Trapeze Classes

I first heard about trapeze classes about 3 or 4 years ago. I was really excited about signing up for a class, but for one reason or another, I didn't get around to it until last December. Being the good friend I am, I decided to invite my closest friends and their significant others to participate in the activity...yes, I was scared and needed some support.

I looked into a few schools and decided on Hollywood Aerial Arts in Inglewood. My friend, Melissa, recommended the school and after doing some research, I found the prices at this location to be the most competitive.

The first attempt was the most terrifying despite the fact I was harnessed in. I couldn't help but to scream when I stepped off the platform. But once I landed safely on the net below I felt phenomenal. My friends enjoyed the experience as well, despite the fact that some of them were scared of heights and even shed a tear or two...now that's friendship!

I highly recommend signing up for a class; its a great experience. Classes are held several times a week at Hollywood Aerial Arts. You can sign up for high flying trapeze classes and pay anywhere between $25 and $40 for a class. The only caveat is that its not the most picturesque location, but the staff is great! For more information, visit: http://www.hollywoodaerialarts.com/

If you're interested in looking into other schools, here are some links: http://www.flytrapeze.com/ (Woodland Hills, CA)

http://losangeles.trapezeschool.com/ (Santa Monica, CA)

Flying Lessons

Flying lessons? You're probably thinking thanks, but no, thanks, right? I haven't taken an aviation class before, but I know a few people who have and they love it! I actually wouldn't mind trying it one day.

If you're open to a taste of piloting a plane, you may want to look into Hollywood Aviators. I read about this school a few years ago, but don't personally know anyone who has taken classes there.

Hollywood Aviators offers an introductory 1/2 hour class at $99!
The class includes: Preflight briefing, half-hour flight (full-hour flight also available), FAA-certified flight instructor and post-flight debriefing. If you want to try the 1 hour class, it'll cost you $175. For more info, visit: http://www.hollywoodaviators.com/.

If you're really serious about flying, drop me a note and I'll find out where my friends took their classes.

Pageant of the Masters

I wasn't familiar with Pageant of the Masters until about 4 or 5 years ago when a colleague told me about it. It sounded different, so I decided to go check it out for myself.

I have to say that the event was interesting and unlike anything I had ever seen before. Upon arrival, we all took our seats in an outdoor amphitheater (think Greek Theater). The lights dimmed and the "show" began. On stage, the audience observed what seemed like a large, beautiful painting. After a few moments, however, we realized that technically we weren't looking at a painting, we were looking at a "live picture". Everyone in what appeared to be a painting was real!

The "live picture" was accompanied by a live orchestra and live narration, which quite frankly I don't recall, but I read on the website. Anyway, the curtains closed and about 5 to 10 minutes later they reopened with yet another live picture. This went on for an hour or so, but it was phenomenal. I never imagined such a show existed!

The event takes place every year from the beginning of July to the end of August in Laguna Beach. As you enter the theater grounds, you can shop at various booths where vendors are selling art and food. Across the street from the theater, the Sawdust Festival takes place and nearby you'll find plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner.

My only recommendation is to get seats as close to the stage as possible, so you can really appreciate the show. Otherwise, don't forget your binoculars!
For more information, visit:http://www.foapom.com/

Animal Adventures at the L.A. Zoo

You no longer have to leave the country to participate in a wild animal adventure. We have plenty of options here in our own backyard. The Los Angeles Zoo is not just a place you can go for a day of fun.

From October to May, the zoo offers Zoopendous Nights, a night-time experience for kids over the age of 7. The cost per person is $45, but it includes activities, a pizza party, a continental breakfast and plenty of fun!

The L.A. Zoo also offers Zoopendous Nights Family Overnights, which is similar to Zoopendous Nights, but includes a tour of the zoo after dark and is geared towards families. The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

Last, but not least, the L.A. Zoo offers the Wild Wonder Slumber from June to September. Wild Wonder Slumber consists of an all-night outdoor sleepover party, which includes a tour of the zoo after dark, activities and meals. The cost of this option is slightly higher at $65 for members (children 7-12 pay $45); $85 for non-members (children 7-12 pay $60). For more information, visit: http://www.lazoo.org/education/zooovernights/index.html

SoCal Savings - As I've previously mentioned on this blog, The Skirball Cultural Center is free on Thursdays! Presently, they are featuring the Noah's Ark Exhibit and a Superhero Comic exhibit, which are both quite fascinating. The Noah's Ark Exhibit is interactive, so kids (ages 2-9) don't get bored. The Superhero Comic exhibit is also fun and even has a costume area where both kids and adults can dress like their favorite superheroes. For more information, visit: http://www.skirball.org/.