While the weather in Yardley screams for hot cocoa and fuzzy socks, the gentle breeze Los Angeles had to offer last week is all I can think about.
As I mentioned in my last blog, last week the team headed west to celebrate the 16th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards in sunny California. This year, my birthday landed two days before our event; the timing couldn’t have been better, as I promised myself I would not spend my birthday bundling up for the cold.
I decided to arrive a few days earlier than the rest of the team for some sightseeing and exploring. My boyfriend and I arrived early on Saturday afternoon and made our way to Thrifty Rent a Car to pick up our rental. While our experience there was horrendous — we waited more than 2.5 hours and had to settle for a different vehicle or else the wait would have been longer — the rest of the trip was lovely!
We finally got to our Airbnb (a chic studio loft Downtown) around 5 p.m. and decided to settle in and go for an evening stroll before we committed to anything. Luckily, the Airbnb had a gorgeous rooftop and we settled in, grabbed some food and enjoyed the city lights on our first night.
The following day we woke up bright and early, ready to make the best of the day in spite of the rain. We ventured to the Institute of Contemporary Art in the morning, took in the amazing views from the Santa Monica Pier and ate delicious food from Lala’s Grill.
Besides it being my birthday, Monday was my absolute favorite day of this trip. We strolled the Walk of Fame, came across the Jumanji premiere set-up process and then went on a three-hour hike in the Hollywood Hills. I have seen a lot of pictures of the Hollywood sign and the views from it, but the view from above is just breathtaking. We hiked with a couple from Portugal who was part of the excursion we found through Airbnb; we shared experiences, laughed and saw a gorgeous sunset together.
Besides the hike, we celebrated the beginning of my 27th trip around the sun with a delicious dinner at Broken Spanish LA. I loved how elevated the dishes I grew up with were presented; with that being said, I had never tasted a rice pudding like the one they have to offer. It was some sort of religious experience!
On Tuesday we made our way to Beverly Hills to meet the team at the stunning The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Some of us grabbed a quick bite and walked around Rodeo Drive before a team dinner. During the latter, I was pleasantly surprised with personalized menus and a great dessert for my birthday.
We wrapped up the trip with an amazing event on The Peninsula’s rooftop Wednesday night. It was great to see our clients and friends in the industry and to celebrate this year’s winners.
— Yasser Ogando, production & advertising coordinator
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis