-
Toyota USA Automobile Museum
There’s a “secret” in the city of Torrance that no one knows about. Or at least I didn’t know about it anyway until I finally learned of it’s existence.
So, what’s this “secret” that I’m talking about? Well, the city of Torrance is home to the Toyota USA Automobile Museum. Say what? I have a feeling a good amount of Southern Californians did not know this. I also have a good feeling that a decent amount of people living in Torrance didn’t know about it either but I could be wrong.
-
Anime Expo 2017: About Day 3 & 4
Blue Spring Ride
On day 3 of Anime Expo 2017, I had sweated my way to the JW Marriot to watch Natsume’s Book of Friends only to learn about 5 minutes before the showing (from an employee/volunteer) that they weren’t able to get a hold of it and thus won’t be able to show it… Can we say wtf? There wasn’t a lot of people in the video room to begin with but everyone present was silent. They all were having a wtf moment. I obviously was bummed out since I really wanted to see Natsume’s Book of Friends. Oh well, right?
Instead of Natsume’s Book of Friends, AX played Blue Spring Ride for us. I can’t tell you how close I was to leaving. I’m glad to have stuck around though because I found myself liking Blue Spring Ride. I think I liked it because I was able to somehow relate to the main female character. It also helped how the main male character’s voice was nice… Like, you make me melt type of nice. Lol (If I could fall in love with a voice, it’d be this particular voice actor ‘s voice. Lol)
After three episodes of Blue Spring Ride, the room got cleared and it was time for me to get some grub.
-
Kangnam, the restaurant
Kang Nam Restaurant in Ktown, Los Angeles Not long ago, I had the opportunity to eat at Kang Nam Restaurant. The restaurant is located on the western side (not exactly the “happening” side) of Los Angeles’ Koreatown. The joint has its own parking lot (free) right across from the restaurant and a valet parking area behind the restaurant for $2.I of course didn’t pay for valet as 1) I’m too much of a cheapskate to pay for such a novelty/privilege and 2) I managed to get a parking spot in the restaurant’s non-valet lot.
-
Chinatown: Golden Dragon Parade and Frank Romero’s Art
Los Angeles’ Chinatown had it’s 118th annual golden dragon parade on February 4th. I had the opportunity to attend it for the first time and all I can say is that it was okay.
For the parade to be the 118th one, I was expecting something a little more spectacular but it really was just ok.It didn’t help much either that the parade didn’t start on time. In a way, this was a good thing since it gave me time to purchase food and find an ideal spot to view the parade.
-
A San Gabriel Valley Gem: The Huntington Library
I honestly do not know what type of So Cal local I am simply because I never once knew the city of San Marino existed. This city is beautiful. And what’s even more beautiful is the fact that The Huntington Library is located in this city. I can’t tell you how many gorgeous homes I passed by on my way into and out of the Huntington Library. I would sooo love to own a home there. (If only I could actually afford to buy one, that is… Someone that owns one, please just propose to me and I’ll say yes without a second thought! lol I’m coming off a little looney now, but I suppose that expresses exactly how much I adore San Marino and its homes. It was just love at first sight!)
Silliness aside, allow me to get back on track to San Marino’s Huntington Library. I visited the place on a gloomy day, prepared. I came with an umbrella and open-fingered gloves just in case it would rain. It rained and this was a good thing because I find gloomy weather/rain rather romantic. While others were busy frolicking about with a significant other, friends or children, I was having the time of my life exploring the expansive grounds alone as self deserved me-time. (I think I only came across 2 other people that came alone. One was a male and the other was a female. The female actually approached me to inform me of a wonderful Kodak moment – a rainbow shot and I must say I am thankful for her random kindness and for being cool, like me to frolic around alone. lol)
Contrary to its name, the Huntington Library is more than just a library. While it’s true that the Library contains an extensive collection of books, art and even furniture, the grounds of the Library are truly something else as they contain a plethora of amazing gardens.
My most favorite garden at the Library would have to hands down be the Japanese Garden. If you’ve been reading my blog, you probably remember the time I visited CSULB’s Japanese garden and was quite disappointed by its small size. Huntington’s Japanese Garden was not only big, but impressive and pleasing to the eyes.
In addition to the Japanese Garden, the Huntington Library is home to the Chinese Garden, a Jungle Garden, a Shakespeare Garden, a rose garden, an Australian Garden, lily ponds, a Desert Garden and I believe, even more gardens. Each garden, with an exception to perhaps the lily pond was big and took a good amount of time to explore and enjoy. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll probably love every garden featured here. I ended up taking a lot of photos and for the first time ever, I ended the day with just 1% of battery left on my cell phone. (Seriously!)If I could squeeze all of my experiences and photos from the Huntington Library into this entry, I would. But since it’s impossible for me to do such a thing, expect to see at least two additional follow up entries in the near future! 😀