Dear L.A.
I've lived in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas (Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Tujunga, DTLA) for about three years now (not all in a row, but close), and I can safely say I have a pretty harsh love/hate relationship with this place. L.A. is ugly, has boring architecture, the traffic is the WORST, and there really are a ton of people here trying to be famous or get discovered at every ice cream shop, club, and street corner.However, even though I can say a million horrible things about Los Angeles, I also have a few good thoughts on this place and as I prepare to abandon it (only three more days!) in favor of the Great White North (aka Canada), I thought I'd write a little letter to Los Angeles to thank it for how it has contributed to who I am today.
Dear L.A.,We have been through a lot together. My whole college career, internships, amazing friends. But I've known since the day I set foot in this town that it would be a temporary living space for me, and now the day has come for us to part ways.I'm not going to sugarcoat this for you, you're not the prettiest city I've ever had the pleasure of courting, but certain parts of you are incredible. I can't deny that your proximity to the Pacific doesn't make me justify your numerous other flaws everytime I set foot in that warm sand and get salt water in my hair.
Ugh and the food! You do so many things so well: Mexican, Chinese, Italian. You have a million dessert shops, each offering better cupcakes or ice cream than the last. And the best part? All of it is gorgeous because you know half your revenue is from being reposted on Instagram.You've also taught me much about taking care of myself. Although you can get a little dramatic with all your overpriced juice cleanses and fancy gym memberships, you really showed me that it is ok to put a priority on self-care. You gave me all sorts of healthy eating options and introduced me to heaven in bowl form: acai bowls. You also made sure I never got bored exercising and offered me my choice of many boxing, yoga, swimming, and hiking prospects to stay fit.
And even though you can be way too expensive and way too superficial, you were also the place where I met some of my absolute best friends. These are the friends that taught me to be more open minded, more social, and more generous. They taught me it's ok to depend on others and to be vulnerable with them. They are friends that I can laugh, cry, or be silent with. The kind that truly change you as a person, shape your life, and stay with you forever, and for that, I will always be grateful.See you again soon L.A.
Love, Melina