The Griffith Park and Observatory

Chapter 13: The Griffith Park and Observatory

High up in the Griffith Park Hills, from the Griffith
Park Observatory's spacious terraces, one has a
stunning view over glorious Los Angeles with it's
various neighborhoods - from this perspective L.A.
seems to be at ones fingertips. From glitzy West
Hollywood to hipster Silverlake to the hot Valley -
the main streets crisscross the city and define it's
perfect grid-pattern. This overwhelming view is
during daytime visibly overshadowed by a foggy
grey layer that covers the city's atmosphere. From
this height, the otherwise so splendidly turquois-
blue sky turns into an olive-greenish blue-grey
that unfolds above the roofs of the city's versatile
architecture and permeates the hot, stuffy air with
dark fumes.
Up here, one is privileged to look down on this
scenario: long streets with busy traffic and buzzing
L.A.-life. The ocean is invisible from here: the marine
layer hugs the coast all summer long, and embraces
the bay with a white foggy coat, providing a natural
air-conditioning to it's inhabitants.
But here, up in the Griffith Park Hills the beauty of
nature dominates the atmosphere: lush green, dense
woods set a sharp contrast to a bright sunny sky above
steep sandy hills. The landscape changes all the sudden
while hiking up to the Observatory. The air: so deliciously
fresh! A lovely breeze gently blows while the sun lovely
kisses skin and brightens up spirits. Eagles and hawks fly
their rounds and make themselves audible. It's peaceful
and quiet - who knew L.A. could be so natural?

Alongside this impressive landscape and stunning
outlooks, there is the educational factor to this venue:
the Griffith Park Observatory, with it's museum,
interactive exhibition and exciting laser shows - it's
entertaining and educating at the same time. Otherwise
the Griffith Park is a popular destination for joggers,
hikers, bikers, picnickers, golfers, bird lovers (there
is an aviary and a baby zoo) and it's where L.A.'s
famous "Greek Theater" is situated. This, tucked
away in the Griffith Park open-air-concert-venue
hosts popular pop, classical, reggae and rock
entertainment and is non-stop crammed - like every
other event and venue in fabulous Los Angeles.
Cheers to this lovely getaway spot!