In the final days of September 2016, I moved from Miami to Los Angeles by myself. Now I have only been here for a few months, but so much about LA is different than anywhere else that I've ever lived. I've visited LA a few times in the past but I didn't notice the differences until I spent more than a few days here. So, here are a few things that I have learned about LA from living here:
1. The traffic is SO bad
I know, I know, you've heard this before. I had also heard this hundreds of times before I came here, but I didn't believe it at first. I used to drive home everyday taking one of the worst and most traffic-heavy roads in Miami, Ives Dairy. It could sometimes take 45 minutes to make it down the mile-and-a-half stretch, and anyone who has been on it during rush hour can sympathize with me. But when I say that LA traffic is bad, it is so bad. It's like tens of Ives Dairy Roads linked together. I have learned that Waze is your best friend and it's OK to take the small residential street (it's actually a lifesaver).
2. You will never go to any of the tourist destinations
Now, in LA, you can find literally any type to exercise class, including things like Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Yoga and Parkour. As fun as those things sound, I don't have the time to take up such an intense activity. Being from Florida, the flattest state in the United States, I took to LA's most popular "free" exercise activity, hiking. The best place that I have found to hike is Runyon Canyon. I know that Runyon Canyon is a little bit touristy, but it's nowhere near as touristy as Griffith Park. At least the people at Runyon are actually there to work out and not just there to take a picture of the Hollywood sign.
4. Seeing a celebrity is normal
If you don't work or live in the area, you probably won't spend much time there. LA is so big and there are so many different neighborhoods. Unless you feel like spending huge amounts of time in the car, you will likely spend most of your time near where you have to be. Even though you aren't driving a crazy amount of miles, it's the crazy amount of time it takes to drive those miles in LA traffic.
6. It NEVER rains
Because my parents are huge fans of travel, I have been super lucky to have traveled all over. I've been to so many places but I can honestly say that I've never been anywhere that compares to LA. This city is unique in every way and even though my time here it coming to an end soon, I'll never forget this city. I love you, LA, and I'm sorry for rubbing it in your face when the Cubs beat the Dodgers to go to the World Series.
