Let’s leave the beach and head into the western heart of LA, 15 miles away.
On the way we pass another city that’s separate the the City of Los Angeles – one you may have heard of…
Very plush. The stars live in big houses far from the road, here and in the hills to the north and west.
Now into LA.
Can you see it yet?
Note how grey it all is. Apparently May can be like this, misty in the morning and maybe sunny later on, like today.
How about now?
Yes, we’re in Hollywood. The studios have now moved out to other parts of LA, but this district still draws in the tourists as there are plenty of attractions here.
It originally said “Hollywoodland” and was meant to advertise real estate during Los Angeles’s property boom in the early 20th century. The “land” bit eventually fell off and as the movie industry grew, the sign became its iconic symbol.
Part of the long, winding Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd, recognising stars of the silver screen, music, comedy, radio, and TV, behind the camera as well as in front. You get one star for each genre you excelled in (Bob Hope has a few).
Following the stars leads us rather neatly to the Dolby Theater, the new home for the Oscars ceremony. Let’s pop into the foyer.
The displays nicely demonstrate Hollywood’s recognition of its long and storied heritage…
…as well as it’s weakness for gratuitous bombast
Well that’s enough movie stardust for me. Back on the bus, down Sunset Strip, past a rather strange ceremony outside a store in West Hollywood (which turned out to be for Stormy Daniels), and to the beach.
Next up, a rather more chilled type of LA…
orwellianTwo 