815am-9am-- As I get off the bus I notice an African-American man with a Getty Badge, and I ask him about something that's been nagging me all morning:
My apples and oranges! They ain't gonna confiscate my apples and oranges are they?
You see, being broke, I brought my own munchies for the day. :-)
"Well, no," Ron, from Operations, assured me, "just leave your bag at the check-in area and you will be given a tag so you can come and go as you please."
They have concessions, and a picnic area, but don't allow munchies anywhere near the priceless works of art. :-)
With an hour to kill until the Tram up to the museum I decide to see what my 2yr. old copies of Fodor's L.A., and Timeout's Guide To L.A have to say about the Getty.
1st off, it cost a Billion to build.
For all you laymen in the audience, that comes to approximately a s***load of pennies. :-)
It opened in 1997 and this is MY very first visit.
Unless you want to reserve parking, far in advance, you are best advised to come on Saturday and Sunday or to take the bus and therefore visit at YOUR convenience.
The tram takes you to the Pavillions at the top of the hill. The Museum itself is a series of 6 Pavillions built around a central courtyard and bridged by walkways. There are North, South, East, and West Pavillions, an Auditorium, and a Research Institute.
On the outside the edifices are clad in something apparently called cleft-cut-Italian traverteen stone and white aluminum panelling for contrast and texture.
Hey, I'm NOT making this up! That's what the books say. :-)
There are supposedly great views of the surrounding countryside from the various plazas, courtyards, and walkways.
Okaaayyy, for now I'll take their word for it. Afterall it IS a clear day today. :-)
My parents would have loved to see what else is apparantly here: A central garden! With a maze, even! Woo hoo!! :-)
For those of you, unlike me at the moment, awash in moolah, there is a restuarant (reservations only), 2 cafes, and an outdoor coffee bar.
9am-- Okay, a 1/2 hr. until the tram. What to do? What to do?
I guess I could start reading my free copies of the LA WEEKLY and NEW TIMES that I picked up in Westwood.
905am-- Well, so much for settling in to wait. A guide tells me I can go to the tram waiting and loading area.
Oh, JOY! I get a choice of an elevator or 2 flights of stairs to take me to the tramway. I take the stairs.
White trams on rails. Very cool.
14 passengers per 3 car tram. 2 tracks, 2 trams.
The view of the hills, and south through Sepulveda Pass is great on this 5 minute ride.
We arrive, and disembark.
I'm quite impressed with my first look at the place, to say the least.
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