So your nephew who is 21 decides he wants to fly into LA alone to celebrate for just over a week….um- It’s been awhile – what do the youth of today like to do? Aren’t they all on video games trapped in an episode of the sIMMSons?
Eileen had her niece Rose in for a week – so reading her post was inspirational – it’s hard when you’re too swamped with work to feel like you can properly entertain guests.
However, Owen (my nephew) had no problem slotting in to the LA lifestyle and taking himself off during the days to get lost – nights though were full on – with a trip to the LA Lakers – something I’d not done before. For me it wasn’t all that interesting (I know I’ll be unpopular with that comment. But I did find it quite boring. Give me footy any day. But they do have some great photo opportunities and activities outside before getting into the crypto.com Center (yes, it used to be the Staples Center).
The following night we took a trip to the Academy Museum, where we watched the classic movie “The Graduate”, but the the real treat was the q&a with the film’s producer Lawrence Turman.
Night three we dialled it down with a pizza night at home with friends, and on night four we gave Owen a real rite of passage – a mani/pedi night at our favorite foot spa to sort out those 21 year-old trotters.
Now for the weekend – Magic Mountain boosts five of the best roller coasters in the world, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Some might say I’m a little old for rides, but sod ’em, I went on as many as I could and sometimes twice. Again, I’ve been here for twenty-odd years and this was something I’d never done before! Owen had a blast too. My hubby Michael came along, buy not so much for the rides, he’s not too fond of heights.
Night six was a Sunday, which saw Owen volunteering for the Elton John AIDS foundation Oscar viewing party – and he made plenty of friends! While I was enjoying the telecast inside, Owen was canoodling up and exchanging numbers with people his own age – finally he didn’t need to be stuck with his Guncles!
Day Seven was a very hungover day for us, but we got it together to go whale watching in Santa Barbara. We opted to come home a little early, and plumped for Chinese food and a movie on the couch.
By Owen’s eighth day the end was very much in sight, but you can’t possibly visit LA without seeing live music, so we moseyed down to The Forum to see those Dublin rockers The Script who put on a proper show for their local fans.
Owen had a great time almost everywhere he went, and it was also great for us…doing some classic LA activities for the first time. Sometimes guests really can make you see your city in a whole new light.
But it wasn’t all fun. Owen, Michael and I enjoyed some good philosophical chats and I did my best to provide some elderly sage advice. I made a point of putting a bug in his ear about seeing the world and setting goals and making plans
So much so that he’s only been back in the UK a week and he’s already moving to London! No time wasted on the youth!
