Exploring Southern California
Greetings from 32,000 feet! I’m writing this on a flight from LAX to Alaska, mesmerized by the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. I spent the past two weeks in Southern California, continuing my quest for a new home post-Detroit. After a quick trip to Boston, I had a coronavirus scare with a false positive. Despite testing negative, the office policy meant I would have to work remotely the rest of the month, and since I already had this Alaska trip planned for September I figured why not make the flight out to San Diego and also visit Los Angeles before going to Alaska and eventually returning to Michigan.
Sunny San Diego
I visited San Diego for a day trip in 2019 once before but it was short so I was excited to be back. This was my first time arriving via airplane and the descent was breathtaking - the downtown buildings were so close it felt like I could reach out and touch them.
Upon landing, I learned that my original plan to stay with my friend Kushal fell apart since he tested positive for coronavirus that morning - how ironic. I had to find accommodations last-minute so I booked an Airbnb for the first night but it wasn’t cheap. Opting for practicality and a chance to meet new people, I chose the Beach Bungalow hostel in the vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood. The hostel, renowned for its social atmosphere and beachfront location, proved to meeting point for people from all walks of life - providing ample opportunity for making new friends. The dorm rooms were a bit new to me but I made it work - telling myself the money I saved could be spent on experiences.
After checking into the hostel, my first two thoughts: the sky was so blue and everyone around was very fit and attractive. I think the year-round pleasant weather gives the locals ample opportunity to be out and about and stay relatively fit and people end up taking better care of their appearances.
My adventures in San Diego took a turn when I met up with Vanya, another Michigan native on a similar quest for a new home. Staying in a downtown high-rise, Vanya's perspective on the city is different from mine and he was here for a month. Together with his two other friends, we explored the sprawling greenery and Spanish-style architecture of Balboa Park on electric scooters. a day that was both exhilarating and slightly marred by an amusing incident. Vanya's penchant for parkour meant we were banned from entering the San Diego Zoo because he climbed on the tall lion statue by the entrance.
We continued the evening in the Gaslamp Quarter, a bustling, pedestrian-friendly area similar to Austin's 6th Street or Nashville's Broadway. The contrast between the vibrant nightlife here and that of Detroit was stark, and the locals were remarkably welcoming and friendly. The night ended with a serene moment in a hot tub, from which we caught an unexpected live view of a Fall Out Boy concert happening nearby at the ballpark. That night, I gratefully crashed on a couch in the high-rise condo, a welcome luxury after several nights in the hostel.
I wanted to explore another neighborhood popular with young professionals called North Park but a friend of a friend who agreed to show me around had a family emergency. Instead, I embraced my proximity to the beach and relaxed by the ocean, watching other hostel guests participate in a surfing lesson and participating in a beach bonfire on my last night. Although my exploration was limited to downtown, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach, the city's laid-back ambiance and glorious weather left a lasting impression on me and I hope to return one day. The train ride on the Pacific Surfliner had stunning coastal views where waves crashed on one side and mountains rose on the other, providing a good transition to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
This was my second time in LA but the first time solo and without a car. Upon arriving at Union Station, I bought a metro card for local public transit. The area around the station wasn't exactly pedestrian-friendly; although it was daylight I apprehensively walked past some shady people doing drugs in tents along the freeway overpass. As I crossed into the downtown and strolled through a park near City Hall, I chuckled at how well Rockstar Games designed Grand Theft Auto 5 (which is based on Los Angeles).
After walking through the historic downtown, I eventually boarded a train on the Expo Line to Santa Monica. It took an hour but I smiled as the train zipped past a freeway of stalled cars. When I stepped out at the last station, the contrast was striking. Santa Monica exuded a serene and pristine charm, a stark difference from the grungy downtown Arts District. The ocean was in view, the atmosphere quieter, and the air noticeably cleaner. I walked down the busy street and eventually landed at a delightful Indian restaurant, where I refueled before heading to my hostel. My positive hostel experience in San Diego inspired me to stay at another beachside hostel, this time in Venice, Los Angeles. Unlike the social hub in San Diego, this hostel was quieter, but its location was unbeatable - nestled next to the famous Venice Boardwalk and Muscle Beach, and not far from the Santa Monica Pier.
Eager to experience the infamous LA traffic firsthand, I and a few newfound friends from the hostel rented a car for a day. We drove along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, taking a detour for a quick hike at Malibu’s Point Dume. Santa Barbara greeted us with its tranquil, less crowded beaches - a refreshing change from the more bustling shores of LA and San Diego. Our time there was filled with delicious Mexican cuisine and leisurely strolls.
The next day, I did some solo exploration of various LA neighborhoods after work, including West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and downtown. The distinct character of each area was fascinating. Echo Park and Silver Lake offered hipster coffee shops and stunning views of the valley and cityscape. Navigating the city by metro, I explored the walkable enclaves of Palms and Culver City, though rush hour traffic was just as challenging as everyone said! Despite the traffic, I am drawn to the westside for its proximity to the ocean, LAX, and the walkability of certain neighborhoods. As long as I pick a corner of the urban sprawl and stay within it, I can avoid the traffic if I end up living here. The Expo Line's connection to downtown was an added perk, I can totally imagine biking and riding the metro here as long as I stayed within the westside.
On the last day, my friend from the hostel Koto and I went up to Griffith Observatory, which offered the best views of the region yet. We got some pictures near the Hollywood sign and I am glad I brought my binoculars. After the hike, I later indulged in some well-deserved delicious Mexican food in Los Feliz. I also reconnected with my friend Chris, who had recently moved to LA to pursue a career in music production. Together, we hiked in Baldwin Hills and then he showed me his new musical equipment before I left for some amazing ramen noodles in Koreatown.
Moving ahead
I can get behind the hype of Southern California. The weather is so refreshing compared to the Midwest and both principal cities felt like a "big city" with vibrant neighborhoods and active populations. While LA was loud and chaotic, I liked the palm tree-lined streets and mountains in the background. Much like San Diego, the different neighborhoods compose the city, each with their unique character and charm. Los Angeles, with its cosmopolitan energy and diverse communities, presented a stark contrast to the laid-back energy of San Diego. I have much to think about as I head to Alaska, taking a week to relax and reconnect with nature and family in “America’s Last Frontier”.
