As per usual I wake with the sun. It is an odd sky this morning, rather gray. But the window was open all night letting in the cool breezes of California air. (California air is different from Montana air in that there is a salty quality compared to the earthiness of Montana air). We lounge around under the still fluffy duvet and around 7am we are brought coffee. It is so cute on the sliver tray with a sunshine-yellow gerber daisy in the corner to brighten the morning. We continue to lounge around the room reading the paper (Just so you know the voice of Cinderella, Ilene Woods, died at 81 over the weekend) and our books (I’m wrapping up William’s Refuge and Debbie is devouring Lessing’s To Room Nineteen—its such an addicting read!).
By nine o’clock we are ready to explore the city! Jimmy, our closeted gay driver, takes us all over Beverly Hills, Hollywood and the LA area. We start nearby and drive around Rodeo Drive and the neighboring shopping streets all the while he gives us information about the city and asks where we are from. (Jimmy also gave us some great workout tips.haha) Interestingly enough there is a clear division between Beverly Hills and LA; the pavement literally changes from dark black asphalt to chipped and rutted gray. The street signs and fire hydrants go from white and silver to blue and yellow, accordingly. Here is also where the homeless population increases from about 40 to hundreds—Jimmy then points out “the dancer” as we dive by. He (possibly she—its really hard to tell with the bulging in some areas, but a fairly feminine face) is in all black spandex with combat boots and quite the teased hairdo. No music is playing; I think the androgynous person is warming up for a few big numbers. We dive past the ancient tar pit with surrounding park and then continue on to our next stop--the Hollywood Bowl. We get out and climb up the hill and into the natural amphitheater. The symphony is rehearsing for tonight’s show. I could stay here all day. It’s wonderfully empty and incredibly quiet, save for the music drifting through. But the show must go on and we are brought back to the car where we discuss vegetarianism.
Into Hollywood we go! (Historical fact: Built in the 1920s the sign originally read Hollywoodland and was used for marketing the growing subdivision within the hills) We of course stopped and looked at the sign, even taking the token picture (Although we did not get as creative as others around us—one chick positioned her “subject” with hands in the air while the she stretched out on the ground. I am guessing the picture will show the less-than-amused guy “holding” the Hollywood sign. How original!). Next stop: the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. Jimmy offered to pull over so we could get out and take a look around, but it is so incredible crowded—I don’t need to place my hands in the imprint of a star badly enough to risk being trampled by the mobs of Asian Tourist groups and giddy, hormonal tweens.
While we are on this side of town we also drive through a cemetery. It was the most ironic and conflicting experiences. The Hollywood Forever cemetery is situated behind Paramount Studios and is the final resting place for many stars (I didn’t care enough to really remember who is being turned to detris). The monuments to loved ones are huge, pictorial and even gaudy. Numerous flowers and other trinkets edge the plots and each one becomes progressively larger and grander than the last. Yet, this is not just a place to pay homage to dear Aunt Louise, but also the local hangout for moviegoers. Along one of the walls a movie will be projected, usually the creepy-crawly thrillers (not surprising) and thousands of people watch on the lawn. I find it so interesting that a place usually designated for somber reflection is filled with massive monuments and is a theater on nights and weekends. One, it says something about how we view the ritual and memorializing of death and secondly, how we can easily replace the afterlife with box office best sellers.
Famous houses are the next item on the agenda. Jimmy drives us through neighborhoods while prattling on about who lives there and there and there. For example, in what is referred to as the Birdcage, I saw Leonardo Dicaprio’s and Keanu Reeves’ homes. Then in Toluka Lake we drove by Steve Carell’s and Miley Cyrus’ (gag me!) houses. (Jimmy knew a copious amount about Miley Cyrus. I think he may have read too deeply into Montana association).
There were many other places along the way with lots of informational tidbits. When the tour wrapped up we have Jimmy drop us off at the Farmers Market and the Grove. There we perused shops and had a bite to eat. My favorite stop was to Anthropologie. I just love their clothes, and bedding, and furniture, and kitchenwares. It’s eclectic, offbeat, and all around right up my alley. I try on a few dresses, well rather lots and lots of dresses because they are my favorite!, and some adorable blouses. The sales girl, Jenner, is a doll and picks out some neat items. I fall in love with a plaid, corseted blouse, a blue scribble top, and some nude cutout flats with an adorable flower! (Sadly we have them shipped back so I am awaiting their arrival!).
We are a bit tired. It was a lot of information to absorb in three hours, plus our shopping time. We head back to the hotel and change into our swimsuits. It’s about 4 o’clock and the traffic at the pool is winding down. The tanned cabana boys escort us to our lounge chairs and we order drinks. I come to find that I love a refreshing, minty mojito in the setting afternoon sun. Debbie also spots a familiar face. We are not exactly sure where to place her from though. Could it be a movie star?!(Wouldn't you like to know!)
A few hours later we make it back to our room warm and sun-kissed. We contemplate keeping our reservation with Koi and then decide to go to the Polo again—it’s really just too good to go anywhere else! Tonight we are greeted by familiar faces and make it a light dinner. I have the tortilla soup—its deep red with a strong smoky flavor from the cumin with smooth, vibrant avocado. Still enjoying the mojito, I have a cocktail of a mojlini, which is a wicked combination of the mint mojito and a peach bellini. I suck the fresh peaches after dipping them in the mint; it’s so sensual. We also share the Grand Marnier soufflé—warm and gooey with a rich cream sauce to drench each spoonful.
Another wonderful day spent observing, relaxing, and enjoying our trip.Tomorrow will be just as exciting.
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