Intermission III: An Oscar-Worthy Trip to LaLaLand

Posted on February 24, 2013 by marinachetner

The final week of a great trip is always tough. Each day seems to pass quicker than that preceding it, and the list of things to see and do inevitably grows longer as one becomes better acquainted with their surroundings; immersing themselves further into the fabric of a place.

This is how it went for my sister, Katya, and I in the last few days prior to her departure. We packed it all in: Universal Studios, LA downtown (we needed to drive by the Cecil Hotel, currently making crime story worthy news), Malibu, as well as a side trip to San Francisco. We made pit stops at all of Urth Caffe’s locations, scattered over different parts of LA, and managed to catch some spectacular sunsets either from the car, or from a prime vantage points.

Though the trip may have started with tourist spots at the forefront, it finished with talk of a UCLA transfer. I couldn’t have been prouder – Katya had successfully transitioned from wide eyed tourist to enthusiastic traveler. Here are some highlights of the final days in LaLaLand, and beyond.

At The Getty Villa, Malibu

Seated Hermes, Greek God of travel and commerce

Malibu Pier

City lights from the Griffith Observatory

Sunset from the Griffith Observatory

Lombard St, San Francisco – the world’s windiest street

Painted Ladies houses line Alamo Square, San Francisco

Me and my sis making heart shadows

Sea Lions at Pier 39, San Francisco Wharf

Views from Sausalito – joined to San Francisco by the Golden Gate Bridge

Me and my sis – meeting of the minds as we look over the view from Sausalito

Golden Gate Bridge via iphone

Sis taking pics

Panorama via iphone

San Fran’s Filbert Street at night

Francis Ford Coppola’s, Cafe Zeotrope – in San Fran

My sis with The Simpsons, at Universal Studios

Sunset views of LA’s downtown

Tree line from Elysian Park, near Echo Park, LA

Farewell cake made by my husband for my sis - Raspberry baked cheesecake accompanies by prosecco topped with those red berries

Farewell cake made by my husband for my sis – Raspberry baked cheesecake accompanied by prosecco topped with those red berries

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45 thoughts on “Intermission III: An Oscar-Worthy Trip to LaLaLand”

Sally on February 24, 2013 at 9:29 pm said:

Once again a perfect post Marina! I love living vicariously through you blog and love your writing style as much as your beautiful photos. These posts about your sidter’s visit always tug at my heart strings and bring up find memories of traveling with my little sis who lives OS as well. I love getting to explore California through your words and lens as well – it has a very special place in my heart and memory (almost as much as NYC does)… But not quite

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- marinachetner on February 25, 2013 at 12:54 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Sally. I so appreciate your words about my writing and photos. Sharing is the best especially when others can relate to my posts. I love that you live vicariously through my blog. Thank you thank you! (I feel like I am making an Oscar speech. So apropos for tonight!) PS where does your sis live?
  
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  - Sally on February 25, 2013 at 4:20 am said:
    
    She lives in NZ. A beautiful part of the world. I miss her heaps. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that first shot of the Golden gate bridge. Looks like you had great weather for your trip. PS Sorry for all the typos in the first comment, I typed it on my iphone and the buttons are so small
  - marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 11:00 pm said:
    
    NZ is close but still far away. My sis took that picture of the bridge – it is a great reminder of San Fran and glad she allowed me to share it! PS i know what you mean about the small phone buttons. Such a pain!
elviajerodesevilla on February 24, 2013 at 11:20 pm said:

Reblogged this on El Viajero de Sevilla. and commented:
Malibu and San Francisco

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gabrielediwald on February 25, 2013 at 12:32 am said:

I love the San Francisco pictures, and you still do the best food photos!

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- marinachetner on February 25, 2013 at 12:53 am said:
  
  Thank you! And about the food – definitely helps to have a nice subject to photograph!
  
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  - gabrielediwald on February 25, 2013 at 1:55 pm said:
    
    I just saw the sea lions. Gorgeous!
  - marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:54 pm said:
    
    They were barking Gabriele!
gabrielediwald on February 25, 2013 at 12:36 am said:

Your iphone picture of the Golden Gate Bridge is great. I’m using the Hipstamatic app for this kind of pictures.

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- marinachetner on February 25, 2013 at 12:52 am said:
  
  Gabriele! Hi! That pic is c/o my sister. She’s the holder of the iphone. I might have to get one soon…!
  
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Karen on February 25, 2013 at 1:10 am said:

ooh, I love the first shot of SF bridge via iphone. An unusual angle that I’ve never seen.

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:57 pm said:
  
  That’s my sister’s shot thanks karen!
  
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Food,Photography & France on February 25, 2013 at 2:29 am said:

Particularly good journey – thanks.

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:57 pm said:
  
  My pleasure!
  
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Chillbrook on February 25, 2013 at 2:58 am said:

Aww Marina. Wouldn’t that be cool if Katya transfered to UCLA? I love the pictures but those of San Francisco are particularly good.. that iphone photo of the bridge is amazing – love the colours and the clouds and it’s taken from an angle I haven’t seen before. So refreshing given this is probably the most photographed bridge in the world. Wonderful post!!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Adrian. It would be fun if she transferred – I would have my family close by then! My sis took that shot of the bridge – she’s good with pictures thank you!
  
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belgradestreets on February 25, 2013 at 4:03 am said:

Beautiful images as ever…

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:58 pm said:
  
  thanks Andy!
  
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Kristina on February 25, 2013 at 7:22 am said:

Wonderful, Marina, I can feel a little bit of sadness in the post, but looks like you had a fantastic time and did lots of things! That cake looks so lush!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:56 pm said:
  
  You wrote it like I felt it K It’s still sad for me.. I need a trip home. The cake was delish – I know you’d love it! thank you!
  
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  - Kristina on March 11, 2013 at 8:08 am said:
    
    I think you should visit home some time soon
  - marinachetner on March 11, 2013 at 6:27 pm said:
    
    I think so
Stephanie on February 25, 2013 at 8:04 am said:

Amazing visit for your sis!! You are a fantastic tour guide!!! Gorgeous photos!!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Steph
  
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Barry on February 25, 2013 at 9:40 am said:

Gosh, wish it would be at least that warm @ Poland. Very nice photos you got here, wish you another great shots!

Cheers,
Barry

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Barry! Not long until Spring and Summer in Poland. Stay warm!
  
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pearlsandprose on February 25, 2013 at 1:49 pm said:

Wonderful shots of SF–they really make me want to go back.
What a beautiful cake!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:54 pm said:
  
  San Fran isn’t a bad drive – I hope you return! The cake was wonderful-I hope not to make it a habit though Thanks!
  
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drawandshoot on February 25, 2013 at 5:29 pm said:

What a fun-filled time with your sister, Marina. You packed a lot in! And a beautiful photo essay to hold your memories. That night shot of Filbert St. is beautiful; there is something a little magic about a city at night.

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Karen It’s always sad to see family go – it felt very empty for a while. It still does. I need a trip to Oz!
  
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Tricia A. Mitchell on February 26, 2013 at 12:16 pm said:

Does your husband take special orders for the raspberry cheesecake? It must be dinnertime, for I’m salivating at the sight of it!

Love your imagery and descriptions, Marina. Glad the trip was as special as it seems.

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Tricia! When you’re in LA, let me know. Cake will be in the oven for you!
  
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corneliaweberphotography on February 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm said:

Oh wow, what wonderful memories you have created for your sister, that’s charming california all in one. Above all the beautiful images, I loved the raspberry cheescake made me wishing to have one right NOW!!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:52 pm said:
  
  Dear Cornelia – that cheesecake disappeared in an instant. I blame my husband for making it too small!! I hope you are well
  
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  - corneliaweberphotography on March 13, 2013 at 1:17 am said:
    
    Thank you Marina. Yes I am well, just haven’t had the time yet for a new post. Meanwhile I enjoy other’s posts. Eide shomah mobarak to you and your husband for next week Nowrouz!
  - marinachetner on March 17, 2013 at 2:21 pm said:
    
    Thank you for the New Year wishes Cornelia!
Gerard on February 28, 2013 at 1:02 pm said:

You took some great pictures, especially the ones of San Francisco.

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Gerard! That’s lovely of you
  
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confessions-of-a-nomad on March 2, 2013 at 1:33 pm said:

Lovely photo of the Golden Gate Bridge! L.A. is a pretty cool city isn’t it, when you know the right places to go!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks – my sis took that pic of the bridge. I love LA – there’s always something new to discover. I’m just grateful to live near the Pacific Ocean Thanks!
  
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Fergiemoto on March 3, 2013 at 2:08 am said:

Another wonderful post, Marina!

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks fergiemoto!
  
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amelialeonard on March 5, 2013 at 7:03 am said:

Your photos are so amazing! Looks like an amazing time

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- marinachetner on March 10, 2013 at 10:50 pm said:
  
  Aww thanks! Yes, I am left in LA while my sister has long since departed to Oz.
  
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