Work Trip to LA

Well, I'm traveling quite a bit for one of my clients. So I might as well share those adventures. First stop was the Los Angeles metro for a shoot at Compton College. This was my first time visiting Los Angeles and SoCal. So why not go on some aimless walks.

 

7th grade Brooke is so jealous. 

I, on the other hand, have never had a desire to visit LAX.

Wasn't really sure where to stay, but ended up settling on Mayumi in Culver City. Near the airport, not too far from Compton and close to Venice Beach. They even had free bike rentals that unfortunately didn't work with my schedule. 

Why do California and Florida mid-century cities and neighborhoods give me the same vibes?

After settling in I drove out to the Venice neighborhood because I didn't do any research.

I passed by BBQ + Rice driving down Venice Boulevard and it just looked like it fit the bill. Their bulgogi hit the spot. Sure it's a "chain," but you can't find it outside of LA and an odd location in Buena Park.

After eating I headed over to the Los Angeles Venice Canals. 

I got a little turned around.

But eventually I found the slightly murky canals. 

The canal and its muck filled canoes put off weird vibes, but the houses were worth the walk.

I stumbled upon a little backyard amusement park. Only open on weekends. 

 

Whaat?!

At least one homeowner got the memo that leaving your canoe in the water all year was a bad idea.

Little Free Libraries in LA don't need to worry about rain it seems.

After some meandering I'd made it down to Venice Beach.

Bizzaro Venice Beach in its full glory. Cutting through the gloomy weather.

Strange, but worth the people watching.

The people were interesting, but I could dig some of the more ornate architecture.

I didn't photograph the homeless, but they were camped along much of the Ocean Front Walk.

Suddenly the vibes shifted crossing into Santa Monica for better and worse.

I missed the eclecticism of Venice Beach, but I could see the Santa Monica Pier, so I couldn't stop walking even if my feet were aching.

Did really use the money for weed?

 

At least he's honest. 

Can't believe I passed up a custard stand. I did get a churro from a nice hispanic lady.

I escaped the tourist traps and found a bike share. Only the e-bike I picked out was dead on arrival. It was one of those strange scooter/bike hybrids and without the electronic assist it was a slog.

I made it a ways down Santa Monica's Main Street and gave up on the bike and walked the rest of the way.

At long last I was back to my rental car.

I didn't have to work over at Compton College until noon, so I got a breakfast Burrito halfway between in Inglewood.

I didn't know you were this charming Inglewood?

I highly recommend the breakfast burritos at La Fonda. Not too far from LAX if your hungry before or after a flight.

With some time to kill I walked around Inglewood neighborhoods north of Century Boulevard.

The lush yards were rad.

I think my minds eye view of what Los Angeles would look like was basically Inglewood or any of the other endless supply of rather dense suburbs. 

On the way to Compton I took some photos of the insane SoFi Stadium. 

After half a day photographing 360s at Compton College I took a long ride up endless boulevards to LA's Chinatown.

It was by no stretch on par with the San Francisco or NYC Chinatowns. Heck Chicago's might have more going for it, but I was hungry. 

I ended up eating at Jade Wok on the edge of Chinatown. It was fine. I didn't take any pictures for some reason.

I did take some eerie shots of the empty Chinatown at night. Apparently everything closes after 5 pm.

What else are you going to do other than cruise around LA at night?

I got a hankering for ice cream and ended up on swanky Larchmont Boulevard. So many boulevards...

Apparently Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is a chain, but hey it was new to me and got to do some more people watching.

In the morning I had the Hawaiian Royale at Rutt's Cafe on the border of Culver City and LA. 10/10 would do it again.

With a bunch of time to kill until my flight I took a cruise through Beverley Hills and up into Laurel Canyon. The view from Mulholland Drive was rad. Strange how not too far from the recent wild fires everything was bucolic as ever. There's also a surreal air to constantly driving down boulevards you've heard of from the movies.

I happened upon some awesome hiking trails at Fryman Canyon Park. Yes, this is in Los Angles proper. Over yonder is the Valley. Another Los Angeles to explore in future days.

Apparently cars used to crash into the canyon from Mulholland Drive before some berms were erected.

Hiking up here made me better understand the wildland-urban interface that had been the topic of discussion after the recent wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

After driving down through Laurel Canyon I was near Hollywood. So, you guessed it, I went for a photo walk.

Brooke was super jello that I got to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

It's one of those places you have to see once just to say you've been there. 

Would've been more fun to explore with Brooke and the kiddos.

Until next time, LA.