Visitor from the Midwest

A couple of weeks ago, my roommate and I had our first visitor from the Midwest. Lauren's former roommate and my piña colada making partner, Sam. Snow attempted to keep Sam from California, but after hours of delays she finally arrived. First stop on the agenda, a burger from classic In-n-Out (which I have unfortunately still yet to try since I don't eat red meat).

The next morning, the three of us set off for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We took pictures with some of our favorites stars, such as Johnny Depp and The Beatles. Then we strolled over to the best look out point of the Hollywood sign for more touristy pictures. On our way down through the Kodak Theater, where the Academy Awards are presented, we checked out Best Picture winners from years past. Back on the Walk, we were stopped by an E! News correspondent doing their "Who Wore it Better" segment. He showed us three pictures and unfortunately we only agreed with him on one so we didn't make the cut for the actual show, but it was fun to be interviewed. Later in the day, we headed over to Beverly Hills to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure, Sprinkles Cupcakes. Riding our sugar high, we took a walk down Rodeo Drive and checked out all the shops we can't afford.

Friday, Sam and I decided to check out Black Swan to pass the time while Lauren was at work. After, we both agreed the movie was phenomenal, and Natalie Portman's performance was Oscar worthy. Later I took Sam over to Santa Monica to walk the Third Street Promenade and wiggle our toes in the beach sand. If you haven't caught on yet, there is a ton of walking involved in visiting Los Angeles. After dipping our toes in the freezing Pacific, we walked the Santa Monica Pier and examined all the odd street vendors.

Saturday, the three of us drove down to Huntington Beach to watch the KU-Nebraska game at a KU Alumni watch party. Following our win, the group of alums participated in a pub crawl of all the local bars. Needless to say it felt like we had been transported back to a Lawrence game day. All the bars offered us amazing specials, and the group definitely got a little rowdy as the day turned into night.

The next day, we spent soaking up the warm California sun on the beach. As a cool treat after a long day in the sun, we picked up some delicious Pinkberry. Monday, Lauren and Sam took a drive up to Malibu to look at the Getty Mansion and the pristine beaches. For dinner, we met up in Hollywood at The Counter, an amazing build-your-own burger place. Chowing down on our veggie burgers and perfectly salted sweet potato fries, we washed it all down with a strawberry shake.

As we came full circle on a week, Sam departed back to chilly Kansas. If you plan to visit me in Los Angeles, you now have an idea what your trip will entail. I love visitors and would be more than happy to be your personal tour guide if you visit me!