Hollywood,CA -- Trip Report

“Day 1
As of this Monday I will be in N. Hollywood for a week. I fly out from Nashville, and will spent quite a bit of time at Universal Studios. A little of this, a little of that -- but all for work, and all expenses paid. Kinda kewl, I hafta admit.

There are some downsides believe it or not. First, they insist on picking me up at the hotel each morning, and taking me back each night. I don't like being somewhere without a car, but I've already decided if I go stir-crazy I will just get on the metro and go somewhere, anywhere.

Second, outside of the people who hired me and work with, I really don't know anyone there. I can't speak for everyone, but I know how I am. Sometimes I just like talking to someone completely different. I've known for a long time that randomness is actually a good thing.

I don't really have any plans, and maybe that's a good thing. Maybe if I don't plan ANY thing, that whatever does happen during the week will be a nice surprise. Maybe the week won't suck totally.

One of the things I think I'll do is take my guitar and just go play some random places. Maybe I'll bring a camera and try to take some absurd photos to post up on here. If you happen to get bored this week, (Mon the 15, thru Fri 19), post me up. Who knows, maybe we can hang out for a minute.

Now if I just had a tour guide.

Day 2
hMmm... well let's see.. All day in North Hollywood. To a certain degree looks like one of the Mexican border towns.. depending on what street I was on. Actually ate lunch at "Rigo's Taco" or something.. it was a hole, but really good Mexican food. Had some killer nachos..

I luv all the studio PROPS places around here. If you got a party coming up, you can basically rent anything you can imagine, from a complete "JETSONS" set to the "FLINTSTONES" should you be so inclined.

Today at work was basically just getting to know everyone and learning where everything was, even the simple things like where the bathroom is, or where you go if you need a smoke (which is kinda weird for me, since I actually completely gave up all smoking recently).



Dinner was at the Eclectic Bar and Grill. Sweet Italian food. Tomorrow is supposedly a "free night" and my plans are to ride the Metro or MetroLink down to Union Station and get mugged.. erRrr.. uMmm.. visit this place called "Plazita Olvera".. I had considered riding the RED LINE to the "hollywood/Highland" exit, but I after talking to a few folks, maybe I better settle for Olvera street.

I'll have my camera, and be wondering around, so if you are in mood to come rob me, or just hang out, come on out -- you know where I will be.

:)

Holla.

Day 3
Drove out to Santa Fe Springs to do some research and investigation. Nice long drive, and plenty of interesting "scenery." After that, stopped for lunch at Phillippe's, the Original Restaurant for the "French Dip" Sandwich.



Had some additional business back in North Hollywood, and then decided to do some exploring. Rode the Metrolink to Union Station, and wandered around Olvera Street.



Figured while I was in the area, I'd walk over to Chinatown. Ate dinner at the Lucky Deli. The Dim Sum absolutely RAWKED.



Then... rode the Red Line over to Hollywood and Highland, and after a little bit of doing the tourist thing, decided to walk down to Sunset Blvd and ride the #2 bus over to the world famous Viper Room.



Vayden started playing at 8pm, and if you have never heard them, you DEF need to check them out.



After hanging out, and talking to the band a little, caught a cab, and now I'm back in the hotel.

Day 4
Spent a good portion of my day in the backlots at Universal Studios. I uploaded a few of the pics, but for some security reasons I cannot show you all of the pictures I took today.



I actually got invited to go to a party tonight in East LA, but I told Mark that I'd have to go with him the next time, because I didn't have any thugging clothes.

Day 5
Today I go into work until about lunch, then it's back to Nashville. Lots of good memories. For a little bit, I'd just move out here.”