Hollywood Day

Before Mette came to California, I put together a full itinerary with links to websites, photos and descriptions so she could begin to look forward to her “Shanna Tour.”  I did much the same thing when my Japanese friends visited in August of 2007.  I like to do these kinds of things.  It does make for long days and not so much relaxation, but I suspect that most people would want to get as much out of the experience as possible and see as much as they can see while they are here.

San Diego is a much more enjoyable place to tour someone around.  Traffic is kinder, there are more attractions and frankly, San Diego is a much more beautiful city than Los Angeles.  But one thing LA has over San Diego – Hollywood.  That can be good and bad.  But when you have a guest in town, Hollywood is a big draw!

I planned for today to be our Hollywood day.  We started off with a VIP tour of Warner Bros. Studios.  When my J-peeps were here a few years ago, we toured Paramount studios. Both are quite similar and you see and learn just about as much.  Not sure the WB deserves a “VIP” status.  I would expect a bit more VIP service, like being able to say hello to Zachary Levi as we pass the Chuck soundstage.  But I’ll let it slide this time. ;p

After the WB tour, I tool Mette to Bob’s Big Boy for an old-fashioned hamburger.  These kinds of diners are not sprinkled throughout San Diego as much as they are Los Angeles.  And I hadn’t eaten a Bob’s Big Boy hamburger for at least a decade.  It was delicious! (Which reminds me that I have yet to go to InNOut Burger…what’s wrong with me?)

After lunch, we took the 405 to Sunset Boulevard and made the long drive on the famous road all the way to Western.  We turned again at Franklin so that we could pass by the Scientology Celebrity Centre and then go up Beachwood for the best view of the Hollywood sign.  We then went down Highland and into the parking structure so we could walk Hollywood Blvd and visit Mann’s Chinese Theater.  We took a good look at all the hand and footprints and several stars on the Walk of Fame.  We did a little shopping at the H&M there (worst H&M I’ve been in by the way) and made our way back to the hotel.

After a rest and some decisions, we headed to the Third Street Promenade. We went for another Mexican feast at La Sandia, before we caught The Black Swan at the AMC.  My goodness was that a fantastic movie.  I knew/met Darren during my AFI days.  I was completely impressed with this film.  I loved the story, the performance, the editing, the filmmaking…just superb.  I hope Darren receives the Oscar this year.  It is well deserved.

And that’s a wrap!