Out and About in Los Angeles

I live by the 101 South entrance right before DTLA.  At this point, traffic on 101S thins out and I'm given access to the 10E - SGV, 10W - Westside, 110N - NorthEast LA, 110S - Work... the possibilities are endless with this entrance!


Did a handful of random things in March which were a little different than usual.

Downtown Bookfest at Grand Park

The first booth we stopped by had us doodle on a long strip of paper.  As we drew, musicians with the flute, drums, accordion etc. would plan sounds that represent the design.  Like drawing music.  It was a great idea!

There was a live story telling, a wall where you can write what you love about LA, and a small book store.

They asked us to write a 5 word poem on the ribbon to hang.

There was also a booth where they asked us to write down our favorite book and then they took a picture and printed using an instant Polaroid printer!  This is where Jimmy got the idea for my birthday present.

Play the LA River - A Tour from 6th Street Bridge Led by Urban Rangers
LA River is pretty neglected.  There is this amazing bike path that I've walked a couple of times and it'll soon be gentrified with a huge project to revitalize it in.  I'd love to buy a house here, but it's already getting expensive has places are being flipped and sold.  In the meantime, Jimmy and I participated in a Tour of the 6th street bridge which many people already go to illegally.  This time, it's open for the public with the guide of a ranger.

Yelp Elite Event - Mascarade Ball
One of the benefits of writing reviews on Yelp! is being invited to these random events.

This event in Glendale had snacks, drinks, photobooth, and a really odd food demonstration where this chef would essentially plate food to dance music moving around erratically and making a mess on the table.  It was really really really strange.

Luckily I was wearing a mask to hide my confusion.

York Park in Highland Park



Highland Park got a nice new kid/family friendly park complete with musical instruments and other interactive structures to encourage learning.

Would have loved to stay longer, but it was a little odd that 4 grown guys were hanging around a kids park.

Yelp! Elite Events 2013

I'm very ambitious... for example for 2013 I wanted to make sure that I went to my first Yelp! Elite event.  These are my life goals ladies and gentlemen.

I was able to attend 3 events in the last quarter of the year!  And they were quite enjoyable.  Fellow Elite Danster would say, "I told you Chris.... you should have gone sooner."  I was able to relive some of the moments scanning the Yelp! Flickr page.  I also realized that Yelp! across the nation has some pretty epic events.

Horse Races

Jimmy and checked out the Santa Anita Park and bid about $4 on a horse and made about $.30.  Go big or go home is what we like to say.  We got one drink voucher and a nice lunch and an awesome tour of the park.  We met the jockeys and got to see the horses  pretty up close.

Halloween - ABC Party

I borrowed these sushi chef outfits from work.  I thought they would be suitable for a Yelp! event.  Mixology drinks and finger food perfection.  Jimmy was having trouble with his chopsticks.  See him cheating with his hands!  This "speakeasy" is fun - pick the door knob that will let you enter.  It's pretty easy to figure out and of course they can't change the knob so once you know... you know.


Ugly Sweater Bash

Don and Ryan joined us at Yelp!'s Ugly Sweater party.  Lots of great sushi and a fun photobooth



 I'm really upset that I missed this year's Prom Event! (Celebrity couples) because I was preparing for Seattle.  But I'm excited to do more this year!