Posts by mystery

Located along the Southern California coast and home to the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles has been occupied by humans for almost 10,000 years.

Recorded history of the area began in 1542 with the arrival of the Spanish explorer, Juan Cabrillo. The first permanent settlement, a Spanish mission, was built in 1769, and the territory remained under Spanish control until 1821 when it passed to Mexico. Twenty- six years later, it became territory of the United States.

In the early part of the last century, the film industry made Los Angeles its home and the city experienced a period of growth that has pushed its population over the four million mark. It is a truly global city. It serves as the political, social, and cultural center of an extended metropolitan center of over eighteen million people. Although it is well known for the Hollywood based movie industry, Los Angeles is also the United States’ largest manufacturing center.

It is estimated that the population of Los Angeles is made of up of people from over 140 countries speaking over 224 different languages. The city is a cultural center offering just about every dining, entertainment, and recreational activity that could be imagined. Its location on the coast and its mild sub tropical climate make it an ideal vacation spot. Its residents, called Angelinos, must cope with many of the same problems that plague other huge metropolitan areas such as crime and air pollution. They do it, however, in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, "The City of the Angels."

There is an image of Los Angles that has become part of our culture. It is the young and pretty girl fresh off the farm that comes to LA to make it in the movies. Or it is the young man who comes west to make his fortune.

While there is some truth to this stereotype, it does not tell the whole story of LA’s lure for young people. The presence in the city of two major Universities and a score of other colleges, and a population that exceeds 18 million in it surrounding area, makes Los Angeles a single’s dream come true.

Not only are there a lot of prospective dates out there, but an almost unlimited set of options. The mild weather makes most dating activities available year-round. There is a vibrant night life in a city that never seems to sleep, as well as a plethora of daytime activities.

There are a lot of theme parks in Los Angeles featuring some of the most exciting and wild amusement rides in the country. There are miles of sandy beaches and blue Pacific Ocean surf within easy reach. The city is home to several major sports franchises with games going on almost every day or night.

If there is a down side to dating in Los Angeles, it is not from a lack of eligible partners or from worrying about having nothing to do. It is picking between all the options, and narrowing down the endless choices.

When you think of Chinatown you may just think of one particular place. What you’ll find though is both Old Chinatown and New Chinatown, both with their different exotic sights, incredible smells of authentic Chinese food, and the many different shops and stores that hold treasures for everyone.

Walking the streets of Chinatown is by far the best way to get around. It is a simple trolley ride on the Gold line or you could take the Dash Minibus B from downtown Los Angeles. You can jump off right as you get to the base of Chinatown and you’re on your way.

With the many shops, restaurants, and décor of the architecture, the color and appearance makes it a popular tourist spot, as well as a place locals like to go to experience a culture that may be far from the norm in Los Angeles. You’ll know when you reach Chinatown by the landmark East Gate on N. Broadway. From there you can start your own self guided tour of Chinatown or you can take one of the many guided tours that lead you in to the most well sought after parts of Chinatown that few people know about.

You’ll most likely start with the Golden Pagoda which is about 50 feet high and one of the last newer buildings that was built in Chinatown. Although typically a tourist spot, it is a sight to behold. You can then make your way over to The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. With the magnificent architecture around this wishing well, it’ll be hard not to see the splendor of Chinatown in all of the old and new glory.

Meander your way through the alleys and you’ll find some of the most sought after Chinese herbs that have been used traditional Chinese medicine and teas for thousands of years. Fresh and ready to be bought, you’ll learn quite a bit about prolonging your life with the likes of ginseng root, pearl pills, and even gecko lizards.

For a little fun you should stop by the fortune cookie factory and see how they are really made. Sure, it’s a little self indulgent, but who doesn’t want to know how those tiny papers really get in those cookies? While you are being self indulgent, it may be time to eat by now. The Stockton Street food market is just the place to stop. Whether it’s Dim Sum you’re craving or a more exotic cuisine that you have yet to try, you’ll find it here. You may even pick up a few authentic foods to take home and try to make yourself.

For the art and history lover, Chung King Road is a must. They will do art openings in the evening that give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful and moving pieces of art. After you take in your fair share of culture you can hit the bars or more restaurants to talk late into the night with your friends. Chinatown is more than just a place to buy silk; it is a cornucopia of knowledge, food, culture, and fun.