GETTING AROUND LA WITHOUT A CAR

Did you know it's a myth that you can't get around Los Angeles without a car? I lived there for years and return annually for visits, and have never owned or rented a car.

How do I do it you ask? I mainly walk, and when the distance is too great, I take LA Metro. I don't understand why more people aren't on foot, because the weather is so appealing. It's also the best way to explore all this fascinating, beautiful city has to offer. I can never take in enough palm trees.

I won't lie; it's not a picnic riding the bus due to the congestion and number of stops; however, it's cheap ($1.75) and will get you where you need to go. The subway system is great, especially traveling to the downtown area.

If you plan to take multiple rides, I suggest buying a day pass for $7. You can also purchase a tap card for $1, which is re-loadable and makes for a fun souvenir.  http://www.metro.net/

Walking is my favorite way to spy the abundance of street art scattered around the city. You may even learn where to buy important items like earthquake supplies while you are wandering. 

The quickest and most economical way of getting to and from the airport is via the Flyaway Bus. It only sets me back $8 to ride from LAX to Union Station. http://www.lawa.org/FlyAway

I challenge you to get out there and pound some pavement to discover the real LA. How else would I have spied these cool street art pieces if I had not been on the sidewalk looking up (even though they had their eye on me)?

MEXICO CITY'S UNIQUE TRAITS

I fancy quirkiness when I travel, and found more unique traits in Mexico City than anywhere else. I fell hard for this astonishing city, because it's alluring, loud, gritty, chaotic, hospitable, and mesmerizing.

My observations:
*I rarely saw a stroller being used; babies were carried and young children walked.
*The subway is only 5 pesos. I repeat, 5 pesos (less than .40¢). Also, the trains run on rubber tires.
*The police cars always have their lights on.
*Lots and lots of abandoned buildings still standing from the major earthquake in 1985.
*You can ONLY drink bottled water.
*Windows don't have screens.
*Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Take note of that when crossing the street. 
*Police presence is extremely heavy. I have never seen officers wearing assault weapons or standing in the back of moving open trucks before.
*WiFi is quite accessible all over the city including parks.
*Beware ladies - with the exception of most restaurants, public toilets don't have seats. Also, toilet paper is typically available when you enter, not in the stalls.
*Merchandise is for sale at just about every street corner, and at times, I felt like I was at an auction:)
*In some neighborhoods, a street would be lined with stores that sell the exact same items. For instance, in the Zocalo neighborhood, I admired a music store and realized that every store on that street was a music store.
*Do not hail a cab from the street.
*An adorable miniature coat rack for your coat and purse will be brought to your table at restaurants.

This post wouldn't be complete without some quirky photos!

 

 I ♥ you Mexico City, and thank you for an amazing cultural experience.