Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Los Angeles - although not a National Park (which is the main reason I am in America, to explore them) Los Angeles has spurred my interest into human geography elements. I have learnt about the different districts in LA but sadly have not been able to visit them all. I have seen an amazing contrast between the affluent areas and areas spirraling into decline.
Expecting Hollywood to have a certain 'glamourous appeal' to it I was instead staring at a tourist hot spot with old buildings with graffitied walls, damaged sidewalks, sirens from cop cars, beeping car horns from impatient city drivers and helicopters flying around overhead. Not what I expected admittedly but I am sure it reflects other city traits. The Walk of Fame seemed saddened as many names were going into disrepair; people forgetting that some of these names contributed to the rise and success of what we call 'Hollywood'.
The whole of Hollywood Boulevard is crammed with superheroes and characters working for tips. There are men (not women) stuffing 'See Beverley Hills and Star Homes' tour leaflets in our faces and hands, trying desperately to make conversation most commonly asking us where we are from. It is hard to believe such a place is decorated in red carpet for the likes of the Academy Awards and made to look beautiful. My original perception was truly a false one.
A whole new world emerges as you head west toward the Pacific Ocean. The ground becomes greener and the air is filled with the smell of fresh flowers. Palm trees are abundant, leading you to a place very different from the Hollywood you left behind. An area reflecting the true glamour of Hollywood - Beverley Hills and Bel-Air. The contrast is astounding. You can taste it. Rich. Money. Mansions. Disposable incomes. A Porche (excuse if the spelling is wrong - you know the type of car I mean!) being delievered to a middle aged man as he sits in the driver's seat waiting for a picture of himself to be taken. I saw this with my own eyes. I was definately in a world unlike anything I have ever experienced. It's only a world I have seen on TV, but you can't appreciate it until you're here and even then you only skim the surface. You feel that you cannot even afford to stand there. The divide between the very very rich and poor is very noticeable in LA.
Besides tourism and the affluent areas versus the poorer areas I have found people to be actively helping the environment. There have been beach clean-ups along Santa Monica beach as people (unsure if they were volunteers, students, employees etc) were collecting litter and recording what they had collected. I also met an organisation along Sunset Boulevard called 'Environment California'. They were actively campaigning to try and get people interested in the environment and their cause. They told me that there is a pile of rubbish the size (or twice the size, can't remember at this point) of Texas floating in the ocean. Serious problem. Good job I am doing a geography degree - stuff like that is more than a serious problem. I mean look at the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As a geographer there is so much going on in the world that we can help out with and with the acquired knowledge we can educate others.
Public transport is really good here as there is the Metro (rail and bus) which people use to save money on petrol, insurance and servicing and it is better for the environment.
Overall, LA has typical characteristics of a city but it is a city unto itself. No where in the world is there a Hollywood and a Beveley Hills. The life-styles here are very much what you see in the movies and that in itself is scary.
I will be starting my Trek America tour from South to North USA tomorrow! I will be seeing amazing places and engaging in awesome activities. I can't wait to see more National Parks! For a more detailed idea of what I did in LA and all my activities on Trek America, I will be updating when I get to my friend's in Washington. So brace yourself and watch this space! Pictures will be uploaded there as well!
Love from Ruthie -x-
- comments