After years and years of spouting hate against the city of angels (without ever going there), I lifted my self-imposed ban from California, and took some much need “R & R” as they say, on the left coast, specifically the area of Hollywood. During this short “mini-vacation” (as I’ve dubbed it), the sunshine, and maybe some booze, got to me. It turns out that I actually LIKE Los Angeles. I wouldn’t trod my heels into love territory here, but I’ll be honest, I’m teetering like a weeble. Here’s a quick run down of the main tomfoolery I engaged in during my four day stay

Wednesday – Arrive in the fair city and quickly receive a warm welcome of smog and light drizzle. I thought LA was supposed to be sunny? Not doing a stand-up job of winning me over, Los Angeles. Take it easy, get to where I’m staying, go out for dinner and a few drinks. Retired to bed fairly early due to my penchant to get knocked around from jetlag like I’m a Brett Myers pitch (zing! I still found time to follow the Phils).
Thursday – Wake up way on the early side and munch on cereal and orange juice. Took the dog for a walk because I’m an oh-so awesome houseguest (let me stay on your couch sometime). Get back, take a shower, and plan my day. Do the touristy Hollywood Boulevard stuff (note, wearing sunglasses makes it seem like you’re not looking at every star). Grab some dinner on my own. Mexican food is killer out there. Meet up with friends later in the evening for drunken, haven’t-seen-you-in-four-years festivities and barhopping.
Friday – Wake up early again, this time with a hangover. Down the usual head-throbbing breakfast: advil and vitamin water, shower. Head down Vine to the Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job offices to rub elbows with some real celebrities (I just missed meeting Bob Odenkirk). Grab some dinner and head home. Poker and more drinks filled up the evening hours.
Saturday – Took it easy. Took it easy. Took it easy. Caught my flight home. Promptly feel asleep.

Now, here’s a few little tidbits I picked up/saw/noticed/absorbed during my trip:
- The baggage claim bathroom at LAX smells like Fruity Pebbles.
- You can hear Cocksparrer in Skooby’s.
- Jay Bentley likes coffee and the LA Weekly.
- The Beauty Bar sucks on Thursday nights.
- It’s impossible to spend less than an hour in Amoeba.
- Paparazzi like to meet in Baja Fresh.