Sojourns

Sojourns

As summer approaches we begin to ask…what will travel be like this summer?

 

An estimated 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 7% increase over 2022, according to a new forecast released by AAA on Monday.

Some 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer in 2023 compared to last year, the company said.

Are we daunted? No way. Pack the bags, fill up the tank and let’s explore a few of the  popular destinations for SoCal locals.

 

“Unveiling Earth’s Sculptures: Joshua Tree National Park”

Venture into Joshua Tree National Park and witness a surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees and massive rock formations. This unique desert ecosystem attracts rock climbers, hikers, and stargazers, providing an otherworldly experience in Southern California.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

 

“Exploring the Hidden Oasis: The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve”

Discover a vibrant display of California poppies at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. This hidden gem boasts acres of colorful wildflowers, offering a stunning sight and a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

 

 

“A Journey into History: The Queen Mary in Long Beach”

Step aboard the Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner turned floating museum in Long Beach. Immerse yourself in the ship’s rich history, explore its decks, and even spend the night in one of the luxury suites for a truly unforgettable experience.

https://queenmary.com/

 

“Unearthing Subterranean Beauty: The Salton Sea”

Visit the Salton Sea, a saline lake nestled in the Colorado Desert. Despite its eerie and unconventional allure, this offbeat destination offers mesmerizing sunsets, diverse birdlife, and the opportunity to witness the remnants of forgotten towns along its shoreline.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639

 

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Keith Haring at the Broad

Keith Haring at the Broad

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to view Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody – a must-see, first-ever museum exhibition
in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work. The show is presented at The Broad, a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles that exhibits Eli and Edythe Broad’s personal art collection that includes contemporary art from the 1950s to the present by artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and others. After exploring the exhibition and other galleries, you will be able to enjoy lunch on your own at The Broad’s very own Otium restaurant or – just a few minutes by foot down the street – Lemonade, a fast-casual restaurant located inside MOCA Grand Avenue, an iconic contemporary art museum that showcases a vast collection of multimedia
works produced since 1940. The trip includes round-trip luxury coach transportation, light breakfast, admission fees, private tours and a dinner
box with wine for the ride home.

7:30 am
Leave Balboa Park
8:00 am
Leave Lomas Santa Fe Plaza
10:45 am
Arrive at The Broad
11:00 am
Guided tour
12:00 pm
Free time for lunch
1:30/2:00pm Visit MOCA-self-guided tour
3:45pm
Meet at the bus (parking outside MOCA)
5:45pm
Arrive Lomas Santa Fe Plaza
6:30pm
Arrive at Balboa Park

Tickets: $165 Members | $185 Non-Members

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E81193&id=195

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When Hollywood Ran Scared

When Hollywood Ran Scared

Explore the history and impact of the Hollywood Red Scare and its contemporary implications for civil liberties, propaganda, and shifting definitions of American patriotism.

In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee called on Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of Communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found evidence of this, the film industry responded by becoming the first mass employer to adopt a blacklist against employees whose political beliefs ran counter to prevailing ideals.

Making its West Coast debut at the Skirball Cultural Center with newly added artifacts, Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare shines a spotlight on the proceedings, investigations, motives, and choices of those caught in the crosshairs—including the many Jewish creatives and executives who suffered under and enforced the blacklist.

The result is an emotionally complex and compelling exhibition that demonstrates how the politics of Hollywood can shape the entire country.

Now on view till September 3, 2023

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare is an original exhibition created by and on loan from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
info@skirball.org

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Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

Although the holiday’s roots are in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. Mexican and Mexican-American businesses often offer specials and promotions on this day. And, of course, there is plenty of Mexican food and drink to enjoy!
So, whether you are of Mexican descent or not, take some time on May 5 to learn about and celebrate Mexican culture. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
So let’s get this party started—Here are a few of the restaurants dishing out great Mexican food and Margaritas too!
 

El Cholo

LA’s oldest Mexican restaurant turns 100 years old this year and maintains a historic presence on Western Avenue just north of Pico, but there are six bustling SoCal locations serving margaritas, combination platters, and El Cholo’s signature green corn tamales.

LA Cha Cha Chá

Mexico City restaurant Terraza Cha Cha Chá opened this rooftop destination in the Arts District in 2021, and the response has been tremendous. It’s not unusual to find new items on the modern Mexican menu along with tacos, tostadas, and composed seafood dishes, plus a rare view of Downtown from its eastern edge.

ENCANTO

A RESTAURANT AND BAR WITH A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD.

The former location of Mexico City, the Los Feliz eatery has a happy hour from 4-6. The menu goes deep into the culture and one must taste the SPINACH & GREEK FETA ENCHILADAS.

 

2121 Hillhurst Ave, Los Feliz

323-741-0140

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The View from Here

The View from Here

 

The view is one from the eyes of a crane operator—high above the construction of the new LACMA new building, bridging the North & South campuses over Wilshire Blvd , construction well underway.” A job not for all, but the views are spectacular.

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Downtown Art (LA Style)

Downtown Art (LA Style)

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena––including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources––will be showcased through immersive environments providing unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day.

Organized and curated by the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat, this exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

Tickets sell out fast! We suggest purchasing tickets well in advance of your visit.

Monday, Wednesday – Friday
Adult – $32
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

Saturday, Sunday
Adult – $35
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

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Calling All Mother’s

Calling All Mother’s

With Mother’s Day around the corner,  Burke Williams luxury day spa is featuring some specials.

Beginning Thursday, April 13, Burke Williams is offering an assortment of expertly assembled Mother’s Day gift card packages. Packages include an array of signature luxurious and rejuvenating Burke Williams treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and spa baths. The all-new Tranquility Massage, included in the “Mom’s Day Off” package, integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound from Nepalese singing bowls for a uniquely calming experience.

LOS ANGELES, CA — California’s premier luxury day spa, Burke Williams, is pleased to introduce three customized Mother’s Day gift card packages to honor mothers this holiday with the quintessential gift of relaxation and self-care. Mother’s Day packages will launch on Thursday, April 13, welcoming mothers and mothers-to-be to partake in a luxurious and rejuvenating experience at ten Burke Williams locations statewide.

Custom-tailored gift card packages feature a variety of signature and innovative wellness treatments including massage therapy, facials and spa baths, plus spa passes that never expire. The “Mom’s Day Off” package includes Burke Williams’ all-new Tranquility Massage treatment which integrates massage therapy and the healing effects of sound to create a one-of-a-kind calming experience.

Burke Williams celebrates expectant mothers, providing a complimentary exchange for any of the packages to be utilized towards a specialty Pregnancy Massage.

Mother’s Day Gift Cards (Available Starting April 13)

Do Not Disturb – $180 (gift card value: $240)

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

• 1-Day Spa Pass

Out Of Office – $290 (gift card value: $390)

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage

• 50-min. Spa Style Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

• 3-Day Spa Pass

Mom’s Day Off – $495 (gift card value: $675)

• 80-min. Tranquility or Vitality Massage

• 80-min. Regenerate Facial

• 20-min. Spa Bath

• 3-Day Spa Pass

Prices and services for gift card packages may vary at the San Francisco and San Jose locations. For more information on all of Burke Williams’ Mother’s Day gift card packages, please visit burkewilliams.com.

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ABOUT BURKE WILLIAMS

Burke Williams created the original urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa experience to a new art form. Drawing inspiration from world-class European day spas, the destination worked to combine the finest traditions with nourishing innovations to transport guests from the stress of everyday life. Today, with 11 locations across California, Burke Williams is a luxurious sanctuary, a place for wellness and beauty, inspiration and optimism. For more information, please visit burkewilliams.com.

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For Art’s Sake

For Art’s Sake

The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 15–19 to kick off the city’s 2023 art season. Guided by the leadership of LA Art Show producer & director Kassandra Voyagis, the 28th edition promises a larger global presence and more ambitious programming than ever before. LA Art Show will donate 15% of all ticket proceeds to support the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

The LA Art Show 2023 includes the exciting return of the European Pavilion; the debut of the Japanese Pavilion featuring 6 galleries from Japan; and more South Korean artists and galleries than ever before in testament to the country’s thriving arts scene.

This year’s fair will inspire important social dialogue with work from Ukrainian artist-turned refugee Denis Sarazhin, stranded due to the war but able to secure accommodations in the U.S. following a generous GoFundMe campaign, and is now transmuting the chaos and uncertainty of his unraveling life into paintings of wild transformation. TRANSformation by MRG Fine Art in partnership with Zero Two 20 promises to be a thought-provoking exhibition, creating an open platform for talent of diverse backgrounds, addressing a foundational transformation inherent in the evolutionary process of both artists and society alike.

Featuring 9 art institutions, the Fair’s non-commercial program and cultural anchor, DIVERSEartLA –  curated by Marisa Caichiolo – returns with an ambitious agenda, addressing the global climate crisis. As part of this, MOLAA will present work from iconic Ecofeminist Judy Baca and AMA will present one of Mexico’s most prominent photographers, Alfredo De Stefano.  Please visit www.LAArtShow.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

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Quintessential LA Experience

Quintessential LA Experience

Suddenly being back in the Arts District after a two year hiatus, as Bob Dylan once said, “Things have changed”.  Retail store, Warby Parker is gone. Hammer and Spear, gone. The Pie Hole will be closing September 17th. It’s an area hard hit by the pandemic. When the invitation to visit the Mulholland Room Hideaway arrived—we dashed. Located on the 2nd floor of the building that houses the Pali Wine Co., a building that feels like something about of a Raymond Chandler novel, the 2nd floor entrance is simply a small note on a door. The Mulholland Room Hideway was founded by actor Walton Goggins and cinematic cameraman Matthew Alper, the location has been described as a “love letter to LA.” The occasion? To sip their distilled Gin, Vodka and Whiskey, called, yes, Mulholland. This was a unique Los Angeles event; the name alone for those that know their LA history is that William Mulholland, a civil engineer that imported water into Los Angeles in the early 1900s. Mulholland Drive is a 21 mile excursion on the crest of a mountain that goes from Hollywood to to the ocean. It ihas been the subject of many a film, and it is home to many celebrities. It is distinctly a Los Angeles  road that separates the valley from Los Angeles with beautiful vistas of the Hollywood Sign, downtown and the San Fernando Valley. But tonight, we are here to sip and drink, have conversations and watch the slow descent of the summer sun on downtown Los Angeles. And while a PR event, here is the good news—everyone involved turns out to be beautiful, kind and appreciative. And here’s the even better news—the booze is great!

“At Mulholland, our mission is to create artisanal spirits that reflect and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our great city. We’ve traveled the entire country in search of the finest spirits available. We are working with master distillers to bring those spirits here for all to enjoy. This is our Spirit of Los Angeles™. You can find our 100 proof American Whiskey, our 96 proof New World Gin and 86 proof 100% Corn Vodka throughout California.”

To learn more about Mulholland Distilled products: https://www.mulhollanddistilling.com

Actor Walter Goggins (left) and cinematographer Matthew Alper

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Up the Nile: Luxury Cruise

Up the Nile: Luxury Cruise

There are many kinds of vacations—the relaxing island vacation, the adventutuous trip up the mountains of Peru, the majestic splendor of old churches throughout Europe, and then there is the Middle East. A term coined in the 1850s by a British India official, it is composed of 18 countries, 60+ languages, and nearly four million people. It is the birthplace of most of the world’s religions and “has been a major center of world affairs; a strategically, economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive area.”

So, let’s just say, it’s not Hawaii.

Our journey began in Cairo and ended in Russia. An overnight trip to Aswan by overnight train was a unique experience. Waking early in the morning, a rattling train is now alongside the Nile River, a country with a long history that hasn’t seen, in these parts, enormous change. Men still pull carts with cattle, and horses carry cane sugar. In one brief moment, a dead cow carcass can be seen in a small pond by the side of the road. Time has stood still. Aswan is a smaller version of Cairo. To be sure, there is a McDonalds, a Kentucky Fried Chicken, and likely any day, a Starbucks, but for now, it is a popular city that sits on the Nile with a substantial amount of river boats. A four-night Nile cruise provided by Sanctuary Tours put us on Boat IV (there are four cruises), which begins in Aswan and ends in Luxor. It is a luxury tour—everything is provided, including all meals, tour guides, and entertainment. This particular cruise is an ode to the Art Deco style with its lavish interiors. It is an approximate 112-mile journey that makes numerous stops along the Nile.

4 nights/5 days, the Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor!

“Wait, that long?” you might wonder, considering the distance between those two ancient cities is only about 150 miles. Well, there is so much to see at both the departing port of Aswan and the arrival port of Luxor that the boat stays docked for about 36 hours in both cities while you get to see cultural and archaeological treasures. After all, Egypt is home to one-third of the world’s antiquities, while Luxor is referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum.

“Boat, Sanctuary Boat IV.” 

The Nile cruise was luxurious and personal. As soon as we boarded, the host, Aylian, and the entire staff came to greet us as we boarded. We were offered drinks, making us feel welcome and in good hands. Each staff member always paid attention to our personal needs, smiling and bowing. Polite and friendly. (The host, Aylian Liahlioud) The first activity of the cruise was an Egyptian Felucca (a typical Egyptian sail boat) as we sailed around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This is a wind-driven boat. It is mostly silent until the boat crew sings a native folk song. The ruins on the Nile river bank and the crystal blue no-wave flat water on the Nile are surreal.

Temples

Going up the Nile, from Aswan to Com Ombo, Eduf, Esna, and Luxor, our guide, a trained Egyptologist, took us to many temples and tombs and explained the histories and meanings of everything we encountered. If you are expecting to see a series of pyramids along the Nile like I was, you will be in shock because there were none! Pyramids are in the Cairo/Giza area, built with sole Egyptians’s architectural products made possible by their own technology and wisdom, with of course the aliens’ help. On the other hand, the ruins in Upper Nile were built with Greek and Roman influences, a unique mix of Arabian, Islamic, and Mediterranean influences. OK, in other words, Greece and the Roman Empire invaded Egypt, banned any more pyramid-making, and built what they liked.

Just like many other places, the most popular and sacred places are prohibited from taking pictures. In these tombs, you need to buy an extra photo ticket (USD $10). Only with that are you allowed to take photos. Our tour group decided that not all eight of us needed to buy it. Only one person in the group should take photos, and we can call and share the photos. I’d say it’s a smart plan. However, inside the very long tomb, where virtually no one is, one would attempt to take some pictures. I know I was. And I took some pictures. And some videos. And some more. Then I got caught by the guard and was asked to show him the photo ticket. I had to lie for my life. I said I wasn’t taking photos and was just texting. Then he took my phone and showed me all the pictures I took. That was the end of my life. I would spend the rest of my life in a corrupt Egyptian jail where even the American consulate couldn’t barge in. I might as well take my life here in the tomb and lie dead next to the mummy. Then, my fellow traveler, an Egyptian lady, came along and found me in trouble. She started to talk Egyptian with the guard, probably tipped him off, and in the end, I was released. She was an Egyptian miracle! When I thanked her, she had these sad, disappointing eyes full of shame. I carry those shaming eyes in my heart every day so that I don’t cheat the system and live an honest life with a humble spirit.

On the boat, there was always something happening. They had an Egyptian cooking class, tea time before dinner every day, movie night (Death on the Nile, of course) a dress-like-an- Egyptian party, and opportunities to mingle with your fellow boat travelers. I especially enjoyed the disco night, dancing with other travelers, all while in costume.

Fellow Travelers

So much of travel is about the people you meet—and on this cruise, we met many people from many lands. An Egyptian oil queen, A Brazilian Opera singer, and Indian family from England with a son who would perform the musical  song from “Hamilton” on demand.

Looking back— this may well be the trip, so far, of a lifetime. There was a moment in Caro at the Giza Pyramid Complex where if one stood very still, listened intently, (hard to do with all the tourists, guide, and traffic) you sensed the history, felt some connection to history—more than Europe, more than Asian, a sense of history well-preserved and stunningly unique.

 

 

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Ready for the Oscars?

Ready for the Oscars?

The 94th Oscar event is this Sunday. Coming out of the static that was the pandemic, the Oscars this year will surely be something different. Will it work, will it engage and audience that has been dwindling? Will Packer will produce the event. With three  hosts, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes the event will be held at the often-used Dolby Theater in Hollywood. But what about the Oscars, this crazy race to hold the golden man, the winners, losers, the gowns and tuxedos? The big picture, the Best Picture Award will likely go to CODA—a great, unpretentious movie with a happy ending. The spoiler could be the thoroughly complex, Drive My Car, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s film about love, sex, celebrity, theater and betrayal all told primarily through words. The Power of the Dog, also a great movie with a complex storyline may be just a little too complex, although it is hinted that Jame Campion could win the coveted Oscar, much to the chagrin of that old tired Sam Elliott. Passing on actors and actresses, the other moment of joy will be when Summer of Soul wins the best documentary award. Questlove! Other minor but important nominations are best score—Dune, for sure; No Time to Die (was there any competition?) But lastly, a word about Dune and art direction. A big category in terms of creating the environment of a movie—Dune was especially remarkable for its art direction, taking us to a space that that felt oddly felt new, which is hard in this category (space).

 

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Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Hydrated

Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Hydrated

 

Getting hydrated and plump skin can be hard to achieve, especially if you live in a place with a hot and dry climate. Dr. Caren Campbell, a dermatologist in California, stated that residents living in places with hot and dry climates are more likely to suffer from dry and dehydrated skin. Due to the lack of water in the air, the natural moisturizing components on your skin evaporate at a faster rate than normal. Recognizing the impact of the climate on your skin, you need to hydrate regularly to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Here’s what you need to do:

Maintain a regular skincare routine

You may not be able to control the climate in your area but you can still provide the best conditions for your skin by practicing a regular skincare routine. Though this may sound like a lot of commitment, a proper skincare routine for dry skin can be completed in just three steps. First, you need to cleanse your skin from irritants and dirt using a cleanser. Next, you can address dullness and dehydration by applying a moisturizing treatment at least twice a day. Then before heading out, you must protect your skin against environmental aggressors by applying sunscreen all overexposed areas.

Apply a hydrating serum for an added boost

On extra hot and dry days, you can apply hydrating serums to complement your regular skincare routine. Many people prefer serums since they contain high concentrations of ingredients for maximum efficiency. So, if dry skin is your concern, you can apply serums with humectants before you put on moisturizer. An example of this ingredient is glycerin/glycerol, a moisturizing component that naturally occurs in the body. Another kind of humectant is urea, an organic compound that is part of your skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Thus, applying serums with humectants on extra hot and dry days can help in restoring your skin’s natural hydration levels.

Keep yourself hydrated from within

Aside from following a moisturizing skincare routine, you need to maintain your body’s natural hydration levels by drinking lots of water. After all, your skin contains 64% water, so you need to consume enough of it to maintain optimal health. In fact, our article on the bad habits that affect your skin emphasizes that dehydration can actually lead to dryness and even breakouts. Aside from drinking about eight glasses per day, you also need to avoid drinking sugary beverages and coffee, which can make you urinate faster. On top of that, limit your alcohol consumption because it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood, making you dehydrated at a faster rate.

Use a humidifier at home or in your office

Finally, you can improve the air quality in your own space during extreme weather conditions by utilizing a humidifier. These appliances produce and disperse water vapor that adds more moisture to the air. Since your environment can affect your skin’s health, humidifiers can ease irritation and dryness caused by poor air quality. You can even opt to purchase humidifiers that emit cool mists to further balance the environmental conditions in your home. To illustrate, evaporative humidifiers contain a fan that evenly distributes the cool humidity across a room. You can also alleviate dryness by using an impeller humidifier, which has a rotating disc that releases mist into the air. Whichever option you opt for, a humidifier should make it easier to maintain your skin health.

You can keep your skin healthy and hydrated by caring for it, both inside and out. Following a proper skincare routine, adding a hydrating serum, drinking enough water, and using a humidifier are good practices that can boost the hydration levels of your skin. Stick to these tips and, before you know it, you’ll have hydrated skin all day long.

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