Today we arrived at the port of San Pedro, Los Angeles. We took a bus into downtown L.A., followed by an exploration of Olvera Street. Afterwards we headed to Hollywood Boulevards walk of fame, followed by a drive through West Hollywood, the famed Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Lastly we stopped at the Farmer's Market.
I wasn't overly excited about visiting Los Angeles, but it wasn't a bad day, and the weather was lovely. I think because I had low expectations I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would. Hollywood was very busy and the traffic was slow. Our tour guide would not wait for people to get off the bus, she would get off first and power off ahead, so we often didn't know where she went, and people became very annoyed with her. Despite individuals telling her to stop running off, she continued to do so. Nobody tipped her at the end.
Port of San Pedro, the largest seaport in the Western Hemisphere. About 40% of all containerised goods pass through L.A.
Downtown L.A.
Downtown L.A.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, construction began in 1987 and was a gift from Walt Disney's widow, Lillian.
Made from stainless steel, the concert hall was originally all shiny like the section you see in this picture, however there were complaints about the light reflecting from the building.
Peace on earth statue. A symbol of peace to the people of the world.
Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles. Today it is full of market stalls with handcatfted mexican wares and mexican eateries.
Olvera Street.
Avila Adobe, the oldest existing house in Los Angeles, built around 1818. Severly damaged in an earthquake in 1971, the house is now restored as an example of the California life style of the 1840's.
Many of the market stalls featured merchandise with skulls.
Hollywood Boulevard, once a dirt road called Prospect Avenue.
View of the Hollywood sign from the Babylon Tower.
Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood Boulevards walk of fame. There are more than 2,400 brass stars along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and side streets.
The very first Hollywood Star I walked upon...
Hollywood Boulevard.
Built in 1927, the theatre seats 2,200.
Sid Grauman accidentally stepped into wet cement during construction and inspired the idea of movie stars imbedding signatures and prints to harden for eternity. This was the only cement block I managed to see and get a photo of in the forecourt, the place was packed with people. Apparently there are over 200 sets of footprints.
Shriek.
Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood Boulevard.
Sunset Boulevard. In West Hollywood I think. This was an upmarket looking street, but nothing worth a photo in my blog. They have some famous nightclubs etc along this Boulevard.
Police Academy.
Automotive Museum. There are many Museums in L.A.
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the epicentre of luxury. Many expensive boutiques and hotels, I couldn't afford to get off the bus here.
Rodeo Drive
Some fancy car, many people have their photo taken with.
Fancy street.
Fancy street.
Farmers Market. We had about 30 minutes to explore here.
I wasn't very excited about browsing fruit and veg stalls, but hang on.....
There is a shopping side! This tram travels along the shopping strip in Farmers Market.
Farmers Market.
Farmers Market.
Farmers Market.
There is oil drilling everywhere in Los Angeles where there is space and oil to be found.
I wondered if this was one of those new autopilot vehicles I have been hearing about.... This girl was eating and had one leg up on the dashboard whilst driving at high speed, as you do.
Built in 1940, the battleship U.S.S Iowa served for 50 years.
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