PRIVATE TOUR OF DTLA

As a longtime member and past president of a most amazing group of LA-area business women -- Organization of Women Executives --  I agreed to co-chair our special events for this year. Looking for new and different things that our members might find of interest can be challenging.  But upon reading how LA's own downtown arts district (DTLA) had literally exploded to nearly 50 blocks, I thought how fun it would be for our members to explore.

Key to the event was the expert guidance of Lara Dildy, editor of Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, a monthly event supporting, exposing and bringing people to the area.  Click on the link to read all about this amazing evening and the organization. 

Our extremely knowledgeable and expressive tour guide Lara Dildy

Lara met our group of 20+ members and their guests at noon just outside the iconic Grand Central Market where many of us had arrived earlier to grab a bite.  Off we went down Broadway to 4th Street.  Our first stop was at the corner of Spring and 4th, at the conjoined galleries of Miguel Osuna and Robert Reynolds.  We had the opportunity to meet both of the artists and hear about their works.  The benefit of our relatively small group provided a very personal feel to our tour.

Above are some of our members/guests. Upper right is artist Robert Reynolds describing his amazing work made out of used cardboard boxes; lower left is a work in progress by Miguel Osuna.

 

From there we proceeded to the Howard Griffin Gallery, with a large display of Thierry Noir works.  Mr. Noir is most notable as being the first artist credited with painting the Berlin Wall in 1984.  His work is prominently displayed in the alleyway separating Spring and Main Streets in an enormous mural seen below. 

Just two of Mr. Noir's works on display in the gallery.

I for one was not even aware of The Last Book Store prior to Lara's and my test run a few months ago.  I am always surprised as a native Angeleno to make new discoveries.  This remarkable spot at the corner of 5th and Spring comprises not just countless "real" (hardcover!) books for sale but many small galleries in the upstairs area as well.  And, natch, a place that sells coffee. It was a challenge gathering up the troops to proceed to our last stop.  

	From the second floor looking down on the enormous space.
Above is a tunnel of books that guests can walk through; the section at right is called "decorative books" -- only red in this section!

Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts on Spring Street was the official conclusion to our two hours, but many members went on from there.  A few of us couldn't resist the chance to indulge at nearby Gelateria Uli, with the sincere hope they open other locations.  It was then back to our cars after a terrific afternoon.  I know I will certainly look forward to a return visit! 

 

FINDING JOY IN PLANNING TRAVEL

When a "bestie" recently moved back to her hometown (Louisville), I told the hubby I wanted to plan a trip there for this year. Lest he think that what he likes to do wasn't part of the equation, I suggested we go to Cincinnati and possibly even Cleveland for baseball (I have not been to either of their current parks). While that itinerary may still occur, he insisted we go first to two other ballparks not yet visited -- Atlanta (inaugural season) and Miami (opened 2012). Jumping right on the planning bandwagon is such a delicious treat that I almost can't do anything else until mission accomplished!  The thrill of planning travel -- scoring a room at the Ritz Carlton (with Amex Platinum benefits) for $199?  It is a high for me. I guess that officially makes me a travel junkie.  And if I were to compare the benefits derived from this fun compared to say online shopping of a different kind -- clothing, as an example -- well, that's a tough one. I suppose the lasting memories of travel make this particular endeavor more meaningful (and I don't have to explain the credit card charge -- an added bonus for sure).     Looking at the calendar in terms of when to go involves:  1) tax filing deadlines; 2) Atlanta and Miami home stands; and, 3) avoiding summer's most oppressive temperatures.  Oh, and our own Dodger games, Hollywood Bowl tickets, etc., etc.  In other words, the window isn't always expansive.  Late June fit the above criteria and it was on to the execution. If money were no object, I'd simply book American Airlines first class (business and first are typically combined domestically). Alas, that's not the case.  So coach it is, paying a bit extra for maximum legroom, and putting in requests for upgrades.  Since going east is the shorter flight, these parameters seem fine.  We earn AA miles, and the tickets were quite reasonable.  For the other two legs, instead of flying into nutty Miami, I booked Fort Lauderdale -- a much more civilized airport with lots of flights and just 30 miles north of Miami.  We'll have a car so off we go.  Atlanta-Ft. L is less than two hours and Delta is the best bet: one way for about $100.  Done. The splurge is the flight back to LA.  Non-stop flights via Jet Blue and Virgin leave either early morning or evening.  I don't love a 7:15 a.m. departure time (but I do like being back in LA by 10 a.m.), so I splurged on Jet Blue Mint -- their equivalence of first class -- which I have wanted to try.  It is considerably less $$ than American's seats and who doesn't love Jet Blue? I'll let you know my thoughts afterward.   Besides the aforementioned Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, I booked a Westin in FtL (close to the airport):  a generously-sized suite, including wi-fi and breakfast, for $189 per night via AAA rate.  I like the Westin brand plus I earn SPG points.  With rental cars booked (via Amex), this whole process took just a couple of hours.  And it was so much fun!     What's the moral of the story?  Practice, practice, practice.  Look at travel planning as something fun to do, not as a chore.  Because a job well done equates to time well spent.  Better yet, call me to map out your trip and go do something else with your time!

CABO IDEAL FOR QUICK GETAWAY

It's no secret that Cabo San Lucas, just a two-hour flight southeast of LA, makes for an ideal getaway. What's astonishing is the massive growth that continues to occur unabated.

The iconic Cabo arch

The hubby surprised me for a major birthday back in 2004 with the first trip to Cabo. The locals were thrilled that the first Costco had just opened up, and they could purchase essentials like bread and milk for significantly less than the area markets.  We stayed at Las Ventanas which was a splurge to say the least. Infinity pools were unique back then so entering that gorgeous resort seemed staggering as the pool "fell" into the ocean beyond.

The next trip was for our daughter's graduation in 2009.  At the time, the area was just desolate due to fears of kidnapping and the like.  We had a great time and never felt the least bit unsafe.

Flash forward to 2017.  Unlike the first trip where five-star properties were just three -- Las Ventanas (Rosewood), Esperanza (Auberge) and One & Only Palmilla -- there's now La Pedregal, The Montage, The Cape and a Ritz Carlton still under construction. And that's just the high end.  The growth is at least 10% annually, and up to 20% at times.  Three thousand rooms will be added in 2017.  During the high season (November through May), there are sometimes 40 commercial flights on Saturdays and Sundays.

It's not just the high end experiencing growth (multi-million-dollar vacation homes), but the huge amount of "all-inclusive" resorts that are very affordable and abundant.  This trip was the result of purchasing a three-night stay (at a charity auction) at Fiesta Grand Americana.  Personally I am not a fan of all-inclusive -- typical of cruise ships and the like -- where one almost feels obligated to indulge because "it's free." I'd rather think twice about consumption while paying as I go. To each his own.

So what to do in a short time span?  Visit the spa!  An 80-minute deep tissue for $90 works for me (after some sort of discount plus gratuity).  But the big outing was whale watching via Cabo Adventures ..

We were given the choice of either a small but very fast boat (which was like a life raft) holding 26 plus 3 crew, or a very large double-decker.  We opted for the small one, which adventure was called "Whale Safari."  Having experienced an African safari last year, I get the connection:  both vehicles go very fast and communicate with other vehicles when game (in this case whales) are spotted. This thing flew over the water! No wonder we were asked if we had any back issues beforehand; I was indeed reminded of the safari jeeps.

Sea lions sunning themselves

It was worth it to catch multiple glimpses of these beautiful creatures, both full size and young-in's.  Taking photos is challenging, as the action is swift and the boat rocky.  But you get the idea .. happy I got just one!

Absolutely worth mentioning are the following restaurants: Los Tres Gallos was a last-minute decision that was amazing. Delicious food, with some unexpected twists, in an indoor/outdoor setting.  We also loved Mi Casa, with traditional fare in a lively atmosphere.  Both spots are in downtown Cabo, close to the marina. 

Mi Casa had fabulous margaritas (mango in particular) plus carnitas 

and mole (ole!).

Open kitchen at Los Tres Gallos plus some            delicious courses we enjoyed.

It's the thought that counts from housekeeping --  the letters were formed from rice.  Buenas noches!