Hollywood and Los Angeles

We signed up for a bus trip at the FMCA Rally that goes into Los Angeles and then to Hollywood. We thought this would be ideal since, because of the traffic, we did not want to drive down to either place. We were told interesting tidbits about the LA and Hollywood area as we meandered to the Farmers Market for lunch. The market was really nicely done and it even had an Apple Computer store, which we had to go in of course. We did eat lunch there then we all boarded the bus and headed out past Hollywood and Vine and to the Kodak Theatre. This is where, in previous years, the American Idol finale was held. Peg and I posed for a couple of pictures at the theatre but we could not go in since it was not open at that time of day.

Next to the Kodak is Graumans Chinese Theatre. The famous theatre where many of the stars of stage and screen have placed their hands or feet in cement that adorns the entrance to the building. Many have written a short "Thank you" to Sid Grauman, owner of the theatre. It was interesting to read the comments and look at all the stars inscribed in concrete.

We also strolled along the "Walk of Stars" and read many of the names on the various stars found there. You hear about all these things and it is a real thrill to be standing among the icons of Hollywood. Of course we saw the famous Hollywood sign on the top of the hill from that vantage point as well.

The Kodak Theatre included a large shopping complex with about five stories of stores. In the plaza in the middle of the stores was a large open area with a fountain and two HUGE elephants standing on pedestals. It was a pretty wild sight and the picture does not do it justice.

From Hollywood we journeyed to what is called "old" Los Angeles. There is a nice park there and we heard a Mexican band playing songs. Located in this area is the first church of LA and Union Station, a train station that is still in use today. It has high ceilings and some beautiful architecture.

After visiting old LA, we got on the bus and were taken back to the FMCA Rally. We had a great day and saw many of the things we have heard about in that area. On our way back we also saw the round Capital Records building my father would talk about years ago. It was the competition to the record company he worked for, Decca/MCA records!