(PRELUDE)

Think I'd forgotten about you?

It's not that easy. Today will be a #tbt post, just for me to get back to the blogging groove.

So what is up with me?

After my trip to China in May, I had an adjustment period on my social media habits. I didn't feel the need to be online all the time. I graduated from university and am taking some time to think about what I want to do. It's nice because I finally got time now to explore my interests and tidy up my backlogged to-do list. But I think it's time for me to be back on here. I have so much to share and I want to build this blog up to something meaningful.
(ACT I)

The Griffith Observatory was one of my most-anticipated spot to visit in LA. Not only is it architecturally beautiful, it also has a view of the Hollywood sign and the city of LA. But my journey to the Griffith had its ups and downs. The Observatory is located on Mount Hollywood. To get there, you have to drive through the Griffith Park and pass The Greek Theatre. My family and I originally planned to go there at 5:30pm and then catch the sunset at 7pm. It was wishful thinking. Traffic was horrendous by Hollywood Bowl due to an event and we didn't get to Griffith Park entrance until 6pm. It turned out, there was an event at the Greek Theatre too so the roads were sectioned off and there were cars everywhere. It took us more than an hour to slowly crawl up that mountain to get to the Observatory. We were lucky to find a parking spot. But by the time we got there, I was, admittedly, at an emotionally low point of the entire trip. (Background: We were luggage-less for three days because United Airline lost it and my parents kept on adding salt to the wound. I was stressed and disappointed.) To add to the disappointment, the lights to the Hollywood sign didn't light up either. Considering that night was the only time I planned to visit the Observatory and not seeing the most anticipated things I wanted to see made me pretty upset. Nonetheless, I sucked it up and tried to enjoy what was available.
The Observatory itself was beautifully lit at night. It was build on the wishes of Colonel Griffith J Griffith, who donated the land (that Griffith Park is on now) to the city and the funds to build an observatory. His wish was to make astronomy accessible by the public.
There is a dome on each side of the observatory. In the east dome, there is a 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope. The west dome has a triple-beam coelostat which reflects sunlight to the solar telescopes. They are free to the public.
Despite previous disappointments, I was still very grateful to be able to enjoy the magical moment where the stars in the sky meets the starry grounds of LA.

(INTERLUDE)

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." - Gustave Flaubert

(ACT 2)

I returned to the Griffith Observatory on the last day of my trip because I knew I'd regret it if I didn't. I finally got to see the famous Hollywood sign at a closer distance. What I found to be the most interesting during my trip planning was that the sign used to be spelt as HOLLYWOODLAND. It was originally used as an advertisement for a real estate development back in 1923. Funny how history took its course.
You can actually hike the Runyon Canyon and see the Hollywood sign from behind.
The starry city from that previous night was glistening under the sun.

The Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
★★★★★
$

An iconic landmark offers gorgeous views of the city and the Hollywood sign day and night. It has exhibits and planetarium that will please all ages. Admission to the building, grounds, and parking is free. If you come before it opens in the morning, it's a very serene place. It can get crowded at night as this is a popular tourist spot. There is a free parking lot on top, come early to get a parking spot. You can also park down by the Greek Theatre and hike up to the observatory.