Like every tourist to California, I have a picture next to the Hollywood sign. (As they say in Hollywood, the camera adds 14 pounds. Where did that second chin come from? It is bigger than the sign!)This mandatory photo opportunity is courtesy of a visit to the Griffith Observatory Park and a short hike up the Mount Hollywood trail. Documentary proof of that is added below to redeem myself from a tourist cliche. One must always be a traveller, not a tourist. How's that for profound? Plus, I look slimmer on the other photos ;-) Wow, that sign really messes up with your mind, huh?
Ching and I took a short hike up the Mount Hollywood trail in Griffith Park. There are a few trails in the vicinity of the Hollywood sign but we chose this one that goes to the "summit" where there was a small picnic ground. It was a hot day in the 90s with absolutely no shade. The view from the hill was refreshing though we were also on a look-out for celebrities jogging on the trail. We probably need to watch more tv and read more tabloids in order to actually identify them.
But we did spot a movie star and icon...
The Griffith Observatory, named after the Los Ageles philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, "is a cultural and scientific icon" that houses a telescope, other astronomical instruments and various displays relating to astronomy. My favorite part is the "Foucault Pendulum" which proves by its tilting that the earth rotates on its axis. (How bored do you need to be to experiment on that?) An interesting monument to James Dean is found on the Observatory grounds to commemorate the Observatory's appearance in the movie "Rebel Without a Cause."
We did not get an autograph from the Observatory but we will come back to see the stars... literally.
No comments:
Post a Comment