where there is darkness, there is light
July 2025
Part 1 - The Hike
I could’ve called my Lyft to the south slope of Mount Hollywood, but instead I set the destination to the start of the Fern Dell Trail. I’m not a hiker, but I wanted to act like a local and hike my way up to Griffith Observatory. I researched different trails within Griffith Park and I chose a short one — I wanted to be realistic with my physical limitations (thank you, joint inflammation). Google said it would take around thirty to forty-five minutes to hike.
Google failed to mention how steep the hike was! I knew I was going to hike up a mountain, but I wasn’t expecting the steepness! As I started walking, I playfully laughed at myself because I was stunned by the dogs. They ran up the trail with lots of energy, like it was easy! The dogs (and their hot shirtless owners) were definitely in better shape than me!
I was only ten to fifteen minutes in when I told myself to walk slower and drink water. I took breaks to enjoy the views of the Hollywood sign and overall greenery. I wouldn’t call myself a “true nature girl” who’s into hiking or camping, but I know how to appreciate nature, which is something I’ve learned to like about myself.
I started to document the hike with videos, most of which I would send to Mom later. In the video, I told her that I initially put on gym clothes to be comfortable for the hike, but then I changed into a dress because I wanted to look cute in my photos. Best believe I came prepared though! My ‘Megababe anti-friction stick’ rescued my thighs, especially in that heat! At one point, a local offered to take my picture with the skyline of Downtown LA behind me. She asked, “Would you like a picture? How can you not with that dress?” She knew I was a tourist because I was the only one not wearing gym clothes.
It took me nearly an hour to hike to the top of the slope, which wasn’t that bad considering all the breaks I needed. The hike was definitely challenging, but so worth it — I earned my visit to Griffith Observatory! I had a few minutes to spare before the building opened at noon, so I took that time to hydrate, take videos of the stunning views, and enjoy the building’s architecture.
Part 2 - Inside Griffith Observatory
If you’re into planetary science, this place is for you. Their exhibits were pretty cool, so I did a quick walkthrough — I’m not a science nerd, so I didn’t need to read every paragraph on the displays to feel fulfilled. I was mostly interested in watching a show in their planetarium because I needed a break from standing and walking. The last time I was in a planetarium was when I was a kid on a school trip, so this felt nostalgic. I bought a ticket to their ‘Water Is Life’ show, walked into the rich indigo hue, and chose a seat furthest away from the crowds.
Once the show started, I immediately felt calm and at peace. The music, colors, and the narrator’s fluid voice made the experience serene. We saw images of Griffith Observatory from an exterior view — from sunrise, to sunset, to night. The dome screen transitioned from Los Angeles to outer space to show how water on Earth keeps us alive. The children in the room were genuinely excited — their oooos and ahhhhs echoed a bit. I’m surprised I found them cute because I usually find kids to be annoying (for the most part).
There was a scene in the show that portrayed a dark night sky with glowing stars. I don't remember what the narrator said about the stars because I was distracted by the music. There weren’t any lyrics — it was raw, emotional, and uplifting. With the room so dark and no one sitting near me, I felt the freedom to feel my feelings. I let go and started to cry.
I became conscious of my surroundings — and myself. I acknowledged that I was inside Griffith Observatory because I was on a solo trip in LA — a place that I felt called to return to for so long. The show overwhelmed me (in a good way) by inviting me to face myself. My reality is that since late last year, certain life events chipped away at my autonomy. Curating a solo trip experience in LA helped me reclaim my power and joy. I started to return to myself.
The planetarium’s dome screen felt bigger than me (because it is) and I think that’s what touched me too. It’s humbling to know there is life outside of me — life that is greater and bigger than what I experience on the inside — life that challenges me to connect with my feelings.
After five minutes or so, I wiped away my tears and started to pay attention to the narrator. When the show ended, I exited the planetarium through the door that led me outside to the balcony area. I captured more photos and took in the views once more. When I was ready, I walked to the bus stop to continue with my adventures — the rose garden at Exposition Park and Sunset Strip were next on my itinerary.
Part 3 - Reflection
During my time in LA, there were two landmarks where I felt most emotional:
Urban Light was the first. Watching 202 streetlamps glow brighter from daylight to sunset to night was wholesome. I felt safe to just be — and to thank myself for pushing through the hard times. I’m on a journey back to myself — Urban Light was a gentle reminder of that.
The planetarium at Griffith Observatory was dark, but the dome screen was bright with its beautiful imagery of our planets and nature. This is where I felt most vulnerable.
These two places meant a lot to me — and that’s not by accident.
— where there is darkness, there is light
