So I've been here more than a year now. I still feel like I have no idea what's going on. But the truth is, I 've seen through a glass darkly what it is I have no idea about. I know more about what I don't know about.
As I was walking to work today (yes, you read that right. SATURDAY. This is why I haven't had time to explore my new city..bloody attorneys), I saw a "Best of 03" publication in the LA Weekly newpaper dispenser. I snagged it.
Thing's the size of a phone book! Holey Moley! I'm keeping it, it is giving me all kinds of ideas of things to check out.
And it's inspiring me to make my own list of random stuff. Here goes:
BEST HYPED PLACES IN LA THAT EVERYBODY HAS BEEN TO BUT ME:
Pink's Hot Dogs
Canter's Deli
The Beach (aka Surfing)
Hollywood Bowl
BEST HYPED PLACES THAT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT BUT DOESN'T ACTUALLY GO TO, THAT I HAVE BEEN TO:
Getty Museum
Free Shakespeare in the Park
Norton Simon Museum
Central Library
The Symphony (including the new Disney Hall)
Swing Dance lessons at the Derby
Museum of Contemporary Art (Twice!)
a bus
A night class at UCLA
BEST COOL THINGS THAT EVERYBODY DOES THAT I'VE DONE TOO:
Farmer's Market
Concerts at the Greek Theater
had an extensive conversation with a dicey used merchandise store owner about said merchandise
the Soda Pop Fountain (mulholland fountain on Los Feliz Blvd by the 5)
Bought FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY cd's and movies from used cd stores
Bought vintage and obscure designer clothes from vintage and obscure shops
joined a book club
Celebrity sightings
done open mike performances
Had highly abstract conversations with just-met strangers about pursuing creativity and staying centered
Seen a Laker's Game (Go Fisher!)
Article comments
1 - JR
"As I was walking to work today (yes, you read that right. SATURDAY..."
I have no trouble believing the Saturday, but WALKING to work?!? In L.A.?
So have you had an ice cream sandwich from Diddy Reese yet?
My defining L.A. experience was seeing Fabio at a sidewalk cafe on Sunset.
2 - Hal Pawluk
When you do get to Pink's, get the Bacon Burrito Dog (not the new abomination with pastrami, which is neither fish, fowl, latino nor deli):
Two slices of cheese, two dogs, lots of chili, some onions (ask for extra, plus a slice of tomato).
Cholesteral city and your body loves it!
3 - Chris Arabia
King Taco -- east of downtown.
I once saw Fabio at the intersection of Westwood and Santa Monica, so there.
It's not very obscure, but take Century toward LAX and park on that street right next to the runway (Centinela? I forget). Few things compare to standing under a 747 that is just seconds from touchdown.