View from Top of Culver City Steps
The City of Angels
It’s no secret that Los Angeles is not my favorite city. I often think it doesn’t deserve to share the moniker with other metropolises like New York or Chicago. Besides the actual downtown, the rest of it is urban sprawl multiplied – ugly strip malls, crumbly 1970s plazas, and dozens of drive-thrus reminding us that this city was built for the car. You can barely walk anywhere unless you are in Santa Monica, the public transportation is subpar, and you always hear about the traffic.
But, then, there is something; that California, laid-back vibe when you get closer to the Pacific Ocean, an electric energy in the night air around the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, the possibility of rubbing elbows with celebrities on Rodeo drive or at the Ivy. And then there are gorgeous, blue-sky days like the ones that I captured here for you including the Hollywood Sign at sunset right from my friend’s apartment balcony. He loves L.A., but…also has his own issues with living there. Check out his raves and gripes here on his blog: I Love LA, But…
Hollywood at Sunset
View of Downtown Los Angeles from Culver City Steps
Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park
Not my favorite either. In fact, not in my top 1000 cities. Part of the problem is that from San Diego on up the coastline well past the Bay Area, there are so many beautiful and historical lovely hamlets and cities that make California such a special place. LA is just zoning gone bad and a collection of areas that form a city. NYC, Chicago, SF are all cities with a centralized hub and magnificent spokes into great neighborhoods. LA is Dallas on a magnificent coast. Too bad there’s no do-overs or this place could be special.
PS. the math problems to post are getting more difficult. Today was 5-2=___. It took me 3 tries.
Perfect line: Zoning gone bad. So true. And unfortunate. I suppose the history of LA being more for cars is in part to blame. They are trying to fix some things here but the people love their cars and are used to that lifestyle…so you rarely find them on a bus. It’s too bad. They are finally building some more subways, but there are plenty of issues with those too. Keep up your mathematics practice…you are getting there! 😉
I promised myself to go to Los Angeles once I finish my travels in Asia, Africa and South America. I’m so excited to be honest. Your photos make me wanna go right away 🙂 Beautiful shot of Culver City Steps – beautiful sky!
I think despite it’s issues, LA is still a great place to go visit. It’s just hard to get around if you are a budget traveler. I do enjoy Santa Monica and driving up in the Hills gawking at all the mansions!
Have to agree with you, LA has def. not been one of my favorite places. The traffic alone is a nightmare. Even the beach is windy, and the water cold. You did get some pretty nice pictures though!
Thanks for your comment. I can’t imagine living there unless I was some rich movie star! So…never i guess! 😉
Wow great shots!!!
Thanks Andi! Hope all is great with you!
I actually love LA. Love, love, looooove. Well, as much as you can love a city after having spent only 12 days there, but what a 12 days! I am speaking about LA county, though: you got beaches, a real city feeling, you can go hiking at Runyon Canyon or one of the other parks, shopping possibilities are endless… and – very important to me – together with NY it’s THE dance city of the States! Especially for hiphop.
Glad to hear Sofie! It’s all subjective of course, but after living in NYC and Chicago…it’s hard for me to love LA as a city. It is fun to visit and also the weather can’t be beat. If I was to live there, it would have to be in Santa Monica where at least you can walk to shops and cafes and feel a part of life. 🙂