I hear California opened up June 15th. That’s two days before I arrive, and only one after my friend touched down. I haven’t been to Los Angeles since I was 5 years old. I remember the dinner theatre Medieval Times, fancy cars along the beach, and my uncle teasing me for ordering french toast a certain way. Silly memories of my childhood. Luckily I was able to have them, but it’s time to make new memories.
John Wayne Airport; June 17th, 2021
I fly into John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. That was the original plan in 2020 before the wildfires cancelled my California desire. The airport is smaller than LAX and has many private planes. Navigating the airport is easy, and I rent a new Ford Fusion Turbo. The car has spirit as it keeps pace with the heavy highway traffic. I’m glad to be driving.
My friend Theo Lodato kept pushing for the trip, and it’s fueling my dream. I don’t know what I’d do without a dream. He is closing an executive producer deal on a new Dustin Hoffman project about the struggles of old love. The film is written and directed by Mayim Bialik. My friend is proud. It’s good to see. I’m happy to be along for the ride, and see what the area has to offer.
Here are the spots I hit this week as of 1:58 PM 6/20/21: John Wayne Airport, Long Beach City Beach, Long Beach Art Museum, California Pizza Kitchen (Long Beach), Topanga Rocks (aka Jalan Jalan Imports), Frenwood Market, Hilton Garden Inn Calabases, Warner Center, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Muscle Beach, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Rocco’s WeHo, The Body Shop, Bobby’s Coffee Shop, Mother Nature’s Remedy, WET DECK at the W Hotel, Rainbow Bar & Grill, The Viper Room (outside only [it looked closed]), The Grove, Malibu Beach, Rodeo Drive (at night).
These are some of my thoughts. Got to go explore some more.