Hollywood Adventure - Day 1 in Pics

Up, up, and away!  No, that's not my flash, that's that thing called the "Sun".  That thing that us northerners tend to forget about around this time of year.  I've gone on a sun quest, and I've FOUND IT!!!

Touching down at LAX, I was once again surprised at how flat and wide the city is!

I took a Super Shuttle from the airport to the place I'm staying.  I HIGHLY recommend it, reasonable fare, flat rate.  And even being stuck in infamous LA traffic, you don't have to worry about the meter running high.

As soon as I arrived, I hoped on my rented vehicle (bicycle) and went in search of trouble (and a few groceries).  I rode and rode, shopping at some very reasonably priced small Mexican-run grocers in the area.  Just enough to carry in my basket and no more.  I saw the hill in the distance and thought I'd go on a quest to find the HOLLYWOOD sign.

I rode and rode, and only got a fleeting glimpse of it.  I'm on the wrong side of the hill to get really close.  I'm staying in West Hollywood, and by the time I got close to the hill, I realized I would have to go even farther!  My legs were tired, so I stopped for a drink in a little square at the edge of a police barricade.  Little did I realize, that my search for the Hollywood sign had lead me directly to the edge of the Oscar's red carpet area!

The area closed off for the Oscars encompassed many blocks.  Stretch limos were pulling out of every street.  The sun was setting, so I started my long bike ride home.  My legs were VERY tired by this point, and it seemed as it was getting harder and harder to peddle.  That's when it hit me.  I HAD BLOWN A TIRE!!!

I was still miles from "home", on a Sunday evening as the sun was setting, in a city I've never been to, alone!  When I stopped at a crosswalk, and happened to look over my shoulder, I saw the Oasis!  Spokes 'N Stuff Bike Shop was being barred up for the night by two technicians.  I ran across the street to ask the men what time they were opening tomorrow morning.  I have an audition for the Goundlings Comedy Training Program, and I was planning on riding the bike to the call time.  The man looked at the bike and replied simply, "I can do it now, takes 5 minutes."  I thanked him as much as I could while I sheepishly followed him into the sore.  The man at the counter chatted with me while my bike was being healed.  He was originally from Montreal and could tell immediately that I was a "nice Canadian girl".  Something about how my attitude was nice, and I didn't have that "superficial look".  In the afterglow of a genuine compliment, my bike up and running, groceries in my basket, and the sun fully set, I was ready to call it a day.

I guess you can take the girl out of Canada, but you can't take Canada out of the girl.