Big 10 Football Tour

Day 6 started with a drive back up to Los Angeles.  Once we got there, we decided to try out the famous PINK'S Hot Dogs.  Despite the place having free parking, I idiotically decided to park right across the tree.  While standing in line, I noticed a policeman checking out my car and giving me a "souveneir" $50 parking ticket.  Awesome!  So eventually we placed our order of some sort of hot dog combined with bacon, chili, cheese, etc. 

To be honest with you, I've never had a food that was so hyped up and so below average.  I mean the hot dogs were cheap hot dogs, the buns were plain white buns, and the toppings were nothing to write home about.  The fries...below average.  The soda...well, that was average   I can not stress enough how overrated this place is.  I have no idea why all of these celebrities came in here and signed a photo (were they paid?) because even getting these hot dogs free would not be worthwhile for me to endorse this place.

Next up was the Hollywood Bowl, which is probably the 2nd or 3rd most scenic concert hall in America (I'll give Red Rocks and the Gorge the nod here). 

Absolute beauty in the background, but the seating was definitely dated.  The wooden benches had not been replaced in years and I couldn't imagine getting up to use the restroom, buy a drink, etc as the aisles were tiny.

Next up was the La Brea tar pits.  Tar Pits?  Yes, believe it or not - there are still tar pits this day in age.  Unfortunately they are gated off, so it's a bit diffiuclt to dump your victims in it, but still an interesting sight to see.  You'll see a bunch of mammoths and sabre (or is it saber) tooth tigers among other things trying to escape the tar.

Most interesting is watching the pool of water as the methane gas is constantly bubbling to the surface (see video below).   At various parts of the park, the tar is seeping to the surface and you can actually get your foot stuck in it or make some creative designs nearby.

A quick stop in downtown Los Angeles left me surprised of how clean it was.  Lots to see including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Staples Center, and Ritz Carlton.  Most impressive however was the statue of the man with his head in the wall.

Finally a stop at the Santa Monica Pier to conclude the day.  Beautiful views of the coastline and a great shopping district right off of the pier.  At night it becomes particularly interesting as the ferris wheel and rollar coaster do all sorts of interesting light effects.  At the far end of the pier, you'll find lots of people fishing at all hours of the day.  I'd recommend trying the Mexican restaurant at the back end of the pier.  The service is impeccable and the food is authentic at a reasonable price.  Make sure to drop a penny in the bucket before leaving.