Solo in LA

I’ve always been extremely insecure about being alone in public places since a young age, and while time and circumstances forced me out of my comfort zone, the innate fear driving my actions hadn’t ever been addressed. Until now.

Growth is the motto of my life. Key checkpoints of growth – moments where you think to yourself: I can’t believe I’m doing this because yesterday, I would not have and I could not have done this. And that’s exactly how I felt about going to LA on my own to go to a wedding I wasn’t sure I would know anyone at.

I still remember when I went to Europe with one other female friend and we were constantly bombarded with the comment – “Have you seen Taken before??” It still irks me and I still think those girls were literally just being dumb, but at the same time, the reality is that I am more vulnerable, not because of anything I can control, but simply because of who I am. So arriving at Union Station before the crack of dawn, I did take precautions to not walk out on the street until it was light outside. Fortunately, the inside of this place is gorgeous.

What’s LA without some imported palm trees?

I love walking through downtown LA, and it helped to connect the dots of many locations that I thought of as separate entities. It’s like when you’re playing a video game and as you walk through new territory, the map of the space gets revealed.

Urth Caffe – my first stop. This is one of my favorite places in LA and the perfect spot for some avocado toast and matcha latte to energize tired me who was not able to sleep much on the bus.

More walking from Urth Caffe back to the Union Station area. Across the street is the historic Chinatown district and apparently the oldest fire station in LA – Old Plaza Firehouse!

Olvera Street – Makes me think of Coco. I’ve always loved the colorful stalls and cut paper art strung up in rows and rows. Churros and taquitos galore that I wish I had another five stomaches for.

Philippe’s – I always want to try something new each time I go back to LA and it’s French dip sandwiches this time! But here are some familiar faces – my Flow boys and they’re all grown up. So thankful to be able to pick up from where we left off.

So beautiful!! I didn’t realize until way later that this is actually the church they attend (or at least the church rents this space), which makes it not only beautiful but meaningful! Only downside is that the police sirens that went off more than once during the ceremony really echo. Poor builders probably didn’t think about that one.

M – the lovely bride! I always tell people that she was the one who showed me not to depend on a man to define my identity – that God has His timing, but in the meanwhile, I need to value and care for myself as He created me. So encouraged to be a witness of God’s timing in allowing her to meet A and for them to begin a new journey together.

Korean food served at the wedding!!! – kalbi jjim and multiple types of rice cake YUM

I’m so thankful for the big family of God that comes around and supports one another. Even though it’s been a long time, and there was awkwardness mixed in, I was touched by everyone’s taking time to welcome me, catch up, and even do things like give me a ride back to Union Station so that I wouldn’t have to take public transportation at night. All acts that give me courage to respond in the same way and reach out of my comfort zone again next time.

And the clock struck midnight, and I was back on a bus to go home. I was probably so tired that I instantly fell asleep soundly until I got home. LA, until next time~