L.A. or not L.A?

Show all answers

pumpkin

It depends on your age, but if you are a grown up, then try to talk to your mum and explain her that you need to see it yourself if you can literally step on your two feet alone... But in my case, if my mum warns me about sth and I don't listen to her and do what I want, I always end up with what she told me; which is quite annoying:)))

chieromancer

I don't see any problem with going on holiday alone. I say why spoil a perfectly good time by going with someone I know.

Just use common sense. Don't go to any bars or frat parties, get sh!tfaced and pass out.

But if you're planning on moving here, that's another story.

Paris Hilton

How friggin old are you ??? If you're over 18 come on out, if you are 16 ---better listen to your Mom for a while..

Obviousman

So how old are you? 22? That's old enough.

Someone else thought up the excellent idea of a tour group. There's safety in numbers. Why not a tour group? You can interact with others, or keep to yourself.

I'm sure your mum would feel much better if you took a holiday with a group.

I'm sensing that you're just screaming to get out of whatever situation you're in. A lot of people do that, and come to LA, thinking it's easy. Or some people want to just get as far away as possible. I'm not your mum. But I'll ask you the same thing I would ask a friend: It's time for a "gut check". Look at yourself. Hard. Really Hard. Now, ask yourself why you're going. is it to hur your mum? Do you just need to get away and prove you're independant? For most people, it's the latter. So, you should ask yourself another tough question? Are you ready, really ready, to make it out on your own? Maybe your mum looks at you and sees that your not quite ready. Maybe she's being overprotective, or maybe you're really not ready. I'm not there, so I can't possibly know. However, I do know that it's best to test the waters of independence a little at a time. If you dive in without looking, you could find that the water is a little colder and deeper than you thought, or you could hit your head on a rock.

So, my advice is to come over and visit with a group. It's a chance to show your independance without cutting off your mum completely.

Remember, you may be in a similar situation down the road a few years...

kittykattt

If youre old enough then come, contact me whenever you do, if im free ill hang out with u and show u the real l.a., good and bad! its not all fake and superficial, lots of culture here if you know where to find it!

lingua06437

If you are at all dependant on your Mum for help, then you must take her wishes in to account. Will she be forking out money for your education? Will she be helping you purchase a car? Will you be staying with her at all? If you still want to go you must win her over.

If you are truly on your own and paying all of your own bills, then do what you want. If this is the case, there is no harm in sending Mum an email every day letting her know you are alright.

Be sure you have enough money saved up. LA is not like europe. The public transportation is terrible. It is so spread out - that taxi's would cost you an arm and a leg. You will need to rent a car.

Stay in a safe area. Santa Monica, West LA, Encino, Redondo Beach - these would all be nice. You can be in just about any part of LA during the day as long as you go about your business and don't dawdle around. But at night, only be in a safe area.

I think you will find that Southern Californians are vivacious and easy to talk to. Even for an introvert like yourself. You will likely find it easy to break out of your shell and meet people. But just beware that they are also a bit more plastic than most people too - so you won't really know if they are your friends unless you suffer a trial together. And since you will be there just a short while you won't have time for that. So enjoy the people you meet - just don't wear your heart on a sleave.

LA is worth seeing! If not next year, definately go some time in your lifetime. Don't miss Venice Beach, the Getty Center or Hollywood Boulevard. (Wouldn't reccomend a single young girl to be on Hollywood Boulevard, or Venice beach alone at night - but the day is just fine for both.) And definately go for the Mexican Food! Avoid chain mexican restaurants. Look for a small family owned Mexican Restaurant. Get a carne asada burrito. You'll be hooked!

Peedlepup

Your mother loves you , and has your best interests at heart. She is worried that something bad may happen to you when your so far from home. Just take these things into consideration;

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive places in the United States to live. You would need lots of money to survive here, and still have enough to get back to the U.K. if you need to. The age of majority in the U.S. is 18, so if you haven't reached that age yet there are going to be limits on things you might want to do. For example, you would not be able to work without a work permit. Transportation would be a problem for you. If you got in trouble with the police, as a minor without a visible means of support, you would probably be deported.

If you do decide to come for a visit, stay away from Hollywood, as you said, you are not street wise, and in Hollywood there are "users & abusers" just waiting to prey on unaccompanied young people like you.

There are unlimited vacation / holiday places much closer to the U.K. to choose from for your first trip alone. Please save your first visit to the U.S.A for a little later in life when you are older and more prepared for such an experience.

kris76

Go, your Mom will still love you. If you have the chance to do what you want to do, then do it, dont let anyone stop you. Some people grow old and regret that they were not able to follow their dreams, or see what they want. I have travelled to most of the places I have dreamed of going, and dont regret it at all. Even against families wishes. Just make sure when you go, you try to keep daily contact with your Mom, and make sure you have a good time. There are lots of great things to see and experience here in LA, just have a plan, and good transportation. Taxis are very spendy, Public transportation is not the greatest to see all the sights, and even driving can be taxing, from all the traffic. But, my recommendation is to follow your dreams, and have fun.

tina

well really u shouldn't just do things because u want to hurt ur mum,also u need to sit down and tell her how u feel talk with her she may have some solutions,she may not want u to go but if u do then she will want the best 4 u and will want to help,its nice to have a bit of freedom and that's the best way to do it.

perfectlybaked

Wow, you sound a lot like me! I'm without friends, and travel is the only antidote to that! I think it's because travel is such a hugely fun, high-impact thing. Everything about it, from the airport to the flying... It's just thrilling.

...AND... I've wanted to go to L.A. for a long time myself. I almost went last weekend, but at the last minute I got invited to go to a club. The ticket was going to be $500, roundtrip, and I was just going to stay for 1 day.

I would've not had anyone to travel with. My philosophy is, when I have friends, I don't need to travel, so I would never take someone with me, because travel is a last resort for me, when I'm just sitting at home in my room. I love to be able to change the background of this life, just like that, and separate thousands of miles between my room, and where I would end up. Of course, I am running out of money, so I'll be stuck here eventually until I can pay off my credit cards.

I went to Tokyo (biggest city in the world) by myself in 2004. I only stayed for 3 days, but I was fine.

lalapunk

You should be at least 21 if you plan to come here alone, otherwise listen to mommy.

Servette

DO NOT come to L.A. alone for the first time. It is a big city actually a large city. Public transportations suck big time.
One of the most expensive area of the US.
Come with someone for visit, but do not stay here alone, unless you have a job opportunity and/or you are well qualify to get one.
If you are coming from another country, need work permit/green card which is not easy to get.
Think abou it.

zipps_1986

Well, I'm in LA, you should come visit me.

laplandfan

Could your Mum not go with you? Might be fun going on an adventure together?

kool_feet

Get Involved with an organized tour group. A group of members of your faith to come and do charity work for a short period of time; like HABITAT FOR HUMANITY! If I were going to LA; look around and then take the AMTRACK CALIFORNIA to San Francisco Bay Area or San Diego! Travel light and keep you eyes and ears; OPEN! When your visa is going to expire; LEAVE! So you can come back someday! If could organize in advance it would be very helpful! Do what your GUT FEELINGS TELL YOU!

papaya

L.A is the BEST!

Newport Bar Guy

Los Angeles is dangerous. It gets blowed up repeatedly by terrists. Seen it on 24.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: