Going back and moving forward at the same time is quite the art. My work as a PT has transferred me to the lovely city of Boston, and (despite a long week) I am glad to see this year's fall from a familiar and now totally different view! PT Hot Spot of the week: The Jamaica Way and Jamaica Pond. Here, the trees really do lean to lend.
Actually, I was surprise to find out the In-N-Out Burger actually existed. I went tonight and was pleasantly surprised! Admittedly, it is a fast-food joint but it is clean and the service is good. It is diner-like and the staff seem happy and have very cute uniforms! The menu is wonderfully simple, and dirt cheap. The burgers are small but packed with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The french fries are floppy and salted, but not too greasy. They're a bit like Pennsylvania's Potato Patch at Kennywood (by the way, if you are in PA check out Primanti Brothers. Y-U-M-M-Y!). And if you're in California, In-N-Out is the place to go. The food and service was fast, even though the inside, parking lot, AND drive through are full with happy customers.
One of the best ways to get to know an area is by taking a look at and an interest in nature. Nature is everywhere (even in LA!) and it is more telling than one might think. How do the people where you are work with the environment? We're not just talking in Go-Green terms here, we're talking about the natural history of a place and understanding how it came to be.
In California, this means exploring beaches, marshes, woodlands, rivers, and mountains, or visiting museums and observatories or simply observing the wildlife.
The Getty Center is a collection of Western art presented against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, amazing gardens, and great views. Planning a visit to the center means practicing Step 5 and looking over the website first (http://www.getty.edu/visit). Thursday night is "College Night" and TGI-Bon Appetite, whose (free!) food and soft drinks were delicious--and, bought locally!
The Getty was great, and with a student ID parking, admission, and goodies (food, drink, music, games) were free. Unfortunately, "College Night" is an after-hours event, so many of the exhibit halls and gardens could not be accessed. But, the architecture is definitely worth talking about and I'll go back for more art/garden/sculpture viewing!
Shania's not the only one! I have never traveled as a man, but traveling as a woman is a unique experience. To the people around you, you are non-threatening, interesting, new and different. You're also vulnerable, alone, unaware. Be kind, friendly and approachable and you will meet a lot of people. Be smart, and you will meet a lot of good people who can help you along the way!
Quickly, I wanted to inform everyone that I have seen my first "typical-LA or beach" crowd. Two girls, one perfectly blonde and the other perfectly brunnette. Both are, of course, in perfect shape and lined with perfect tans. Their company? A perfectly built boy with sparkling sunglasses and witty T-shirt. Perfect, perfect, perfect...but not for me!
Some things really are just like on TV. But many, many others are not! Stay tuned...
Though many women/men do secretly enjoy being (and who can blame them?) Dinner Whores, it just doesn't work. Its not really fair and it can get you in some pretty sticky situations...
What you can do, though, is improvise:
- One coffee gets you an afternoon of conversation and thought with the locals
- Eating the fruit and nut parts of Trail Mix (instead of just the chocolate) will keep you from splurging on fancy lunches at the Grove
- Checking out museum websites will tell you about the free days or discounted tickets as well as upcoming events
- Volunteering your time will give you a place to be, people to be around, and something good to do
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