Welcome to Los Angeles

I am starting this blog for a number of reasons, the main one being that I want to encourage others to take advantage of the state and city that we to go to school, and yes, live in. In fact, I think that for many of you, this location was a huge draw when picking where you pursued your higher education. But now that you are here, you are probably thinking “I don’t even know how/where to start exploring this city”.

Since my first year at Whittier College (I’m currently a senior) I have seen a definite interest from my classmates regarding what Southern California and Los Angeles has to offer, but I have also noticed a distinct lack of action. So… I have decided that it isn't due to lack of interest or motivation that many Whittier and Southern California College student's aren't taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities around them, so what is it?

This is where I hope to come in. I have come to find that many student's don't have the time, knowledge or motivation to investigate, plan and encourage others to actually make their desire to explore become a reality. There is a endless wealth of opportunities, destinations, locations and explorations in the Los Angeles area, and it can be seriously daunting to figure out where to start. I however, am one of few people who enjoy this research and planning process and who is willing to motivate (and sometimes force) my friends to leave the comfort of our campus and explore what is out there in the "real world." Most of them will tell you it is (almost) always worth it in the end.

The purpose of this blog will be to give others the where, when, how, and why of getting off campus and into the big, bad, beautiful world of Los Angeles. I will be posting new and interesting locations, information about them, experiences from past trips and will be letting people know of future trips to come.

I am indeed hoping to motivate as many people as possible to venture out. Many of us are here for only a short period of time and will then return to our homes of origin. It would be the greatest tragedy of all to have come all this way and not be able to say you explored the city of Los Angeles.

I am also encouraging everyone to send me feedback, lots of feedback:

Let me know places you might want to visit and learn more about (beaches, restaurants, vintage shops, hiking..?).

What have been your obstacles in getting off campus (transportation, time, money, knowledge of the area?).

How do you like the format of the blog? Is the information helpful?

All comments would be helpful!

Welcome to Los Angeles,

Whitney

PS here are a few photos for motivation.

Sunsets in Venice Beach.

(some of the best in L.A.)

Happy Hour at Cuba Libre in Los Feliz

Rockin' out to Steel Panther in Hollywood

(Weekly 80s cover band)

Hiking in Griffith Park