Griffith Observatory: 9.25.16
This is a popular destination for many, and as such, parking was not an issue. Once parked, it is a straight shot to the observatory. Still, it was over 90 degrees in September (ridiculous) so if you travel here during this month, do bring water. It is not unbearable, however, if you want to hedge our bets that you have a pleasurable walk up the enormous hill to Griffith Observatory, bring a way in which to cool yourself.
Once at the observatory, it was beautiful and nothing shy of what one would expect from Los Angeles. The blinding white of the observatory and the emerging obelisk on the grounds definitely made its presence known. Inside, it was organized, which is not synonymous for Los Angeles. One generally thinks of glitz and glam. But inside these particular walls, it was clear that the overarching theme, science, discovery, and progression ruled. It was not crowded. I think in part this was due to the fact that there was ample walking space in con junction with a small crowd. Inside, I spent a lot of time allowing myself to give in to the captivating and entrancing luminescence of the centerpiece, the glowing clock in the center of the floor whose pendulum swung with precision to indicate time.
Ironically, while gazing into time's abyss, I lost track of time. Once I got that feeling that I had overstayed my welcome at this feature, I walked over towards a giant wall of back lit squares that housed all the periodic elements. Moth to the flame, again, I wallowed in this soft light of this exhibit for a while as well. I found it peculiarly calming to me staring at different elements. I am not sure what was demanding my attention at this point, but there I stood, looking upon particles that make up all existence. Perhaps that was what it was. Being in the presence of history that demanded my attention. And not history insomuch that an event happened, at least not in the traditional sense. But history insomuch that these, these elements, literally are part of all things and their endless combinations, combustion, influences, fluxes, absences, and just being contributed directly or indirectly to life as I know it. Life as I understand it. Life as I currently experience it.
Moving on to the grounds. The grounds. The grounds! In true LA fashion, green, bright, expansive, over indulgent, and expensive. Although, contrary to LA style whereby oversitmulation is often a consequence of tradition, the grounds of the observatory were classy. big, yes, but not claustrophobic. Once out the back door, it opens up into a giant yard with perfectly trimmed lawn and at the center of the lawn in all its phallic glory was a pure white obelisk. At the base of the obelisk were what looked like solders, in a resting though obviously observational stance, swords in front of them, tip in the ground and hands resting comfortably upon the handle. Looking. Just looking. The obelisk was impressive.
From the peak of the observatory, I could see all of Los Angeles. I was able to get a few shots of the juxtaposition of the city with the iconic Southern California palm trees framed with a conifer branch on one side, a main road bordered by more city and skyscrapers, and even an orange-red dragon fly.
I highly recommend visiting the observatory.
