Travel post on Los Angeles, USA, by Nupur Bang, India.

USA: Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles, New York City, Niagara Falls, Orange County, San Francisco

Los Angeles, California
by Nupur Bang, India

Los Angeles is better known as the Hollywood city or the Entertainment Capital of the world, or The City of Angels. We stayed there for two days, which is sufficient for a visitor.

There are city tours available, but if you want to be on your own, I suggest the underground metros to travel in LA, that are fast and cheap.

We started with the Walk of the Fame. It is that street, where the sidewalks have 'stars' on them. Right below the name of each celebrity on the five-pointed star is a small, round emblem illustrating the celebrity's category. About 2,350 stars have been dedicated so far, and more are being devoted with time. Sometimes, these 'stars' serve as gathering places for their concerned fans. You'll probably also see a Michael Jackson or two, maybe a Marilyn Monroe, Superman, and Elvis Presley too, near their stars! And you can tip these dressed up guys who pose with you for photographs.

Tip: If you find people handing out discount coupons for Universal Studios on the street, do take them. We did.

There is also the huge Kodak Theatre on that street. The 3,332 seat theatre and a first class live entertainment venue has hosted a range of prestigious artists and events, including the Oscars. Guided tours are available for those interested in seeing it from inside. The theatre is located within the Hollywood & Highland Center, which consists of over 640,000 square feet of space featuring national, regional and local retail tenants, a variety of restaurants, several of Hollywood's hottest nightclubs, a six screen state-of-the-art cinema adjacent to the world-famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the 640 room Hollywood Renaissance.

From the theatre, we could see the legendary Hollywood sign. So we went closer to the sign, because I think, one's trip to LA is incomplete without a photo clicked in front of the sign!

The same day, we walked in some of the lanes of Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive. Beverly Hills, home to countless Hollywood celebrities and the wealthy, has beautiful grand houses. The guided tours often show you dwellings of the celebrities. Rodeo Drive- the famed shopping street is known throughout the world as the epicentre of luxury fashion. Rodeo Drive stores span three city blocks where visitors can enjoy more than 100 world renowned boutiques and hotels. Being a part of the Beverly Hills, celebrities have an easy access to the all kinds of designer wears and accessories.

In the evening, we headed towards the popular Santa Monica beach. About two miles long, it has a picnic area, shops and pier. The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. We could not visit the park, as it was already dark.

We devoted the next day completely to the Universal Studios. Reaching the park as soon as it opens, gives one enough time to enjoy each of the numerous activities and attractions. Apart from being Hollywood's most famous back lot, Universal Studios is also a theme park. Our discount coupons got us $8 off on each ticket. An hour of thrillng tram tour takes you inside the world of classic films like Jaws and Pshyco, and popular TV shows like Desperate Housewives. Then, there are some absolutely amazing rides like Jurassic Park ride, Revenge of the Mummy ride. But the one I loved the most was the Simpsons ride!

After 5 pm, when the park closed, we shopped in the outer area, where you see famous branded shops and small stalls along with numerous food joints. And we ended our day after dining at Pizza Hut!

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