Turning 40 is a big milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with an unforgettable weekend adventure in Los Angeles? From hiking to the iconic Hollywood sign to exploring the magical world of the Magic Castle, we packed our days with fun, laughter, and a few unexpected twists. Here’s a rundown of my unforgettable birthday weekend with my siblings.
Thursday: Taco Bell and Games Galore
We kicked off my birthday celebration with a nostalgic trip to Taco Bell—because, honestly, who doesn’t love a little fast-food indulgence now and then? Fueled by tacos, we spent the evening playing games and laughing until our sides hurt. One of the highlights was playing the Mind Game, where we tried to silently count to 100 as a group. Spoiler alert: it was harder than it sounds, and we had a blast trying!
Friday: Exploring Griffith Park and a Hollywood Adventure
Our Friday began with a morning hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign at the Griffith Observatory. The hike offered stunning views of Los Angeles, and I soaked in the city’s beauty from above. After snapping plenty of photos, we explored the Griffith Observatory itself, where the panoramic views continued to amaze us.
Next, we headed to Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles for a delicious brunch that lived up to its legendary reputation. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when we discovered an exterminator at our Airbnb, which meant we had to improvise and figure something else out.
Not to worry, though, as we soon found ourselves wandering down Hollywood Boulevard. We visited the Walk of Fame and popped into the Hollywood stores before making our way to the Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum. It was a surreal experience, posing with wax figures of my favorite celebrities.
After a whirlwind day, we took some much-needed naps. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling my best. A headache and aspirin on an empty stomach left me feeling nauseous. But don’t worry; our adventure was far from over!
Friday Night: The Magic Castle Experience
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly our visit to the Magic Castle. The evening began with the famous Invisible Piano Player, Irma, and her trusty feathered friend, Kate the bird. Still feeling a bit queasy, I tried to grab a burger, but my appetite wasn’t quite there yet.
Our magical journey continued with a mesmerizing performance by Anja Steyn from South Africa in the Parlour of Prestidigitation. Her act involved a clever rap with balls under cups and a Mario Brothers-themed Rubik’s Cube trick that left us all in awe.
In the Close-Up Gallery, we met Jacob Martinez, with a fellow magician named Kevin joining us in line. This was around when I started feeling better, which was perfect timing for the magic show.
Dinner at the Magic Castle was a treat, with a rich and funny server adding to the delightful atmosphere. The steaks were excellent, and we enjoyed every bite.
The night continued with a show at the Palace of Mystery, featuring the incredibly funny Joel Ward. His disappearing ring trick and confetti-filled antics had us in stitches. We also saw impressive performances by 14-year-old Hayate Ogawa from Japan and 18-year-old Leo Panetti from Italy.
Our final stop of the evening was back in the Parlour of Prestidigitation with Zac Swan. The audience participation was wild, with memorable moments from “Daddy” Alex, “Grand-Daddy,” and a rather enthusiastic drunk girl causing chaos against Nick and Caesar.
Saturday: Relaxation and More Adventures
After a magical Friday night, we took it easy on Saturday. Our first stop was In-N-Out Burger for a classic Californian treat, followed by a fun game of frisbee golf at Kenneth Hahn Park. The sun was shining, and the park provided a perfect backdrop for some friendly competition.
In the afternoon, we explored The Grove and the Farmers Market, where we sampled hot sauces and indulged in refreshing Italian ice. Our culinary adventures continued with a visit to Panda Express, because sometimes you just crave those famous orange chicken and chow mein flavors.
The day ended with another round of games back at our place. We played The Crew, The Mind, and Five Crowns, laughing and strategizing late into the night.
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