L.A. – Winter Sunshine in Los Angeles

Speaking of L.A., what comes to mind?

It’s the City of Angels.

Warm sun, tropical trees, azure sea, UCLA, La La Land, and the nice English pronunciation of “Carlifornia.”

During my year studying abroad in the U.S., not having been to L.A. was always a regret. So in the winter of 2019, I took a spontaneous trip and came to L.A.

Time: 4 days, February 2019

Day 1 New York → Los Angeles

Day 2 Madame Tussauds & Walk of Fame & Griffith Observatory

Day 3 Santa Monica Beach & Staples Center

Day 4 Los Angeles → Beijing

I didn’t go to Disneyland or Universal Studios in L.A. this time because I had already been to the ones in Orlando. Those two places each feel like they could take a day or two. This time I focused on several well‑known spots that I felt better represent L.A.’s character.

Since I first visited New York, I didn’t have much time left for Los Angeles. If you have more time, I suggest setting aside a whole day just for Griffith Observatory. Don’t pack your schedule too tight – after all, travel is about the experience, not just checking off sights.

Visa: A U.S. visa requires an in‑person interview. I handled the visa process through a certain online marketplace (Taobao). Actually, you can apply online yourself, but I wanted more convenience – mainly to be directly told what documents to prepare and what to watch out for, so I could get it done in one go.

That online platform helped fill in the information on the website, told me what materials to prepare, and advised on interview precautions. Probably because I had studied in the U.S. before, the whole interview process went very smoothly. The U.S. tourist visa is valid for ten years – that’s really great.

The most important thing for a U.S. visa is not to show any intention to immigrate, and to be able to clearly explain to the visa officer – whether in Chinese or English – that you are going for tourism and will return after the trip.

SIM card: I used T‑mobil, the same one I used when studying in the U.S. It always worked well. You can buy it on that online marketplace. As long as you don’t watch movies or binge‑watch series, the data is definitely enough.

Time difference: The U.S. has three time zones – East, Central, and West. I flew from Beijing to New York first, traveled there for a few days, then flew from New York to Los Angeles. New York and L.A. have a three‑hour time difference. Be sure to prepare for jet lag.

The best way to get around Los Angeles is by private car. There are many rental places.

Public transportation in L.A. isn’t very convenient. Apart from taking the subway to Santa Monica, I took the bus everywhere else, and each ride was quite long.

For buses, you can buy a TAP Card – an all‑in‑one card for L.A. buses. You can get one from Metro ticket machines at subway entrances or on the street. You can choose a pass or add value according to your needs. Just tap the card when boarding.

While waiting for the bus, I saw a poster for How to Train Your Dragon 2 – a favorite animated film of mine.

At L.A. bus stops there’s a button you can press that tells you when the next bus will arrive. Very convenient.

I stayed at a Motel in Los Angeles – my first time staying at a motel.

Coral Sands Motel

I compared several hotels and finally chose this one mainly because it was cheap, the owner was friendly, the location was convenient for major attractions, close to the subway, and there was a Starbucks nearby for breakfast. It was a 15‑minute walk from the bus stop, and within 15 minutes you could also reach McDonald’s and a 7‑Eleven.

The motel was easy to find by following the navigation – the front was quite pretty. Maybe because I went during off‑peak season, there weren’t many guests, so it was relatively quiet. I stayed on the second floor – no elevator, but luckily I had little luggage. The building wasn’t tall. The room had all the necessities, and I especially liked the small desk by the window. At night, after showering, I’d turn on the desk lamp, sit there reading or watching shows – very cozy. There was a shared washing machine and a big swimming pool outside, much like the layout of the apartment I lived in when studying in the U.S. One staff member was from Taiwan. I thought he was the owner, but he said he wasn’t. Yet for some reason, everyone who reviewed the motel referred to him as the owner. When I left, he talked with me a lot. He said that when they faced difficulties, it was the Chinese embassy that helped them out, so he was very friendly to Chinese people, including those from the mainland.

The streets and scenery of L.A. seen from the motel – I really liked them.

In the morning, I’d stop by Starbucks for an Americano – it wakes you up and fills your stomach.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood isn’t huge, but it’s very noticeable. I took the bus from the motel.

My love for Madame Tussauds probably comes from my fondness for certain celebrities – it also shows admiration and respect for talented people. Making such lifelike wax figures – human potential is truly limitless.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood features mostly Hollywood stars. I had been to the New York location before, and I noticed many repeated figures, but the styles and feelings conveyed by the wax figures were different.

Upon entering, a staff member takes you into an elevator and tells you the visiting rules and suggestions.

The route inside was casual and clear. I went when there were few people, almost feeling like I had the whole place to myself.

That day, the poster for the Harry Potter Theme Park above Madame Tussauds was especially eye‑catching. As a Harry Potter fan, it was a pleasant surprise.

My favorite Audrey Hepburn – her wax figure exudes confidence and elegance. I’ve always thought Hepburn is what an ideal girl should be like.

Bruce Lee – a name that makes Chinese people proud wherever it’s mentioned! Chinese Kung Fu!

Charlie Chaplin – an era of comedy. I believe every comedian has untold stories and sadness behind the screen.

Interestingly, Chaplin here had the same pose as the one at Madame Tussauds New York.

Michael Jackson – another famous name.

Watching MJ interviews, his personality seemed completely unrelated to his dance style – a strange but adorable contrast.

A kind man who belongs to the world.

Taylor Swift – I once chatted with an American friend about singers. I mentioned many famous ones in China, but she didn’t know them. When I mentioned Taylor Swift, she immediately said, “Everyone knows Taylor Swift.” I still remember that clearly.

And my favorite Johnny Depp – I watched almost all his movies in college, each one a masterpiece.

Surprisingly, here it was Edward Scissorhands – my favorite Depp film.

Love you but cannot hold you.

That sincere yet sad love story always touches people.

Barack Obama – though now it’s Trump. I wonder if Trump’s wax figure has been added.

I remember Obama was on the stairway – a unique spot.

Across from the wax museum was a souvenir shop. I was drawn by the three big words on it: LA LA LAND – reminding me of the movie.

There were many products there, all looked good. I recommend you go in if you visit.

When I arrived at the Walk of Fame, I thought the name was truly apt – it’s completely literal.

Stars and a walkway – stars on the walkway, shining in the sun.

The Walk of Fame is a very long path formed by several streets intersecting – a testament to the many talents in Hollywood.

Each star bears the name of a celebrity. I saw many familiar names. Surprise: I also saw Mickey Mouse. A father nearby was taking a photo of his daughter who was excited to find Mickey.

Madame Tussauds is right on the Walk of Fame, so you can visit both together. To walk the entire Walk of Fame, save your energy!

Sunshine, green trees, clean streets, and stars – it felt like a time tunnel that could take you into a fantastical movie journey.

Celine Dion – the theme from Titanic is an eternal classic and a childhood memory.

Michael Jackson.

Bruce Lee.

From the Walk of Fame you can see the Hollywood sign in the distance.

If the benevolent enjoy mountains and the wise enjoy water, then I must belong to the wise. My love for water is in my bones, so whenever I travel to a place with a sea or lake, I must go see it.

Thus Santa Monica was the highlight of this trip – and it was the most unexpected and wonderful reward. It lived up to my expectations.

From the motel to Santa Monica I took the subway. It took about an hour, but I could enjoy the streets and scenery of L.A. along the way – another gain.

The main entrance of Santa Monica Beach.

The Santa Monica subway station.

Sunlight fell on pedestrians waiting for the traffic light, adding a soft, warm touch to the scene.

The beach, seabirds, and tourists.

The beach sparkled with golden light under the sun.

A close‑up of a seabird.

Sun and sea, L.A. and Santa Monica.

Beyond the sea were mountains – water and mountains joined.

The tropical trees and buildings across the sea – how wonderful it must be to live there!

Having a house by the sea has always been my dream.

Shells in the souvenir shop.

Conches in the souvenir shop.

Starfish in the souvenir shop.

There was also an amusement park on the beach, especially lively at night.

I captured a father balancing his child on his shoulders – perfectly blending into the background.

We have all sat on our father’s shoulders like that.

The shore under the sun.

On both sides, many street performers entertained with various acts, becoming another beautiful sight.

A young black man was performing magic tricks, with a large crowd around, erupting into applause now and then.

A Chinese uncle was playing “Women Flower” on the erhu, with CDs for sale – all traditional Chinese music. “Women flower, swaying in the mundane world; women flower, gently moving with the wind.” Hearing familiar music in a foreign land instantly moved me to tears. I stopped and listened for a long time.

Sitting here watching the lake was another enjoyment.

Friends & couples

And the sun and the sea – a beautiful scene.

The landmark donated by the city government to Santa Monica.

--- A Little Episode ---

Speaking of Santa Monica, I must mention a little story.

When I left, it was around 3 pm. Back at the motel, I was browsing Weibo and saw that a very famous Japanese idol group, ARASHI (I started learning Japanese in college by watching many anime and variety shows, and grew to love this group), had come to the same place at the same time. I missed them by a hair. I didn’t even know. Missing the chance to meet my idols face‑to‑face – a real regret.

Actually, at 6 pm that day I took the subway back to Santa Monica to try my luck, hoping to run into them. But I didn’t. I stood at the spot where they had filmed for a while, pretending I had met them.

Though I’ve since moved on from that fandom, thinking about that day still excites and disappoints me.

--- End of Episode ---

From the motel I took the bus to Griffith Observatory, riding to the last stop.

Whenever I visit a big city, I always go to its highest point to see the entire cityscape. It’s awe‑inspiring and makes me feel small, helping me put many things into perspective.

That was also my original intention for coming to Griffith Observatory – to overlook all of L.A. from above.

Oh, and to get a good look at the famous Hollywood sign.

When I actually arrived, I realized it was mainly an astronomical observatory used for observing the night sky and stars. Another pleasant surprise. As a pseudo‑astronomy enthusiast, I’m also fascinated by things related to the universe and planets.

In front of the observatory was a landmark building and a lawn where I saw someone sitting with a dog.

The main entrance of the observatory – capturing the sunlight again.

The Hollywood sign in the distance, striking and eye‑catching against the greenery and distant hills.

Overlooking all of L.A. – the night view must be even better.

A close‑up of the Hollywood sign.

Inside the observatory, there were many exhibits related to astronomy: pictures, videos, and real objects.

This is a hall on the lower level, displaying the nine planets in a row. In front of each planet, a scale tells you your weight on that planet – very fun.

Comet dust. Formed 450,000 years ago near Pluto’s orbit. Crystal clear.

The universe is truly amazing and magnificent.

Our universe is filled with countless stars, dazzling and beautiful.

A telescope on display in the observatory.

My childhood dream was to become an astronomer and discover a star named after myself. But I gave up because I had to study physics and math – a typical liberal arts student.

Griffith Observatory is huge, with several floors. Each floor showcases our universe, equipment for exploring it, pictures and videos introducing the universe, and treasures from space. There are also movies you can experience for a fee. The rest of the observatory is free to visit. If possible, be sure to spend an evening there, see the night view of L.A., look at the moon and stars through the telescopes, and learn about our universe.

If I ever go back to L.A., I’ll definitely experience it at night.

My love for the NBA comes from my male friends who kept talking about it.

Especially after watching my first NBA game in Boston, I became hooked – the live atmosphere of an NBA game is incomparable.

Actually, I originally wanted to go to Oracle Arena in Oakland to see the Golden State Warriors, but for various reasons I couldn’t. I didn’t enter Staples Center this time because my schedule was short; I only visited the outside.

After Kobe’s accident, I really regretted not going inside to watch a game. If you like something, you have to do it quickly – you never know if you’ll get another chance.

So, I’m adding Oakland to my itinerary – I must start planning to see my favorite player Curry play!

The statues at the entrance.

Across from the stadium was a large shopping mall, with a prominent Microsoft logo.

Probably Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

I still recognize the Big Shark (Shaquille O’Neal)!

I only learned when I was leaving L.A. that on the day I returned to China, the Grammy Awards ceremony was being held at Staples Center. If I had gone that day, many stars would have been there – including the idol group I had once loved and missed. That was the second miss.

But sometimes missing out is also a form of beauty.

Pretending I had been to the same place as my former idols.

What L.A. gives me is always sunshine, beaches, and people who seem to be on vacation every day.

There’s a song about L.A. that left a deep impression on me, called “Rains in LA.” I first heard it one night while studying abroad, randomly on an app. The lyrics are vague, but I loved the melody immediately. The most repeated line is “It only rains in LA.” Only Los Angeles gets rain. When I first arrived and saw the omnipresent sunshine, listening to this song, I really wanted to see L.A. in the rain.

And it did rain a little.

It welcomed me with sunshine and bid me farewell with rain. Then it will likely return to sunshine.

It only ever rains in LA.

It never rains in LA.

Travel Journal Directory:

1. Preface

2. Preparation

3. Transportation

4. Madame Tussauds

5. Walk of Fame

6. Santa Monica Beach

7. Griffith Observatory

8. Staples Center

9. Conclusion

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