City of Firsts and Forevers
Some places stay in your mind. Others settle into your bones. For me, that place has always been Los Angeles. I first moved to LA in the early ’90s, a suitcase full of ambition and a heart wide open to possibility. This was where I became independent — where I learned how to live, how to chase dreams, and how to stand on my own two feet. Los Angeles wasn’t just my first home away from home; it was where I built the foundation of the life I live today. Every time I return, it’s not a visit. It’s a homecoming.
Finding My Voice at USC
My LA story began at the University of Southern California, studying film and television — surrounded by the kind of energy you can only find in a city built on storytelling. Every street felt like a movie set, every coffee shop was a creative workshop, every late-night drive a scene in the making.
I vividly remember a lecture with the late, legendary director Richard Donner. After class, I rushed to catch him and asked, “What do you think about female directors?” He didn’t hesitate. “We need more of them,” he said. It was just a sentence. But for a young woman trying to find her footing in a male-dominated industry, it felt like someone had cracked open a door — and dared me to walk through.
Leaving LA: A Bittersweet Goodbye
The plan was to stay. But life had other ideas. As a Canadian without a green card or work visa, I eventually had to leave — and it felt like a breakup I hadn’t been ready for. Heartbroken, it took me nearly a decade to return. When I finally did, I realized something: You can leave LA, but it never really leaves you. It stays tucked inside you, like a song you’ll never forget the words to.
Driving Through Memories
In the summer of 2024, I attended IPW, the annual travel conference that brings together industry leaders from around the world. Each year, a different city has the honour of hosting — and this time, it was Los Angeles’ turn to shine. I did what any nostalgic Angeleno-at-heart would do: I rented a car, because in LA, you need one to get around. The famous neighbourhoods might be pedestrian once you’re there, but getting to them requires wheels. As soon as I hit the ignition, it felt like no time had passed. I hit all of my favourite haunts. I cruised the Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Malibu Pier, letting the ocean mist and golden light fill the car. Cold Canyon’s winding roads were a quiet escape, just as I remembered.
I wandered along Hollywood Boulevard, letting my sneakers find their old rhythm against the familiar sidewalks. The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood? Still electric, still alive. One afternoon, I grabbed a bike–instead of a skateboard– and pedalled the iconic stretch from Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier — salty air, sun on my face, laughing like the college kid I used to be. And yes, some rituals don’t change: on the way back to the conference events I made a nostalgic stop at the In-N-Out Burger on Sunset. Some bites taste like time travel.
The Soundtrack of My LA
If Los Angeles has a soundtrack, mine is stitched together from nights at The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, Rainbow Room and The Viper Room. These weren’t just venues — they were places where legends were made, and dreams felt tangible.
One of my favourite haunts back then was the now-closed Sunset Social Club, where you could catch an impromptu Buddy Guy set over a slice of (controversially good) pineapple pizza. Sweet, salty, and a little bit rebellious — much like the legendary Chateau Marmont just up the road. Since its opening in the 1920s, the Chateau has drawn Hollywood’s brightest stars, and the ’90s were no different. It was the stomping ground for the likes of Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore, Courtney Love — and one wide-eyed Canadian soaking it all in.
And then there was Melrose Avenue — my personal shopping playground of indie shops, eccentric style, and unexpected treasures. In LA, the best finds often come to those who wander. And just off Melrose, Fairfax High School added its own note to the city’s music history. It’s where Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and Hillel Slovak first crossed paths — long before the world knew their names.
Introducing Friends to the City I Love
One of the greatest joys of this trip was sharing my LA with friends who were seeing it for the very first time. Most nights, I would take one or two fellow delegates on impromptu tours — no grand agenda, just letting the city unfold. One evening, I found myself driving a fellow Canadian writer along my favourite routes. We stopped at In-N-Out Burger on Sunset (again? I know…), the line as packed as ever, and grabbed a table. As fate would have it, we ended up sitting next to an IPW delegate from Oregon.
Between bites of burgers and fries, we traded stories, travel tips, and laughs. She mentioned she was headed to catch a film at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre — so of course, we offered to drive her. There we were, three travellers, weaving through the glowing city lights, making a memory that none of us had planned but all of us would remember. That’s the thing about LA: it always leaves room for a little bit of magic. Throughout the week, it wasn’t just the city pulling us together — it was the conference itself.
IPW in LA Hosts the World
With 5,700 delegates from 70 countries — including 600 media — IPW wasn’t just a travel conference; it was Los Angeles hosting the world. The city pulled out all the stops. Opening night set the tone with Diana Ross at the LA Memorial Coliseum, belting out classics under the open sky, her signature hair and costume changes as legendary as her voice. And from Dogstar, Ziggy Marley and Broadway Inbound to round it out!
Throughout the week, IPW made navigating a high-traffic city easy by bringing LA to us. Outside the convention centre, they transformed the space into an open-air marketplace called California Plaza, showcasing some of the city’s best vendors. Every booth felt like an invitation to taste, see, and experience the spirit of Los Angeles.
The grand finale? Universal Studios Hollywood rolled out the red carpet for an exclusive evening just for IPW delegates. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., the theme park was ours — complete with full access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Jurassic World, and the World-Famous Studio Tour. For a few hours, we raced between attractions, laughed like kids again.
When You Go
- Must-See Drives:
- Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Malibu Pier — sunset is non-negotiable.
- Escape to the quiet curves of Cold Canyon for a breath of fresh air.
- Music Landmarks:
- Catch the spirit of rock and rebellion at The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room.
- Check out the Petersen Automotive Museum from hot rods to race cars and everything in between.
- Wander by Wheels:
- Rent a bike and follow the coast from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier — one of the best ways to feel the city’s pulse.
- Flavours of Nostalgia:
- Grab a double-double and fries at In-N-Out Burger on Sunset. It’s still the taste of pure California.
- Pro Tip:
- Rent a car you’ll love to drive. LA isn’t just about where you’re going — it’s about how you get there. Roll the windows down. Let your favourite playlist take the wheel.
Los Angeles: Always a Part of Me
LA is more than a place on a map for me. It’s a chapter I never fully closed. It’s where I learned that dreams aren’t just possible — they’re necessary. Where I first found my voice, my independence, and parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. And every time I return, it’s not just a trip — it’s a reunion with the girl I used to be, and the woman she grew into.
Oh, how I love LA.
The Scars We Carry Together
The fires that reached parts of Los Angeles changed lives, uprooted families, and reshaped entire communities. It’s impossible to witness such loss and not feel it deeply. Yet even through the heartbreak, LA’s spirit endures. There is a quiet resilience woven into this city — a strength that rebuilds, regrows, and reminds us that hope can take root even after the hardest seasons. If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles — or even from afar — and feel moved to support the ongoing recovery, consider lending a hand through one of the local groups helping to rebuild. Even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impact.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet.
Safe and mindful travels!