"before that I really enjoyed the 'feel' of that area... sightseeing the old hotels, visiting some of the old bars.... for me it was like being in a golden age of Hollywood movie. "
That really strikes home for me. The golden age of Hollywood. For some reason I'm still fascinated with the idea. On occasion when we are in the area I will force my wife to drop in at Musso and Frank's restaurant on Hollywood Blvd. Just to order a Martini at the bar and pretend that I'm talking to Steve McQueen who frequented that bar quite often along with other "stars". And then there is the old Chateau Marmot just up and off Sunset Blvd. That is where John Belushi died from a drug overdose. Last summer my wife and I took my granddaughter and her girlfriend from Sacramento to a Sunday brunch there. They were fascinated and believed every person at nearby tables were "stars". While I told them I knew every single star there the only real star I recognized was William Macy. We then drove through the Hollywood Hills and afterward walked down Beverly Blvd. eating ice cream cones. One of the most memorable days I've ever spent. And I was totally against going when my wife talked about the "plans".