I finally have a little time to write something about my recent trip to L.A. To summarize my impressions:
- The weather was relatively cool for L.A., but it was much better than Michigan's recent subzero temps (file under: duh)
- People for the most part were surprisingly friendly.
- The place is the very definition of "sprawl" -- mile after mile after mile of "stuff."
- The geography was confusing (to me, anyway) and I didn't understand the political distinctions between neighborhoods, suburbs, and city, or if there are any.
- On the surface, it doesn't appear to be a big beer town.
- There is more "living history" than I imagined there would be, in terms of beautiful old architecture, established institutions, etc.
- Palm trees are cool.
- Lots of traffic.
- Angelenos seemed fond of Christmas lights and decorations.
- Angelenos also love them some psychics, as evidenced by the "Psychic" stand on damn near every corner.
- L.A. must account for roughly half of the electricity used in this country.
- Of the areas I went to, I think I most liked Old Town Pasadena (and its Ashley's-esque bar Lucky Baldwin's) and Silver Lake, which reminded me a little of Ann Arbor.
More to come...
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