LA Film Festival: The Last Day - (500) Days & Little Tokyo

[Read my previous post - LA Film Festival: Day 6 - A Free Screening & Old Town Pasadena]

Friday, June 22

A New Friend

In volunteering throughout the week, I grew close with one of the other volunteers named Heran, a graduate film student and aspiring director from NY. So on my last day, we met up at the BCD Tofu House in Koreatown for brunch.

Preparing for the food coma

To burn some calories, she and I decided to walk a whole 20-something minutes to the Koreatown Galleria to window shop for a bit. Then we ended up at Little Bean Cafe where we indulged in green tea shaved ice and gained back those calories.

At least we split it

As I was to have a mini outing with my friend Sam from Pasadena in the afternoon, Heran and I exchanged contacts and our temporary farewells.

(500) Days of Summer

Angels Knoll Park was a stop that I just had to make before I left LA. This is the place where the famous (500) Days of Summer bench is located, where Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel (Tom and Summer) sat.

We took the Angels Flight Railway to get up the hill, which cost 50 cents (25 cents with a valid Metro Pass). It was a short, but cute and fun ride experience, especially when you just want to relax for a bit and sightsee on the way up.

Once at the top, I did not expect to stumble into a whole courtyard…

It’s called the California Plaza Water Court where a lot of free public performances are held, ranging from theatre, film, Jazz and Hip Hop.

A little ways down, we found the park and signature bench…

My friend (& LA local) Sam’s first time

…where we sat and enjoyed the cityscape view.

The Cityscape

Then back to Koreatown I go to pack all my things. It was a beautiful afternoon in Downtown LA.

Little Tokyo

The final goodbye was to be with my host and fellow Couchsurfers over dinner. The last stop of my spontaneous week: Little Tokyo.  The dinner wait was around 30 minutes, which was perfect time for exploring the area.

We visited a small bakery to get cream puffs, then a small store called POPKILLER. This store was awesome, carrying a unique and modern Japanese-American style with some vintage flavor.

Finally, our table was ready at the restaurant Komasa. My sushi needs were satisfied.

I’m Going Going… Back Back, to Davis Davis…

Back to the Greyhound I go… I said my goodbyes to everyone and was super thankful for the hospitality. All in all, it was an amazing trip. In one week, I connected with a number of motivated people, gained new knowledge on the entertainment industry, had my share of celebrity encounters, and visited local places that make LA what it is.

Farewell for now, LA.

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