This happened last winter— due to extreme climate changes there was a rare snowfall in the hills of Los Angeles. I can count on one hand how many times I have seen snow, nonetheless driven in it. I was playing "I Love You" by Takehiko Honda while driving through Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. I will never forget it.

The Magic Castle is a nightclub for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It bills itself as "the most unusual private club in the world." A typical evening features several close up magic and stage illusions. Formal dress is strictly enforced and you must either be a member or be invited by a magician. The lobby of the Castle has no visible doors to the interior, and visitors must say a secret phrase to a sculpture of an owl to gain access, exposing the entrance to the club. What I enjoy most is walking through the corridors and staring at the posters and photographs of the history of magic.

The best ramen I had in LA, maybe anywhere. Even my food-critical son loved it.

Furnishings

This is the fast track from downtown to Hollywood. I get all my exercise here, it has the perfect amount of hills and is the by far the safest bike route, as motorists are more used to the cyclists than other streets. Anything you can think of is on Sunset Blvd, so I can pick up my dry cleaning, eat lunch, visit my friends, and exercise all in one trip.