Walking around Downtown LA solo

Traveling solo is not my gig, unless I am sent on a business trip. I am used to traveling alone but it was always for a meeting or when I had to go home. As much as possible, I prefer not to venture exploring various sights on my own because I didn’t see any enjoyment in it. It was until I walked around downtown LA all by myself that I learned a different exhilarating feeling of traveling unaccompanied by friends or without the comfort of familiar faces.

Alone, I flew to San Francisco to attend a conference. After the business part of the trip, I took the opportunity of spending a few days with a friend in LA. But on my first day, she had to go to work so I had to tour the city on my own, something I wasn’t keen on doing. Worse, I had to walk so I was overly self-conscious as I braved the streets of downtown LA. I couldn’t even take out my camera for fear of attracting attention.

I opted to try a free tour of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. From W 5^th St. at Pershing Square, which was across the historic Biltmore Hotel, I walked uphill to Temple St. passing by LA Times and the Civic Center. I was a bit scared as I passed by some homeless people begging along the streets. They talked to me but I kept walking.

After the church tour, I walked back down the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There were free tours offered but only from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. I missed the free tour but I still entered the hall lobby. Outside, the architecture looks magnificent, while its interior was classy. I wanted to look around but with the free tour over, I decided not to linger. I proceeded with my Grand Avenue walk passing by the LA Superior Court, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Wells Fargo Center, and US Bank Tower, which was the tallest building in downtown LA.

I went on to Macy’s at 7th street to check the stores. Although there was a summer sale going on, some items were still expensive to my Filipino standards. I went down to Borders to check their books.

One thing I have observed from Americans was that they were approachable, always offering a smile to strangers and engage them in small talk. There I was browsing through some books when a small girl came beside me. I looked down and she just smiled up and offered me a “hello” to which I responded amiably. I have been receiving the same kind of reception even in San Francisco.

I ended my downtown LA adventure with a vitot at the public library. But it was already closing so I went back to my friend’s place to rest my foot from all the afternoon walking to wait for her from work. While watching TV, I was happy with myself for what I have done that day. I felt I have overcome a big challenge within me and found myself wanting to try it again.

So when I went back to San Francisco, I decided to take the nine-hour train ride aboard Amtrak so I would be able to see more of California.

Now, I hope to go to the beach on my own and enjoy the sound of the waves and the rocking motion of the sea while the wind brushes on my cheeks. When that would be is the big question.