Here it is folks in the heart of Hollywood and just a few yards away from the site of the world premier of Grand Hotel and located just a few more feet north of Hollywood Boulevard. The couryard that hosts the foot prints of the movie stars is also nearby; Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Cantinflas and countless others are there.
Yes, what a grand spectacle it must seem to the outside visitor. To be standing in the very inner sanctum of the holy of holies of everything Hollywood, a temple dedicated to motion pictures and the billions of dollars that it generates. And if you can find a quiet spot and close your eyes you just might hear the whispers of the movie stars of a bygone era. Yes folk this is it; Hollywood.
Oh, but I forgot to mention that there are insufficient public restroom facilities here. In the mall and surrounding the various theaters are public restrooms except that the number of urinals and toilets available are not enough. Oh my dear, what is a visitor needing facilities to do now? Often people must stand in line and some just give up and head down the street in search for a bar or restaraunt that will be kind to them. Absolutely, says the proprietor you just must buy an item off the menu. Out of town tourists are humiliated daily in this manner. Shame on you mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The mayor can easily correct the problem with a wave of his hand but he prefers to look the other way.
Hollywood & Highland is a very popular spot for visitors and tourists alive. On any given day, there are hundreds of people visiting the various sights. You see them posing for pictures at the grand staircase or looking for their favorite movie star in the courtyard, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Only the brave will venture away from the city block bounded by Highland to the east, Orange to the West and Sunset Boulvevard to the south, otherwise this is one very busy block. Except there are not enough facilities for the countless numbers. I was about to blame somebody for this state of unpreparedness, except that I need to go to the restroom.
And while you are visiting Hollywood and Highland don’t forget to drop into the Shelly’s Cafe where you may sit and sip on a cold drink or a latte. Shelly’s Cafe is just a half block west of the Chinese theater court yard. Shelly’s is a warm and cozy little place where you can mix with the tourists and watch as the tourists snap away pictures of a popular terrazzo star located directly in front of Shelly’s.
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