Last Crusades

I have been in Los Angeles for six years now and it is weird to look back and try to remember what Los Angeles was to me in the beginning.

So much time has passed and though never 100% committed to this amazing city, I feel I have succeeded in making a good life for myself here.

Though this may be the first of several farewell blog posts, I feel this one is necessary to initiate now considering I only have a month and a half left. I have very little time to enjoy my favorite parts, activities and destinations in Los Angeles, so, with that in mind, let's not waste any more time!

Below is a make-shift list of places, pleasures and passions of LA that I want to have just one more go at before I split. The list is short and after six years, you would think it would be more substantial, but if there is one thing I have learned living here: there is so much to do and you should try it all at least once, but in the end, take time to slow down and appreciate the things that mean the most to you.

Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles
The first time I went to Roscoe's, it was just after I had moved to LA. I was an emotional wreck as I had just broken up with a long-term boyfriend and I was devastated. My sister and her roommate took me to Roscoe's thinking it would be just the right pick-me-up for my down-in-the-slumps demeanor. I remember sitting there not really understanding what was going on, though too sad to process what was expected of me. Waffles? and fried chicken? And you eat them together in the same bite? I didn't eat hardly any of my meal that first visit, not because it was an odd concoction of food items, but because I had no appetite. But, that first experience aside, I went back several months later and since then, keep going back! It's an artery clogger, but so worth it every once in a while! I'll have one #13 please!

The Counter
Best burgers around. Hard to get a seat, but the wait and the scramble for a table is so worth it for the yummy, made-to-order gourmet burgers and the sweet potato fries and horseradish dipping sauce!


Crab
My parents love this place. It is seafood heaven! I have taken a few friends here and they have all loved it! Essentially, pick a live crab, maybe some jumbo shrimp and in 15-20 minutes, they throw it on your table with a pile of napkins and a wooden mallet and you are feasting! This restaurant, owned by Koreans who also serve the yummiest spicy fish soup (meh-oon-tang), is one of my favorite restaurants in the LA area. It is an eating experience!

Titos
Cheap and delicious. Two tacos with cheese. 'Nuf said.





Beach
I have always felt that I never get to the beach enough. I think some years have gone by where I didn't go even once just to hang out. But this year, I have been packing in those beach romps knowing I wouldn't have the opportunity in the coming future. The last time I went I actually got in the water and attempted a little body surfing. Those waves are so much larger up close and personal, but the feeling of being surrounded by open water is so refreshing. One more visit is a must.

Hollywood Bowl
Seeing a show at the Hollywood Bowl is a requisite activity at least once a year. Not only because of the wonderful performances that go on nightly there during the summer, but because of the uniqueness of the events and of course, the beauty and splendor of the Bowl itself. There is nothing like chilling in the open air of the Bowl surrounded by tens of thousands of people listening to the LA Phil or singing-along with Julie Andrews. Thanks to Jennie, I will get my much needed visit in for the year.

Greek Theater
KJ is a concert-goer. I am not. Every time she has ever asked me to go to a concert with her, I have said no. But this last time she asked, which I say was very gutsy on her part considering our track record, I said yes. 1: because I felt I should go to at least one concert of her choosing with her (rock on John Cougar Mellencamp) and 2: I love the Greek Theater.

If time permits:

Disneyland
The most I have ever paid to get into Disneyland was $6 and that was for a season's pass (ask me and I'll tell you the story...) yet I have been there countless times. Just one of the perks of living in SoCal I suppose! I can now count four friends who work for Disney and as cast members can get three friends in for FREE to Disneyland. If I can convince one of them to take me for one last time, I will have my fill. Six years ago was the first time I went to Disneyland and it truly is the happiest place (because everything is fake just like a fantasy land) on earth.

Hollywood sign
Little known secret: I have always wanted to hike to the Hollywood Sign. My commute to my first job in LA took me down Doheny Dr. and into the heart of Hollywood. I remember looking up at the Hollywood sign for the first time as I was making my way through traffic to my first job on a reality television show and thinking, "Wow, I am really doing this!" Later it became more of a "I can't believe I'm wasting my time doing this crap," kind of thought, but still, it was exciting nonetheless. Anyway, the sign. It'd be fun to hike to it just to do it.

Beach Cruise
I bought my cruiser much too late to truly appreciate it. If I can squeeze in one more ride down the boardwalk I'll be pleased. It's such a peaceful feeling...










All are welcome to join me for my last crusades. Yeah, traffic sucks and the air is dirty in LA, but there is so much more to love than to hate about this awesome city.