I used to despise LA…with a passion. When I visited there for work, I would sleep, shop and eat (in that order). The feeling I walked away with was a negative one…passing this onto friends and family whenever they would ask how my trip was. To me the city felt cold, lifeless and grey. Until that is, I had my eyes opened in an unusual turn of events late last year.
It was September 2016 and I had left Hawaii on route to LA for a couple of days. I wanted to try and see the city again with fresh eyes. People change over the years, so why can’t a city too? I landed to a message that my accommodation had fallen through and because of stress and sleep deprivation the situation felt too big to deal with in that moment. As a result, I had a breakdown. Yep, a full on breakdown. Right there in LAX terminal 2, next to baggage claim. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. Now, hindsight is a beautiful thing. The easy solution would be to just connect to the wifi and book a hotel for the night, but thats the funny thing about breakdowns…they take over your rational thinking. So much so, I almost got on a flight directly back to London that night…but LA had more in store for me. I was destined to spend the next 24 hours in that city.
Those following hours left me puzzled and confused. I stayed downtown…the reason being, it was close to the train station to get to church the next morning. I walked the streets that felt the same and did the things I usually did whilst visiting, but this time I wasn’t there for work…I was there for me.
Feeling a little more rested and thinking more clearly, I went to a new church the following morning (something I haven’t done in a very long time), and was completely overwhelmed by the welcome I received. I don’t think I have felt more welcome in a church before. Its hard to explain but the more time I spent there, the more I felt I belonged there.
I later headed back to downtown, exploring the area and getting a new taste for the city before heading back to LAX to get my flight. That day, the distain I had for the place began to fade away. What started as some of the most challenging hours of my life, were transformed into some of the best, and I have spent the months between then and now yearning to be reunited…to create new memories and once again breathe in the essence that completely changed my perspective.
Fast forward to this year and I was getting ready to head back. I remember happy tears filling my eyes when I finally pushed the ‘complete booking’ button for my flights. I was going to be reunited with a place I was falling in love with all over again and you could not get me to LA fast enough. I spent my first few days there catching up with some of the girls from work and exploring the downtown and hollywood area before meeting up with my brother and heading to New York City together.
When I got back to LA after New York I ended up booking a hotel in a new part of town i had stumbled upon the previous week. Everything about it made me happy. A community of creatives. I had found my ‘people’ . I spent the subsequent days exploring the Arts District and everything it had to offer. Wonderful cafes, cute boutique shops and walls featuring all kinds of art. I loved it so much I ended up staying for a week. Soaking up everything I could until I began to feel like a local. Going back to the church I discovered my previous trip, making new friends in the cafes I visited each morning and the restaurants in the evenings. I was falling hard for this city and i didn’t want to stop.
I wanted to explore as many facets of this city as I could, gaining a bigger picture of what makes this place so unique. From downtown to Santa Monica and everywhere in between, adventure and discovery were waiting. During my time in LA I got to explore a few neighbourhoods quite well…Downtown, the Arts District and Hollywood. Obviously, the arts district is were I spent most of my time. If you’re visiting these areas here’s a few of my favourite things.
Downtown
The good thing about the area is that everything is within walking distance. The main museums are generally a block away from each other and other points of interest are a small stroll away. Grand Central Market is my favourite thing about Downtown. It’s buzzing with energy and the selection of eating options are extensive.
Arts District
The cafes and shopping around this area I would highly recommend visiting. Groundwork Coffee Co is a great one to check out, and for all my fellow tea lovers out there, head to Urth Cafe. You’ll get a great cuppa made with loose leaf tea. They also have an extensive breakfast menu. Just around the corner from there is one of my favourite shopping spots, the Arts District Co-op. Its a collection of local artists and designers selling their creations. I found my dream denim jacket here…it was love at first sight.
Apolis and The Giving Keys are also great places to check out. Ethical design with a lot of heart. For those of you with a sweet tooth, you can’t go past Salt and Straw. Their handmade ice creams are heavenly. In terms of restaurants Wurstkuche and The Pie Hole are amazing. Both completely unique with great design aesthetic and a chilled vibe.
Hollywood
When you first think of LA this is probably the part of town that springs to mind. The walk of fame on Hollywood Blvd is obviously a must see, but don’t spend too much time there. It is incredibly touristy and there are other parts of Hollywood that are so much better. The Griffith Observatory at sunset is a dream. It gives a great view of the Hollywood sign and over the city too. Find a spot on the grass and watch as the sun sets through the hazy LA sky. If your feeling adventurous, defiantly do the walk to the Hollywood sign. Set out from the carpark at Bronson Canyon-Griffith Park, it will save you having to navigate the Hollywood hills.
If you’re wanting to get away from the city vibes for a while, head to Santa Monica. Yes, its touristy, but wandering down the boardwalk and along the waterfront is a welcome change of pace from the bustling city. If you have more time, make a day of it. I can totally recommend hiring bikes. There is a cycle track all the way down the coastline. I try to do this every time I’m in LA.
Los Angeles is also known as the ‘city of angels’. It is a translation from the original name given by the early settlers to California. Whist this is just a translation, I think the meaning behind it lives on. At first glance it makes complete sense to dismiss this city or write it off completely (I did for a very long time), but Los Angeles has something special…everyday angels. These ‘angels’ aren’t too hard to find, you just have to be willing to take some time and listen. They reside in the same places you and I would visit. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Trying to make a difference as best they can. Creating colour within patches of darkness. Giving this city a heartbeat and a soul.
In a way, I’m thankful for that day last September. Yes, it was difficult. But if I didn’t go though those hours of challenge, I would be in a very different place today. I wouldn’t have a love for a new place and I would have cut myself off to new possibilities, new adventures and new revelation. If I am ever traveling to North America, I will go out of my way to transit through for a few days. Los Angeles crosses my mind often now and my heart longs to be reunited with the heartbeat of that city. Waiting patiently to be in sync once again.
Sending hugs & smiles,
Vanessa
