Post #21171 by bigbrotiki on Tue, Jan 28, 2003 6:17 PM

To expand on that a little...
take Whittier Blvd west from O.A. past the 605 fwy to Hwy 19/Rosemead Blvd, turn LEFT on Rosemead. Look for tall A-frames on the left side of the street, go past them and U-turn at the next intersection (at the Shangri-La Lodge) [not a place to stay]. Go on the inside of the median. This is the beginning of a Tiki tour on which you will see, in addition to the Bahooka, SIX of the apartment buildings pictured in the Book of Tiki (in part):

1.) Three apartment complexes side to side:
The nicest 3 story A-frame, once was called the "ALOHA ARMS", is now "......?"
BOT p.63

2.) Right next to it, the "SAMOA", now sans sign, BOT p. 218 (just the sign)

3.) After the empty lot, the "KAPU TIKI", BOT p.224/225. Outrigger beams and name are now gone.
Note remnants of tropical landscaping in lava rock boulders and (now concrete) walkways which once were waterfalls and -ways, in all three complexes.

Continue North on Rosemead for a while, past theWhittier Narrows Park. After a while back in civilzation, on the left at 4501 Rosemead is BAHOOKA. Time it so they are open (call 626/ 285-12 41). After sampling the traditional YAMS (in honor of Thor Heyerdahl, who based his migration theory on Tikis and Yams), continue North. Watch on your left for the

4.) KAHLUA Apts, BOT p.227. Tiki picture spot. Continue North to

5.) KONA KAI Apts, also on your left. This sister of the Kona Pali (BOT p. 222-225) is still well kept, note the individually carved beams behind the lush foliage, and the lobby mosaik. Continue North towards the 210 FWY, eyes glued to the right,

6.) The OUTRIGGER Apts, BOT p.15. Since the publication of the BOT the Tiki has been freed of it's green camouflage.

This TIKI TOUR c Sven Kirsten 1992

PS: If you are still up for more, take the 210 West to the 134 West to Glendale, exit Brand Blvd, go South and have early dinner at DAMONS on Brand, on your right.

-Oh, just reread the post and saw "on our way back up to SanFrancisco"....welllll, I guess you could just cruise by these places, but it ain't urban archeology if you don't get out and explore the site.

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki on 2003-01-28 18:29 ]