Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot…

No, not bikini – this is the first Pedestrian Plaza conversion in Los Angeles.

Located at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Griffith Park Blvd., it leaves me a bit… baffled. It is green, it certainly is low maintenance, but what’s wrong with a bit of living green here and there? Instead of polka dots on steroids?

On the other hand, the bicycle stands are fun! And being used. That is a good sign.

LAIR II

We finally did it, we went and saw the new LAIR at the zoo.

Very impressive, from the green roof to the amazing inside with all sorts of living amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles.

One example of the critters one can see on exhibition inside is this Texas Horned Lizard. A charming guy, isn’t he?

HC SVNT DRACONES

Downtown Los Angeles is “terra icognita” for many people. They have heard about it, but most of the time only rather frightening tales. Images of the Hunt-Lenox Globe with its dire warning of “here be dragons” come to mind.

And you know what? They are right! There are strange beasts to be seen; maybe not quite dragons, but fierce enough – and definitely huge.

They seem to have divided up their territory rather nicely, because a more benign looking neighbor lives on the other side of the street.

And they can be seen all year round, not just on Halloween.