Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Blvd, CA
Venice Beach has always been known for its unique fashion, eclectic music, multi-cultural crowd, etc. Venice attracts all sorts of people: the rich, the poor, the hippies, the homeless, the famous and the talented. The most important thing is that everyone feels the same and has a free spirit. Abbot Kinney is one the many boulevards located in Venice which has a lot of personality because there are coffee shops, art stores, clothing stores, antiques stores, etc. This year, Abbot Kinney celebrated its 25th anniversary, and it was a fun party. There were booths with food, clothing, live music, alcoholic drinks, performers and an eclectic crowd who enjoyed all of it. I waited for friends to join me but while I waited I met other people. This place was a fun carnival, especially the performers who created an atmosphere out of the normal. An entertainer, who wore a Speedo, had a show with two plastic cobras. Another entertainer, who wore a Speedo as well, but his show was about himself and the Speedo. Finally, my friends arrived and we walked all over the boulevard. I had to leave early because of other engagements, but the party was going on apparently for a long time. Later that evening, I was at a friend of mine’s house and she waited for her friend, Lennox. Unfortunately, Lennox arrived two hours later because he was at Abbot Kinney festival too. Indeed, the 25th anniversary was phenomenal.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Barrel a music festival
Barrel, 23715 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA
This place is a fun hangout and people come here for many different reasons, among them: drinking and singing. Wednesday’s are karaoke nights and happy hours are on Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm. People in general think that Malibu is a place for the rich and the unfriendly; however, the Barrel attracted a pleasant crowd from Malibu and other locations. People were friendly and polite, especially the males, they smiled and danced all night long like the Barrel was a music festival. Damian, a friendly guy, introduced me to his friends and told me lots of interesting stories. Doug his friend, danced with me and he sang about six karaoke songs before he got drunk. I loved the fact that the venue is a casual environment; beach wear is the most common and flip-flops are the shoe of choice. The Barrel is a vacation spot for anybody that wants a place to talk and relax. Chris, a regular, told me that he lives at a motel nearby and he also said he spoke Spanish fluently. Afterwards, he kept repeating “Telemundo” continually. Unfortunately, the time went fast at the Barrel and in the blink of an eye it was time to go home. The Barrel is more than a happy hangout; rather it’s a place with good spirits.
This place is a fun hangout and people come here for many different reasons, among them: drinking and singing. Wednesday’s are karaoke nights and happy hours are on Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm. People in general think that Malibu is a place for the rich and the unfriendly; however, the Barrel attracted a pleasant crowd from Malibu and other locations. People were friendly and polite, especially the males, they smiled and danced all night long like the Barrel was a music festival. Damian, a friendly guy, introduced me to his friends and told me lots of interesting stories. Doug his friend, danced with me and he sang about six karaoke songs before he got drunk. I loved the fact that the venue is a casual environment; beach wear is the most common and flip-flops are the shoe of choice. The Barrel is a vacation spot for anybody that wants a place to talk and relax. Chris, a regular, told me that he lives at a motel nearby and he also said he spoke Spanish fluently. Afterwards, he kept repeating “Telemundo” continually. Unfortunately, the time went fast at the Barrel and in the blink of an eye it was time to go home. The Barrel is more than a happy hangout; rather it’s a place with good spirits.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Centennial Celebration
Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, CA
Santa Monica Pier celebrated her 100th birthday in style. Ever since the first time I felt Santa Monica’s breeze on my face, I have been captivated by her beauty. I knew I was going to live there for some time; today many years later, I’m still here and happy. There aren’t enough words to describe the peacefulness that she provides, but I can write about her grand celebration. The day of her birthday started with a blessing at 7:00 am by a Priest, Rabbi and Mullah. Later that evening was the big party. People danced on the sand, pier and in bars nearby. I walked around and got a buzz from just looking at people’s faces. The crowd and I waited for the big show: fireworks. The city had planned an unforgettable fireworks display for everyone. Finally, the performance began and it was truly astonishing. The fireworks lasted for at least half an hour and all night long, people kept dancing and smiling. Unfortunately, the night ended and I went home, however, I am a fortunate individual who witnessed this amazing centennial celebration. Hail to the Santa Monica Pier!
Santa Monica Pier celebrated her 100th birthday in style. Ever since the first time I felt Santa Monica’s breeze on my face, I have been captivated by her beauty. I knew I was going to live there for some time; today many years later, I’m still here and happy. There aren’t enough words to describe the peacefulness that she provides, but I can write about her grand celebration. The day of her birthday started with a blessing at 7:00 am by a Priest, Rabbi and Mullah. Later that evening was the big party. People danced on the sand, pier and in bars nearby. I walked around and got a buzz from just looking at people’s faces. The crowd and I waited for the big show: fireworks. The city had planned an unforgettable fireworks display for everyone. Finally, the performance began and it was truly astonishing. The fireworks lasted for at least half an hour and all night long, people kept dancing and smiling. Unfortunately, the night ended and I went home, however, I am a fortunate individual who witnessed this amazing centennial celebration. Hail to the Santa Monica Pier!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Edison Bar
Edison Bar, 108 W. 2nd St #101, Los Angeles
This bar has personality written all over it. I would call this place a work of art. People were trendy and the cocktails seemed too fancy for our time. I felt like Charlie Chaplin or Betty Boop was about to appear at any moment, it was straight out of the 1930s. A cocktail waitress passed by and asked me if I wanted some Absinthe, which looked like it was created in a chemistry lab. Her whole get-up was very convincing so people bought lot of them. The live music was fantastic! The architecture was equally interesting. I was able to find a little short story in every room. I want to come back to this place especially because the bartenders made me feel welcome. That evening I stayed till closing, yet I wish the night never ended.
This bar has personality written all over it. I would call this place a work of art. People were trendy and the cocktails seemed too fancy for our time. I felt like Charlie Chaplin or Betty Boop was about to appear at any moment, it was straight out of the 1930s. A cocktail waitress passed by and asked me if I wanted some Absinthe, which looked like it was created in a chemistry lab. Her whole get-up was very convincing so people bought lot of them. The live music was fantastic! The architecture was equally interesting. I was able to find a little short story in every room. I want to come back to this place especially because the bartenders made me feel welcome. That evening I stayed till closing, yet I wish the night never ended.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Oiwake: a festivity
Oiwake, 122 Japanese Village, Los Angeles, CA
Diane, my friend, celebrated her birthday at this unique bar-karaoke place. Oiwake is located at “Little Tokyo” on the second floor in the plaza mall. The people that hangout there are a younger crowd with happy spirits. John and Mike, two friendly bartenders, served the thirsty clientele and kept the bar entertained. On the other hand, Diane sang the song: “Girls Just Want Have Fun”. She was a natural, in fact, the more she drank the more she sang. People in the bar got louder and it seemed that everyone was waiting in line to perform on stage. Oiwake is a happy hangout, and they served all kinds of alcoholic beverages. The smell of sushi and sake was part of the bar’s personality, however, it was suitable. Finally, Diane finished her karaoke song and whispered something into my ear, but all I heard was a foreign language. I think she spoke the language of alcohol. The bar didn’t have irritating people, rather, a fun clientele. Diane’s birthday celebration was fun because of the good energy among her friends but also because of Oiwake’s cheerfulness. I remember people’s laughter while I was exiting the venue and was happy for the good times my friend had. I would like to return to this fabulous place for many different reasons, most of all, for good times.
Diane, my friend, celebrated her birthday at this unique bar-karaoke place. Oiwake is located at “Little Tokyo” on the second floor in the plaza mall. The people that hangout there are a younger crowd with happy spirits. John and Mike, two friendly bartenders, served the thirsty clientele and kept the bar entertained. On the other hand, Diane sang the song: “Girls Just Want Have Fun”. She was a natural, in fact, the more she drank the more she sang. People in the bar got louder and it seemed that everyone was waiting in line to perform on stage. Oiwake is a happy hangout, and they served all kinds of alcoholic beverages. The smell of sushi and sake was part of the bar’s personality, however, it was suitable. Finally, Diane finished her karaoke song and whispered something into my ear, but all I heard was a foreign language. I think she spoke the language of alcohol. The bar didn’t have irritating people, rather, a fun clientele. Diane’s birthday celebration was fun because of the good energy among her friends but also because of Oiwake’s cheerfulness. I remember people’s laughter while I was exiting the venue and was happy for the good times my friend had. I would like to return to this fabulous place for many different reasons, most of all, for good times.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Vincent: a place where everyone knows your name
Vincent Hill Station, 553 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA
Road trips can get interesting, especially if there are uncontrollable fires all over the county. My friend, Essa and I helped evacuate a few Alpacas out of the area and decided to make a quick stop at this bar. Luckily, the bar was open and crowded. That evening was “open mic night” and we were unbelievably hungry. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed. Consequently, Kristy, the bartender let Essa cook anything she wanted. On the other hand, Paul, the musician and lead singer, invited me to sing in the band. This venue was full of interesting characters like Drake, a cowboy, who had a long white beard and was also a singer. Michael was another interesting person. He was a customer who kept the place rocking and rolling because of his stimulating personality. Vincent Hill Station is more than a bar-restaurant; it is a place where everyone knows your name. Essa cooked such a great supper which attracted strangers to eat it. Towards the end of the meal we were all one family. Paul and I kept singing apparently it was contagious because the clientele joined us too. The whole place had this fabulous energy which kept all of us singing, smiling, laughing, eating and drinking. Sometimes, places are charming; sometimes the people bring enchantment to a place. But once in a blue moon, both the people and the place are magical. Essa and I helped the animals and that was a good deed but we received a lot more in exchange, we received unconditional love.
Road trips can get interesting, especially if there are uncontrollable fires all over the county. My friend, Essa and I helped evacuate a few Alpacas out of the area and decided to make a quick stop at this bar. Luckily, the bar was open and crowded. That evening was “open mic night” and we were unbelievably hungry. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed. Consequently, Kristy, the bartender let Essa cook anything she wanted. On the other hand, Paul, the musician and lead singer, invited me to sing in the band. This venue was full of interesting characters like Drake, a cowboy, who had a long white beard and was also a singer. Michael was another interesting person. He was a customer who kept the place rocking and rolling because of his stimulating personality. Vincent Hill Station is more than a bar-restaurant; it is a place where everyone knows your name. Essa cooked such a great supper which attracted strangers to eat it. Towards the end of the meal we were all one family. Paul and I kept singing apparently it was contagious because the clientele joined us too. The whole place had this fabulous energy which kept all of us singing, smiling, laughing, eating and drinking. Sometimes, places are charming; sometimes the people bring enchantment to a place. But once in a blue moon, both the people and the place are magical. Essa and I helped the animals and that was a good deed but we received a lot more in exchange, we received unconditional love.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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