31 January 2019 - Hollywood, CA, USA

On a rainy day in late January, I decided to finally take a trip to visit Hollywood. My mom and uncle were visiting me this weekend so I wanted to show them something fun about this part of the country. I am a little embarrassed to say that after living here for 3 years I had never been to this famous place. I'll admit, however, the warnings about it being a tourist trap were well founded. We started our day by walking along the walk of fame. I picked my favorite star!

The buildings here have rather interesting architecture.

 Of course, I wanted a selfie in front of the Chinese theater. The ground here had all these boot and handprints of famous actors, musicians, and directors. It reminded me of a graveyard I once encountered on a trip to Ireland.

 After an hour or two at the walk of fame, we loaded up to drive up the hills to the Griffith Observatory. Now, this is not a tourist trap. I recommend it as a must see location if you visit Los Angeles. Even in the rain, the view of the city was amazing.

I could finally see the Hollywood sign too...

There were a few science exhibits at this location. It was fun to learn a little bit about radio astronomy. There was a reference to the Aricebo dish...ha, I was there last month.

As a jest, I also made sure to make good use of the shirt my girlfriend's sister got me for Christmas. Rick and Morty 4 ever!

26 January 2019 - Dodgers Fan Day - Los Angeles, CA, USA

I've never much fancied myself to be a sports person. Usually, what happens is if I happen to be trapped somewhere and a game is on, I'll get sucked into it until the game is over. Then, I return to my blissful ignorance.

A few years ago I took an old friend to an Anaheim Angels vs Cleveland Indians game as a gift. I had not been to a stadium for about 20 years. That game reawakened my interest in Baseball. I choose to continue rooting for Cleveland even though I am on the other side of the country.

My girlfriend and her family are diehard LA Dodgers fans. I have chosen the Dodgers as my second favorite team. Recently, we took a drive up to Dodgers stadium for fan appreciation day.

We met up outside the main gate and entered with an excited sense of anticipation. Part of the day included getting to walk out onto the field as well as explore the dugout. My only regret of the day is that I did not try a "Dodger Dog" but at the same time had the self-control not to get nachos. What a fun day!