nostalgic L.A.

I've always found it fascinating how foreigners view Los Angeles.  I'm always curious about their expectations of Los Angeles, and interested in how to some extent Los Angeles does or does not live up to those expectations.  Talking to foreigners about L.A. always reminds me of why I love L.A. and why I dislike L.A.  I guess you can say I miss the L.A. I knew growing up, and that I do not care so much for this trendy-Hollywood-brand-name L.A. 

I miss the blue collar neighborhood I grew up in where ice cream trucks were the best afternoon treats, and the two-dollar double-features at the Clinton theater was the happening spot.  Way before the Beverly Center became a trendy tourist attraction, and when Shatto Lanes and the college arcade were the coolest places to go to.  The time when LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits was the favored after-school hangout.  And when taco trucks just served tacos and burritos at unknown/unpopular neighborhoods. 

I'm nostalgic for old L.A.  I miss the old L.A.   

I miss the old us - the neighborhood kids that came from different cultures and backgrounds but saw no difference in each other.  The neighborhood kids that naturally bonded because we came from similar immigrant-working class household, and we understood how it was to have limited means but big dreams.  I miss the old us that appreciated the smallest treats - a quarter for a scoop of Thrifty's ice cream, or a Big Stick popsicle, or a Caramba soda.  I'm nostalgic for the time when our interracial neighborhood was the most fascinating place because really, it was.  I miss the old L.A.  I miss the old us.   

*photo via americanimages