LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES 

It was cold and wet in Los Angeles when our 13-member family rolled in around midnight the day after Christmas. 

We had been travelling by car from San Francisco in a caravan of 3 cars since 10am. We woke up that morning, however, knowing we were going to Reno. Our bags and winter gear were packed for the snow. Alas, all roads to Reno were announced that morning they were shutdown. No one could get in, no one could get out.

We contemplated if we should go anywhere at all anymore, or find another destination that very morning. In 2 hours’ time (and lost), there was an anonymous agreement to go to Los Angeles. We found a last minute Airbnb not too far, and it was also the last one that did not cost over a thousand per night. 

We were unprepared, but we took out the scarves and gloves, but left the thermals in our bags. This decision was so quick we didn’t even check the weather in Los Angeles. As soon as it was decided, we got on the road. 

Normally, on any planned trip to Los Angeles, we would take Hwy 5. But this time, as a family of 4 households, we decided to take 101. It was a bit longer, but scenic. Well, it was scenic. But it was also gloomy. California was having some much-needed rain, finally. 

There were 2 major stops: a restroom stop outside of King City, and dinner in San Luis Obispo. It was dark by the time we left SLO, and the rest of the drive was in the dark.

Our Hollywood Airbnb was a 2-bedroom condo suited for a party of 15. We had plenty of space, and happy to have even found a last minute place to stay!

Our first night was already late, but some of us walked around the corner to get In N Out. To cap the day, we had a family prayer for our dad, whom we had just lost 2 weeks prior. He would have been on this trip with us! This getaway was for all of us, to be together. 

The next morning, which would be Day 1, it was decided we would go to Universal Studios on Day 2. Tickets were purchased, and then those unvaccinated from Covid had to get tested. We spent Day 1 to get the test, after atleast 2 hours of searching for a public site. We happened to drive by one during the search, which was the 3rd site and attempt. It took 2 other sites (which were closed!) to lead us there, and by then, we burned the morning. 

We were able to produce a very full trip. After the testing, LA was raining hard. We spent the rest of that day bundled up at Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits, Beverly Hills, and The Grove. Maggiano’s Little Italy at the Grove was where we spent dinner to celebrate a birthday. Back in our Airbnb, we were tired but grateful. Ended the day again with a family prayer. 

Day 2 was Universal Studios Day! The kids split from the adults, and we were able to get on the rides and exhibits we wanted. From Hogwarts, to Transformers, Jurassic Park, Studio Tour.... it was a full day! The ladies had drinks, the kids bonded. The light show at Hogwarts was mesmerizing. Worth the wait after a long day or lines and rides. As we got back to our Airbnb, we cleaned up, laughed, and prayed to end the day.

It was on to Day 3, sadly, when we had to go home. It was another long day of driving, but we all felt fulfilled, closer and bonded. 

The original plan was cancelled by nature’s doing, but we are grateful to have had been able to plan the backup at the last second.