Take a Walk (of Fame) with me ...

Chapter 27: Take a Walk (of Fame) with me ...

FYI: The world's most glamorous public sidewalk is located
in the heart of Hollywood: The Walk of Fame. It's blinding
splendor lies in more than 2,400 five-pointed coral-pink
terrazzo and brass stars embedded in a sparkling charcoal-
colored background. Bearing famouse names, every star is
dedicated to a VIP of The Dream Factory representing one
of the following categories: movie, tv, music, radio and
live performance. Those who end up in bold block letters
on the sparkling grounds of Hollywood Blvd's sidewalk
made it into the A-List of Hollywood's most brightly
sparkling stars. Only in La La Land the stars are at one's
feet - sprawling out 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard
and 0.4 miles on Vine Street it embodies Fame and Glory
and is a proud public monument.

Now, step with me onto the star studded strip of Glitz and Glam
and soak up the thrilling buzz as we strut down the sparkling
ground - can you feel the odd vibrations yet? Whether you come
here to saunter around and shop or to walk down the red carpet in
order to accept an Oscar - the grandeur and transcendental powers
fill the air and invigorate your heart and senses with every step you
take. The substance of the architecture lining the Boulevard seems
to speak the same language like the stars embellishing the ground:
Extravaganza ... one can not resist, but actually acquire.

I used to walk this magical strip every morning, starting from Van
Ness Ave, where I lived with a girlfriend. While savoring every single
step of this fabulous morning walk I soaked up the mellow vibe and
peaceful emptiness of the streets when the first rays of sun tenderly
caressed my skin. As I walked down the street I spotted "Monroe"
and "Chaplin" getting their outfits and make-up ready for the soon
to arrive masses of tourists. Souvenir stores were still closed at 8 o'
clock in the morning and the atmosphere filled with aromas coming
from all the different types of eateries lined alongside the Walk of
Fame. And even though this is by far not Rodeo Drive - with it's
spotless groomed greenery, exclusive boutiques and impeccable
architecture - The Walk of Fame has a special character and charm
that is sheerly addictive. It's open to everyone, it's affordable, laid
back and endlessly fun.
My walk usually ended at Orange Drive, where patrons get their
morning dose of caffeine before hitting the office, or tourists gather
to watch fashionable Hollywood types hang out talking into their
flashy iPhones, blogging their latest news on the fashion scene
wearing super skinny jeans and blue, red, green or black framed
Ray Ban shades. Who cares if one can see their pink panty peeking
from under the tight pants? This is Hollywood!
Here I was - after seven months feeling like a regular - loving the
mood of the scene, tracking down latest trends and styles, getting
the tastes of L.A.'s foods while dining out daily, and investigating the
famous Hollywood Type of hipster and reading the Bible of Hip -
The Hollywood Magazine.

With many of the historic architectural elements still intact the strip
embodies old-school glam of Hollywood's Golden Age: The world
famous Kodak Theater with it's enclosed mall adorned with elephant
sculptures and antique-like murals, the Chinese Theater with it's
signature concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the
signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular movie personalities,
the Pantages Theater, and the infamouse Roosevelt Hotel have
landmark status on Hollywood Boulevard. All the funky stores,
little snack bars, hipster vintage shops and tattoo studios - make
for a quirky mix and substantiate what they call "Hollyweird".

One can imagine that a girl like me does not stay alone for long: peeps
in Hollywood are open-minded, talkative and love to socialize. I
encountered some interesting personalities, hipsters, actors and divas
while exploring the streets of L.A. But first and foremost it was my aura
that made people love me - and even consider me "So L.A.". This is
Hollywood: enthusiasm paired up with lovely looks and great spirits
is the admission to get into Angeleno's sophisticated hearts and worlds.