Hollywood

Hollywood. The place that stardom was born, now the place that tourists flock by the hundreds every day. You can count us among those tourists because here we are, with a hotel right on the strip. The Roosevelt (same name as our hotel in Seattle but apparently not related), has been open since 1927 and hosted the first Academy Awards in 1929. It has been home to various stars and now some say it is haunted.  Amongst various sightings and paranormal activity, Marilyn Monroe's reflection has been seen in a mirror and she has been seen dancing in the ballroom. 

All that aside, it is one of Hollywood's most famous hotels and now houses a nightclub which is very popular with the young crowd, hence the loud music and partying to the wee hours of the morning. 

Here I am in the grand lobby. No sightings of Marilyn yet but that would be neat!

The night we arrived part of Hollywood Blvd was blocked off due to the premiere of Godzilla which was being shown at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Sadly enough it is now called TCL Chinese Theatre, after a Chinese electronic company purchased the naming rights last year. I wonder if that name will catch on?  

We have walked around enjoying the sunny, warm weather - it is not hot - the heat arrives later this week when they are predicting highs of 38.   We went to the Bourgeois Pig for coffee, which has become a favorite place of mine to go when I am here.  

A highlight of the Hollywood experience has been The Book of Mormon which we saw at the Pantages Theatre.  Another beautiful building, it opened in 1930 and hosted the Academy Awards from 1949 to 1959.  I had been wanting to go to this theatre, not caring what I saw. I got lucky because the Book of Mormon was fabulous, and the theatre magnificent, reminiscent of the golden years of Hollywood. 

We have taken the Metro several times and are becoming pros at getting around.  We had huevos revueltos for breakfast on Olvera Street, visited Chinatown and then over to Thai Town for dinner. 

Union Station, Los Angeles. 

One day left and the sun is shining so must get out and greet the day.