More often than not, complaints about monotony in Diamond Bar can be heard throughout campus on a regular basis. Though it’s true that the nightlife here is next to non-existent, most of us do not seem to realize that one of the greatest cities in the world is a mere 40-minute drive away. It would be a shame to ignore such an opportunity to explore city life before heading off to college, especially because Los Angeles has so many unique experiences to offer.
For all the art-loving students out there, such as myself, the Getty Center is a definite must-see. This museum offers free admission and contains a wide variety of art, ranging from 500-year-old texts to modern day photography. Their L.A. location specializes in European pieces, including paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts. On top of all that, they also house a separate structure containing both American and European photographs. In my opinion, the jewel of the collection is unquestionably Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, displayed in plain view for all to see. Other featured masterpieces include “An Old Man in Military Costume” by Rembrandt and “Sunrise” by Monet.
In addition to classic exhibits, I found that the Getty also has a wide array of outdoor gardens sprinkled with beautiful fountains, sculptures, and plant life. Perhaps one of the most striking ponds in the L.A. area resides in these outdoor gardens; with an intricate hedge maze and small waterfall. There was also an outdoor café that provides a serene resting place to enjoy the reasonably priced food and exquisite scenery. A short walk to the edge of the gardens reveals a fantastic view of the entire city, as the museum is located on high ground.
From there, if a small meal is in order, Fritto Misto would be a great place to grab a bite. Located in Santa Monica a short distance away, this restaurant can only be described as a hole-in-the-wall establishment. Though it is not well-known and may cause directionally challenged people such as myself to have some trouble locating it, the restaurant’s friendly atmosphere and superb Italian food will not be a disappointment.
And if your passion for museums is still unsatisfied, then a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is highly recommended. The day slowly fading into the night will create the perfect lighting to take a picture with “Urban Lights,” the famous lamps structure featured in the movie “No Strings Attached.” Located right outside of the museum, the installment is free to approach and was an ideal attraction for me after my pockets were emptied by the expensive L.A. parking fees.
The simple fact that I was in L.A. called for a nice dinner, and the Greek restaurant Fig and Olive was the way to go. The entrees ranged from $20 to upper $30’s, and it is not uncommon to see well-dressed patrons. Though the meals were exquisite, the olive oil and bread served before the meal left the strongest impression on me. Like the exotic spices and herbs, the olive oil is imported from places such as Villa Lucia or Spain and is what makes this restaurant so well-known.
The overall ambience is perfect for a fancy meal, as the lighting hovers in the perfect balance for candlelit conversations. The waiters and waitresses are beyond accommodating, and the valet parking is perfectly efficient. Despite the food’s obviously complicated preparation, your meal can be expected to arrive reasonably quickly.
The only drawback would be the close proximity of each table to another, resulting in a slightly louder atmosphere than desired. These factors, however, are not enough to detract from the overall impression Fig and Olive gives off, and I left the restaurant pleased with my experience.
To wrap up the day, a quick stroll through the Grove, an outdoor shopping plaza a short distance away, was a nice after-dinner activity. With its bright lights and calming fountain and bridge, the Grove makes for a fun trip even if you don’t go into any of the stores or restaurants. Merely being in the atmosphere will be the perfect ending to a perfect day. So, what are you waiting for?
