Los Angeles (or, adventures in Little Tokyo)

That's right folks, small-town Rez-rat goes to the Big City. Actually, due to my husband's martial arts, we usually go 2 or 3 times a year. While we do watch expenses, these are generally much more "comfy" than the San Diego excursion.

To begin with, we invariably stay at the Miyako Hotel, which is hands-down (IMO) the most civilized spot in the whole S. CA Megalopolis. For roughly $80/night, we get a VERY clean, elegant business-class room with comfy beds, fridge, microwave, tv, hi-speed internet, and a blow dryer n' ironing board. For a few bucks more, the "executive" rooms even boast (get this!) a heated bidet. That's right, I said heated. Now to more sophisticated and worldly types, this might not be anything particular, but to a small-town hippy kid, a machine to warm the throne definitely qualifies as "ritzy". However, it's not the bidet and fridge that make this lovely, unassuming hotel the most civilized place in LA.

It's the SPA, down on the third floor.
Now don't get your hopes up about facials and pedicures and whatnot, ladies, it ain't that kind of spa. It's a traditional Japanese sort of thing. There's a men's half and women's half, separate from each other, that share a common workout room. Shiatsu massage is offered, but for me, the REAL charm of this place is in the plumbing. A lovely wooden dry sauna, a steamroom I positively adore, a small Jacuzzi, and two high-pressure showers are the extent of the facilities, except a small locker and Toilette area (with ammenities and necessities provided free by the hotel). For $20, you get in all day from opening to closing, as many times and as long as you like. Everythi.g is kept very clean, and tea-tree oil regularly appears in the steam-room. It's wonderful on the skin, feels good to breathe in with the steam, and powerfully disinfects. So far as this li'l redhead is concerned, that's civilization. :) But just for the record, it IS clothing-optional. I'm comfortable with it, but for ladies preferring more coverage, towels and robes are plentifully available....just don't be shocked when the other ladies opt for their birthday suit.

Now, on to a more important subject: FOOD
As you might suspect, there are plenty of places literally a few feet away, at which one can get what is said to be really authentic and delicious japanese food. However, if the smell and taste of fish are as revolting to you as they are to me, your options are considerably more limited. Everything in those places positively REEKS of fish ~GAGS!~ Even "vegetarian food" contains the that gawdawful fishy reek and taste. YUK!
Fortunately there is relief, right within walking distance of the Miyako hotel. If you leave the front lobby, turn right, walk a few steps, turn right again, and wander into the Little Tokyo Mall, culinary delights await even the pickiest palate.
First stop, the bakery at the corner on the right, next to the fountain. They sell sweet and savory pastries, custards both plain and with fruit, tarts, breads, sandwiches, and drinkage, all at reasonable prices. Seriously, I live out of this bakery when in LA. There is also a small Japanese grocery store with reasonable prices, on the left side of the fountain. Don't be intimidated by the signs, the prices are in english, the staff is friendly, and there are plenty of familiar american staples to be found. Prices are fair for LA, and certainly cheaper than eating out.

Eating out.......aaahhh yes.......The Great Adventure. As I said, there are any number of eateries within quick walk of the hotel. In the Little Tokyo Mall, you can find Japanese, but also Korean (which makes a nice change of pace). My favorite, however, is the Cuban place, which is not in the LTM, but is still very close. Leave the hotel lobby, turn right, walk down, cross the street, and go to the brick building with "CUBAN FOOD" painted on the side. Now, go inside, the charming waitresses will seat you in a simple dining area with dark wood floors and pretty artwork, and hand you a menu. I can't speak for the rest of the menu, I go STRAIGHT for the Ox Tail soup. It's rich, tender, and DEEEEEElicious! To drink, try the Ironbeer Rootbeer. It's a wonderful rootbeer with a warm vanilla taste. It really is heavenly :) In the area, there is also a Subway, and a Starbucks (at the New Otani Hotel, 1 block north)

Spirituality: For those interested in attending, the Koyasan Buddhist Temple opens to the public at 10 Am Sunday mornings, and a Buddhist service is held at that time. All are welcome to attend, and it really is lovely and peaceful. A couple blocks away is a christian church of some sort, something like Lutheran or Presbyterian, if memory serves. At any rate, it's within walking distance.

OK, more will follow later on LA, but for now I'm tired of typing, so I'll catch ya's on the flip side.

Peace out!