Welcome To A Wet Wet Wet “L.A. Staycation!”
This is the rain pouring down outside our house in Beverly Hills…we were supposed to be in Paris, but the latest Covid outbreak ended that plan…so my wife Alex decided to give me a weeklong “L.A. Staycation” to celebrate my birthday on New Years Eve…
“Step Right Up!”
I will be sharing more in-depth stories about these incredible, “hidden” LA gems – everything we did is a “first time ever” for us, including walking through LA’s oldest book store and its “book tunnel”:
The week started off sunny at least, so we did what we should have done years and years ago:
We hiked to the top of the Hollywood sign!
Yes, we had a very energetic hike, and here’s what you see when you get to the top:
That’s Lake Hollywood on the right, and in the distance is the Pacific Ocean…I will share more on this magical walk into Hollywood’s past.
For dinner, Alex too me to one of L.A.’s best – and most hidden” sushi bars…tucked away next to a dry cleaner!
To be safe, we asked to eat outdoors, and the table was next to a dry cleaner, hence the photo!
We then went home and enjoyed one of the best films of the year:
“Coda” is a truly special film that you should see!
Emilia Jones is a revelation as Ruby, the only hearing member of a deaf family…Marlee Matlin is terrific, as well as the entire cast.
Here is the trailer:
More to come from this “L.A. Staycation”, which began once we got home from our trip to Cleveland, or as Alex called it:
You can see more of this wild wild ride by clicking on my story here:
You can sign up by clicking on my blog here and see the note on the right!
https://johnrieber.com
Leave me a comment and let me know your 2021 holiday adventures!
If you like this story please share on social media!
Categories: Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Exotic Travel, Food, Great Films, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Memoirs, Movies, nature, Pop Culture, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
Holy moly, what a beautiful view! This bright blue sky is what I loved about LA👀✨💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s an incredible view to be sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Staycations can be absolutely wonderful! Happy Birthday! It seems like the two of you had a great time close to home. Paris will be there when this craziness is over. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi John, this looks like a lot of fun. The one good thing about covid, is that we’ve all discovered great places to visit in our own towns, cities and countries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday and New Year, John. Best to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and to you as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
John, someone sent me a link to this. Definitely one for you! 🙂
LikeLike
That sign is so iconic. I’m glad that you finally made it up there.
Happy Birthday, John. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2022.
And you finally have rain!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Way to go, John! It looks like you took a negative and turned it into a huge win. By the way, I’d never heard of Coda, but it’s on my wish list after watching the trailer.
LikeLike
It sounds’like a fabulous birthday week, John.. Happy Birthday! x
LikeLike
Happy (almost) birthday, John. This sounds like a wonderful staycation. I live the view from the Hollywood Hills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! The view was spectacular indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
I think it all sounds wonderful and you are so lucky to have Alex as your travel guide/personal concierge- happy birthday almost!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is the love of my life and my best friend as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
the perfect combo
LikeLike
I love the view from the top of the Hollywood sign! And would I ever love to visit that bookstore! My favourite places are bookstores and libraries. Staycations can be good too. You two always find fun things to do no matter where you are. Happy New year!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene, it was our first time to the bookstore – surviving in downtown LA and thriving! Lots of great vintage and rare books plus used and new as well! We loved it! Thanks for commenting, happy new year to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry you didn’t make it to Paris, but it will still be there when the world is safe again! In the meantime, what fun to see LA like a tourist! Looks like a great bookstore, and at least you had good weather for your hike to the Hollywood sign. What a gorgeous view! Happy (day early) birthday! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person