“Konichiwa,” the slight, kimono-clad woman behind the hotel lobby counter said softly. In broken English, she added, “Welcome to the Ryokan Shigetsu.” Jet-black hair was coiffed perfectly atop her head; her small feet, in white socks, perched on wooden getas — sandals. She bowed; her simple elegance was an introduction into the Asian culture and
For one evening every year, the small town of West Hollywood with 36,000 residents becomes the sixth largest city in California. On Oct. 31, more than 450,000 revelers descend on the celebrity enclave to participate in “the largest Halloween street party in the world.” A one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard hosts the West Hollywood
The resurgence of urban life is prolific throughout America. Once dilapidated city buildings are being reconfigured, painted, polished and shined, resulting in uber-chic districts. Streets splayed from the heart of downtown unravel into cultural treasure-troves of trendy restaurants, exotic hotels, and unceasing activities. Los Angeles is no exception. Within a three-mile radius of Union Station,
Death Valley, California. The name is foreboding, with visions of bovine skeletons and snakes slithering between the chaparral. I am here to tell you it’s nothing like that. My neighbor, Lynn, and I decided to take a few days and check out this 3.3-million-acre national park. Sand dunes, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys, snow-covered peaks and
Nestled between Huntington Beach and Seal Beach in Orange County lies Sunset Beach — a one-mile stretch of sand that epitomizes the California dreamin’ lifestyle of yesteryear. This small town — population 1,288 — has retained its charm by preserving its mom-and-pop restaurants, quaint B&Bs and locally hosted festivals. Read article here: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kick-off-your-summer-at-laidback-sunset-beach-2006may20-story.html
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must heed the clarion call to drop big bucks on something totally impractical. Such a time came for my husband and me a few weeks ago. We marshaled four buddies and flew to Napa Valley for lunch at the French Laundry Restaurant. Read article here: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-high-life-is-waiting-in-napa-valley-2006apr16-story.html
Maybe you weren’t able to attend the Oscars in Hollywood this month, but you can still get a chance to see stars-in-the-making — and directors and producers — closer than you think. Film festivals have gained popularity through the years, and their numbers have grown way beyond Sundance and Cannes. The excitement of seeing might-be
Two hours north of San Diego lies the “enchanting Charm of Old China in Los Angeles.” The founding fathers of the Asian community made this proclamation on June 25, 1938, upon the grand opening of the Central Plaza in the heart of L.A.’s Chinatown. The Chinese were first recorded to be in Los Angeles in
In a time when “newfangled” is everywhere, it’s nice to break away and spend a day steeped in history. Santa Anita Race Track is such a place. This 71-year-old icon offers a respite from the “keep up with the Joneses” modern world. The ubiquitous “faux this” and “nouveau that” don’t exist in this simple playground
In the hazy distance off the Ventura County coast lies an archipelago, a conga line of five islands that is the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Born of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, today the Channel Islands play host to abundant marine life such as Sheep Head fish, Red Sea Urchins and