Be a Tourist this Week
It’s natural to overlook a city’s beauty once you’ve become accustomed to it, especially if it’s your hometown. I used to see Los Angeles as a tourist, eyes filled with curiosity and wonderment. Every street, cafe, alley, and dusty corner appeared magical. Alas, what used to shine has dimmed. Having lived in LA for five years thus far, this sparkling city transformed into a mere backdrop of my everyday life.
Perhaps it’s a common trait when becoming a local; the initial romance of an alien city gradually replaced by nonchalance. Every so often I am reminded that you can never know everything about LA. It’s a highly-concentrated, ever-growing, ever-changing, multi-bipolar city. From food, entertainment, career opportunities, and Things-That-Must-Not-Be-Named, LA has much to offer (yes, that was a Harry Potter reference). The weather is so awesome that if I had to choose a place to be homeless, it’d be LA. Note: supposedly the homeless near the beach are richer than those in downtown. Just letting you know in case you ever decide to change careers.
Hollywood and Venice Beach are only miles away yet it seems tourists know how to enjoy the city more than its residents. Understandable. Being a local means maintaining a life and fulfilling responsibilities. Being a tourist means exploring the unknown and indulging everything possible.
This week, wherever you live, BE A TOURIST. Explore uncharted territory. Inject spontaneity into the daily drone. It can be as simple as stepping into a thrift shop. A seemingly ordinary place may turn out to be extraordinary. Dine at that restaurant you always pass by and think “I should go there some time” yet never have been. Reignite the spark between you and your city. Treat it like a lover and it will love you back.
For the next seven days, I will be a part-time tourist in LA. Check back next weekend to read about my mini adventures! Feel free to share your experiences too. Happy local travels :)
(Written by Professor Oh)
(Photo: Walt Disney Concert Hall. Taken by Carol M. Highsmith)
Hi professor oh, great article on LA, I have lived in so cal for many years and its great. If you ever get down to Huntington beach let me know!I want to know in the k dramas why they turn there heads when they take the first sip of a drink? Is this some sort of custom? Let me know
Btw you are great at the kwow videos.i have learned quite a bit by watching them.
Thank you for all your hard work!
Hello Eric, very nice catch on the drinking scene. People turn their head to the side to drink in the presence of an elder or a person a higher ranking. It is to show respect. Thank you for your words of encouragement! :)
Hi, Professor Oh!
I’m retired in Illinois & my son is currently teaching English in Seoul. I’ve watched so many Korean tv shows & movies with Eng. Subs. that I should be able to speak or at least understand the language. But as everything in Korean is SOV & in English it’s SVO I get confused just listening to it. I’m enjoying your instructions so much! If you ever get tired of teaching, turn to acting. Your characters are a delight! Now, back to the next lesson…
Hello Jan, thank you for your lovely message. I hope your son is having a blast in Seoul! Perhaps KWOW episodes 32 and 34 might be helpful to him? Trends come and go quickly in Korea (as with many other Asian countries). If he likes something there, tell him to indulge while he can. Have yourself a Happy Valentine’s evening in Illinois :)
professor Oh
I am the mom of two sons born in Korea ages 8 and 10. I am so happy to have found your classes. When I took my sons for instruction in Korean, the teacher spoke no English so they did not learn very much. I look forward to making your classes a family affair.
Hello Dede, it’s an honor you’ve invited my characters and I into your home. Cheers to education and family time!