Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Downtown Disney

January 14, 2008, Monday. Our hosts for the next few days were E's cousin RT, husband DT and their children M and B. We stayed at their sprawling home (complete with swimming pool) in Anaheim.

On our first day with them, 19-year old B (our niece!) drove us to downtown Los Angeles. Our first stop, a must see for all tourists, was Hollywood Boulevard. We kept our eyes wide open for star sightings... but no such luck. We walked the whole length of Hollywood Boulevard stopping for souvenirs and pictures. B and I, both fans of MTV's The Hills had our picture taken in front of Geisha House where LC celebrated her birthday in The Hills' 2nd season. As we walked along the boulevard, we learn that the farther from the Kodak Theater and Walk of Fame vicinity, the cheaper the souvenirs! Of course we bought at the first store we saw. We wanted to kick ourselves. After that long walk, we took a break at The French Crepe Co. (#408 Hollywood & Highland,6801 Hollywood Blvd, (323)9600933 ) and loved the La Napoleon Crepe with Nutella and Strawberries!

E with niece B at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
You would have to click on the picture to read "HOLLYWOOD" clearly in the background

Our next stop was of course, Rodeo Drive. We had fun looking inside a number of stores, but no, purchases were out of the question!

Rodeo Drive!

After walking through the "Golden Triangle",the 16-square-block area surrounding Rodeo, B drove us through Beverly Hills, home to the stars and the rich!

After the long day in downtown LA, our plan was to go to Disneyland and spend the evening there until the fireworks. We were meeting my friend from college BS and his family there. When we got there at 5:30PM (already dark as shown in the picture), we were told that the park was to close at 8PM (this was all throughout winter) and that there were no fireworks! Huh??? Then why would we want to pay USD70 ? So I called my friend and told him that we would just meet them at Downtown Disney at their most convenient time. E and I spent time going around the stores, buying souvenirs (we are after all in Disney, even if we didn't go in the park) and window shopping.

Downtown Disney at 5:30 PM (it was dark already!)

Snacks with college friend BS with wife S and son N at Rainforest Cafe, Downtown Disney

BS treated us at Rainforest Cafe. You would have to visit this Cafe! It's a whole new experience. We had a great time updating each other, it's been 18 years after all.