Must-See in the City of Angels: Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Los Angeles, USA

    My first stop-over in the USA was Los Angeles (LA), the City of Angels. My daughter, Trina, was about to graduate from her Master’s degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. But thanks to my cousins, residents of LA, they graciously hosted my stay for one week before I embarked on my Alaskan journey. Visiting my cousins in LA was like visiting my angels in LA. Since I had very little time, the challenge was to pack-in as much adventure as I can in that one week. It seemed that Lan and Kiko were experts when it comes to squeezing in tight visits to LA, so we did see as much as we could.

Lan's rose garden.

     Before going on tour around LA on my first day, I was not able to resist the temptation of posing behind the roses in my cousin Leilani’s (Lan for short) garden (photo above). According to Lan, it was her husband Kiko’s gift-for-all-occasions. Instead of buying her flowers each time, she can just pick the flowers of her choice anytime. Husbands, this a good tip in case you forget to buy your wife those ‘obligatory’ flowers.  Have the ‘missus’ plant and harvest her stuff, too!

Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels.

     Coming from a Catholic country, the Philippines, a first-stop and a must-see in LA is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels (Picture above: L-Lori; R-me). “This is found in the midst of downtown LA serving a total of over 5 million Catholics. In design, art and furnishings, the Cathedral is rich in cultural diversity in a city in which Sunday Mass is celebrated in 42 different languages (http://www.olacathedral.org/).”

     Upon entering the Cathedral, you will be greeted with this fountain, part of the Gateway Pool and Water Wall (Picture below). “The Gateway Pool and Water Wall near the Shepherd's Gate off Temple Street were designed by California artist Lita Albuquerque. Her art symbolizes the Scripture passage of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well (http://www.olacathedral.org/plaza/fountainsfs.html).”

Gateway Pool and Water Wall.

     What are endearing about this fountain are the words sandblasted out of the marble. The words are in numerous languages spoken during Masses in 287 parish churches in LA. As one of the most popular languages spoken in California, Jesus’ words, “I shall give you living water,” is also inscribed in Pilipino. 

     Inside, I was mesmerized by the hugeness of the cathedral (picture below). “The 11-story cathedral has a fixed seating capacity for 1,900 people and an additional 1,100 in moveable seating, for a total of 3,000 people in the nave and sanctuary. By its design, the nave encourages the full and active participation of all people in the Liturgy. No pillars block vision because nine steel trusses and the chapel structures on each side support the soaring, cedar wood ceiling. The dynamic effect results from Moneo's design that avoids right angles and symmetry (http://www.olacathedral.org/).”

Inside the 11-story Cathedral.

     To the left of the altar, high on the wall is a huge architectural Cross (Picture below: L-me, R-Lori). Light pours through alabaster into the church along the slanted crossbeam. The cross is the emblem of Christ, "the Light of the world.” Notice, too that the floor is made of 60,000 Jana limestone stones. Each stone was purchased by donations from individuals and families in honor of their loved ones. Donors, honorees and memorials are eternally remembered and displayed in a special hand-inscribed Archival Register (http://www.olacathedral.org/). As devotees, Lori and I took this opportunity to pray for God’s blessings and thank Him for this US tour, in Jesus’ name.

Architectural Jesus on the Cross.

     Baptism symbolizes the entry into the life of Christ and His Church. “The font of the Baptistery is designed to accommodate Baptism by immersion. The steps lead from the far side down into the immersion pool. The Baptized person emerges onto the nave side where the People of God are assembled and makes the journey forward to the Altar to share in the Eucharistic Presence of the Risen Lord. Four red carnelian granite fonts on each corner of the immersion pool have a continuous flow of living water, holy water for blessings, and a reminder for all of their Baptism (http://www.olacathedral.org/.” The picture below shows the Baptistery.

Baptistery.

     I am so grateful for this visit to the LA cathedral. It was a fitting start to my one month tour of the USA. Getting God’s blessings on this tour turned this into the perfect adventure in the USA. 

My Favorite Car: BMW Plant Tour Spartanburg, South Carolina

     My favorite friend, May Godfrey, works for my favorite car company, BMW. How cool is that? BMW is touted as the “ultimate driving machine”. May has been with BMW, Spartanburg Plant, South Carolina, since she migrated to the US with her daughter Camille. So it was really a privilege to visit the BMW car factory and Zentrum Museum courtesy of my childhood friend. 

BMW Manufacturing Co, 1400 Highway 101 S, Greer, SC as viewed from I-85 (http://www.neighborhoodpreviews.com).

     The BMW plant in South Carolina is the only BMW manufacturing company in the US. It is the only producer of the X3, X4, X5, and X6 in the world. The $2.2 billion plant is one of the company’s global five-plant production networks. The Spartanburg BMW plant employs 10,000 and fuels the economy of the Upstate Region (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_US_Manufacturing_Company). Some of the BMW models are shown below (https://www.bmwusfactory.com/manufacturing/factory-products/plant-spartanburg-vehicle-models/

Some of the BMW models (above).

     Factory Tour.  We took the 10:00 am factory tour. According to their website, “BMW’s only American factory is a marvel of the blending of modern engineering and design aesthetics. Visitors have a first-hand look at the process of how the ultimate driving machine is built during the guided plant tour (https://www.bmwusfactory.com/zentrum/tours/guided-factory-tour/).” Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside the factory, so I was not able to take my own pictures. 

We are being given a briefing before the BMW Factory Tour.

At the factory, humans and robots work together to achieve the BMW quality that is the envy of other car manufacturers. A video of how they manufacture their car is shown in their web site: https://www.bmwusfactory.com/bmw_videos/world-class-manufacturing/.

Inside the BMW plant. (http://www.neighborhoodpreviews.com)

 BMW Zentrum Museum.  After the plant visit, guests may take a look at the past, the present and the future of BMW, through a self-guided tour of the Zentrum Museum.

The BMW Zentrum Museum in Greer/Spartanburg, South Carolina (http://businessclimate.com).

      Inside the Zentrum Museum, we saw cute-looking cars called the Isetta cars. “The Isetta is an Italian-designed micro-car built under license in a number of different countries, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil,^[Germany, and the United Kingdom. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a ‘bubble car’, a name later given to other similar vehicles. The BMW Isetta was, in 1955, the world's first mass-produced-3-Litres/100-km-car. It was the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world, with 161,728 units sold (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isetta).”

Trina (upper L) shown with an Isetta car on display at the Zentrum Museum.

     Motorcycle fanatics would have a field day at the Zentrum. “BMW manufactured its first motorcycle in 1923, the R32, which featured a flat-twin boxer engine. BMW Motorrad still uses the flat-twin boxer configuration, but now manufactures motorcycles with a variety of engine configurations. BMW Motorrad regularly enters its motorcycles in the Dakar Rally, an annual car, truck, and motorcycle race that runs from Europe to Africa and has featured riders such as Simon Pavey and motorcycling celebrity Charley Boorman. BMW Motorrad motorcycles have won the Dakar Rally six times (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Motorrad).”

Trina with some of the BMW motorcycles on display at the BMW Zentrum.

     One of the most popular BMW cars is the Z3, “the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW. This was the first BMW model assembled in the United States.  It was later featured in the James Bond movie in November 1995, GoldenEye in which a blue prototype was provided for filming in late January 1995.  The entire 1996 BMW Z3 roadster production run, more than 15,000 roadsters, was sold out by the time the car was introduced (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z3).” Photo below shows the Z3 on display at the Zentrum.

BMW Z3 featured in a James Bond 007 movie.

     A visit at the BMW factory and the Zentrum Museum usually takes about two hours and a mile of walking. It is highly advised the participants wear closed, comfortable shoes. This tour is advisable, not only for BMW fans, but other car enthusiasts who want to learn about making the ultimate driving machine, the BMW.

L: Me and May in front of a BMW Roadster; 

R: Me taking Trina’s photo inside the Zentrum Museum.

           The tour costs $10 for adults, $3.50 for students and BMW Car Club members (must have CCA card with you upon arrival) qualify for a discount. For more details regarding this tour, log on to https://www.bmwusfactory.com/zentrum/tours/guided-factory-tour/.

How I Got My US Visa: Trina’s Graduation from the University of Alaska

     Getting a US visa is not easy. Friends and friends of my friends, virtually strangers, have long and sad tales of how they failed to get approved by consular officers of the US embassy. Some have tried, not only once, twice, even thrice, just to be issued that longed-for-visa and fulfill their American dream. I was lucky the first time I tried. How?

     I was issued an invitation by the University of Alaska Fairbanks to attend the graduation of my daughter, Trina, for her Master of Science degree in Food Science. But this was not the primary reason that I was approved. Maybe some of these were: I was working with a state university, the University of the Philippines Los Baños as Assistant Professor; I have been to other countries previous to this trip; my husband is a Canadian citizen; and I answered the consul with confidence.  No matter why or how, I was elated when my tourist visa was approved. This meant I could go and embark on a one month tour of the US c/o my daughter, Trina.

Trina and Me before her graduation rites outside
Carlson Center, Kodiak, Alaska.

               Trina’s graduation. Trina’s graduation was held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The John A. Carlson Community Activity Center is a 6,443-seat multi-purpose arena in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks ice hockey team of the WCHA, the Fairbanks Grizzlies of the Indoor Football League, and has been the site used for the university's commencement exercises as well as graduation ceremonies for Lathrop, West Valley, and North Pole High Schools (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlson_Center). We were among the first to arrive inside the auditorium. 

Trina and Me inside the Carlson Center before the ceremony starts.

    

 The electronic bill boards congratulate the graduates.

     I became emotional when it dawned on me that we were the only Filipinos in the crowd. I double checked the program just to be sure. Indeed, Trina was the only graduate from the Philippines. Any mother would be proud of her daughter’s graduation. But I was doubly proud because Trina, through a graduate assistantship was able to survive even if this was a long way from mainland USA, and very far away from home (the Philippines). 

Trina (middle) is the only graduate from the Philippines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

     I almost teared-up when Trina was at the stage  proudly showing-off her diploma.

Trina (middle) at the stage after receiving her diploma.

     After graduation, there was much jubilation outside the Carlson Center. 

L: Trina with other graduates after the ceremonies, outside Carlson Center; 

R: Other graduates are creative in celebrating their graduation.

     A post-graduation program was prepared for the graduates, their parents and the faculty inside the Carlson Center. I wanted to savor the moment, so I suggested that we go inside. I still hadn’t gotten over the feeling that Trina’s hardships finally paid off. This was the start of a better chapter in her life, work in the industry or another graduate degree, a doctor of philosophy degree. Inside the center, there were snacks prepared for everybody and an opportunity for more picture-taking. 

Congratulations Trina. 

     After Trina’s graduation we were treated to dinner by a mentor-friend at an original American diner. I was very thankful for this US tour because it enabled us to bond together after more than two years of Trina’s graduate work. We proceeded to other US states and, finally, Georgia, USA, where work awaited her at the University of Georgia. After this stint, Trina was also able to work for Bunge, Illinois, a private food company. 

     Presently, she is at the University of Oregon pursuing her doctor of philosophy degree major in Food Science. Hopefully, I will be able to attend her graduation because I was given a 10-year visa by the consular office of the USA. Next time you apply for a US visa, make sure that you have valid reasons and that you are truthful about your declarations to the consular officer. They are trained to see through your honesty and intention. 

Top Places to See in Hollywood Boulevard

               For movie and music fans, Hollywood is a must-see. Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the USA. But if you have very limited time, you can still feel the entertainment industry penetrating your fan-instincts by visiting Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles’ main road. It is lined with countless attractions and buildings all related to cinema. Hollywood Boulevard will make you feel the ambiance of all things Hollywood and not feel short-changed. 

Hollywood Sign (Background).

     Photo above tries not to show my close-up shot, but the Hollywood sign on the background. This Hollywood landmark is considered a cultural icon in LA. It is found in Mt. Lee, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Mountains. This sign overlooks the Hollywood district where we were, when this picture was taken. Specifically, Kiko took this picture in one of the observation decks near the back of the courtyard in Hollywood and Highland.

L: adventurousPinay; R: My cousin, Lori in front of Kodak Theatre. 

     First stop in Hollywood Boulevard is Kodak Theatre (Dolby Theatre). Picture above shows my cousin, Lori (R),  and  adventurousPinay (L) at the entrance. Lori is a long-time California resident, but it was her first time to tour around Hollywood. If you remember, the Academy Awards, concerts by Hollywood A-listers, the American Idol, Victoria’s Secret Fashion shows, among others, were held here at the Kodak Theatre or Dolby Theatre.

     

adventurousPinay on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

     Going down Kodak Theatre, you will find the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As of last count, “there were about 2,518 stars honored with this coral-pink terrazzo five-point stars rimmed with brass inlaid into a charcoal-colored terrazzo background. In the upper portion of each star field the name of the honoree is inlaid in brass block letters. Below the inscription, in the lower half of the star field, a round inlaid brass emblem indicates the category of the honoree's contributions. These stars are embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame).” 

   adventurousPinay had this picture taken (above) beside the star of Charlize Theron to share with my husband, Leo, who was back home in the Philippines because Leo is such a fan of Charlize (Above L). Sadly, though my favorite-male-actor-of-all-time, Brad Pitt, does not have a star, yet, so we opted for his foot and hand prints on this side of the road (Above R).

L: Skeleton Man; R: Spiderman.

     Walk around Hollywood Boulevard and feel the movie ambiance with these ‘characters’ in costumes. The man behind me with his hood on is actually a ‘skeleton’ (Above L). ‘Spiderman’ is also on the scene (Above R).  The people walking around are, like me, the millions of tourists that visit Hollywood each year. 

     If you are a fan of the show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, the picture above shows where Jimmy Kimmel tapes his shows in front of Kodak Theatre. Yes, the shows are really canned and not shown live. 

     Just around the block are two other Hollywood landmarks: Ripley’s Believe it Or Not (Below L) and Guinness World of Records Museum (Below R).  “Ripley’s…offers museums and attractions in multiple countries focusing on odd and amazing things. During your visit, marvel at their collection of weird and unusual relics and rare treasures as you explore through some of the weirdest finds imaginable. Inside a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium you can visit an unbelievable variety of artifacts and displays in ‘their’ unique interactive galleries that pay tribute to the odd and strange (http://www.ripleys.com/corporate/brands/believe-it-or-not-odditoriums/).”

L: Ripley's Believe it or Not;  R: Guinness World of Records.

     On the other hand, “the Guinness Museum vividly showcases records, from the great to the gross, in a fun up-close look at pop culture, sports, space, technology, animals, natural phenomena and, of course, the limits of human potential. From the Largest Work of Art to the Lowest Limbo…record-breaking facts and feats documented by the best-selling copyrighted book in the world come to life at the Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood. At this family attraction on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you’ll have the chance to check your weight against the world’s heaviest person, attempt the world’s long jump record, compare your height with the world’s tallest man, get the feel for speed records in the Adrenaline Theater, and much more (http://www.guinnessmuseumhollywood.com/).”

adventurousPinay with the Wax Museum as background.

      Another attraction, The Wax Museum (above), is directly across The Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum. “The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest running wax museum in the United States, with more than 45 years of continuous operation by the same owners since 1965. Hollywood Wax Museum is the only wax museum in the country devoted entirely to celebrity figures. That means a visit to the Hollywood Wax Museum puts you face-to-face with icons of the silver screen, recreated so faithfully that you'd swear they were alive (http://www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/hollywood/).”

Shops behind adventurousPinay.

   Hollywood Boulevard is also littered with restaurants, retail shops and department stores to lure the shopper in you. Photo above shows the GAP store, primarily a clothing store for the hip and the young. What adventurousPinay loves about Hollywood is this escalator (below). With us is Satur, Lori’s husband.

 

Riding the escalator are adventurousPinay, Lori and Satur.

    In case you’re wondering, our photographer/driver was Kiko, who followed our every move. He also owned such a high-tech camera that’s capable of, among others, doubling the subject, me (photo below). This picture is a wide angle shot of Hollywood Boulevard shown with all the shops and places designed as tourist attractions (background). 

Wide angle shot of Hollywood Boulevard.

     There is so much to see in Hollywood Boulevard, alone. At least, one whole day is needed to see all the sights and watch all the shows and museums. If you are a fan of everything-Hollywood, then this adventure is for you. But, since, I had very little time, we only allotted the morning for this leg of my USA tour. That meant, just sight-seeing and taking quick souvenir shots, as we did in Hollywood Boulevard. At least I had these pictures to reminisce and share with you my half-day in Hollywood.