[doglover]

This is the first time in two years that I missed Southern Ca. It happened while watching a cable show about Million Dollar Properties in SoCal. One Realtor covers Malibu, another Beverly Hills area and the other everything in between that sells for millions. Seeing the views from Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, Laguna Beach and Malibu just made me sigh because I forgot how beautiful parts of L.A. can really be. Of course they are the priciest areas because it is the prettiest areas that are the most green and well kept parts of L.A. I guess it was easier not to miss it by convincing myself that L.A. is ugly,etc.

[RVer]

I agree with you all the way. It's just that govt control got way out of control. I personally love Dana Point Harbor. We used to walk that place all night after a great seafood dinner at one of the dozen or so seafood restaurants. After dinner we went to the Chocolate shop and bought one of those $5 each truffles. Then walk it off.

During the day we did a cruise, came back and had more seafood for lunch there. Late afternoon we would walk Laguna Beach. Art shop after art shop after art shop. The artists capital of the world. Sidewalk cafes of all kind line the streets.

A friend of ours, actually my ex's friend who lives in Newport Beach is the Photographer for Crosby Stills Nash, has been for like 30 years. This is a side job for him. He is an Immigration Lawyer by trade. I was not impressed with Newport Beach. We ate out there one day and after we were finished we just looked at eachother and said lets get the hell outta here. Back to Dana Point we went.

[doglover]

I don't really like Newport either. Not very pretty as you drive around and very crowded. I've stayed in Laguna many times in my life. Best place was the Surf and Sand. Great restaurant too. Great Margaritas at Las Brisas on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) The inner parts of L.A. to me are drab and barren looking especially as you are flying up above. I have to get back to hating L.A. or I'll make myself miserable living here! Don't get me wrong...it's gorgeous here in New England. It's just the familiarity of seeing my home town that I let get to me....it's also almost Thanksgiving I it will be my third without my family...not a good time for me.

[Miss RDA]

doglover said:

This is the first time in two years that I missed Southern Ca. It happened while watching a cable show about Million Dollar Properties in SoCal. One Realtor covers Malibu, another Beverly Hills area and the other everything in between that sells for millions. Seeing the views from Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, Laguna Beach and Malibu just made me sigh because I forgot how beautiful parts of L.A. can really be. Of course they are the priciest areas because it is the prettiest areas that are the most green and well kept parts of L.A. I guess it was easier not to miss it by convincing myself that L.A. is ugly,etc.

GOTCHA! I knew something would make you melt...even if it's just temporarily:smile:. I feel the same way too when I see certain things about familiar places. If you need to think of ugly LA, think of parts of down town, think of Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, Panorama City. Think parts of Sepulveda Blvd at night. I'm sure these places where nice enough when you were a kid, but you have to admit they've become unsightly.

Still, I found myself getting misty eyed watching Boogie Nights the other day as so much of it was shot in the Valley including Reseda.

[RVer]

doglover said:

....it's also almost Thanksgiving I it will be my third without my family...not a good time for me.

It gets easier. It's been 9 years since I had any holiday with my family, It still sucks but it gets easier. I promise.

[Cali-girl]

doglover said:

This is the first time in two years that I missed Southern Ca. It happened while watching a cable show about Million Dollar Properties in SoCal. One Realtor covers Malibu, another Beverly Hills area and the other everything in between that sells for millions. Seeing the views from Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, Laguna Beach and Malibu just made me sigh because I forgot how beautiful parts of L.A. can really be. Of course they are the priciest areas because it is the prettiest areas that are the most green and well kept parts of L.A. I guess it was easier not to miss it by convincing myself that L.A. is ugly,etc.

Let me guess - Million Dollar Listing

That show has so many shots of the "Bu" along with the beautiful coastal hills and sunsets = I think this show would make any Californian homesick!

Morro Bay is coastal and not pricey like WLA. Same with Oceano and Arroyo Grande.

Come back!

~Cali-girl

[skytrekker]

I am sure being homesick S is something many former Californians face-

Seeing California on the News- makes me want to return for a visit- for all its ills according to Time Magazine- it still a place never to count out in the future.

[Wyody]

My daughter lives in L.A. She was suggesting again, the other day, that I relocate out that way.
There are many things about CA that I have always missed ... but I'm also a much different age than last times I lived there. Plus, after all these years in the mountains and forests, not sure I could re-adapt to the SoCal barren hills ... altho, living along the South Texas coast ain't no bag o' postcards either.
But I agree - once you spend a bit of time someplace decent in California, it will always be easy to miss.