Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive

I start out in Beverly Hills which is not only famous for the famous 90210 show back in the nineties but it's also the place where movie stars go to Rodeo Drive and buy their high couture shoes and Ralph Lauren handbags. It's the place where Winona Ryder was busted for shop lifting and Paris Hilton gets cute outfits for her rat she calls a dog.

As I proceed from my car to Beverly Park (which I parked in one of those well-known palm tree streets) and take a stroll onto Santa Monica Boulevard, I see a handful of Chinese people stuck to the letters. And it's not even 10 AM yet.

In the distance the Rodeo Drive street sign lures me into the shopping area. Stepping foot on the white and perfectly maintained sidewalk I feel like I just walked onto a movie set. Palm trees and flowers are the center of a shopping street where store windows shine like diamonds in the sun and fashionable names like Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss catch your attention. It seems like every one that walks in this street has his/her own stylist and wardrobe specialist. I am lost. I did not shave this morning but now I wish I had. My camera wobbles on my belly and that can only mean two things : I'm either a sleazy paparazzi or a confused tourist. Either way, I get that slouching eye from perfectly groomed and well-cologned fortunate by-passers who spend their Sunday morning shopping for a new 600 dollar cashmere scarf.

I take my pictures and head back to my car. The area is one of the most agreeable I have ever been in. You won't find any dirt on the pavement here, nor will you see a car that has a dent or uses its spare tire like many cars in Baltimore do. It's remarkable how few old cars you see driving around in LA. Everyone seems to have the latest brand model with flat screen TV's in the back, a blazing sound system and rims that blind you just by looking at them.

By taking Melrose Boulevard I make my way to Hollywood while admiring the many ethnic restaurants and take out places in the street. There's a fresh vibe going on around the bars. Bikes nestled in parking spaces fill up the side of the road. Traffic is going slow but nobody seems to mind. Everyone is too busy witnessing the spectacle in the street. I'm passing farmer's and art's markets, tattoo bars and designer stores. And then I hit the Hollywood city limit sign.

I have to admit, Hollywood is a disappointment. From what I understand, Warner Brothers is about the only movie studio that is still located in the Hollywood area. All of the other major picture studio's have moved across the hill into the Valley (such as Universal Studio's and Paramount Pictures). What they left behind is a Hollywood Boulevard paved with famous star awards and actor-wannabees dressed up like Marilyn Monroe, Jack Sparrow or one of the Transformers handing out pamphlets and discount coupons for a visit to the movie studio's about 10 miles further. It's like saying : 'Ok, so you saw what the movie industry USED to be, come and take a look at what it is NOW !' I'm with them. The only thing worth seeing is Mann's Chinese Theater. It has some cool imprints of celebs in front of its entrance. It all started in the 50's when a famous actress accidentally stepped into the fresh pavement and left her foot mark behind. People came from far and beyond to photograph this famous mark and thus also visited the movie theater. So the management decided to pave their front entrance with signed marks of famous hands and feet. It became big business. So big that they needed to ask the city for permission to use the public sidewalks as well. But of course the city of Hollywood wanted to cash in too and suggested paving the sidewalk with stars. Today you can walk on miles and miles of these stars. Something I didn't do by the way.

Instead I went to take some up-close pictures of the Hollywood sign, only to find out that it's temporary closed due to renovations. Bummer. I headed back to the coast by taking the windy road that is Mulholland drive, continued onto Sunset Boulevard and then took the PCH back home.

Later that night I handed in the keys to my rented Prius. I'm going to miss that car.

Speaking of cars, as of this week you'll catch me driving a blue '94 Plymouth Grand Voyager a.k.a 'The Blue Car'. A very used car that still runs pretty good and belonged to Alex, Jo-Ann's and Steve's son. It's not exactly a dream car but more important is that it runs good and gets me where I need to be. I'm also assured that it's well taken care of. So I'm happy with it. Jo-Ann and Steve are really looking out for me. Their help has been extremely valuable to me. I'm so thankful !

Today is a lazy day. The Blue Car is in the shop right now for a last check-up and maintenance so that gives me the time to check on insurance and getting registered with the DMV for a Californian driver's license and registration. Again. I will have to make an appointment with them later this week.

An other plan is to go to Universal Studio's later this week. Since it's my last week of 'holiday', I have to make the most out of it. :-)

Next Monday is my first day at work !

Here are some pictures :