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This whole trip came together through a Threads post. Ya-Chun posted it, inviting strangers to join her for an adventure, and I signed up around May. We hit it off right away, chatting back and forth. Do we click? idk. But it’s funny how something as simple as a post can lead to an entire adventure with people you’ve never met.
And Today, It All Begins
Today’s the day it all kicks off. Woke up early, jumped into the rhythm of public transport—bus to metro, then straight to the airport shuttle, finally landing at Sixt. Since I’d just arrived in LA too, it felt like the first real taste of exploring the city’s public transport system. Navigating it was a mini adventure in itself, setting the tone for the day ahead.
We rented a van, a Chrysler PACIFICA. Brand new, super clean. With five of us plus all our luggage, we decided to bump up the budget and go for the van. It was definitely worth it for the space and comfort. No regrets there.
We also maxed out the insurance for peace of mind. No matter what happens, we won’t get charged. But wow, it was expensive—$711 for five days, with an extra $314 just for the insurance.
First stop, Getty Museum
Getty Museum – A Legacy of Wealth and Vision
J. Paul Getty was so wealthy that he didn’t just collect art, he built an entire museum to share it with the world. When I first learned about this, it really struck me—how one person’s success can create something so meaningful for the public. Seeing his collection gave me a new perspective on how much impact personal achievements can have.
Founder: J. Paul Getty, oil tycoon and art collector
Opened: 1997
Location: Set on a hill in Los Angeles, offering panoramic views of the city
Architecture: Designed by Richard Meier, known for its sleek modern design
Highlights:
- Irises by Vincent van Gogh
- Extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts
- Rare manuscripts and historical photography
Why Visit: A must-see for its incredible art, beautiful gardens, and the experience of seeing how one man’s passion turned into a gift for the world.
We joined a guided tour at the Getty Museum, and it changed how I see art. The guide showed us how to appreciate the details of a painting by viewing it from different distances. Following his descriptions, we moved closer and farther, noticing how each perspective revealed something new. He also added historical context, which deepened our understanding of the pieces. We spent time with two paintings, not just admiring the art but the brushstrokes and the technique behind them.
Afterward, we wandered through other galleries, taking our time to soak it all in. We snapped some photos together. This visit gave me a deeper appreciation for the museum—it was a chance to slow down and really connect with the art. Plus, using ChatGPT to ask questions about the painting. It made the experience even more enriching.
Santa Monica
We drove over to Santa Monica Beach, but for some reason, the ocean didn’t really call to me this time. Maybe it was the cool weather, or maybe I just wasn’t in the mood. Then, we had a bit of a mess-up—I left my phone with the others, and we ended up splitting up. After wandering around trying to find each other, I finally used my iPad in the van to reconnect with everyone.
By the time we were all back together, it was already past 9 PM. We decided to grab some Shake Shack—so good, but definitely three times the price of In-N-Out.
Later that night, we hit up CVS to grab some drinks and headed back to Happy and Yichen’s place. We stayed up late, drinking, chatting, and playing Truth or Dare. Didn’t hit the sack until 4 AM.
Photo Dump
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