The Fourth of July

17 000 people.

Huge amphitheater.

Voices of people everywhere.

Bright neon lights.

An orchestra clad in black and white formal wear.

Warm sun and cool breeze.

Huge screens.

People everywhere.


Friday night I drove down to LA with all my housemates and a few other friends. There were 7 of us in total. It was a six hour drive down from San Francisco, so we reached another friend's house in LA around 4 in the morning. She's got a gorgeous house.

The next day, we went to Knott's Berry Farm which is America's first theme park. What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. At this amusement park, they have the GhostRider, the world's best wooden roller coaster, 30 stories up, 3 seconds down and the high-octane thrill of Xcelerator, rated the world's best launch coaster, sending riders 0-80 in 2.3 seconds. I personally don't really like roller coasters because I don't like the feeling that my head is in one place, while my heart, stomach, legs and feet are in another. But my friends dragged me along, so I went on one of the smaller roller coasters that doesn't go upside down and doesn't take and super deep dives. We went on the log ride too...that one is nice because it is buffered by the water. We went twice on that one.

The following day, after enjoying the blue water in the swimming pool for a while, we packed up a picnic lunch and went over to the Hollywood Bowl which is one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a current seating capacity of just under 18,000. The Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and in 1991 gave its name to a resident ensemble that has filled a special niche in the musical life of Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. The feature for the fourth of July was '50 years of Disneyland', so Mickey, Minnie and their whole troup made an appearance. Most of the music played was a mix from many of the Disney productions. It was wonderful. After the orchestra was done, there was a great show of fireworks, probably one of the best I have ever seen. It was quite beautiful!

We drove back the next night after having a wonderful BBQ, and just reached here this morning at 5 am. Fortunately I only have work tomorrow and not today. I had one amazing weekend!!!