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  Anne Explores LA (and Beyond) 
Los Angeles native doing LA like a tourist
-A Travel + Food Blog- 


My Snaps

3/19/2023

2 Comments

 
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Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center | Agua Dulce, California
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Wine tasting at Agua Dulce Winery | Agua Dulce, California
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California Poppies in Bee Canyon | Santa Clarita, California
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Moon Canyon | Los Angeles, California
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Elyria Canyon Park | Los Angeles, California
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Los Angeles National Cemetery | Los Angeles, California
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Point Fermin Park | San Pedro, California
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Rana Begum's No. 1225 Chainlink at Desert X 2023 | Greater Palm Springs, California
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View from Hansen Dam Trail | Pacoima area of Los Angeles, California
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Wild cucumber | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, California
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Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook | Los Angeles, California
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Deukmejian Wilderness Park | Glendale, California
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Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park | Vernon, California
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White Point Nature Education Center and Preserve | San Pedro, California
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Machado Lake at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park -- the third largest park in the Los Angeles City Park system after Griffith Park and Elysian Park | Harbor City, California
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Port Hueneme, California
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San Clemente, California
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New Year's Day 2023 | Laguna Beach, California
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Bolton Hall Museum | Sunland, California
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Mulholland Drive | Los Angeles, California
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Winter crowd at Zuma Beach | Malibu, California
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Off season biolumenescent waves during Winter Solstice | Newport Beach, California
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Sold out Maye show at the Roxy | West Hollywood, California
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Santa Monica, California
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Iconic Los Angeles: Randy's Donuts (est. 1952) | Inglewood, California
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Sunset at Ascot Hills Park | El Sereno, Los Angeles, California
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Founders Park | Rancho Palos Verdes, California
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Earvin “Magic” Johnson Recreation Area | Los Angeles, California
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Vincent Price Museum | Los Angeles, California
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National Historic Landmark: Village Green | Baldwin Hills, California
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Orange County Museum of Art | Costa Mesa, California
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Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse now through October 9, 2022 at LACMA | Los Angeles, California
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La Brea Tar Pits | Los Angeles, California
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Surfrider Beach | Malibu, California
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Malibu Lagoon State Beach
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National Register of Historic Places: Aztec Hotel. Now closed for needed repairs since 2011, this route 66 historic building is an example of Mayan Revival architecture. It was designed by architect Robert Stacy-Judd and built in 1925-26. Just 5 minutes behind this building is another historic place. Upton Sinclair lived in a house in the neighborhood behind the building between 1942 and 1966. | Monrovia, California
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Cy Twombly now through December 17, 2022 at Gagosian in Beverly Hills. Also, Cy Twombly "Making Past Present" is at the Getty Center now through October 30, 2022.
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Squirrel at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area | Los Angeles, California
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Sweeping views along the Loop Trail at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area | Los Angeles, California
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National Register of Historic Places: Christmas Tree Lane | Altadena, California
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View from Belmont Pier | Long Beach, California
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This vegan and vegetarian take out only window hidden in the back of a medical office building where locals and foreigners as far as Thailand come to try the famous vegetarian "maharaja" burrito and other vegetarian and vegan plates. | Appus Cafe in Long Beach, California
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I love watching the antics of our California sea lions | Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, California
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National Register of Historic Places: Private guided tour of Dominguez Rancho Adobe (built in 1826), part of the first Spanish land grant in California | Compton, California
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My mom and aunt told me that this was their first time watching the sun set. | Top of the World, Laguna Beach, California
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Essential Los Angeles: Sharing a piece of Los Angeles history with my aunt. Her first time experiencing the magic of eating at Philippe The Original, which was established in 1908. Getting your "au jus" on the side for dipping your French dip sandwich is a must! My first time asking them to do it and totally change my mind about this sandwich. My aunt loved her pastrami French dip sandwich. She doesn't love their potato salad as much as I do. If they've been in business for 114 years, they must being doing something right! A much loved LA institution with locals and tourists alike. Some tourist said that they drove straight here from the airport.
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Established in 1917, San Antonio Winery is the largest and oldest producing winery in Los Angeles. They carry what I call "juice wine" for those that hate wine and also the award-winning San Simeon label for wine snobs. | Los Angeles, California
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Golden hour at Camarillo Grove Park | Camarillo, California
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You'll probably want to stop to try the food at any restaurant with a long line. It's either really cheap or the food is great or you'll be lucky if both! These days, it could also be food that is mediocre, but has gone viral on IG or TikTok so at least you can say you've tried it in the end. The square slices at Quarter Sheets are inpired by Detroit-style pizza and I would say a solid slice and the service by the team is memorable. | Quarter Sheets Pizza, Echo Park, Los Angeles, California
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Family friendly afternoon at Bludso's Barbecue at Proud Bird Food Hall. Watching airplanes land at LAX was exciting to watch because I'm a still a kid at heart! | Los Angeles, California
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Kenny Scharf "Bestest Ever!" now through September 10, 2022 at Honor Fraser | Los Angeles, California
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Kenny Scharf "Bestest Ever!" now through September 10, 2022 at Honor Fraser | Los Angeles, California
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Taix, a relic of the past | Echo Park, Los Angeles, California
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Aof Smith "Irrepressible Summer Melody" through August 27, 2022 | Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles, California
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Cacti Garden at Conejo Valley Botanical Garden | Thousand Oaks, California
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The Oaks, an "upscale shopping experience" in Thousand Oaks, California
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The iconic Circus Liquor | North Hollywood, California
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Taking a stroll in Tujunga Village | Studio City, California
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Got sunburn | Sunset Beach, California
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Alphabet Soup II at Eastern Projects Gallery now through September 17, 2022 featuring work by Big Sleeps, Chaz Bojorquez, Cryptic, Defer, Retna, and Prime | Chinatown, Los Angeles, California
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Cy Twombly "Making Past Present" at the Getty Center now through October 30, 2022 | Los Angeles, California
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Chaos #1-#500 by Urs Fischer presented by Gagosian at the Marciano Art Foundation now through October 29, 2022 | Los Angeles
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Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park | Rowland Heights, California
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Rosson Crow's "Heartbreak Hotel" now through September 10, 2022 at Over the Influence | Downtown Los Angeles, California
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Getty 25th Anniversary free summer long community art festival and concerts: The explosive sound of Georgia Anne Muldrow | Los Angeles, California
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Getty 25th Anniversary free summer long community art festival and concerts: The super talented Terrace Martin (producer of Kendrick Lamar and more) with DJ Battlecat & the G-Funk All-Stars representing Leimert Park and Crenshaw | Los Angeles, California
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How I do Larchmont Village? I have a gibraltar at Go Get 'Em Tiger or come during the farmers market and walk around the block to people (or celebrity) watch. A locals only, low key neighborhood vibe where celebrities go with their kids to hangout without getting bothered. I recently spotted Jude Law with his baby and Joey McIntyre (of NKOTB for us grown folks) with his kid a while back at the farmers market on a Sunday. And if you see a celebrity, please act like you don't recognize them because that's an Angeleno faux pas. | Larchmont Village, Los Angeles, California
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Dutch street artist, Stefen Thelen AKA Super A, solo exhibition, "the Other Way Around" now through August 21, 2022 | MOAH, Lancaster, California
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First time seeing fresh durian in America. Nicknamed "the king of fruits" and forbidden in some hotels in Asia. Smells putrid, but tastes like heaven. I love it so much. | 99 Ranch in Van Nuys, California
Point Mugu State Park
Below Mugu Rock at Point Mugu State Park | NAS Point Mugu, California
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Crestwood Hills neighborhood park sandwiched in Brentwood's hidden modernist enclave with a "whites only" racist past. Mutual Housing Association (MHA) was the only successful large-scale cooperative housing development in California in the post-war years. | Brentwood, Los Angeles, California
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This was my first time exploring the Getty Museum solo. I've been here so many times before with friends and on a date with a (cheap) French man and it's a different experience being alone. Much like traveling, I much prefer visiting museums alone. I get to see what I want and leave when I want. | Los Angeles, California
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Greystone Mansion | Beverly Hills, California
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Birthplace | Yorba Linda, California
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Southern California's largest coastal redwood grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park | Brea, California
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Esplanade Bluff Garden | Redondo Beach, California
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Rat Beach | Rolling Hills Estates, California
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National Register of Historic Places: Galleano Winery (founded in 1927). Galleano is the oldest Prohibition-era winery in the Cucamonga Valley still owned and operated by the same family. I've been curious about the history of wine in the Cucamonga Valley after learning about it during my winetasting trip in Sonoma | Mira Loma, California
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I've been curious about this place while coming to the area to visit clients. Thet have been closed whenever I'm in the area. I finally made the drive just to visit the museum and gardens. I was told the docent-led tour for $25 is worth it. Next time. | Sam and Alfreda Maloof Historic Home and Gardens | Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Hidden eye candy inside St. Andrew's Church. The Italians said that we don't deserve and appreciate these murals. My first Sunday mass during Covid. | Pasadena, California
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National Register of Historic Places: I met a fellow history buff (and oenophile) at this museum and he told me that a visit to Galleano Winery was a must for me when asking about other historic places in the area. | Rancho Cucamonga (Route 66), California
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Built in 1913, the Upland Public Library, a Carnegie Library, is the first public building in Upland | Historic Downtown Upland, California
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Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve | Huntington Beach, California
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The newish Desiderio Park under the Colorado Street Bridge (aka "Suicide Bridge" and the site of 150+ deaths), built in 1913 | Pasadena, California
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South Pasadena Public Library, a Carnegie library (opened in 1908 and remodeled in 1930 in Mediterranean Revival style with classic elements, without Carnegie funding) | South Pasadena, California
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Vroman's Bookstore, founded in 1894 - "Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore" | Pasadena, California
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The historic Wrigley Mansion along Millionaire's Row - a 1906 Renaissance design mansion with 4.5 acre flower gardens | Pasadena, California
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Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology by Morphosis (built in 2009) | Pasadena, California
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The charming and very walkable Mission Street | South Pasadena, California
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Arlington Garden, Pasadena's secret garden | Pasadena, California
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Picturesque and serene walk through Green Street | Pasadena, California
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Kendall Alley | Old Town Pasadena, California
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Carpinteria State Beach | Carpinteria, California
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Ventura Pier (est. 1872) | Ventura, California
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Over the 101 | Ventura, California
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City Hall | Ventura, California
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Mission Basilica San Buenaventura (est. 1782) | Ventura, California
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The historic Lanterman House (built in 1915) docent-led tour | La Cañada Flintridge, California
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Manhattan Beach, California
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Hermosa Beach, California
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Newly reopened Japanese Garden | Van Nuys, California
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Sepulveda Dam | Van Nuys, California
Bird watching at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Van Nuys | Los Angeles, CaliforniaPicture
Bird watching at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve | Van Nuys, California
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Glove at the Lodge Room | Highland Park, California
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Montana Avenue | Santa Monica, California
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Corriganville Park | Simi Valley, California
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Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park | Lancaster, California
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Corridor of murals | Santa Paula, California
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Rose Valley Falls | Ojai, California
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Ojai, California
Leimert Park Food and Street Festival
Weekly street festival | Leimert Park, California
The Lost Boys Bridge in Santa Clarita, California
The Lost Boys Bridge | Santa Clarita, California
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Las Virgenes Trailhead | Calabasas, California
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Chumash Trail in Point Mugu State Park | Port Hueneme, California
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Hidden Gem: Deervale-Stone Canyon Park | Sherman Oaks, Califoria
Kill Bill Church in Lancaster, California
Kill Bill Church | Lancaster, California
Millard Canyon Falls Trail | Altadena, CaliforniaPicture
Millard Canyon Falls Trail | Altadena, California
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Virginia Robinson Gardens Guided Tour | Beverly Hills, California
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Solimar Beach Colony | Ventura, California
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Crystal Lake in San Gabriel Mountains National Monument | Azusa, California
Watts Towers
Watts Towers | Watts, California
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Midnight stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park (on a moonless summer night) | Twentynine Palms, California
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Inspiration Point at the historic King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, LA's very own national park.
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Malibu Creek State Park (Reagan Ranch entrance) - Make it your starting point for your hiking adventure while exploring former President Ronald Reagan's old ranch property.
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Los Angeles Arboretum | Arcadia, California
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El Pueblo de los Ángeles Historical Monument
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La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles (Our Lady Queen of Angels) Catholic Church | Downtown Los Angeles, California
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"Shanghai Street" neon sign. A remnant of China City, the original Chinatown | Los Angeles (Chinatown), California
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View of the private lake inside guard-gated Lake Sherwood, California
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Snow White Cottages | Los Angeles (Silver Lake), California
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It's blooming at Ávila Adobe | Oldest house in Los Angeles (built in 1818)
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Saddleback Butte State Park (formerly Joshua Tree State Park) - A sandy, gentle walk to Little Butte. Arrive in the morning and make it all the way to the top. Sadly, it's not a good season for wildflower peeping (on 3/14/21).
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Rancho Los Cerritos (built in 1844) in Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach.
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Mission Santa Ines (founded in 1804) in Solvang, California.
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Prime Desert Woodland Preserve | Lancaster, California
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Private beach | Malibu, California
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Quiet mornings at El Matador State Beach | Malibu, California
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Malibu during Memorial Day Weekend 2020
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Emptyness in Beverly Hills, California during COVID-19
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Venice Beach, California during COVID-19
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All is quiet and peaceful in Lancaster, California during COVID-19
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Historic Downtown Walking Tour with the Los Angeles Conservancy
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The Bonaventure Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles
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Big Tree Park | Glendora, California
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Revisiting BCAM | Los Angeles, California
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Instagram fodder at LACMA | Los Angeles, California
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Iverson Movie Ranch | Chatsworth, California
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Will Rogers State Park | Pacific Palisades, California
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Point Fermin Lighthouse | San Pedro, California
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Malibu Creek State Park | Calabasas, California
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Makeshift memorial outside Kobe & Gigi Bryant's gated community | Newport Beach, California
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Pomona Arts Colony | Pomona, California
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Lady Bug at Leo Carrillo State Park | Malibu, California
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PDC Art + Design | West Hollywood, California
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White Point Beach | San Pedro, California
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Los Angeles Central Library | Downtown Los Angeles, California
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Dana Point Harbor | Dana Point, California
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Inspiration Point | Newport Beach, California
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Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, California
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San Secondo d'Asti Catholic Church established in 1926 | Ontario, California (historic wine ghost town)
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Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes, California
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Point Vicente Lighthouse, San Pedro, California
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Torrance Beach - Last sunset of 2019
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Hollywood Bowl Overlook - Last sunrise of 2019
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Replica of the original In-N-Out stand in Baldwin Park
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Monthly Cebuano (cuisine of Cebu) Street Food Pop-Up in Winnetka
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Crystal Cove State Beach | Laguna Beach, California
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Angeles National Forest from Mount Wilson
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La Piedra State Beach, Malibu, California
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Sunset at County Line Beach, Malibu, California
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Spider Pavillion - Natural History Museum Los Angeles
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Old Town Los Angeles
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Summertime along PCH.
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Adamson House | Malibu, California
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Surfer at County Line Beach
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Chapman Plaza | Koreatown, Los Angeles
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Rattlesnake country. Circle X Ranch, Malibu, California.
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You can't do summer in Los Angeles without a BYOB picnic at the Hollywood Bowl. My third RHYE concert. First a church in Silver Lake where I saw chef Roy Choi, Massey Hall in Toronto, and now a beautiful evening at the Bowl.
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My boyfriend is back | Downey, California
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Broguiere's Milk | Montebello, California
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Record Jungle | Montebello, California
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"Peter, hold my beer."
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CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop at the Annenberg Space for Photography
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Black and Gold
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Jump For Los Angeles Football Club! Ole! Ole!
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Burritos La Palma before the match FTW!
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In transit
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Imperial Western Beer Company craft beer flight
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Union Station established 1939
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Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve | Lancaster, California
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Tulip Time at Descanso Gardens | La Cañada Flintridge, California
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Art in Residence: "Blue Antelopes" Then | Now | A Dream. Nathaniel Ancheta & David Martin | Lancaster, California
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Cupid's Hotdogs established in 1946. Recommended as a favorite of one of Chili John's owners. | Winnetka, California
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National Register of Historic Places: The Andalusia built in 1926 | Spanish Colonial Revival style | West Hollywood, California
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Love Locks Bridge | Atwater Village, California
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The Hidden Staircases of Los Angeles | Silver Lake, California
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Downtown Los Angeles at dusk from the City Hall observation deck.
2 Comments

A Weekend in Guadalajara

2/9/2023

0 Comments

 
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Inspired by the New York Times' "36 Hours" video series, I decided to spend a weekend in Guadalajara on a whim considering it's only a three-hour flight from Los Angeles.  I bought my tickets two weeks ahead of time and crammed as much research from watching YouTube videos and reading blogs.

I knew that I had to incorporate one fine dining tasting menu restaurant into my agenda considering the prices hover around $100 US Dollars for a 10-course meal. I originally planned my weekend around dining at "World's Best" Alcalde and having a torta ahogada, but that all changed as I did research and spoke to locals. 

Safety concerns while in this part of Mexico was also an issue so I did some reading on how to stay safe while in Guadalajara. There was a shooting in Guadalajara just last year, but (sadly) we also had a shooting just recently in LA -- nowhere is "safe."  Researching safety is a must before booking your flight in any city so you know what to expect and how you can mentally prepare for the trip to stay safe.

​See my tips at the very end of this post.


​Hotel Dali Plaza

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I stayed at the Dali hotel for the city view.  The room was only $30 USD a night and I had an awesome view of Guadalajara Cathedral. This was the reason why I booked it to be close to the sights. The beds are rock hard and most uncomfortable hotel bed I've slept on. You'll need to head to 7-11 or Supermarket to buy purified as the water is filthy. It's gross that I showered in it.  Use the large bottle of water to drink out of and to brush your teeth. I read that most, if not all, restaurants use filtered water for their agua frescas and ice. The area is a ghost town at night. I would recommened you staying in Colonia Americana, Providencia, or Lafayette neighborhods when booking your AirBnB or hotel. 
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This was the view from my room. I requested the best view available at check-in.

A Walk through the Historic Center

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Guadalajara Cathedral
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Inside the Guadalajara Cathedral
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Mummified body of a child called "St. Innocence" inside the Guadalajara Cathedral.
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Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
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Teatro Degollado
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Fuente de los Niños Miones

Tacos Los Altos 

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I walked into a random taco spot and was disappointed in these tacos. Even the agua fresca was watered down. So yes, you can have mediocre tacos in Mexico. There is a lonches place around the corner called,​ Lonches Amparito, that highly recommended by some bloggers. I couldn't locate it so I settled for these tacos because I had my reservation at Xokol and wanted a quick snack since I didn't have lunch.

Xokol

Out of all the fine dining or tasting menu restaurants in Guadalajara, Xokol stood out to me as the must try restaurant if one had only a short time in Guadalajara.  Originally, my goal of coming to Guadalajara was to eat all the unique foods invented in Guadalajara and to eat at Alcalde, which is on the World's Best list for top restaurants in Latin America.  One blogger mentioned the must eat dish at Alcalde was the bean dish in the appetizer menu. I looked at photos of the "pretty tweezer food with flowers" and it just didn't look appealing to me. 

Enter Xokol.  A restaurant where all the top chefs in Mexico seem to rave about, including Enrique Olvera of Pujol and Paco Ruano of Alcalde, two restaurants rated the best in Mexico. The chefs at Xokol are an ambitious young chef couple,  Óscar Segundo and Xrysw Ruelas Díaz.

Chef Xrysw Ruelas Díaz came over to me introduce some of her dishes in English. While she was there I asked her about her background and it looks like she worked at some local restaurants in Guadalajara including Hueso and also as a chef on a cruise ship.  Her husband/partner Óscar Segundo who is of Mazahua ethnic background, an indigenous people of Mexico with their own language and culture.  The restaurant places importance on pre-Hispanic preparation/recipes and the use of Mexican heirloom corn and  supporting those heirloom corn farmers. During the day, I read that Xokol is a torilleria and might be supplying tortillas to other restaurants.
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Large communal table at Xokol
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Fermentation display
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Celing at Xokol
I went with their tasting menu so I can try different items. They didn't have a printed menu for the tasting. Each dish was brought over to me like omakase at a sushi restaurant. Some servers explained some of the items in English and some in Spanish. The service was attentive, but not perfect. I thought for standards I have while in Mexico it was fine considering that not many people in Mexico are fluent in English and I have to adjust my expectation because I wasn't in United States.

Xokol should definitely be on your list to eat at Guadalajara. I noticed that mostly Americans dining around 7 pm. Around 8 pm, the locals came and most of the seats were filled with what it looked like Mexicans. I am not sure if they culturally eat later like in Italy or they reserved the 7 pm dining time for Americans.
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​Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento 

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Food vendors on a Friday night at the church.
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I heard the tamales here are very good. I would have tried them if I had the appetite.
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Watching the sun rise outside my window from my hotel room.

Air BnB Experience: Street Art of Colonia Americana

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I booked a street art tour with Karen on AirBnB experiences. I was the only one on her tour so it gave me one-on-one time to pick her brain about the local art scene and her favorite places to eat. I found that our conversation during our walk was more interesting than the talk about the art on the walls to be honest. She told me to skip out on the El Profe tortas ahogadas and eat them at her friends restaurant, Tortas Mutantes. She told me that it is a tastier and modern take on the dish while El Profe is more traditional. I didn't have time to try it, so I guess that's my excuse to revist Guadalajara.
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Interesting architecture in Colonia Americana.
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Air BnB Experience: Luis Barragán Architecure Walking Tour

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Early work of Luis Barragan
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Example of Luis Barragan architecture in the city that isn't in great condition.
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We finished the walking tour here.
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​Café palReal

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I met two Americans and had lunch with them at PalReal.  One of them is from Los Angeles (Elizabeth) and the other (Andrew) was from Brooklyn.  I met Andrew at Xokol and the Elizabeth while on the architecture tour. Andrew surprised me when he showed up for the architecture tour I mentioned to him at dinner. They both have been to Guadalajara before and loved it so much, they came back.
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Chemex with beans from Puebla
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Elizabeth wanted red chilaquiles and I preferred green so we order them "divorciados."
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Most famous dish at PalReal is the lonche de pancita. This was actually Elizabeth's order, but I misunderstood what I was getting from our server. I told to pick for me. Sorry Elizabeth! Elizabeth did say she enjoyed the plate that was supposed to me order. (Oopsies, my bad.) The difficulty one encounters not being fluent in the language.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:  Hospicio Cabañas and  José Clemente Orozco's masterpiece "Man of Fire"

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If you were to pick one art piece to see in Guadalajara, this would be it. It's called "Man of Fire" by Jose Clemente Orozco, aka the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
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There's other pieces of art to see so if you have time, you can roam around and check them all out.  I spoke to someone who went in to see "Man of Fire" and left.
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Mezonte for a mezcal tasting -- the mezcal of Jalisco

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I don't usually drink tequila, so I skipped the day trip to Tequila and opted to a mezcal tasting at Mezonte for $300 MXN.
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Tikuun Comedor Local 

Somone at Mezonte, might be the owner, recommended that a visit to Tikuun was a must for dinner and so I dropped in without a reservation. He called it "Alcalde's little brother."
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​Pare de Sufrir Mezcaleria

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The "World's Best Restaurants" website recommended Para de Sufrir so I made sure to visit on this trip. I ordered a tasting of Cascahuin which is the favored tequila of bartenders in Guadalajara.
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I have enjoyed sipping on sotol in the past that I ordered a tasting of this sotol from Durango.

​Tacos Providencia

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This is supposedly the favorite taco spot of locals. I was very disappointed and have tasted better tacos in Los Angeles and Tijuana. I need to spend more time in Guadalajara eating tacos as I'm sure there are tacos better than this.
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The streets are very quiet in the morning that I wanted to take a stroll to take in the city on the way to breakfast instead of taking an Uber.
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Street art is a common sight around Guadalajara.
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​Yunaites • Menjurjes Pueblerinos

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Already a huge fan of chef Fabian Degado from dining at his other restaurant, PalReal, I decided to visit his other restaurant, Yunaites, located inside MARKET IV CENTENARY. The concept of the restaurant is ​Mexican country cooking.
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Encotijada was the recommended breakfast dish. It was very cheesey. I love cheese, but I don't think I loved this dish. Bread served with salsa seems to be common in Guadalajara.

​Birrieria Tlaquepaque “Don Javi”

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I originally planned on tasting birria at a different market, but decided to try this spot instead because it was crowded. The tortillas were freshly made and the people were all so very nice, welcoming and very friendly. They didn't speak any English here as well so it can be a struggle for someone who doesn't speak or understand Spanish.  The owner spoke so fast I couldn't understand the times when he explaining things to me. I just ended up laughing at the situation. The service was slow, but I enjoyed watching the locals eat birria with gusto.
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​Caligari Café

My server at Yunaites recommended this coffee shop within walking distance to pickup a bag of local coffee beans.

​Vía RecreActiva - Every Sunday in Guadalajara

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If I had more time, I would have spent part of my Sunday riding a bike through the city.

​La Postrería

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I wanted to try the famous "bosque" for dessert. I heard that this was an essential visit in Guadalajara. It's located in Colonia Americana and I loved the vibe of the restaurant.  Unfortunately, the service was very slow and the people who worked there were not friendly (to me, the American). The chef/owner Fernanda Covarrubias worked under with world renowned Ferran Adria.
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Tlaquepaque

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My tourist guide to told me that "pueblo magico" Tlaquepaque was a must visit, but I hated it. It was a tourist trap and I didn't like the vibe of it. I walked through it with my tejuino in hand and took some photos, then called an Uber.
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Tejuino
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​Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan

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Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan
At the recommendation of my tour guide, I took an Uber to Zapopan to see the contemporary art museum where LA's very own Mark Bradford held a talk the day before my visit. I was disappointed that they had only one small room open.  I decided to check out the famous basilica and get something to eat after taking photos of the basilica.

​Don Vergas Mariscos

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A big YES to this restaurant. This is essential eats in Guadalajara if you like seafood.  This place was packed with locals and I loved the vibe. The servers did not speak English, but were so friendly and helpful when I spoke my imperfect Spanish when placing my order. The service is one of the most excellent I've experienced Mexico. The chef is a "protege" of Enrique Olveras of Pujol in CDMX.
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This guy made it known that he didn't like me taking a picture.
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This tuna tostada was highly recommended by my server. It was so delicious. I love the Guadalajara style tostada that I also buy these in LA.
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Something I don't see too often is prepared chocolate clams so I made sure to order this whenever I am in Mexico.

Kamilos 333

If you must taste carne en su jugo, this is the best spot for it.  If you don't need to taste it, skip it. I found the entire experience to be mediocre from the food served room temperature to the spotty service.  The jericalla was overcooked and I was not impressed.  Next door is Karne Garibaldi and is more touristy as they hold the Guiness World Book of Records for fastest service. I heard the locals prefer Kamilos 333.

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Tips and other things:

Don't get money at the foreign currency exchange booth at the airport. Use the ATM machines close to the exit of the airport. 

Go to the official Taxi stand at the airport and get a taxi there and pay your set fee of 350 MXN then show your ticket to the driver.  You can take Uber, but you'll have to walk outside of the airport. I was too lazy to walk outside the airport or you can figure out how to take the bus, if you really want to save money.

Taxis rip off foreigners. If you can't find an Uber, have the restaurant or hotel call you a driver. Negotiate the price before getting into the taxi or ask hotel/restaurant cost. DO NOT get into a random taxi that might kidnap you or take you to an ATM machine to get cash. I heard that the train is very efficient or rent a city bike (check YouTube video how to do this). You might have to get a card to rent a bike at the train station.

No need to tip taxis or Uber, but I did tip mostly everyone if they had a kind demeanor. I tipped 20% at restaurants, but I don't think Mexicans tip that much. Maybe 10%-15% is standard.

Take Uber -- Uber will be your best friend. Check license plate and car description in app or ask "para quien?"

Try not vlog in public places in Guadalajara or you will call attention to yourself 

Hide your electronics and do not hold your phone in your hands. Take your picture and put the phone away.

Place your valuables in your hotel room safe and take only what you need for the day and place your bag/zipper in front of you where you can see it. I hid my waste pack in my light sweater.

Do not go out alone at night or if you do go out, go to busy places as I did and stay extra vigilant. Don't go into dark alleys or neighborhoods alone.  I walked in large crowded areas at night and avoided quiet neighborhood streets.

Make sure your cell phone works overseas. I use T-Mobile and heard AT&T is OK. I wouldn't risk Verizon. Buy extra data before you leave because I ran out of data (heavy Uber and maps usage) and was stuck in a dark neighborhood without access to calling an Uber after several attempts calling T-Mobile.  Luckily I was able to hook up to a restaurant's public Wi-Fi late at night to call an Uber and get back to the hotel.  Lesson: Don't go out at night in Guadalajara unless you are in crowded  neighborhood and you have enough data or Wi-Fi to call an Uber. If you are a parent, I wouldn't travel to Guadalajara as a tourist.  Safety is questionable here, especially with kids. It's best to go at it alone remaining super vigilant during your stay or with some friends. Stick to the Colonia Americana area and watch your belongings. Don't go out at night or make sure you're at a place where you can call for help if you need it.

Do not drink the tap water or put it in your mouth. In Mexico, always buy a large bottle of purified water to brush your teeth and for drinking water.  If in doubt, ask a local.

Learn Spanish. Most people don't speak English in Guadalajara or don't want to speak English to you.  Speaking a little Spanish goes a long way.

The locals are called "Tapatios." 

Final Thoughts:

I loved Guadalajara. It's smaller than Mexico City and felt less chaotic.  I can see why the two Americans I met from Brooklyn and LA, came back to Guadalajara to work (and play).  I loved Colonia Americana and the coffee and food scene.  I definitely would like to return one day to Guadalajara and visit at a slower pace enjoying the local culture, people and food. Safety is an issue in Mexico right now and the US Government recently sent a warning of refraining from travel into Mexico. The drug cartels are supposedly running the resorts as a cover so it's risky to stay in tourist areas as violence is happening at tourist resorts as well.
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Bay Area Birthday Mini-Vacation: San Francisco, San Rafael, Marshall, Healdsburg, Guerneville, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz

10/14/2022

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San Francisco

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My first stop in San Francisco was SFMOMA. I've always wanted to visit (badly), but whenever I have visited San Francisco in the past, I was with people (friends or family) who weren't interested in going or one time it was under construction and closed. It's not free so you'd probably need to be someone who appreciates art to enjoy your visit. At $37 for admission, including a ticket to the temporary Diego Rivera exhibition, plus $19 with discounted parking, I don't think it is a place I would go on a regular basis whenever I visit SF. Probably every now and then, it would be nice to revisit. It is well worth a visit if you haven't been (like me) and a fan of contemporary art. I usually start at the top floor and work my way to the bottom floor at multilevel museums. I spent 3 hours there and could have easily spent the whole day there.
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Diego Rivera's Pan American Unity mural at SFMOMA.
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"Diego Rivera's America" is a special exhibition is a special ticketed event at SFMOMA until January 2, 2023. From SFMOMA website: "The most in-depth examination of the artist’s work in over two decades, Diego Rivera’s America brings together more than 150 of Rivera’s paintings, frescoes, and drawings—as well as three galleries devoted to large-scale film projections of highly influential murals he created in Mexico and the United States."
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Samir's hand-kneaded bread at Beit Rima's less popular location in Cole Valley. It seems like this is the current food writer darling of San Francisco and to me, the most interesting because I've never tasted the food from Palestine. I made dining at Beit Rima a priority out of my LONG list of restaurants to try.
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I'm a fan of Shish Tawook at Lebanese restaurants in LA and they told me this is the dish is the most popular or must try at Beit Rima.
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I booked this AirBnB in the city due to its decent reviews and free parking spot at the property. I hate the parking situation in San Francisco, so I booked it. It was clean, but it was a bit noisy as the walls and ceiling were thin. I don't think I would book again because of the noise factor and the lack of personal touches and hospitality I have found at other AirBnBs.
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Frequently ranked as the "best bakery in San Francisco," I made a visit to B. Patisserie a priority on this trip. This was the line at 8:15 am close to when they opened at 8 am.
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Cinnamon apple macaron, lemon tart, and a mixed berry kouign amann. I bought some French bread for my snack later on the go. Owner/chef Belinda Leong worked at Pierre Herme in Paris so these probably are some of the best macarons in the United States. Not being too sweet, her pastries are a delight. Some of the macaron I've tried in France are way too sweet for me. Oh, and say hello to my Cactus Plant Flea Market buddy who I paid $12 for along with my Chicken McNugget adult happy meal at McDonald's which came cold with soggy fries. I wanted this characterly badly because he was just too cute! I asked the McDonald's employee for this one and they delivered (after telling me they can't choose because the toy is covered in plastic).

San Rafael

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Marin County Civic Center, the only government building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. An example of the organic architecture style ethos, the structure were designed to "melt into the sunburnt hills."
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I walked through the French (Antique) Market Marin at the Civic Center for people who love to collect stuff that collect dust.
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The Sunday Marin Farmers' Market was a nice surprise while visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright structures. I planned on visiting the Saturday Farmers Market at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, but didn't have time for it.
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I bought some heirloom apples to taste.
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Wild salmon onigiri made with heirloom rice

Marshall

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I feel like I've wanted to visit for 20 years or so. I remember reading an article about oysters north of San Francisco and it's been on my travel bucket list. It's a bit more popular now as it was featured as "America's 50 Best Restaurants" in the New York Times last year.
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The fish stew was bland and I needed to add salt and pepper to it.
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Local Pacific Point Oysters from their oyster farm down the road. I like my oysters simple so I selected raw and smoked -- oyster two ways.
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The one beverage that drew me was the canned Txakoli. I love this variety of wine and visited this region in Spain for a wine tasting and tour.
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The weather was cold and sky a bit cloudy, but I enjoy eating oysters outdoors overlooking Tomales Bay.
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Who doesn't want to try water buffalo gelato?
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Healdsburg

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I made a reservation to visit Little Saint for brunch, which is the more casual sister restaurant and coffee bar of Single Thread Farms, which is considered the "best restaurant in California" for fine dining. It's a plant-based or vegan restaurant with a music space. I'm not vegan, but I'm curious of what people can do to vegetables to make them more interesting.
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The aesthetically pleasing front facing coffee bar, dining space, and marketplace.
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Vegetables from their farm are for sale along with other artisinal dry goods and wine.
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Crudités (fancy French term for mixed raw vegetables) from their farm (separate from Single Family Farms' farm) and split pea hummus with zhoug (spicy green cilantro sauce which originates from Yemen).
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Smashed cucumbers with XO sauce accompanied with black crispy rice.
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I LOVE carrot cake and what intrigued me was that this was a vegan version so cream cheese had to be subsituted. It was delicious nonetheless.

Guerneville

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Whenever I visit Northern California, I feel that I have to go "forest bathing." I love the coastal redwoods and it brings me peace and calm to walk through them | Guerneville, California
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San Francisco

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Cheap Eats: Freshly made dumplings in the Outer Sunset neighborhood or what I call the "other SF Chinatown" | Yuanbao Jiaozi Dumplings in San Francisco, California
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My cousin lived this in this neighborhood and I wanted to try food here. I don't recall if we ever did. Their maiitake and fish dumpling is what they are known for which you can order dry or in soup. It was chilly so I opted for soup. Very soothing and comforting, and perfect for a cold San Francisco evening.
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I met the owner of Arsicault Bakery, frequently ranked #1 or #2, best bakeries in San Francisco. He recommended his chocolate croissant. At first bite, it was flakey, but nothing like the croissants I've tasted in France or Austria, or even LA. It doesn't make sense why Bon Appétit would rank this bakery "best new bakery in America." It was a huge disappointment based on their croissant. His kouign amman is a bit more flatter than B. Patisserie, probably more equivalent to what they look like in Brittany, France. I asked him about the kouign amman in Paris and he said he doesn't know how they are made there (flat or puffy?) because he hasn't been back in 9 years. In LA, they are usually different variation of puffy at the few places that have them.
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Federal Building by LA's very own Morphosis Architects | San Francisco, California
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City Hall | San Francisco, California
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My first visit to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California
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I heard about the Carlos Villa exhibition on NPR in LA, so I wanted to stop by to see his work. | Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, California
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Self portrait of Carlos Villa with Maori pattern tattoo | Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California
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Transamerica Pyramid designed by William Pereira | San Francisco, California
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Jackson Square, the oldest part of San Francisco
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Where's Chefs Eat: Where Michelin-starred chef, Joshua Skenes, eats dumplings and noodles -- House of Xian Dumplings | San Francisco, California
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Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California, established in 1849 (note: not the same location) | San Francisco, California
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Bar seating at Tadich Grill | San Francisco, California
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Dungeness crab cake, Boudin sourdough bread, and a gin martini. How more old school, classic San Francisco can you get? | San Francisco, California
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Steps from the parking lot to Sutro Baths ruins | San Francisco, California
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Sutro Baths ruins | San Francisco, California
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Kid-friendly exploring at Sutro Baths | San Francisco, California
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The start of my "49-mile scenic drive" | San Francisco, California

Half Moon Bay

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San Gregorio Lagoon | Half Moon Bay, California
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Ranked "the most beautiful beach" in the entire state of California. | San Gregorio State Beach | Half Moon Bay, California

Santa Cruz

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Got a bit of sunshine for my birthday north of Santa Cruz, California
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Inside Sante Adairius Rustic Ales | Santa Cruz, California
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Detroit-ish cheese pizza made with organic flour, a 48-hour dough fermentation pizza to pair with world-class beer. A touch of finesse from a fine dining chef at Bookie's Pizza inside Sante Adairius Rustic Ales in Santa Cruz, California
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"West Ashley" at Santa Adairius Rustic Ales | Santa Cruz, California
This was a short and sweet "dream solo trip" to the Bay Area. It was a trip to travel how I want and when I want. I got to see places that I've wanted to see for so long, but couldn't because other people just weren't interested. On my long time travel bucket list was eating oysters at the Marshall Store and seeing the contemporary art at SFMOMA and I'm so happy I was able to finally make it happen.  It was  a quick long weekend jaunt, but I saw so many things and created lasting memories.   It's funny how on my recent trip to Kentucky and West Virginia I ate so badly and I didn't gain any weight. On this trip I gained 5 pounds! Was it worth it? It sure was!  Now, back to reality and trying to eat healthy every day.  Until my next adventure...
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Road Trip: Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania

8/4/2022

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I haven't been on an airplane during COVID and it's been four years since I last step foot on an airplane.  I know people who have traveled including one of my regular clients who recently convinced me to book the flight.  I've hesitated for so long and kept my vacations limited to road trips because of everything I've been hearing in the news about flying these days. It's expensive. When there were mask restrictions, passengers were violent and combative. Luggages gets lost (which is still happening frequently).  My cousin recently came back from a wedding in NYC and got COVID.  

My mom and her husband were in West Virginia so I decided to look at my options for flights to Charleston, West Virginia.  The rates were high as expected for the major airlines except for an airline I didn't know much about -- Spirit Airlines when running a Google flight search at airports surrounding Charleston, West Virginia.  The surrounding city that looked most interesting was Louisville which I didn't know much about other than the Kentucky Derby.

The flight to Louisville would be only be four hours and a non-stop flight so it would minimize the risk of lost luggage.  Being the adventurous person that I am, I was game to try this "questionable" bare bones airline because it was so inexpensive.

After researching Louisville, I discovered it is a serious food and drink city. There were plenty of local restaurants to explore and it's the epicenter of bourbon production.  I've seen a few people venturing off to Kentucky for bourbon distillery tours, but it didn't sound appealing until now. I've given up drinking alcohol here at home for health reasons, but it was vacation so I made an exception to go on a distillery tour and tasting.

With inexpensive airfare and being vaccinated against COVID, I decided to take the leap with the following COVID safety protocol checklist while at the airport and airplane:  N95 mask - check. 
Face shield - check. Hand sanitizer and wipes - check.

Once I got to the terminal at LAX, most people didn't have masks on and no one had a face shield on.  Luckily, no one laughed or took an obvious double take at this point during the pandemic.  It was my first time flying so taking these precautions was my security blanket.

The flight wasn't that bad on Spirit. I met someone in West Virginia from LA who callled a shith*le airline.  I'm pretty low maintenance so I thought flying Spirit was fine with me. I can fly more often now since their prices are so low.
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Bye, LA! I will miss you!
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Above the clouds
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First thing I noticed was how green Kentucky was!
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First stop was Indi's for some fried chicken because celebrity chef Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia in Louisville said it was the "best fried chicken in Louisville."
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Craft cocktails and heirloom tomato salad (not pictured) inside Proof on Main at the 21c Museum Hotel - Louisville, Kentucky. One of the best craft cocktail bars (if not the best) in Louisville.
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Two top chefs in Louisville raved about the chicken wings at Back Bar so I had to visit this place where chefs eat after their shifts. I was the only Asian in Kentucky! LOL
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I wanted to see Nulu, one of the areas known for its nightlife in Louisville so I located Gertie's, a whiskey bar with a speakeasy (open on weekends). I wanted to try Pappy Van Winkle and the bartender told me they stock it inside the speakeasy. The area was quiet with a couple bars and restaurant packed with people.
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I was told that this is the best coffee you can get in Bardstown. It's a coffee stand inside the Willett Distillery gift shop. The coffee program is headed up by Quills Coffee of Louisville. I picked up this unique bag of beans that is rye barrel aged.
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The Bourbon Capital of the World | Bardstown, Kentucky
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The ubiquitous pepperoni roll found throughout West Virginia. This one was at a wildlife reserve just outside of Helvetia, West Virginia.
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My mom's husband, Dave, has been encouraging me to visit his homestate, West Virginia, so I finally booked this trip while they were there. They wanted to tag along with me on my road trip adventure. My mom's laughs at everything I say to make her smile for the camera. You don't know how hard it is to make that man smile for the camera! I drove 2 hours to the mountains to eat locally made cheese at a historic Swiss enclave in the Appalachian Mountains. The sacrifices I make for interesting experiences! | The Hütte Restaurant in Helvetia, West Virginia
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Alma Bea in Shepherstown, West Virginia. This restaurant is too cool to put any signage outside (insert rolling eyes emoji here). I read that people drop old family Appalachian recipes in a mailbox outside the restaurant. Their menu is inspired by these old Appalachian Mountain recipes. The owner is Mary Ellen Diaz and her mom is from West Virginia and wanted to open a restaurant in her mom's home state. Diaz worked at Lettuce Entertain You, a restaurant group in Chicago and Las Vegas. Diaz is bringining her big city restaurant expertise to this small "cool" town. Diaz, spent time training for the restaurant business in the United States and France.
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Wildflowers located just outside Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Donegal, Pennsylvania.
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The Holiday Inn in Donegal, Pennsylvania was a nice surprise for the price and hot breakfast was included... the food was very good compared to other free breakfasts at other hotels. The room was updated and stylish! I heard the Holiday Inns in Europe are nice as well.
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All I need at a hotel is for it to be spotless and clean! I don't care about luxury because I am never sitting in a hotel all day. The attractions are outside the hotel! The bed and pillows were very comfortable at this hotel. The room was very modern and updated -- stylish for design aficionados like myself. I usually book "design or boutique hotels" whenever I am in Europe. An excellent value for the the price! Perfect one-night stay to see Fallingwater.
Who did Fallingwater better -- Summer or Winter?
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Me, summer vacationing at Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania
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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt winter vacationing at Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania
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Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania's largest state park located close to Fallingwater.
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I wish it was this easy to make anyone laugh! | Cheat Lake, West Virginia
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Filipinos (born and raised in West Virginia) we met at Mario's Fishbowl -- they're Fox and NewsMax fans with their guns loaded in their car -- no surprise there! They told me that there's less crime than LA because they're all strapped!
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New River Gorge is America's newest national park established in 2020. Behind the visitor center is the view of the bridge. You can take the stairs down to the bottom for a view of the bridge from below or take a scenic drive that will probably take around an hour to 1.5 hours to complete with stops for photos. The bridge is known for base jumping and world-class whitewater rafting. There's also kayaking and ziplining available. It is a outdoor adventurer's paradise.
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I was struck by the beauty at Grandview. It was truy grand and awe inspiring. I was not satisfied with the bridge view and the park ranger recommended driving to Grand View which is about 45 minutes away from the main bridge visitor center. This view did not disappoint! I recommend starting off here and doing a hike. Hardly anyone was here! We were the only ones here. I loved it.
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Late night stroll around the State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia.
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Moonshine tasting in downtown Charleston, West Virginia
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Mural in Downtown Charleston, West Virginia
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Roasted grapes and gorgonzola pizza at Pies and Pints in Charleston, West Virginia. All the guidebooks say this is an essential eat. Coming from the big city, I say skip this pizza. If you live in LA or NYC, you don't know how lucky you are to have world-class pizza!
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I wanted to my last meal to be out in the countryside and not in the city and found this local gem outside Lexington | JK's Forest Grove Cafe in Winchester, Kentucky
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Last stop before I boarded my plane to head back home was the famous Churchill Downs, the site the Kentucky Derby. There's a museum, but I'm not a fan of horse racing. If you're curious and have time, you can stop by the museum to learn more and take a peek inside Churchill Downs. There's also a diner across the street where all the jockeys and trainers eat.
My week in the South was an amazing travel experience. It opened my eyes to a different culture within the United States. Yes, visiting the South to me is like visiting another country!

Most of the people were (not surprisingly) warm and friendly except one "redneck" woman (my mom's husband called her that, not me) at the toll booth that gave me major attitude once she saw my LA Dodgers baseball cap.  I've always been afraid to travel to this part of the country because I was afraid of possible hatred for people who look like me and where I'm from. It was not on my absolute travel list because I have been scared of the South.  Maybe I was asking for it wearing that LA cap.

I really enjoyed visiting Kentucky and plan to return again one day to visit Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  My travel bucket list revolves around that UNESCO list.  West Virginia seems to be on the verge of becoming a popular vacation destination with Lonely Planet shining the spotlight on West Virginia as a "Place to Visit in 2022." 

I didn't have enough time to see Pittsburgh as planned so I already want to return to Pennsylvania to visit both Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and probably explore the Pennsylvania Amish culture. I only got a taste of Virginia visiting the historic Old Winchester area.  There's still so much explore in Virginia as well.  I don't think visiting Arlington National Cemetery when I was seven years old counts. I need to see more. I definitely need to plan a return trip to D.C. solo and as an adult.

With a taste of air travel again, I already want to see more of the United States that I haven't seen yet. I'm not brave enough to do any long haul travel during the pandemic as I'm taking baby steps right now.  I definitely don't want to lose my luggage on a connecting flight.  I've already experienced losing luggage and it really does ruin your first few days of travel plans. The odds of losing your luggage are much higher now than before.

My mom got COVID on her flight back to LA as she is an anti-masker like everyone else (but me). Everyone is tired of the mask. I am too, but I don't want to experience symptoms of never ending LONG COVID. Some people are experiencing symptoms after catching COVID in 2020. I don't want to deal with that and the chance of permanent disability. I'll keep using my mask in crowded indoor situations.  I can buy mom boxes of N95s, but of course it's her choice to wear an N95 or not.  I hope she learned her lesson not wearing a mask at the airport and on the airplane.  I read that the most dangerous time to be unmasked is while entering and exiting the aircraft when everyone gets up at the same time while the HEPA filters aren't running.  If someone nearby has COVID, you'll probably get it.

After returning from my first trip on an airplane in four years, I can't wait for my next travel adventure to eat good local food, learn something new, create memories with new experiences, and to meet new people. Perhaps I will get on an airplane again for my birthday coming up soon?  Stay tuned..
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    Hello, I'm Anne.

    I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I love exploring Los Angeles like a tourist. I have as much fun in my hometown as I do traveling in another country. I live to eat (good food) and travel!

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