Latest posts from our Los Angeles expert:
Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World Pays a Visit
Through 12 October, Santa Ana's acclaimed Bowers Museum is proudly presenting "Terra Cotta Warriors, Guardians of China's First Emperor" the largest exhibit this fabled "army" ever to be seen outside of China. Boy-king, 13-year-old Emperor Qin--also noteworthy for having started construction of the Great Wall--was obsessed with death. If he couldn't live forever, he wanted an army to stand guard over his corpse to protect him as well as ensure his eternal ruling power. Thus came about 7,000 life-size terra cotta warriors, created by approximately 700,000 workers over a period of 38 years. Consisting of soldiers, musicians, acrobats, servants, and animals, the figures--referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World--lay buried until 1974 when one of the heads appeared as farmers were digging a well. Now the warriors are one of the most sought after attractions in China. But for a few more months you can see them at the Bowers. Complimenting the warriors, the museum's Kidseum hosts "Monkey King: A Journey to China," through 31 August, in which children can learn about Chinese culture via a journey along the Silk Road. For sale in the gallery store are exquisite and informative companion books to the terra cotta warrior exhibition in addition to finery such as teapots, picture frames, and other gift items.
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
(714) 567-3600
Web Site
If it's Summer, it's Time to Hollywood Bowl
L.A.'s beloved Hollywood Bowl (www.hollywoodbowl.com), is simply the place to go during the summer months. For decades, locals have descended on the spectacular outdoor amphitheatre with its Hollywood Hills surroundings, to be entertained by world-renowned entertainers and performances. Almost as noteworthy as the happenings on stage is the bowl-goers tradition of packing a pre-show picnic to enjoy under the stars--everything from simple sandwiches and sodas to elaborate gourmet fare accompanied by fine wines. Picnic areas are "first-come, first-served" and often open several hours before showtime, or you can eat at your bench seat or group box. For guests who don't want to bring their own, food and drink can be ordered from the renowned Patina Group (which also provides service to boxholders), which also has a Marketplace with numerous menu options or the walk-up counter at Staccato. Summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the bowl officially opens its 87th season on 20 June with a gala that includes such diverse entertainers as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins, Sir James Galway, Liza Minnelli, B.B. King, and Duane Eddy--capped off with a fireworks finale commemorating rock 'n roll's 50th year. If you miss this event, worry not--in addition to the L.A. Philharmonic, summer entertainment includes Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder, Chris Isaak, Etta James, Sarah Chang, and myriad others.
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90078, US
3238502000
Secret Topanga Canyon
Situated within the Los Angeles city limits, amid the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park provides a recreational wonderland that, as stated in its Web site "...is considered the world's largest within the boundaries of a major city." Whoa, pretty impressive. Bounded by Topanga and Rustic canyons and the communities of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, the park's 36 miles of hiking trails circumvent oak forests and open meadows, geological formations such as earthquake faults and fossils, and boasts superb ocean views. A number of trails--open to cyclists, hikers, and horse riders--are accessible from the Trippet Ranch gateway. Popular trails include Santa Inez Canyon (6 miles round trip) with small cliff gardens built into the sandstone and a peaceful waterfall; boulder-laced Eagle Rock Loop (6.5 miles round trip) with excellent park views; Musch (2 miles), an enchanting sun-and-shade route; and Backbone (5.3 miles one way), a wind between Point Mugu and Will Rogers state parks. Find out the blooming status of wildflowers within the park by calling the hotline at (818) 768-3533. Free docent-guided walks are available, January 1-June 30, on Sundays at 1 PM, and are a wonderful way to become acquainted with the natural history and beauty of the park.
Topanga State Park
20825 Entrada Road, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA, 90272, United States
Web Site
Campo Gorilla Reserve at the L.A. Zoo
After several years of being temporary residents at other facilities while awaiting a new habitat, the city's beloved gorilla brood has returned to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Kelly, Rapunzel, Glenda, Evelyn, Hasani, and Jabari have set up house in exclusive Campo Gorilla Reserve, an exhibit created especially for them. Mimicking a West Central African rainforest, Campo Gorilla contains just about everything a group of western lowland gorillas could want--a tropical environment with native plants and trees. This means some good eating for these herbivores that love to chomp away on such gourmand treats as bark, vines, stalks, bamboo, and wild celery. "Gentle Giant" Kelly, the silverback (or leader) of the gorilla family, has shown admirable parenting skills with sometimes-mischievous daughter Glenda with whom he often has an afternoon play date. Glenda also loves to curl up for a nap with her mother, sweet and shy Rapunzel--who like many a mother--does not protest when the rest of the family snatches her favorite foods. Showoff Evelyn (who sports a rather punk-ish hairdo) also lives within the family area, playing "auntie" to Glenda. Off by themselves are bachelor brothers Jabari and Hasani. Zoo visitors can view these treasured and endangered primates from five distinct areas, including two that have glass fronts for close encounters.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive, (Griffith Park), Los Angeles, CA, 90027, United States
Web Site
Go Jump in the (Pacific) Ocean
Not really, but kind of, at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. This renowned aquarium enables visitors to stay on dry land while viewing the colorful marine life and reefs that inhabit the mighty Pacific Ocean--from the icy north to the warmth of Baja California. There's something of interest for all ages. In outdoor Explorers Cove, exhibits include tide pools with gentle inhabitants that fascinate smaller children, while teenagers seem to gravitate over to the massive Shark Lagoon where they can actually touch (be gentle, now!) those lore-filled tooth-y predators along with nonchalantly passing manta rays. No worries--the aquarium does not allow personal contact with the more aggressive creatures. For those experiences, visitors can observe through nice, sturdy glass windows. The aquarium also offers interactive displays, educational programs, and invites guests to watch the sharks at feeding times (gulp). Interior spaces in the vast aquarium house various galleries representing the Pacific Ocean's mesmerizing marine diversity: three-story-tall Southern California/Baja houses the very popular Seal and Sea Lion Habitat; seat otters and diving birds are just some highlights of the Northern Pacific; and Tropical Pacific offers thousands of exquisite neon-colored fish, beautiful coral, delicate seahorses, and surreal-appearing sea dragons. Special presentations, 3-D films, a lorikeet forest, and narrated harbor tours are other visiting options.
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