…then those of us who love to travel should be more touristy at heart… at home! :) Jason and I have been making more of an effort to escapade around our city as if we are just here to visit and I have to tell you, not only has it given us more memories together and provided quality time in the process, but it has been superbly fun!
I noticed that we only start to care about our city when we’re leaving it, or have left it for awhile. For example: I just recently went home to visit Seattle and seriously.. WOW have I been missing out on some gems in the city simply because it was my “home” and I didn’t see a “need” to explore. This time back, I googled top 10 places to visit and jotted them down (picking only 2 to see)… then agreed to see a park that promised a skyline view like I’ve never seen before (I can’t believe I’ve never been to Kerry Park after all this time!!)… and then, my sister, brother-in-law, and mom checked out the Underground tour in Seattle… it gave us really cool history on not just what used to be pioneer square, but how Seattle came to be. What the first settlers did.. how the toilet got the name “crapper”. It’s such a shame.. how many memories and experiences were lost simply because I didn’t live life with a sense of urgency to experience all the good that this city offered.
So upon returning to LA, I’ve made a few more efforts to yelp new eats in a current location that I happen to be at. Drive around the long way home and see what I discover. Look up touristy (and local) things to do.. and go do them. For example today, my husband and I went to see the Watts Towers. I think a lot of residents stay clear from that area because it’s not known to be that safe of a neighborhood.. but we went right before sunset.. and the towers were incredible. It reminded me of Gaudi’s work in Barcelona, Spain.. and who would have thought that in my own city I could have an experience reminiscent of one I had in another country?
So this blog is to encourage you to utilize the technology we’ve been given to research and find a few different things to experience in your city at least once a month with friends. Not only will you become a better guide for when friends come to visit, but you will have the time of your life experiencing it all. 
Happy travels!!
