Los Angeles, CA: The land of sun and smog

Rather last minute we decided to trek to LA. Our original plan was to head to San Diego for a few days but instead our course took us LA-bound. We wondered, in the words of Miley Cyrus--in the land of fame excess, are we gonna fit in? (Full disclosure: we blasted that song driving into LA).  We are not that fashionable, can only name a handful of popular celebrities between the two of us, and never go to the movies (this one was actually a problem--everyone in LA goes to the movies). However, thanks to our fabulous host and Claire's longtime friend, Ellie as well as our childhood neighbor, Zach, we were able to find a few things off the beaten path that fit our interests a bit more (comedy club, late-night pie, and hiking in the Hollywood hills being some of the highlights). 

One dollar fish tacos? Yes please!

Getting some laughs in at a late-night comedy show

House of Pie: THIS IS AN AMAZING IDEA

Hiking outside of Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills

Oldtime neighbors. Montclair Ave represent! 

You can barely make out the HOLLYWOOD sign through the smog

Turns out LA smog makes for some pretty amazing sunsets

Celebrating the end of our hike with In-N-Out Burger's "secret" menu

Feeling a little classy at Good Luck Bar

But we also caved into our tourist craving and walked Hollywood Blvd to see the stars, popped over to Beverly Hills (also had to play the Weezer song that day) to creepily drive past all the celebrity houses, and pretended to be super fancy while window shopping in the West Hollywood district. Unfortunately, no celebrity spottings to report. 

Even Kermit the Frog has a star on Hollywood Blvd

It's Tom Hank's hands!

Pinkies up--so fancy!

You can't tell, but we are driving past MASSIVE houses

And of course, we frequented an LA beach (well, technically Santa Monica beach) for an afternoon for lounging, beach volleyball, and struggling through the crowds on Venice Boardwalk. Our Midwest skin may not have liked the California sun too much but overall we had a great time! Thanks so much to Zach and Ellie for entertaining and hosting us during our unplanned detour! 

Can life get any better than this?

Walking along Venice Boardwalk

We had to post this--this couple is just sooo LA (notice: buff man in frat tank with skinny blonde in massive heels)

drum circle on the beach--what a great way to end our time in LA!