Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Favorite thing: If you enjoy tracking down "trophy architecture" like Carol and I, then sooner or later you either get your socks knocked off or end up saying "What were they thinking?". The former Chiat/Day building designed by Frank Gehry certainly had me scratching my head in bewilderment.

The strange assemblage of building styles, combined with the four story tall black binoculars which you walk under the enter the building, made me curious to learn more about the project. What I discovered seemed pretty interesting me...although unless you are interested in architectural minutia, my ramblings might bore you as much as another Gehry stainless steel ribbon...apologies to all of Frank's fans.

In any event, if you can put up my some of my "blog-like" writing, check out my "More Frank Gehry I Love to Hate" travelogue.

As a side note, when I tried to take a picture from under the giant binocular, a security guard raced out informed us that picture taking was not allowed from within the building property at the request of the architect. We could, of course, go across the street...

Fondest memory: Santa Monica marks the western end of the historic Route 66. This photo of the Will Rogers plaque was taken at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and Ocean Ave. The historic Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66 runs from Chicago, IL, to Santa Monica, CA, a distance of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). The states it passes through are Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Favorite thing: see the ocean! The beach was probably my favourite part of LA - I ended up staying in Venice, and walked down to Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a pretty pleasant place, and some nice shopping. There's a Hostelling International affiliated hostel here which would be a good place to stay - but you'll need to book ahead - it was full when I went! Details on the official HI webpage here.

Favorite thing: Visit Santa Monica. That place is really beatifull. We first went there in a gap between our morning arrival from Brazil and our evening departure to Australia, and it was just so great that we decided that in our way back to Brazil, we would stay a few days more than previously planned. Don't miss the pier, the 3th street promenade and the promenade by the sand.

Favorite thing: go to Santa Monica Beach/Pier/3rd Street Promendade
go to the New Getty Museum (you don't even need to go inside, just go for the view)
go rollerblading in Manhattan Beach
go to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert

Fondest memory: cultural diveristy in people (women) and food

Favorite thing: wander round Santa Monica. I did not see a lot of it as it was dark but it seemed like a very vibrant and fun place to be in and there are some great restaurants there.

Fondest memory: Meeting one of my friends and visiting a major corporations main sites. It was one of the best experiences in my life so far!

Favorite thing: Visit the Santa Monica Pier, rent bicycles and ride along the beach path. Also walk along the Santa Monica Promenade and Venice Beach.

Favorite thing: Take a swim in the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Beach.

Fondest memory: For more information about Santa Monica, please visit my Santa Monica page.