We decided to check out the Griffith Observatory, which stands on one of the higher hills in Los Angeles; Aviva’s brother Howard took his family up there and said the views were amazing. We stopped at Wacko on the way – its a cool store for books and odd gifts; I kid you not, there’s a Sweeney Todds Barber Shop nearby – I’m not getting my hair cut there!

And he was right! We took Iggy along and walked around the observatory; there’s a small museum and a cafe and gift shop. But you go up there for the views of the city. We also saw a blimp flying around.

On the way home we stopped for dinner at Il Capriccio, 1757 N. Vermont. Good red sauce Italian place with a good sized patio (which we used so we could keep Iggy with us).

One of the great views from the Observatory overlooking LA right to the ocean

Great place to view the famous Hollywood sign – and a blimp too!

The doors are all decorated in a geometric pattern

A plynth out front of the Observatory celebrates famous astronomers

A view of the Observatory building

Indeed, this barber shop is near Wacko bookstore

Aviva pointed out this image which I took quickly from the car