Indelible Adventures: SoCal

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For those of you unfamiliar with the term SoCal it's short for Southern California.

As you know Los Angeles (LA) is undeniably the epicenter of the movie industry and as such is chock full of movie stars and all the trappings of Hollywood, not to mention amazingly blue skies, mountain/ocean vistas and incredibly tall palm trees. Sounds like the perfect place for a guy with a camera to go hang out.

Not that I needed any encouragement to escape the crappy east coast weather but with that as my backdrop I decided to fly out to LA on Friday morning and spend a long weekend exploring. After checking the weather the night before I left I noted that the high for each day was expected to be close to 30C...what a perfect opportunity to retrieve the shorts and t-shirts from my closet and give them one last go around before the end of the year.

Indelible Tip #1: Whenever I’m in LA I like to stay close to the ocean, and so I often gravitate toward the Marina Del Rey – Santa Monica area, which is less than 5 miles from LAX and close to the beach. There are lots of accommodation options from the ritzy 5 star hotel chains to the more moderately priced hotels, motels and apartments for rent. I’d recommend staying within walking distance of the ocean and Main Street, and choose something a little away from the touristy boardwalk area if possible.

After checking into my hotel my first port of call was Venice Beach and the eclectic and bohemian influence that comes with venturing along its world renowned boardwalk. The carnival atmosphere is pervasive as you wander through the crowded throngs… Trust me it’s a slice of life, which you must experience at least once in your lifetime.

Not only are there tons of performers, mystics, artists, touts, and vendors but also a huge collection of amazing urban street art which is a must see so bring your camera! This neighborhood truly is a photographer’s paradise, especially when you add in Muscle Beach and the hip skate-park nearby.

After navigating the masses in Venice Beach I drove up Main Street toward Santa Monica. If you have the inclination to get a coffee and/or gelato there are two great spots right on Main street that I’d highly recommend.

Indelible Tip #2: Check out Bulletproof Coffee (3110 Main), argued by their loyal following as the best coffee in the world. If you’ve never tried it, you’ve got to give it a try: The coffee beans are organic, low toxin blended with Brain Octane (coconut) Oil and grass fed-butter...yeah, that's what I thought initially. J Apparently it's great for hardcore athletes and is supposedly a natural energy supplement. All I know is that it was a solid cup of coffee and quite different than my usual cup of Joe with milk - but great nonetheless.

I also had the most amazing gelato from Dolcenero (2400 Main), home made each day, this delectable treat was as good, if not better, than the gelato which I consumed (some might say in large quantities) whilst in Italy over the summer. You have to try the Ricotta & Fig…absolutely delicious!

As I’ve said many times the best times of the day for photography is at sunrise and sunset, and so I wanted to make sure that I was close to the Santa Monica Pier at sunset to catch the awe inspiring colors as they change from the muted blues to the rich and stunning oranges and reds as the sun dips into the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

I’m not sure what it is, but watching the sunset over the ocean is one of my favorite things to experience. So beautiful to watch and calming to experience...

Whenever I'm in Los Angeles I like to spend time at the Griffith Observatory as it provides you with fantastic views of the city skyline in the distance as well as views of the Hollywood sign on the nearby hills. The other delight is the beautiful art deco designed observatory building that was first opened in May 1935. You’ll notice when you first step inside that this is no ordinary building, as you enter into the foyer there is a Foucault pendulum (which demonstrates the rotation of the earth - its massive!), now, couple that with the vibrant celestial frescos on the domed ceiling above your head and you'll agree that's some entrance!

After a quick bite in a nearby pub I headed to the Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Drive), which is about a 30 minutes drive from the Griffith and about mid point between where I wanted to be for my next sunset shoot - Malibu Pier!

What can I say about the Getty Center… except that I need to return and spend a couple of days exploring the center itself. It’s a masterpiece of architecture and design and that’s just the exterior and grounds that surround this beautiful and picturesque setting high in the hills.

The sun was starting to move toward the horizon as I parked and walked out onto Malibu Pier. I’ve been here many times and sunset is the best time of day to enjoy both the early evening colors but also the amazing fare at the restaurant. Seems as though taking loads of photos makes me hungry and thirsty...who knew?

Indelible Tip #3: If you go to Los Angeles definitely make the trip up the coast to Malibu. Although the town itself isn’t a whole lot to talk about the Pier is amazing, especially the Malibu Farm restaurant at the end of the Pier. Be sure to head up to the rooftop patio to really get the best views and enjoy a delightful and scrumptious dinner all made from locally grown, organic fare.

As you can tell from my abridged version of the weekend in Los Angeles there is so much to see and do that I’ve barely brushed the surface with these couple of anecdotes, suffice it to say I’ll just have to go back there again soon. J

Definitely check out my daily photo posts (Instagram) which feature some of my best and favorite photos from the weekend, after all I did take over 2000 shots!

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“Hanoi Posting”

A series of micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 17: Reeling

Mai kissed him gently on the cheek and patted his ass as he left that afternoon, she felt completely satiated after their incredible day together. Frankly she hadn’t been expecting Bill to be that good in bed. None of the westerners that she’d been with had ever been able to bring her to orgasm let alone three times.

She lit a cigarette and walked out onto her back patio, which overlooked the water on West Lake. Surprisingly her body still tingled with the touch of his hands on her skin, she shuddered slightly at the thought and smiled to herself.

As Bill sat in the taxi back to his apartment on Duong Cát Linh he had so many thoughts running through his head that he felt a little dizzy. Mai was more incredible that he even imagined possible, not just her beauty but also the way she touched him. He could still feel her slow and deliberate fingernails down his back, as he lay naked on her bed, her breath close as she whispered into his ear, and the hair on his body standing on end…

As the taxi slowed in front of his apartment the first thing he noticed was Phuong sitting astride his scooter out front. Bill paid the driver and smiled at Phuong, but the smile was not reciprocated.

“You must call John immediately” Phuong said as he walked toward him, “Sorry?” said Bill. There’s been a typhoon in Bangladesh and they can’t find our correspondent. John’s been calling all afternoon and wants you on the next plane to Dhaka.

Phuong motioned for Bill to get on the scooter and they quickly headed for his office in the Old Quarter. When he called John he told him that he had been researching a story all day and that he had forgotten to tell Phuong where he was going. John sensed the lie, but let it pass.

John got straight to the point, "Phuong has probably already given you the details but there's been a typhoon in Bangladesh and we can't seem to get hold of our correspondent there". Bill could sense the concern in John's voice as he spoke. "Any idea where he is? Jeff, isn't it?" Bill asked. The phone was silent for a moment, just a moment too long and Bill could sense that something wasn't quite right, but now it was his turn not to press too hard. "Look, this is a massive story and I want more than one source on the ground, and given your proximity I want you there...got it?". Bill nodded to himself, "Sure, no worries" on my way he said self assuredly. Once I get on the ground I'll contact you he said and hung up the phone.

Bill was packed and at Noi Bai airport within an hour of the conversation with John. He knew that the next 24 hours were going to be hell especially given that Dhaka airport was now closed to all air traffic. Phuong had gotten him onto a flight to Kuala Lumpur with a connection to Delhi but then he would be on his own to get to Calcutta, which was the closest entry point to Bangladesh. Then god only knew how he was going to get into Dhaka.

The hot humid air hung heavily on him as he walked across the tarmac toward the waiting plane...he looked back as Phuong stood watching him cross the darkened apron.

What lay before him no one knew.

Next week: Episode 18: John's dilemma

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This week's selection of photos are some of my favorites from SoCal. Enjoy!