Travel Article |  From the Land of the Star to the Land of the Mouse
Written by: Katherine Brodsky

MODA MAG.COM -- On my yearly vanity trip, of all places, I decided to venture unto Walt's land. That is, Disneyland. I also briefly visited a few movie studios, LA, Hollywood... I even walked around Beverly Hills for a few hours. When I approached a building resembling NBC, a man trying desperately to sell me a pack of batteries confronted me. It was a good deal, but I wasn't about to take it. I kept walking, but soon I noticed a pack of men hollering and whistling. That's when I realized that perhaps I shouldn't be walking alone, even in Beverly Hills.

On my way back, I managed to find some pretty nifty spots. One of my favorite shops alongside Beverly Blvd is the Opera Shop of Los Angeles, (8384 Beverly Blvd). A great place not only for opera fans, but also for buying those especially enchanting gifts (I'll be happy to send you my wish list). The store, like most in the area, has a rich history of over 17 years. I also found a nifty bookshop called Arundel Books (8380 Beverly Blvd). It has rare books, art books and more. I nearly bought Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book from 1870. It was a beat up old book, but I suppose that is what is so alluring about it. I regret not buying it. 

My other interesting LA stop was Abell, David L., Fine Pianos (8162 Beverly Blvd). As soon as you enter, you see a haunted piano that plays by itself. Which is just the piano for me. I'm musically inclined, so I've been searching for something I can compose on. A piano always felt most organic. Looks like I'm in good company. The walls of the store are covered with photos of famous musicians who have purchased pianos over the years. Everyone running the store is especially charming (including the haunted piano), knowledgeable and helpful. And the owner, David Abell, has a long history within the music community as a major supporter of the jazz scene. As a well-respected pianist he quickly became the go-to guy when a musician would be looking for a new piano, or keyboard. Certainly a great landmark, or rather "pianomark."

Now as for Disneyland, if I were G-d I'd use my powers to shorten the lineups. But, alas, that was not to be. Nonetheless, despite the lengthy lineups and commercialized arena, Disneyland is still filled with the magic that will always embody Walt Disney's films. The lines for Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones may have gotten longer, but the rides still dazzle and still enchant the young and the young at heart. There also plenty of fantastic 4D movies to choose from.

It's a bit sad to see the small number of visitors to more classic areas of Disneyland such as the Walt Disney animation museum, but they are still there if you want them. In the evening the magic sparkles in the sky with fire works, electrical parades and the glitz of my all time favorite: Fantasmic! It's amazing how every single day shows of magnificent proportions are put out. It really is the land of magic and dreams, if you look closely enough.

For the growing adult population that is visiting Disneyland, there is now California Adventures. It's filled with far more atrocious rides and attractions. There is even now a Who Want To Be A Millionaire game. Except instead of hard cold cash, you win collectable pins. Who needs cash anyhow? I do!!! Grrr?

I traveled home with far less style than what a Hollywood-diva deserves.  Alaska Airlines is to blame.  On my trip back I suffered a long and painful delay, rude customer service, unapologetic pilots and an airline that is too arrogant to have compensated anyone for the trouble even in the way of a formal apology letter.  I watched as an older woman nearly had a stroke and another young women with small children raced from one lane to the next for nearly 8 hours.  We were told that the delay will take one more hour, then two... then were told to move, then to wait again.  The procedure was clear: Hurry up and wait.  We were given five dollars each to purchase food with - in the airport.  That amount barely afforded me a cup of coffee.  Once we finally boarded the plane, it was dirty, many passengers could not eat the food as it contained meat and the air conditioning was not functional. When we finally arrived at our destination they couldn't figure out how to get the passage way opened.  All in all, a horrific experience.  And this comes from someone who loves flying and who rarely complains about anything less than extraordinary.  Alaska Airlines - Never again.  I was willing to forgive a one-time mishap, but no one asked me to.  No one cared enough.

Well, now the adventure seems to be over. But if there is one thing I have learned it's that the adventure is out there.  You just got to put on your detectives' hat and find it!

PS.  While in Hollywood, I was sure to grab some souvenirs, including copies of The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Today and Variety. I also got hooked on reading the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. I daily followed Arnold Schwarzennerger's struggles through the recall election. Apparently Arnold was spamming Davis' mailbox with messages such as:

"Hasta La Vista, Davis." And "Vote for me if you want to live." Oy Vey!