LA Garbage City USA
Most world cities are dirty, and Los Angeles is no exception. Though the artificial, soulless environs of more affluent neighborhoods provide a cushion from the filth, beneath this polished veneer is a disgusting underbelly that spills right onto city streets. In LA, it's not just the fetid air that stinks, it's the whole damn city.
Venice Beach was on our itinerary for the Fourth of July. An early busride to the shore, a few beers, and the Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach Pageant were all in store--until LA's ridiculous mass transit system was entered into the equation. The metro was not only slow, but worse than crowded (and remember, I've lived in Tokyo). Most Angelenos will be quick to tell you that their bus system boasts the highest ridership in the nation, but don't be fooled. The amount of people packed into these cars says nothing of efficiency or usability, and looked at objectively, this sorry excuse for a bus system is the best that rich white taxpayers have to offer those of us who can no longer afford to drive. To put it another way, this shit is broke, and if you don't have a car, you're S.O.L.
In the end, Megan and I came home and found a nice vegan spot for lunch, played some Battleship (the new game of choice), and watched fireworks from our rooftop. With Gramercy Tower's central location and height, we were able to watch explosions at the Western beaches, the South Bay and the East Side. It was fun, but nothing can really beat a Nebraska Fourth of July. Cities seem oh-so-hip, but don't be fooled--people are doing a lot less living here than small town America.
brett at 01:37 PM on July 05, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)