I'm not sure when I first heard about the passeggiata -- a sort of ritualized stroll which takes place along the coasts and in the town squares of many Italian villages. I'm a fan of walking customs around the world, such as competitive pedestrianism, forest bathing, rambles, and walkabouts -- so, of course, the passeggiata is right … Continue reading Urban Rambles — The Passeggiata in Los Angeles and the Silver Lake Reservoir Stroll
Month: December 2017
Pan-Asian Metropolis — Overseas Chinese Cuisine
In recent years it seems to have finally begun to dawn on a growing number of folks that Chinese cuisine is far from monolithic. That this comes as a surprise to anyone comes as something of a surprise to me. Ancient human teeth were discovered in Hunan -- and presumably, they were used to eat … Continue reading Pan-Asian Metropolis — Overseas Chinese Cuisine
Mist & Iron — Climbing Mount San Antonio
INTRODUCTION “You look like you got a bit of sun,” an acquaintance told me, last winter, having noticed that my face was bright red. I explained that I'd just hiked up Mount San Antonio and had, as I often do, forgotten to apply sunblock. His only response was a blank stare. Realizing that more people know … Continue reading Mist & Iron — Climbing Mount San Antonio
Swinging Doors — The Chain Pubs of Los Angeles
In 2015, whilst vacationing in England, I ducked into the first pub I encountered in the tiny village of Crowmarsh Gifford. It was the first real English pub that I'd ever been in and whereas I had been led to believe that all pubs were cozy, warm, and woozily welcoming places, this one had an ambiance … Continue reading Swinging Doors — The Chain Pubs of Los Angeles
There It Is, Revitalize It — The Los Angeles River
THE LOS ANGELES RIVER The Los Angeles River begins in Canoga Park, at the confluence of ... From there it flows 82 kilometers east and south into the San Pedro Bay. I decided to ride its length on my bicycle, Cream Soda. I invited anyone who wanted to join me but none came -- which … Continue reading There It Is, Revitalize It — The Los Angeles River
Greater Streets — Exploring Valley Boulevard
INTRODUCTION Normally when I write an account of one of my explorations, it's after I've concluded it. Sometimes I work on them for months and when I can't stand thinking about it anymore, I just publish it and figure I'll correct the typos later. However, I began exploring and writing about Valley Boulevard more than a … Continue reading Greater Streets — Exploring Valley Boulevard
Eric Brightwell 