We always heard Los Angeles is one of the worst traffic city in the U.S. and LAX airport is no exception. Couldn't quite believed how terrible and congested the City really is until you actually step your feet in it, which we did on the very first hour we arrived at the gate.
Southwest flies into terminal 1 and the good part of it is that you get the first stop for all pick-up/drop-off. The traffic between the first pick up and the last one may determine if you make it to your flight :)
The moment we arrived at LAX, we went straight to the baggage claim. For goodness sake, I just couldn't believe how unorganized and the amount of time we have waited for our baggage. It is probably ranked as one of the worst airport in the U.S. in terms of handling. It probably took a good one hour to claim our luggage from the time we arrived at the baggage claim area. The arrival screen to check the baggage carousel was not updated and hundreds of travellers were waiting and listening for the arrival carousel number from the intercom. I sure hope to blame it on the holidays, but locals say is usual.
By all means, if you don't need to check in your luggage, don't. It doesn't worth the hassle and time.
Hollywood
What's all the fame about in the Hollywood sign? The famous Hollywood sign is up in the hill, where thousands of visitors, including us, go for a snap of the camera. Okay, I've visited Los Angeles.
There are few spots where you could see the sign. Griffith observatory is one of them, but traffic was an issue going up to the Griffith. So, we stopped at the Lake Hollywood Park instead.
In daddy's opinion, the joy is in the journey. The final destination is just a sign. Don't expect too much from it. Enjoy the drive and scenery. The drive to the top of the Lake Hollywood Park was fun. Some part of the road is quite steep and curvy. The houses and building along the way are unique and nice in certain way. Take your time on the journey and you would enjoy more.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Visitors walk on the street to find their favorite celebrity and there goes another snap.
Beverly hills - Rodeo Drive
Materials...materials... High-end boutiques are what drive this Street famous. We can't afford it so we drove by as the Christmas decorations were nice to see.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Majority of the visitors are Senior so what drives us to this library, where it cost $21 general admission? Great company and Air Force One. A retired, life size, Air Force One is inside the library. Inside the Air Force One, it displays the older days designs where you would see the boxed TV, futon (no bed), and other 80's technology and settings. (Pictures were not allowed inside the plane).
There is also the Marine One.
Right before the Air Force One attraction, there is an exhibit of multiple elaborated Christmas trees designed for each country that President Ronald had visited. The one that caught daddy's attention the most is the one for Costa Rica. The tree featured fake bananas, sloths and other interesting ornaments. (Maybe a visit to Costa Rica in the near future?)
Kids and friends enjoying their time at the library.
Outside the presidential library is beautiful. Some people like to visit outside the library itself (free) just to enjoy the walk and scenery.
The parking at the presidential library is limited. Especially during the peak season, visitors often need to park on the side of the road leading to the library. However, they do offer free shuttle with multiple stops along the roadside.
Mommy getting off the shuttle with Didi. This picture seems like one of those celebrity with her kid shot on the magazine. She just need to put on the sunglasses :p
Venice Canals
This canal walkway is nice and situated in a residential area. Taking our morning stroll at this beautiful place.
Venice Beach Santa Monica
It is located not too far from Venice Canals. There were a lot of people jogging and cycling at this place. It has a beautiful ocean walk and a nice beach. Also, an amusement park, the Pacific Park.
With all the walking. Time for food. By the way. Did you check out the Las Vegas Buffet we had at MGM Grand? Forget about that! This Vegas Seafood Buffet in LA is way better and cheaper! Delicious!
What is better than wrapping up the year by hanging out with our best buddies and mommy's favorite hot pot?
This concluded our year end trip. We visited many places in 2016 and very thankful for the opportunity to do so. We would like to express our gratitude to our friends for extending hospitality to us while we were in LA. We had a great time especially our year end hot pot dinner.
Cheers to 2017!
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