Monday, April 30, 2007

random city tour!

::wilshire boulevard::
one of the principal east-west roads in LA, spanning 16 miles long - it has even been called "the backbone of LA"!

::westwood public library::
small cosy neighbourhood library serving the residents in westwood. the childrens' section is nicely decorated with colorful murals and stuffed toys to make the kids feel comfy here!

::pierce brothers' westwood village memorial park::


this small quiet park is the resting place of some of hollywood's greatest stars!

the most famous of them all should be the iconic marilyn monroe..

there's even a bench dedicated to her (by one of her big fans, perhaps?)!

the resting place of mr buddy rich, an american jazz drummer and bandleader. he was touted as the "world's greatest drummer" in his time. his headstone interestingly reads: one of a kind. im sure he was..

more of the park - pleasantly adorned with water fountains and more flowers. after marilyn monroe was laid to rest in this park, the park gained popularity as the final resting place for numerous hollywood's celebrities like natalie wood, burt lancaster, jack lemmon and donna reed (most of whom i do not know though).

i had such a hard time finding the place! i later found out that it wasnt just me (and my bad direction sense) - but that it was really almost impossible to find the park without specific directions! the park can only be reached from one entrance on its west side and only accessible through a small nondescript road! i was so lost that i went to seek help at the nearby westwood presbyterian church..

the people in the church very kindly showed me the way to the park:) what was very surprising was that they even gave me a map, giving me detailed directions to all the stars' graves in the westwood memorial park!?

::los angeles california temple of the church of the latter day saints ("CLDS")::
one of the most distinctive features of the LA westside skyline - this is the tenth operating and second largest temple operated by the CLDS. its grounds also serves as a visitors' center opened to the public.

if we were to look at orthodox bible teachings, it would be clear that the CLDS can be regarded as a cult by definition. the CLDS' extensive use of the word "temple" sounded quite creepy to me and because i was alone, i didnt dare venture inside the visitors' centre myself!

the surrounding of the temple were very well-maintained with perfectly manicured flora and fauna. as seen from the photo, the temple sits atop a small hill above the intersection of overland avenue and santa monica boulevard.

the great view from the CLDS temple atop the hill!

the front door of the CLDS temple - looks scarily imposing!

entry to the temple was for members only!

::more random stuff::

during the long long walk back to westwood village, i had to go through various residential estates. the houses here look pretty nice:)

because of my cookiesicecreamcrazy craving, the other half and i shared 3 scoops of icecream (good ole traditional chocolate, rocky mountain & butter pecan) and 3 cookies (chocolate chip walnut choc cookies)! sinfully delicious:)

some photos of the interior of the penthouse that we are staying in! more photos of our room later (after i have tidied up the place. haha)!