Overall

Well it goes really without saying, but it's definately true; you have to go at least once. The city is so much a part of American culture, and yet it is so unique among other American cities. It is almost everything portrayed in the movies; there is extreme wealth, great weather, flashy cars, excellent shopping, and this is contrasted with the pollution, horrible traffic, gangs. My biggest problem with the L.A., is that it isn't a real city. I have never been to another place like it. There is really no distinct, or significant downtown. When you think about it, have you ever seen a picture of the Los Angeles skyline? No. There isn't one. This is why traffic is so bad. The city is so disconnected, and there are pockets of skyscrapers throughout the city- connected by freeways which are horribly congested. You need a car in this city more than any others. Parking is bad, but everywhere really does have valet. There is a downtown, but there is almost nothing there except for the new Disney concert hall, and the new Cathedrel of Our Lady of Angels- both of which are amazing. But definately go to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach. It is all really cool- and be prepared to spend a lot of money, and pretend that it doesn't matter.

Atmosphere

Convenience

Safety

Value

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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