Getty.

The Getty is one of my favorite places to visit in Los Angeles. The architecture, artwork, gardens, and views of the city are unlike any other. We devoted our free afternoon to the museum during our trip to California in September. I ended up spending most of my time outside walking the grounds and taking photographs. I also made a point to walk through the photography wing and admire the Monet paintings. If you are ever in LA I highly recommend visiting The Getty!

Back to Cali.

Back in September I had the privilege of traveling to Los Angeles with two of my good friends from work to attend a workshop on inclusive education at CHIME Institute. We spent three days together reflecting on our school's current inclusive practices and brainstorming ways to improve over the next several years. It was thought-provoking, inspiring, and exhausting!

While we were in California we rented an apartment in Venice. We were across the street from the beach and in heaven! We didn't have much time to spare during our stay, but we made the most of the few free hours after work each day. We shopped in Santa Monica (and saw an amazing sunset on the beach!), devoured burgers and fries at In-N-Out, and visited The Getty. We also had two amazing dinners in Venice; I highly recommend Gjelina and The Tasting Kitchen. I am devoted to the east coast, but I do love the sunshine, waves, and easy lifestyle of the west coast. Hopefully I will be able to visit again soon!

In-N-Out = Delicious

During my visit to Long Beach, California, my dad and I had our first In-N-Out Burger experience. We were in awe as we stepped through the doors, eyed the menu, and smelled delicious burgers and french fries in the air.

We thoughtfully placed our orders at the counter, commenting the whole time on how amazingly nice the workers were and the cheap prices. We put on our hats, found a booth, and eagerly waited for our number to be called.

And when our food arrived, we dug in. Chocolate and strawberry shakes, burgers, and fries quickly went from our table to our bellies.

We loved In-N-Out Burger. So much actually, that we went back the next night for round two.

Welcome to Hollywood. What's your dream?

That's what I wanted to hear someone shout when I stepped out of the subway on Hollywood and Vine. The beginning of Pretty Woman flashed through my mind as I wandered down Hollywood Boulevard admiring the Walk of Fame. I had so much fun finding the stars of my favorite actors, singers, and directors.

When I arrived at the Grauman's Chinese Theater, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed wandering the hand and footprints of the stars. I circled around several times reading the names and fitting my own hands and feet in the famous prints, imagining Judy Garland, Julia Andrews, and Marilyn Monroe at the theater years ago marking their spots in the cement. I was starstruck. 

I concluded my little sightseeing adventure at the Hollywood and Highland Center, where I admired the HOLLYWOOD sign in the hills. 

I had a great time wandering around Hollywood !

The Pie Hole

Months before my first trip to Los Angeles, I watching a show on the Cooking Channel featuring unique eats around the country. As soon as I heard about The Pie Hole and their mac n' cheese pie, I grabbed my laptop and pinned the website to my Restaurants to Try board. I knew that I had to make it there at some point during my vacation.

Soon the months turned into days, and before I knew it my suitcase was packed for LA. I was beyond excited when I realized that The Pie Hole was only a mile away from my hotel downtown, and knew that it was the first place I wanted to stop after checking in the morning I arrived. I eagerly walked the mile to the restaurant (and yes, I very quickly realized that no one else really walks in LA as I wandered the empty sidewalks) and sipped on an ice-cold cream soda as I waited for my pie.

The mac n' cheese savory pie was just as delicious as I thought it would be. The crust was flavorful and flakey, and the inside was full of perfectly cooked noodles and cheese.

My trip to The Pie Hole was a delicious way to begin my California adventures.

A few more Instagram shots from sunny California...

Here are a few more Instagram shots from my last day in California...

1. My dad made a delicious breakfast Sunday morning- french toast, thick-cut apple smoked bacon, fruit, french press coffee, and a variety of pastries from a local Long Beach bakery.
2. Pinkberry snack in Santa Monica. It was my dad and Olga's first Pinkberry experience!

3. The Getty. 
4. Admiring the paintings in the West Pavilion at the Getty Museum.

5. Succulents in the Central Garden.
6. My dad outside of the East Pavilion at the Getty.

7. Venice Beach
8. My final evening in California; watching the sun start to set at Venice Beach.

9. One more stop at In-N-Out Burger before heading to the airport.
10. Saying farewell to my dad and Olga at LAX.

I am excited to share more photos from my adventures in California soon!