I’ve been in Los Angeles almost three weeks now and it still really hasn’t sunk in that I actually live here. I don’t know if it is a result of my only furniture being a borrowed Aero Bed and a small bookshelf or the fact that I don’t yet have a car. Whatever it is…it still just feels like a long vacation or perhaps more correctly business trip since I have been working since the 15th.
Not having a car in LA is definitely a much tougher thing than in Portland. There is public transportation but for some reason it just doesn’t feel as accessible. Perhaps that is more of just the general mindset of the city around me. I do have a lead on getting a car from a friend, but currently that’s on the back burner.
I’m living a few blocks from USC in a pretty nice townhouse. The rent is pretty much double what I was paying in Portland, but for the area, its proximity to the University (and therefore less need of a car)…its a pretty good deal. The neighborhood is pretty interesting. The immediate area is largely the college crowd, however a few blocks away the neighborhood becomes largely Latino.
Most of my explorations of the city so far have revolved around food. There has been a lot of eating out these first few weeks. The highlights are the biggest burrito I’ve ever seen at La Barca (in the neighborhood) for under $9 and some amazing ramen at Daikokuya in Little Toyko.
I’ve been to the beach (and got the resulting Norwegian Sun Tan…ie redness).
I saw Diana Krall at the Hollywood Bowl, which was a great show at a great venue. Probably the best sound at an outdoor venue I’ve experienced.
I’ve been to a club in Hollywood (for DJ Heather & DJ Collete @ Deep)
