Saturday, May 31, 2014

Christy Does Southern California, Pt. 4



The next morning, I walked down Sunset Boulevard to get Christy for our visit to Griffith Park. Along the way, I snapped a few of the Standard Hotel.



Christy showed me what was waiting for her when she returned home the night before…well, she showed me the personalized-with-chocolate empty plate!



Had to capture another original art deco detail at the Sunset Tower.



The Parking Gods looked down upon us favorably, and we were able to secure a parking spot in the Observatory Parking lot. Christy got a great view of the Hollywood Sign.



Yup…it was sunny!



The Observatory was open for business:



I love the clean lines which are so indicative of art deco:



Two homages to the James Dean film "Rebel without a Cause" which was filmed here at the Observatory. First, Christy and Doug reenact the famous knife fight ("You calling me chicken?"). Willis was ready to step in.



"I've got the bullets!"



Jimmy's mouth gasped at the talent exhibited.



Willis wasn't interested in the photos or the Observatory, but he sure loved the sunshine and rolling around on the front lawn.



We still had a bit of time before we moved rooms at the Chateau, so we stopped at the Barnsdall Art Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock house on Olive Hill.



The steps up to the house made me think of the Laurel and Hardy movie "The Music Box."



How to frame a view, Frank Lloyd Wright style:





Unfortunately, the home was closed for tours since it was a Sunday. This was all I got to see through the glass window.



Willis enjoyed touring the property.



Next, it was time to eat. Christy paid her first visit to the Pink Taco on Sunset Boulevard, which was formerly Preston Sturges' club The Players.



A strawberry margarita in a pineapple? Count me in.



Willis got nothing, and he wasn't happy. He was ready to go back to the Chateau.



The rest of the story coming soon!

See more Daveland Griffith Observatory photos on my main website.

4 comments:

K. Martinez said...

Nice update today. Love the Griffith Observatory and Hollyhock House photos. Willis sure looks content rolling on the lawn.

Mike said...

Really looking forward to a return to DISNEY!!! (hint...)

Daveland said...

Michael - I hear ya', loud and clear. Sorry, but this blog is branching out into other areas. Disney isn't going away, but it's time to broaden the horizons a bit! Thanks for your patience.

Fifthrider said...

Although the Disney stuff is fun, I enjoy the side trips because so much ties into Disney history. ( Frank Lloyd Wright lecturing Walt's people in the '30s ) I can definitely associate with the occasional lost trip in L.A. while coming from or going to DL. I can't even remember what Hollywood and Highland looked like before the big redux about a decade ago. Keep up the good work!