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Trip Prep
Next week, we're heading to L.A. for six (6) days. In preparation for every trip we take, we do research on the area for events, restaurants, sights, history, etc. I'd never done that much research into L.A. before because everyone tends to know the big things: Hollywood, Beverly Hills (Rodeo Drive), Disneyland, Santa Monica, Malibu, Sunset Blvd., and even Ventura Blvd for America fans. There are many other places I'm sure I could mention, but those areas for the most part are the "go-to" places.
Plus, I've been to L.A. probably 10 times since I was 4 years old. The primary reason for trips out there was eventually work, but started off because of family; I have an uncle and cousins out there north of L.A. in the Santa Clarita Valley - beautiful area and many stars live up there. Sadly, we're not in touch with those relatives much, so we most likely won't make it up there to see them. Guaranteed, if they were in the NYC area, they wouldn't look ME up, so what's the point?
The last time I was in L.A. was for work when I was with a software company. It was a really good trip and I enjoyed every minute of it - yes, even the work because it had become second nature. This time around, it'll be a little different because Matt's never been to L.A. or southern California. In fact, neither has his sister, who worked in the TV industry all her professional life. She's never even been to the West Coast!! So, this'll all be new for her, too. It'll be exciting to see their excitement.
During my research, I remembered that there are islands off the coast of L.A. There are more than 8, but there are about 8-10 prominent ones. I started looking at them on Google maps and then looking for pictures and Wikis of them. Sure enough, there's a TON of information about them. The group is called the Channel Islands, and there's a whole Wikipedia entry on the Islands of California. Makes them sound exotic, right?
A few of them are inhabited - the westernmost city of LA County is Avalon, which is on one of the islands. For the better part of a century, various Californians have tried unsuccessfully and successfully to build up Avalon as a tourist destination with resorts and marinas - even a casino.
The other islands are populated by overseers of the natural resource area or national park. One or two of the islands are allocated for US Navy operations. One island that is 83 square miles has 2 permanent residents on it. Wonder what it takes to be one of those residents. Is it punishment or reward?
Outside of the hubbub of a city like LA, I find it interesting that there are places so quiet, desolate, or removed, that even though they're part of LA County, they're worlds apart from what everyone sees on TV.
I'll be posting more updates of things we might be doing in L.A. Top of our list, however, is to meet up with![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
martini_tim and bigsabu!! That'll definitely be a highlight of our trip!!
Plus, I've been to L.A. probably 10 times since I was 4 years old. The primary reason for trips out there was eventually work, but started off because of family; I have an uncle and cousins out there north of L.A. in the Santa Clarita Valley - beautiful area and many stars live up there. Sadly, we're not in touch with those relatives much, so we most likely won't make it up there to see them. Guaranteed, if they were in the NYC area, they wouldn't look ME up, so what's the point?
The last time I was in L.A. was for work when I was with a software company. It was a really good trip and I enjoyed every minute of it - yes, even the work because it had become second nature. This time around, it'll be a little different because Matt's never been to L.A. or southern California. In fact, neither has his sister, who worked in the TV industry all her professional life. She's never even been to the West Coast!! So, this'll all be new for her, too. It'll be exciting to see their excitement.
During my research, I remembered that there are islands off the coast of L.A. There are more than 8, but there are about 8-10 prominent ones. I started looking at them on Google maps and then looking for pictures and Wikis of them. Sure enough, there's a TON of information about them. The group is called the Channel Islands, and there's a whole Wikipedia entry on the Islands of California. Makes them sound exotic, right?
A few of them are inhabited - the westernmost city of LA County is Avalon, which is on one of the islands. For the better part of a century, various Californians have tried unsuccessfully and successfully to build up Avalon as a tourist destination with resorts and marinas - even a casino.
The other islands are populated by overseers of the natural resource area or national park. One or two of the islands are allocated for US Navy operations. One island that is 83 square miles has 2 permanent residents on it. Wonder what it takes to be one of those residents. Is it punishment or reward?
Outside of the hubbub of a city like LA, I find it interesting that there are places so quiet, desolate, or removed, that even though they're part of LA County, they're worlds apart from what everyone sees on TV.
I'll be posting more updates of things we might be doing in L.A. Top of our list, however, is to meet up with
martini_tim and bigsabu!! That'll definitely be a highlight of our trip!!