Now I can go on.

The weather was expected to get better towards the end of the day and I was glad I made the right choice to pick this day for Santa Monica Pier. Quickly settled my luggage upon checking in at Hollywood Historic Hotel and hoping onto the next bus to the pier. It was just one way street, but I needed to change bus few times as the buses would end their services at certain stops. Since I was using the day pass on TAP app, there was no additional charge by changing buses. It was around 1.5 hours bus journey. As I approached the pier, it was already crowded with people. It was 5pm. I had the crazy idea to go for a swim at first, but the sea breeze was cold, so was the water. I had quick stroll along the seashore enjoying the sun which I have been missing for quite a while. Got myself a pass to have a ride on the roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The coaster route was rather brief so we had it two rounds. I waited until near sunset to get on the Ferris wheel, only to realise it didn't allow solo rider, so I needed to wait a while before I could get on with another two guys (or couple).  I settled my dinner by having shrimp platter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. I have been seeing the shop at Las Vegas but only get to try it at Santa Monica. Caught the night view of Pacific Park before leaving the pier since it was already dark and it would be another long way back. This time I chose to use metro.

Dessert while waiting to check in.

Last night stay in the States.

Hello, Santa Monica Pier! First heard of this pier from Titanic movie.

Fitting end of my Grand Canyon journey, where this route started.

Sunny it was. It was cold at the same time.

From San Francisco to Santa Monica, we meet again, Mr Ocean.

Getting ready for the ride. I didn't throw up at the end.

Sunset view from the ferris wheel.

So much of shrimps.

Night view of Pacific Park.

My friend did warn me about how metro in LA tend to be filled with homeless and I get to experience it firsthand. As I approached the station, there was another person was tailgating me as I tapped my card. Another lady was just squeezing herself through the gate. As the train arrived, I hope onto the rain and I was among first few onboard and it would be a while before train departing. There was a homeless lady, I believe she was as she kind of smells as if has not been showering for days and was talking to me, asking me if I have any money. I didn't respond to her and presumed that I didn't understand English. I was with my mask on and pretended didn't understand her. More and more homeless people started to get on board and I started to get a little anxious, not that they were doing anything harmful to me. I wasn't just feeling comfortable. As the train started to be filled with more passengers onboard, the train made it way and it was about half an hour journey before switching back to bus getting back to my hotel.

Downtown Los Angeles, Citadel Outlets

Waking up to my very last day in the States, past 18 days just flew by. As I looked out the window, it only came to my realisation that my room view actually was facing the Hollywood sign. That was the hotelier meant the day before when he told me that I have the best view but I was in a rush to catch my bus so couldn't hear him clearly. Did early check out and left my packed luggage at the hotel, I made way to downtown LA. I made my first stop at theatre-converted Apple Store. Not the conventional apple store design, the interior architecture really brought me back to early 1900's. Didn't buy any apple product though, just get my screen protector changed as it was broken when I was in LV. Not far from the store is Grand Central Market, which is within walking distance. I met up with my friend that I made from Grand Canyon Tour for brunch. There was myriad choices of food stalls and apparently Eggslut was popular. We went to nearby Blue Bottle to order our coffee before bidding our farewell.

View from my hotel room. Hollywood sign and Netflix office.

Saw this mural while on the bus.

Apple Tower Theatre. Fancy.

Being slutty for my last day.

See you in Hong Kong, Joe!

My next mission was to send postcards back to Malaysia and thankfully, mailbox was plenty within the city, though I had a hard time to find the one nearest to me. I was right in front of the office as indicated on the map but just to realise I need to walk up the stairs. For my final agenda of the day, or rather the trip itself, I took bus to Citadel Outlets for final shopping spree. I encountered  most of familiar brands and there were many off seasons stocks were on marked down prices. I definitely had better shopping experience there as compared to the malls that I went to few days ago. I spent around 3 hours there before calling it quit, more like, before burning deeper hole into my pocket. Had a quick Chipotle wrap before Lyfting back to my hotel where I had a good chat with the Lyft driver. Retrieved my luggage and made my final Lyft ride to LAX.

Saw this right opposite of Grand Central.

Crossing my fingers these cards would reach Malaysia safely. Note: They did at this time of posting.

The one skyscraper that I would associate with LA is none other than this one.

Shopped until I dropped. I went to Calvin Klein twice.

It was a wrap. 

Sunset of LA cityscape while was on the Lyft back to hotel. The driver slowed down the car so that I could take this shot.

As compared to my boarding experience at Seattle Tacoma Airport, the queue for checking in the bag was rather long despite I was rather early, more than 3 hours before my flight. Thankfully the TSA queue was rather quick. Have been seeing Panda Express around the cities as I travelled along the Pacific west coast so thought of giving it a try for my dinner. Bought last minute souvenirs at the departure hall before being called to board SQ037 flying home, I mean, transiting at Changi before bound to Kuala Lumpur. I chuckled when the crew called my name by "Steward Anak". As the plane started to make it way to the runway, I noticed most of the passengers, at least from where I can see, was selecting to play "Everything Everywhere All At Once" on their screen, myself included. I guess everyone was still on Oscar's Fever on the recent win, which was just literally four days before. As the plane took off, my very first America's journey officially ended.

Waiting to check in. Getting real that my trip is ending.

Last photo taken at LA. See you again soon, America!
Side note: The passenger next to me commented on my cute Pikachu shoulder bag.

Summary of Expenses

Flight tickets:            MYR 3,500 (Singapore Airlines)

US Visa:                    160 USD (Conversion to MYR depends on current exchange rate)

Accommodation:        Average 130 dollars per night (per pax, budget hotel/AirBnB)

Food:                        Average 50 dollars per day (self cook/eat out)

Transport:

(a) Public Transport:    Day pass on average is 5 dollars, otherwise 2 to 3 dollars per trip. Depends on the city.

(b) Lyft (e-hailing):    All I can say the rate is pretty similar to Malaysia, only different is the dollar sign. You can do the math. They do have saver option with cheaper fare if you are not rushing against time.

(c) Car Rental:             Average 50 dollars per day, gasoline cost on average 5 dollars per gallon.

Shopping:                    Your own budget.

My USA Journey

San Francisco, California

Portland, Oregon

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Seattle City and Olympic National Park, Washington

First Starbucks, Washington and Las Vegas, Nevada

Canyoning in Arizona and Catching David Blaine

I Made It to the Oscars and Hollywood!

More of Los Angeles and Santa Monica Pier

USA Trip: I Made it to the Oscars and Hollywood!

Los Angeles, California

Academy Awards

The time was sprung forward by an hour, from 2am to 3am during my last day in Vegas for daylight saving. I lost one hour of sleep for my early bus to Los Angeles and  I am still living one hour short at the time of this posting. Even my Lyft driver wasn’t aware the time has been adjusted as she drove me to the bus pick up point and it wasn't a proper bus station. The instruction in the email was only mentioning about little green signage. Apparently I wasn’t the only who was unable to locate it as there was another couple looking for it, only to be told by another e-hailing driver that dropped off another passenger that it was on the other side of the road, slightly different than what being described. The bus departed almost on time as it started to head its way around half past eight and slowly Las Vegas was behind me. Quick stop at Barstow for lunch break after 3 hours, I safely arrived at Union Station shyly before 2.30pm.

Waiting for my bus. Booked my ticket via flixbus.com. It was a clear day, with Strat Tower in the distance.

Passing by this building as we left for LA. The venue for my first night show in Vegas.

It was Oscar’s Day when I arrived at Los Angeles, 12th of March. After settling down at my AirBnB, I started to walk towards Walk of Fame, whereby Dolby Theatre was located. It was 30 minutes walk from my place. Compared to the place I stayed in Las Vegas, the streets here I felt relatively safer, even at night as it was surrounded by busy neighbourhood, somewhere along North Vista Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. As I was approaching the venue, I could see there were police officers controlled the traffic, which was expected as evidently shown when I Google mapped earlier showing road blocks surrounding the building. The roads were fenced up and I found myself walking from one end to another just trying to get the good view of the red carpet. How silly of me thought that I could catch celebrities because apparently the show started at 5pm, the time I arrived at Hollywood Boulevard, which would mean the event would have been earlier. I guess I misread the 8pm time as the local time (Pacific Time) when it was actually Eastern Time. I could see a number of people was doing live, dressed up in tux as though they were hosting the show, outside the theatre. More like reporters. As the sky started to turn dark, I decided to leave and to have dinner at El Compadre. I believe this was about the same time when Michelle Yeoh was announced as the winner for Best Actress. Was so close yet so far but still feeling excited I was breathing the same air as hers as the historic moment happened.

My AirBnb In LA. Cozy. Would return to this place again should I am visiting LA.

Mural outside Hollywood Wax Museum. One of the alleys I used in getting to another street/avenue since Hollywood Boulevard was blocked.

Zoomed up to at least 9 times on my phone to capture this entrance. Was still naively waiting this time.

Next thing I know, people started to roll this carpet. Bummer.

Since I was already here, might just as well. Congrats, Dato' Michelle Yeoh!

Flaming Margarita: Saw this on Google Reviews so was very tempted to try.

This portion of Burrito was so huge and I couldn't finish it.

Side note: As I was walking towards Hollywood Boulevard earlier, there was a group of people speaking Spanish right in front of me. They were pretty dressed up.  It was all normal until suddenly there was a guy in his car shouting "If you can't speak English, go back to your country!". That was the first and only racism that I encountered in the States.

Hollywood Sign Hike

Started my official first day in LA rather late to compensate the loss time I had the day before. The weather forecast indicated it would be partially cloudy and sunny so I decided to do Hollywood Sign hike on this very day.

Getting ready for the hike. Couldn't resist this standing mirror in my room.

Had my morning brunch at Blackwood Coffee Bar to fill up my energy bar, just enough to last till lunch hour. There were numerous trails getting to the sign and I made my way to Fern Dell Nature Trail as the starting point of my hike. It was a chilling stroll with lushes of green with tiny river flew through the park.  It was around 30 minutes of tracking before I reached to the top of hill, where Griffith Observatory is via East Observatory Trail. The intensity of the track I would say is doable for the beginners, just needed to keep yourself hydrated to walk in the hot day.

Seemed to be a ritual for me to have coffee in the States and I just couldn't miss it.

Passed by this record label building which was at Yucca Street.

My final destination seemed so far ahead. Was wondering whether I made the right decision just to walk all the way there.

One with Fern Dell Nature Trail.

East Observatory Trail, heading towards Griffith Observatory.

Can you see what am I trying to capture in this photo?

It was quite a crowd with tourists wanted to catch the cityscape of Los Angeles as I was at the obsevatory. It was rather foggy despite of the blue sky. Nevertheless, I could still feel the heat sipping into my skin as the day went on. The observatory was closed when I was there and I lingered around for quite good half an hour before continuing on.

Hello, City of Angels. Now, where is Lucifer? Could see the trail where I was coming from on the right.

The sky did clear a bit for a while while overviewing the cityscape.

One with the observatory before my next agenda.

To be honest, at that point, I had not thought it through which routes to take before starting my walk on that day. I was basically just winging it based on what came to my way, following the sign that would get me to closer to my destination, one way or another. Walking along W Observatory Road, I turned to Mount Hollywood Drive which appeared to have closed for any vehicle to enter. Along the way, I saw a group of people doing horseback riding, a package that I saw from my search. It was around half an hour before I arrived at another junction before turning into Mulholland Trail; from tar (or bitumen) paved to dirt road. I reckon this was the common path for the Sunset Hollywood Ranch as I could see and smell drops of horses. As the observatory started to be out of my sight (most of the time at least), I could still see the outline of LA city with Hollywood sign got closer and closer as I tracked along.

Saw this sign upon leaving Griffith Observatory and decided the path to Hollywood sign from here.

Griffith Observatory started to diminish from my view..

with the sign started to get closer. Well, still long way to go from here.

Saw these horse riders as I was making my way to the iconic sign.

One of the pitstop photo ops, just to keep track of my trail. Turned left to the sign.

It was getting hotter and hotter despite of the cloudy weather.

Almost at the end of this trail.

After a mile-walk, there was a T-junction as I was at Mt Lee Drive, in which going left got you to view point of the sign and on the right is to get behind it. I made left turn first and less than 10 minutes, there I was the closest possible to the front view of the iconic sign of Hollywood. To think it was first put up to promote local real estate development i.e. Hollywood Land and now became synonymous to the entertainment industry that I dare say that has taken over almost every big screen there is in the world. Did a quick photo op before returning back to the same junction as I decided to get behind the sign. Seeing where the locations where the signs were being erected, you would think the trail would be quite steep. You were right on that, though thankfully it was just a short while. Perhaps it was due to the fact I have been walking the whole morning and the energy that I had from morning brunch has been completely digested, I took a much slower pace going up the peak of Mt Lee. I could see the other cities of California on my right e.g. Burbank and at one point, I could see Universal Studio Theme Park as I recognised the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Persevered, I made it to the top. I believe I have recorded at least 20k of steps to get up there. I refilled my energy bar with snacks (or more like bunch of chocolates) and finished my last drop of water. Dead.

Halo, it's me...

LA city was always with me.

Hey you. I'm getting behind you soon.

I believe that was Burbank behind me. Hi Ellen! Oh wait...

Made it!

That proud face that I can finally cross this off my list.

I hang around for about half an hour before searching how to get down. Another 'smart' decision. Thought of giving another trail a try without going back to where I came from, I went on ahead to Aileen Getty Ridge Trail whereby the trail was rockier than the previous, with little climbing needed. With LA view still on the left, I found myself unintentionally arrived at Wisdom Tree, saw it on the map before but wasn't part of the plan. The best part was there an American flag at the edge as I have been wanted to take with one but most of them weren't waving. It was windy. Seemed like a perfect closure for my Hollywood sign hike, which was no longer in sight, for now, I started my descent which got me to Wonder View Drive.

As you might notice, you couldn't actually get to the sign as it was fenced up and you are not allowed to cross it. From time to time, there was PA actually reminding people not to. I guess some visitors were just stubborn as there was police officer came by and called out some trespassers as I was leaving.

Rocky trail indeed it was. Hollywood Sign was where the telco tower was.

Needed to climb this but thankfully there wasn't much of it.

One with the flag.

One with Wisdom Tree. Hopefully I'm getting wiser now.

Half mile down. I was grateful I was getting down from here instead of going up.

Safely descended.

Can see what was I pointing at?

I can't seem to get any Lyft from where I was so I decided to make a walk along Lake Hollywood Drive and the next thing I know, I passed by Hollywood Reservoir, some fancy neighbourhood and reached Lake Hollywood Park, one of the view points of Hollywood sign that was mentioned in one YouTuber's video. It was around 4pm and there were people playing frisbee with their dogs, some guys with their footballs and a group of Asian having picnic, or making TikTok contents as I saw recording gadgets next to them. Getting myself replenished by buying myself a big cup of fruit and a bottle of drinking water while chilling at the park for about an hour. Initially plan to book a Lyft back to my AirBnB and I was happy at first that I managed to get a car but just to find out the previous passenger seemed to hold on to the booking as she was only doing a quick stop for photo and left in the same car. In other way, my booking was cancelled and I was trying to get another but to no avail. Reluctantly, I chose to walk further down to get to another pick up point which I hope I could hail another car but eventually I just decided to walk all the way back, 4.6 miles from the park, since I have done so much of walking anyway for the day so what is there to walk for another 1.5 hours. That was after I get my sugar level boosted at Station 76 at Franklin Avenue before finally getting back to cozy bed.

Seem to be rich people neighbourhood. Or the houses and streets are just good looking.

Last view point of today's journey.

The trail that I took might not entirely as what I planned but the best part was to explore the unforeseen and stumble upon the views that I didn't expect. I lost count of how many vantage points of Hollywood Sign for the day.

My trail of Hollywood Sign hike on 13th March 2023. Though I might say the trail ended at Lake Hollywood Park. Just all the best getting Lyft from there, or it wasn't my luck.

My USA Journey

San Francisco, California

Portland, Oregon

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Seattle City and Olympic National Park, Washington

First Starbucks, Washington and Las Vegas, Nevada

Canyoning in Arizona and Catching David Blaine

I Made It to the Oscars and Hollywood!

More of Los Angeles and Santa Monica Pier