Today we went everywhere a native of L.A. would never do in one day. It was crazy of us, but with our schedule, we went for it anyway and since I wasn’t driving, well, that was just a bonus that let me sleep through the long drive back.
We left just after 10am for downtown, getting on I-5 and we were amazed at the traffic. I am used to really bad conditions on I-275/I-4 in Tampa and have driven through both D.C. and Atlanta at rush hour. Those places are nothing compared to this, although, I’d have to give the drivers high marks from what I could see from where I was sitting. Except the motorcycle riders. Rip off all your “watch out for motorcycles” stickers and just give them what they deserve for what I saw today.
We got off the interstate to see the Staples Center and pass by the Nokia Theatre since the American Idol finale was just there last night. They were still busily cleaning up. Then we headed in the general direction of Rodeo Drive to see the shops and got to see a bumblebee Bugatti Veyron!
Just after we left the hotel, Beautiful’s sister started talking about Pink’s Hot Dogs, so I checked and saw that it was on the way to the Griffith Observatory where we wanted to head to see the city and sign from up there, so we got to experience Pink’s in all its glory. It was awesome! I got the 9″ “Mulholland Drive” – a stretch dog with bacon, mushrooms, sauteed sweet onions, and nacho cheese with jalapenos for kickers. I ate it in about 12 bites because the dog fell through the bun, disintegrating it into a mess – more than it already was. It was – hands down – the best hot dog I’ve ever had, and at $6.10 in CA, I consider it quite a steal.
After my belly was quite happy, we headed over to the observatory for a spectacular view of L.A. and a cool vantage point for photos with the Hollywood sign behind us. So, I really don’t have any idea how far we traveled today, but it was a good 4 hours of driving, so it’s safely something we won’t be doing again, but I wouldn’t mind eating at Pink’s until I’ve had every menu item I want to try.
Bucket list item: stand on the Hollywood sign – close enough!
Today the family has planned to drive me around their old stomping grounds in Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM, they call it) and show me Beautiful’s first townhome, school, and some family friends before we end up in La Mirada at the hotel we’ll be staying at for my SIL’s graduation.
