Getting Acquainted with LA

Today we slept in and relaxed in the room for a little to recover from yesterday. We then went downtown to grab a bite to eat. Afterward, we wanted to explore the city. We just couldn't resist going up the hill to Hollywood to see the famous sign. The area up there is so beautiful and we were able to look across the reservoir to the city. While up there, someone told us about a vista that was worth seeing so we headed back down the hill.

We drove over to the vista and again saw spectacular views of LA. While we were there, we saw a tour guide pointing out a few famous houses including Meg Ryan's LA home and Ron Howard's writing house.Our next stop was the Griffith Observatory. We had seen it up on the hill as we drove to the vista and decided to go see it.

Once up the hill again, we saw the beautiful observatory come into view. Once inside, we walked through a museum explaining everything there was to know about space. Jacqueline even learned a thing or two from Albert Einstein. We then went into a show in the planetarium which was great! We learned that the zodiac signs were based on the suns position in the earth's sky along the orbital path. The elaborate diagrams traced in the stars really explained everything so well.

After the planetarium, we then saw a film about the history of the observatory. It was so interesting how in 2002, the building was lifted off the ground using hydraulics to add a basement. This was done due to the need for more space for extra exhibits. The reason the floor was added sub-grade was to preserve the original 1935 design which was so gracefully placed atop the hill.

We then went outside to watch the sunset over the Hollywood sign. It was just a perfect picture. We then headed down the hill and went to dinner at the Stinking Rose. It was a place that served garlic with everything and the food was great! Tomorrow we are heading out to Santa Monica to go to the beach and then to dinner with Jacqueline's cousin Brendan. We will talk to you tomorrow!