Come on down!!

 It happens when we get together and drink lots of champagne, or sparkling whites if you're one of those technicality people.  It was DC's birthday.  As usual we were sitting around her kitchen snacking, drinking, and having stimulating intellectual discussions.  A sort of magic happens when the three of us get together.  Did I mention BA was there?  anyway, magic.  a great idea is had.  Then BA makes sure we follow through.  In this case it's been DCs dream to go on the Price is Right.  With the instantaneous gratification that today's internet provides, we were signed up lickity split.  Flights and hotel were purchased soon after.  No time for buyer's remorse.  

I prepped for the trip.  I watched three episodes of the game show.  It's awful.  so, so dumb, but okay.  I'm always on board for bucket list items, especially in sunny California in the middle of winter.  We get there no problem.  we're already excited, but the crew continue to amp us up.  they're looking for the biggest showoffs.  We tried, but obviously didn't have the right stuff.  Still the atmosphere was contagious.  We acted like fools till our throats were sore.  Then acted like fools but faked the screams, till my friends told me I had to calm down.  Imagine that!  I was the biggest idiot.  Anyway, it was an experience.  

While we were there, we hiked up to the Hollywood sign!  It was a fun trip.  We started at Griffin Observatory, which was a destination in itself.  My friends were hesitant as they know I'm not super fit and sometimes push myself too far.  I was able to assure them that I felt great and we could connect to a different path where we could catch an Uber if need be.  Which of course, we did, after finding an old hippy selling water and playing the Blues and who was happy to discuss music.  I dig what you're laying down!  

We also hit a lot of restaurants and bars.  Cocktails were pricey!  The stand out restaurant in my opinion was Mama's.  It was a rooftop.  the colors and umbrellas gave a fun vibe.  the sangria was yum!  The food was excellent.  Good service, good views and a neon sign.  I love neon.  (and drug references).

Other things - Santa Monica pier, The Improv, hotel happy hour, hotel pool, the Grove, the Sunset Strip, guacamole on everything, lyft drivers with a wide variety of personalities and skill levels.  Now some weirdness.  There was sign in our hotel room stating the staff had the right to defend themselves or something like that.  We did not test this.  I believe there was a special tax allocated to that matter.  Does that mean I'm paying for personal weapons?  Self defense classes?  Hazard pay?  I was afraid to ask.  

Now I would have seen a show on the Sunset Strip.  Whiskey a Go Go had some punk bands.  Not really my thing, but you know me!  New experiences!  Historical spaces!  Music music music!  How could I resist.  BA went on and on about how the hair bands came out of this place.  It was a monument to our youth!  BUT!  I was sick.  And my dear friends care more about my health than their own good times.  Don't they understand I care more about our good times than my health?  ah well.  I'm sure they're right.  the next day was our travel day and I was miserable.  I have since made an oath to always mask up for airports.