Sitting in the Blue Bayou restaurant, one looks around and gets the feeling that he or she is actually in New Orleans. Surrounded by hanging lanterns, cricket grains and distant sounds of jazz, it's like the diner has been magically whisked away from the warm weather and pseudo-French Quarter-esque known as Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

Yeah, you know you're in a surreal environment when you're walking down Hollywood Blvd. - on the Walk of Fame, no less - side by side with Batman. Who knew Southern California was actually some fantasy land?

Perhaps it's the simplistic yet dream-inspiring atmosphere of Disneyland or the famed, awe-inspiring sights in Hollywood that invoke such surrealism. Visitors may become Indiana Jones, Alice at the Mad Hatter's tea party or Private Chamberlain meeting Abraham Lincoln for the first time. Or visitors can stand on famous footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater, search for the names of their favorite stars on the Walk of Fame or explore Sunset Strip, which features A-list clubs - including Johnny Depp's The Viper Room - as well as restaurants boasting movie memorabilia such as Mel's Drive In ("American Graffiti").

But that's not all contributing to Southern California's another-world feeling. Cruising on Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway) thru coastal venues - including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Venice, and Santa Monica - gives the visitor glimpses of picturesque views and architechture from a variety of influences melded together into an unmatched atmosphere. Shopping, hanging out and sightseeing are remarkable beyond words.

For those chauffering themselves, a taste of California's infamous traffic congestion is provided, whether it be a major interstate, secondary highway or surface streets. In addition, drivers may explore the star-studded neighborhoods in Beverly Hills, Laurel Canyon, Benedict Canyon, Hombly Hills, and the long and winding Mulholland Drive. Extra time and patience is encouraged - especially on Mulhollhand - and star maps may be acquired for those interested.

But it's the little things that make a trip like this memorable. Whether it's realizing the REAL reason why Sunset Blvd. is so named, rediscovering the magic of being youthful and becoming part of a fairy tale or just spending time with your best friend, a trip to Southern California is not one to be missed.

I just recommend bring more than forty dollars cash, though. (But that's another story...)

Copyright © 2004, Talia M. Wilson
posted: Oct. 5, 2004

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