Boon US Trip (Jun 2015): Day 4- Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES

Wiki:" Los Angeles (

ⁱ/lɒs ˈændʒəlɨs/ loss an-jə-ləs),^[14] officially the City of Los Angeles and often known by its initials L.A., is the second-largest city in the United States, the most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the county seat of Los Angeles County. Situated in Southern California, Los Angeles is known for itsmediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, sprawling metropolis, and as a major center of the American entertainment industry. Los Angeles lies in a large coastal basin surrounded on three sides by mountains reaching up to and over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a global city with a diverse economy in entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine and research. It has been ranked sixth in theGlobal Cities Index and 9th Global Economic Power Index. The city is home to renowned institutions covering a broad range of professional and cultural fields and is one of the most substantial economic engines within the United States. The Los Angeles combined statistical area (CSA) has a gross metropolitan product (GMP) of $831 billion (as of 2008), making it the third-largest in the world, after the Greater Tokyo and New Yorkmetropolitan areas. Los Angeles includes Hollywood and leads the world in the creation of television productions, video games, and recorded music; it is also one of the leaders in motion picture production. Additionally, Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1932, 1984, and is currently bidding for the2024 Summer Olympics."

The Air-bnb house that we were staying.

It was good - 3 bedrooms for 9 of us, enough space for the kids to run and play around, kitchen for us to prepare the food for the kids, washing machine & dryer for laundry.

Instead of staying in a hotel, I felt that it would be nice to live in a typical American neighbour.

At least, my family would have a slight taste of what it feels like living like an American.

Cheap Ice-cream (50% cheaper than Singapore Price).

Always love to go to American Supermarket - a heaven of consumerism.

Helpful Cashier. =)

"Really enjoy shopping in LA. The cashier was really helpful. She helped me to find the items I needed, and also, helped me to save some money by scanning the coupons (that I don't have).

It's Californian way of doing things. Something that it's hard to come by in Singapore. "

Good Jap Food - thanks to the huge Asian diaspora in LA.

It's reasonably priced as well. Around US$8-10.

One reason to be living in California. =)

Traveling with kids is always challenging - changing diapers, showering, feeding etc...

So we decided to have our lunch before we set off to explore the city.

Clear blue sky and the rows of Palm Trees!!!

Very California!!! =)

TCL CHINESE THEATRE

Wiki:" TCL Chinese Theatre is a cinema palace on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard inHollywood, California, United States. Originally known (and still commonly referred to) as Grauman's Chinese Theatre and renamed Mann's Chinese Theatre in 1973; the current name of the theatre became official January 11, 2013, after TCL Corporation purchased the naming rights.^[2] This resulted in the first affiliation of the Chinese Theatre with an actual Chinese corporation.

The original Chinese Theatre was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1922. Built by a partnership headed by Sid Grauman over 18 months starting in January 1926, the theatre opened May 18, 1927, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's film The King of Kings.^[3] It has since been home to many premieres, including the 1977 launch of George Lucas' Star Wars,^[4] as well as birthday parties, corporate junkets, and three Academy Awards ceremonies. Among the theatre's most distinctive features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular motion picture personalities from the 1920s to the present day.

The TCL Chinese Theatre has partnered with IMAX Corporation to create the single largest IMAX auditorium in the world. The new theatre seats 932 people, and hosts the third largest commercial movie screen in North America."

Iconic Chinese Theatre

Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood walk of fame.

Kids with Mickey mouse

(Keena brought along her Minnie mouse)

Hey Bruce!

Simple fun of life. =)

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

Wiki:" Griffith Observatory is a facility in Los Angeles, California sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast,Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a great view of the Hollywood sign, and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Since the observatory opened in 1935, admission has been free, in accordance with Griffith's will. However, some planetary shows inside have a small added charge."

Griffith Observatory perched at the hilltop.

Enjoyed explaining to the girls about the planetary movements that create day & night, and the four seasons.

The famous HOLLYWOOD signboard.

Good view of LA downtown

LA City

The kids are having fun. =)

Happy Keena!

Happy Felice!

VENICE BEACH

Wiki:" Venice Beach, which receives millions of visitors a year, has been labeled as "a cultural hub known for its eccentricities" as well as a "global tourist destination."^[29]^[30] It includes the promenade that runs parallel to the beach (also the "Ocean Front Walk" or just "the boardwalk"),Muscle Beach, the handball courts, the paddle tennis courts, Skate Dancing plaza, the numerous beach volleyball courts, the bike trail and the businesses on Ocean Front Walk."