Los Angeles, often referred to as the “city of angels,” elicits strong opinions from people who either adore or despise it. As for me, my fascination with this city has persisted since I was 13 years old, when I spent a month there during an EF language course. Since that time, I have harbored a deep desire to return, and the thought of eventually moving or staying there for an extended period has never left my mind. LA encompasses everything I used to daydream about: a pleasant climate, stunning beaches, a sense of luxury, extraordinary restaurants, renowned celebrities, and remarkable individuals. However, as I reflect upon my desire to live there, doubts have crept in. Nevertheless, now that I am back in Norway, I realize just how much I already miss the allure of Los Angeles.
The journey from Amsterdam to Los Angeles proved to be quite tiring. Despite having the luxury of an entire two-seat row to myself, which I greatly appreciated as someone with long legs, the 12-hour flight was still arduous, especially since I was traveling alone at night. Interestingly, I hadn’t realized the flight duration was 12 hours until I was already onboard. Typically, my travels take me to the other side of America, so mentally preparing for such a long journey was unexpected. Normally, I have no trouble sleeping on lengthy flights and tend to doze off before takeoff, waking up when the food is served, and then falling back asleep until landing. However, this time was different—I couldn’t sleep at all! On the bright side, I did get the opportunity to watch four enjoyable movies.
I must commend Delta Airlines for their significant improvement in service since my last flight with them. The food, in particular, was quite satisfying. I always make it a point to pre-order an Asian Vegetarian meal, despite not being vegetarian, as it adds a delightful level of spiciness to the dishes. For me, flavor is essential, and having a spicy element in my food enhances the overall experience.
Upon arrival, I proceeded through passport control and customs, which surprisingly went smoothly. I often find myself feeling nervous when entering the USA, likely due to the unsettling stories I’ve heard. I was also apprehensive about potentially being asked perplexing questions that could unsettle me, given that I was traveling alone, staying for an extended period, and only had carry-on luggage. However, to my pleasant surprise, the process was remarkably quick. It took me around 40 minutes from disembarking the plane to leaving the airport.
Undeniably, LA is an expensive city. As I mentioned in my previous post, selecting LA as my first destination for my US trip may not have been the wisest choice. In fact, I ended up using up half of my budget for the entire 1.5-month trip within just one week in LA. Fortunately, I had anticipated the high cost of living in the city to some extent, so I was somewhat prepared. As I mentioned earlier, staying in hotels was not a feasible option throughout my journey, particularly in LA. As a solo traveler, I needed to consider alternative accommodations. Opting to rent Airbnb rooms turned out to be the best decision I made.
Upon departing the airport, my initial plan was to walk to a nearby supermarket to purchase breakfast for the next day and some food for the evening. However, I quickly realized that the USA isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly country. The absence of sidewalks and the difficulty in navigating using GPS left me uncertain about which direction to take. Consequently, I decided to opt for an Uber ride instead. As I rode through the city, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and awe. The sight of majestic palm trees, the vibrant blue sky, the sprawling highways, and the imposing cars brought back wonderful memories. It felt surreal to be back in this enchanting city.
The Airbnb I booked provided me with a private room and bathroom, surpassing the quality of many hotels I had come across in my online search. It was located in a pleasant apartment complex featuring a pool, offering a delightful amenity. I had intended to explore the surrounding area upon arrival, but exhaustion got the better of me. Instead, I indulged in the simple pleasure of relaxing in front of the TV, nestled comfortably in my bed within the Airbnb. Unfortunately, jet lag disrupted my sleep, causing me to wake up at 5 AM the next day. On the bright side, this allowed me to enjoy an early morning swim in the pool as soon as it opened at 7 AM. Soon, I would be heading into town to embark on the exciting adventures that awaited me at my next Airbnb.
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Anyah Mroz 