Cali Vacay Day One

I can't even begin to tell you how great it was to wake up to nothing but blue skies and sunshine :) It doesn't get much better than that....well sleeping in too was nice, especially with the time difference. Amy and I walked a couple blocks to enjoy breakfast at Marmalade and then came back to Patrick's (Amy's friend and our most gracious host) so she could take a quick conference call and I got ready for the rest of our day.

Today's Agenda: Hang with Patrick at Warner Bros. Studio (his employer) in Burbank and attend a live taping of The Ellen Degeneres Show. Patrick gave us a great tour of all the back lots which included seeing what's left of the ER Ambulance dock and the many cityscape's that have been used in shows like Dukes of Hazard and Gilmore Girls. We grabbed a quick bite for lunch at the studio cafe and then we headed to our tv taping. Patrick used his connections to get us VIP tickets to the show. We were greeted with a goodie bag of Ellen souvenirs and personally escorted to the holding area. The show was such a fun experience and the guests appearances included author, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Queen Latifeh and musical performance by Rob Thomas (former Matchbox Twenty frontman)...and of course Ellen's wife Portia de Rossi was there as well watching the taping. It was just a cool experience.


From there we left Patrick who needed to get some work done and Amy and I headed over the hills to the Hollywood Area. Here are some pictures:

Amy and I with the scenic view of LA behind us

The infamous HOLLYWOOD sign
Mann's Chinese Theater

Legendary Roosevelt Hotel

Home of the Academy Awards

We did a little shopping and then headed back to Patrick's house. I got to eat the yummy In & Out for dinner as we made our way back to Sherman Oaks. Tomorrow our agenda holds a visit to Santa Monica and the night life of downtown Los Angeles with some of Amy's friends. Vacation is GOOD so far!