here in the Southland

So my parents are in town for the first time since I transplanted my person to the Coast that is West, which means being a total tourist.

Saturday we went to Aroma on Tujunga in Studio City for lunch where I created French Fry jenga with my mother, much to the joy of everyone present.

Then in the afternoon we hit the pits (La Brea, that is) and saw a crazy light installation at LACMA, where I totally fell and twisted my ankle.

Thanks to the wonders of physical therapy when I was in grad school, my ankle bounced back in a day, and it did not impede on the crazy itinerary I've set out for the 'rents. Then we had dinner at the Grove and saw The Thrilling Adventure Hour at Largo at Coronet, which EVERYONE SHOULD DO. It was AWESOME.

Sunday we went to the Getty Villa in the Palisades and then up to Malibu for lunch.
The Gettys have interesting taste.
The Chocolate Box Cafe at the Lumber Yard, btw, does not have good chocolate. In case you thought they might. That night we did the Hollywood/Highland thing.

Monday we drove to San Diego and stopped at Oceanside for lunch. Me gusta. We stayed at the Dana in Mission Bay, which is within walking distance of Sea World. Had dinner in Old Town, where I was finally converted to salsa consumption, and bought my dad's birthday and/or Christmas gift.

Also, I bought Mexican bingo. 'Cause why wouldn't I?

Tuesday we did Sea World. In line for one of the rides, some OC douche flicked a cigarette near a baby and the baby's dad confronted him, and there was nearly a brawl because, rather than apologize, the OC douche was like, oh, I should mouth off to a new father who kind of looks like he's in a gang or did jailtime. Seriously, some clothing came off. It was exhausting. I don't particularly like the concept of Sea World, but it didn't totally suck. Dinner was at Bread & Cie, which is in a bitch of a location for parking, but I quite enjoyed my turkey pesto sandwich.

Wednesday we drove back and stopped at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which is where I would like to get married some day. We ate at El Adobe, which was fantastic, and then rested at home.

Today my wonderful roommate showed us around the Fox lot. We got lucky that the It's Always Sunny set was open and were permitted to walk on. I won't tell you what I saw (don't want to get anyone in trouble), but it was AWESOME. Well... maybe this photo is okay.

I'm psyched for the new season. Had lunch at Moe's (like the guy on The Simpsons) and bought a "It's Not Lupus" shirt from the studio store.

Went to Venice and walked around the canals, which are out of control gorgeous, and then hung out in Santa Monica, where I finally got the surfboard clock I've been wanting for two years.

Had dinner in Encino, came home and watched Iron Man in prep for manana (somehow my parents missed seeing it when it came out). And I'm almost positive I saw Spielberg drive past my street. I wouldn't bet a child's life on it, but maybe an old person who I didn't like too much.

So great week so far. Tomorrow is the last day. Then back to reality and all that awfulness.