So how would you describe LA? A tourism guide might wax lyrical about it being “a vibrant metropolis known for its rich cultural diversity, sun-kissed beaches, flourishing entertainment and film industry, boasting iconic landmarks such as the world-renowned Hollywood, the picturesque Santa Monica Pier, and the majestic Griffith Observatory”
Me, on the otherhand, thinks it more like the Gold Coast on cocaine. The streets are lined with the reminders of a drug-fueled crisis, while the air is thick with smog due to the constant traffic jams, choking the skyline and giving the city a permanent haze. The beaches, while iconic in name, are nothing more than average stretches of sand, with the glittering allure of the Pacific overshadowed by the grime of the surrounding urban landscape.
Luckily, LA is only a 2 day stop over for our trip to Mexico. While many rasied concerns about safety in Mexico, I do wonder if this concern is misplaced and they should be more concerned about the state of America which i feel is teetering on the edge of chaos.
Despite this, i still tried to look past the negatives and capture a few images of the City.
The Famous Hollywood Strip is home to the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features thousands of stars embedded in the pavement, celebrating film and entertainment. Disappointingly, the rest of the strip presents a mix of gaudy shops, tacky attractions, and questionable bars.
Needing to escape the hustle and bustle of the City, we made the decision to hike up into the hills and visit the Griffith Observatory. With views of the city (and its smog) and the famous Hollywood Sign, interesting astronomy information and the surrounding park, it became a welcome escape.
With only two days and already one too many in the City, we headed to the beach. Venice Beach is known for its iconic boardwalk, Muscle Beach and unique locals.
Unfortunately i found the beach itself is nothing special with average surf, drab sand and too many hawkers. The boardwalk has street performers more interested in making a quick buck than adding any real tallent. It’s a mix of sketchy characters, homeless encampments, and a general sense of neglect.
Apology to all those who think otherwise………
One good note was the hotel we stayed in. Called Hotel Ziggy, it was hip with cool music based decorations thoughout, a great bar and band at night and surprisingly affordable compared to the other hotels i looked at.
At least i found one positive from our short time in LA.
But now the real reason we are travelling - to visit MEXICO!!