"LA Freeways" a Los Angeles Travel Page by american_tourister

Overwhelming to the first timer. It took me almost 5 years to see everything that I wanted to see. I was like a lot of people who visit LA for the first time when I got here. I complained about the smog, the traffic, the crowding. I began to see the uniqueness of it and to understand the LA culture. It is not the cultural wasteland that the NY Times would have you believe it is. LA has some wonderful aspects. The weather is terriffic. It is vibrant and is a true melting pot of cultures. Some times they clash but for the most part they mesh.

LA is liberal, and conservative. It is flashy, and down to earth. It is expensive, and it is a bargain. It is what you want it to be. If you want it to be bad to you, it will be but if you want it to treat you well, respect it and it will give you opportunities that don't exist anywhere else.

I didn't understand Randy Newman's song, I Love LA, until after I had lived here for several years. I too love LA.

LA has things that grow into your subconciousness until you don't even realize that you have become a real SoCal. I became color blind, ethically blind, language blind living here. I understand now that we all have to live together or we will destroy each other. Even though I am presently in a war zone and have no love for the enemy, I don't hate them either. I don't think I could have felt that way until I had lived here.

This shot was taken at Watts Towers during an LAPD sponsored bike ride. From left to right is my good friend Michael, Mayor Riordan of LA, and myself.