26 days

My 26 days in Los Angeles (sans 5 days spent in Cabo) went by pretty quickly. This past Thursday was my one-year anniversary of moving to NYC. While I can't yet say anything definitive, some casual observations about which is better, L.A. or NYC, can still be made... (drumroll):

Transportation costs: In the past 26 days I put 900 miles on my car, spent nearly $100 on gasoline, another $21 on an oil change, and roughly $20 on parking. Not to mention wear and tear on my car. I even skimped on going through a car wash to save $15. In comparison? A one-month unlimited Metro card costs $104. NYC FTW. Now I'm thinking the cost of that Metro card isn't that bad after all.

Food: People rave about food in NYC but I have yet to discover any place that has truly amazed me. Sure, I have a couple of favorites already, but I am still struggling to find good Asian foods. Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean foods win in L.A. Other cuisines also win simply for the price. Not only is food in L.A. less expensive, it's also fresher and tastes better year round.

Weather: I think most people would say L.A. wins overall. But I actually found myself, several times, preferring the summer weather in NYC. Except for days of unbearable heat and humidity, I enjoy a pleasant 80 during the day and a pleasant 70 at night. It means I can wear tank tops and shorts all day without having to bring a sweater. Summer nights in L.A. are a bit too chilly for my tastes. However, 26 days and sunny every single day (nary a hurricane in sight)...I think it's a toss up.

Neither wins. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to heading back to NYC. Hopefully the recent hurricane hasn't been too disastrous. Was worried about my little 15th floor room. Am looking forward to lounging on my couch and watching TV (yes, I realize I can do that anywhere in the world, but, this one's my own personal space, for now).

Unlike one year ago, I'm not anxious or apprehensive. I won't feel all out of sorts. However I think I do still feel somewhat disjointed, disconnected. As if I'm split between two coasts. I want to be in both places at the same time. Or at least traverse between the two more frequently. Yet somehow the journey is incredibly long.

ONT to LGA tomorrow!