With the different cultures and the specific lifestyle it embodies, Los Angeles gives everyone a different experience based on their interests.
The songs stuck in your mind, the movies and TV series’ that have become a part of your life are all created in this city, and are being followed by the whole world. But let me take you away from those images and give you some ideas that will help you discover lesser known characteristics of Los Angeles.
For the walkers…
If it’s your first time in the city, one of the places you should visit first is Griffith Observatory. With the 3D shows, you can travel in space and will receive interesting information about the planets. But, the real highlight you should not miss before returning home, is the Old L.A Zoo. Within walking distance from the observatory, this zoo had been opened in 1912. It then closed with the opening of a bigger zoo in 1966 and the animals were relocated to the new zoo. My friends and I decided to visit this place on Tuesday. I was really excited with the idea of visiting a deserted zoo and seeing what is left from the past. We parked our car in the parking lot and started walking. After passing the road surrounded by rocks stacked one on top of the other, we reached the place with the empty cages. The cages which had been the home of lions, elephants and snakes once, with the time worn wire fences and old chains were turned into a studio in the open air where you could get the finest shots. Passing through the tunnels to the upper part, we saw interesting graffiti and shot a few more photos. At the end of this thrilling visit we walked through the zoo and came across a magnificent sunset. From this spot, the typical silhouette of the city with high buildings on the sunset was breathtaking.
For sensitive taste buds…
One of the things I love the most is to discover the local tastes of the places I visit and try to connect them with their culture. On every street of this city composed of many different ethnic cultures, there is a lunch counter or a restaurant selling tacos, noodles or Teriyaki chicken. But in L.A, the melting pot of different tastes and cultures, did you know that there is a specialty, a fast-food called Bulldog? No, well put aside those dog images in your mind. Bulldog is a crazy Los Angeles snack, typical American hot dog sausage wrapped up in Chinese spring rolls, dipped into nacho cheese and Teriyaki sauce. Yeah, it sounds strange and it doesn’t look very sophisticated. But, I am sure you will love it when you taste. To experience different flavors like this, I strongly advise you to drop by Yaki’s The Original Teriyaki in Burbank (91506, Burbank CA, 904 W Alameda Ave.). You can also try the traditional American hamburgers at this little restaurant by the road. You cannot help picturing yourself in an American movie as you are trying these homemade beauties in the open air.
For shopping addicts…
When it comes to shopping for clothes in L.A, the first thing comes to the mind are the hot spots and touristic centers like Rodeo Drive on Beverly Hills and Third Street Promenade on Santa Monica where you can find world famous brands. But if these well known shops do not reflect your style or you’re planning to surprise your friends by sampling new styles now that you are in L.A, I have a very good idea. Vintage Boutiques. You can find lots of second hand and retro shops in LA but my favorite is Iguana Vintage and it is 3 minutes from the Hollywood Vine subway station. After walking along the Hollywood Boulevard and having a few photos with the stars you can very easily find this place which has more options than any other boutiques. This three floored shop can offer you products of very different styles from cartoon character printed t-shirts to leather jackets, from colored wings to retro glasses. You might find here many fun accessories for the costume parties you will attend and also you can check out the delightful style of former Hollywood performance artists. If you don’t want to see your clothes on other people and break the present trends whilst continuing the mystery of the past, definitely come over to one of these shops.
For Cinephiles…
Summer movie theater tradition that has been long forgotten in Türkiye, still finds itself a place as a family activity with the drive-in theater. Instead of being clouded by the ceilings of traditional movie theaters, during nice weather, people are having hell of a good time with their loved ones in these drive-ins. Whenever I visit L.A, I can’t help myself to drop by Electric Dusk Drive-in where you find more than a regular drive-in can offer you. Situated at the top of a building in the center of L.A, you don’t need to get out of your car to watch the movies that are being played on the huge screen. The attendants help you park your car to a appropriate place and you can enjoy the movie in the comfort of your car seats. You can eat whatever you like in the car or discuss the movie out loud. If you’d like you can take a stool, and watch the movie outside accompanied by the evening breeze. This theater has amazing views beyond the white screen. Do not come back without enjoying this movie experience accompanied with this beautiful view.
These alternative routes will help you see Los Angeles through the eyes of locals and I am sure will motivate you to visit this magical city once again to discover the depths of it.
Have a nice journey…
