Allen and I both enjoy visiting the historic landmarks when we go new places. I, in particular, am fascinated by old buildings and love to imagine all the people who have walked through the same corridors throughout time. We also love libraries so it was a natural choice that we would visit the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The building is an Art Deco masterpiece (my very favorite design period) built in the 1920s.
We were all so excited to see that they were featuring a special art exhibit of Sesame Street illustration. Samuel watches the program almost every day and has just recently started identifying characters like Ernie and Grover, although Elmo is by far his favorite. He is able to say Elmo very clearly and had fun pointing him out in the different pictures.
They also had some amazing permanent collections of autographs, movie posters and stills, maps, restaurant menus, sheet music and many more items I never would have imagined that a library would catalog. They certainly have much more than just books! In addition, there were impressive works of art and sculpture throughout the building.
Next we walked a few blocks to Angel's Flight. It is by far one of the most unique attractions in the city. Built in 1901, it was originally intended to transport wealthy Victorians from their Bunker Hill mansions to the downtown streets below. The homes were long ago replaced by skyscrapers, but the railway remained. Samuel was just thrilled to ride the "choo, choo!"
The rail cars were built with steps to accommodate the steep incline of the hill. I've never seen any train like it. Best of all, you can still ride for just 25 cents each way! At the top we walked around a plaza and Samuel gave me a push for a change.
Across the street was Grand Central Market, an open air produce market and food court, so we stopped in for lunch. The market has been in operation since 1917 and still retains much of its historic charm. There were many different ethnic food options, but after walking around a while our growling stomachs encouraged us to decide. We settled on Bento boxes from a Japanese stand which was a good choice - the food was delicious!
Samuel kept us on our toes since he kept chasing pigeons all over the market. He'd take a bite of food and then run off again!
He also loves to stop and look at any, and every, gumball machine he sees (no matter where we are). He always makes sure to tell us all about all the different colored "balls" inside. This one was the biggest we've encountered! He surprised me when he decide to hide behind it and pop out for an impromptu game of peek-a-boo.
On the other side of the market was the Bradbury Building. Built in 1893, it's the oldest office building in Los Angeles. It is notable for its magnificent interior architecture and has therefore been featured in many movies such as Blade Runner, Lethal Weapon and Disclosure. Samuel and I climbed up the first marble staircase to look through the intricate wrought-iron railings.
By now, it was way past Samuel's nap time and it was starting to show. There were a few toddler meltdown moments inside the Bradbury so we decided it was time for a long drive. While he napped in the backseat, we took a scenic car tour through other districts of downtown, including Little Tokyo, Chinatown and the Fashion District, then headed down Wilshire Blvd. toward Beverly Hills.
When we passed by a Pinkberry, Allen and I agreed it was time for a sweet treat. I had a blood orange fro-yo with dark chocolate perils and Allen's was chocolate with chocolate-hazelnut topping. I'm not sure how they make it so delicious at just a fraction of the calories, but I'm in love!
Next we visited the Petersen Automotive Museum in Beverly Hills. I thought it would be fun for Samuel to see all the different cars, and Allen and I would enjoy looking around too. I had no idea it would be one of the best parts of our whole trip!
Samuel absolutely went nuts in there! He literally ran all over pointing and yelling, "Car, car, I see car!" He was running around so fast I could barely snap photos. Thankfully, they had a special section upstairs just for kids so he could actually touch some of the cars and get inside.
He especially loved the Hot Wheels exhibit, although he was a little frustrated when, despite his hardest efforts, he wasn't able to pull the miniature cars off the wall.
Allen's favorite part was the Batmobile and gold-plated DeLorean! (And telling Samuel all about the different types of cars).
I most enjoyed the area downstairs that was devoted the history of automobiles. The exhibits were full of real artifacts and were very realistic. Samuel even got to pump a well in one exhibit which kept him entertained for quite a while.
Before we left, Samuel got a very special souvenir from the gift shop that he couldn't wait to play with. As soon as the package was open he got right down in the floor to try it out.
To top off this eventful day we had dinner at our very first conveyor belt sushi restaurant. We've both been wanted to try this style of sushi dining since we know it is how most places in Japan are operated. It totally lived up to our expectations and was so much fun! We all enjoyed watching the little plates go by and when we saw something tasty, we just snatched it right off the line. All the while, Samuel entertained us by playing his chopstick drumsticks on the bar. He also had his first taste of eel, which he loved and ate generously!
