I am hit by the stunning smell of oil simmering on pans. The amazing smell of hot dogs being devoured, and the tender burger patties being served. The American dream they say. I can hear the deafening music produced by the buskers of Los Angeles. The city was alive, it was playing, dancing, and singing. I went from the gorgeous white beaches to the towering skyscrapers in a matter of seconds. I was alone, by myself, yet surrounded by people of all kinds.
I took to one of the many surf rentals along the big beaches.
“I’ll take a surfboard,” I said.
The nostalgic feeling of running into the crystal clear pacific ocean was incomparable. The skies were as blue as the water itself, clearer than the view I had over the city. The waves were as alive as the city. Some dancing a few meters above me, some walking back to shore. Wave after wave I sensed a tinge of freedom, sovereignty. After a long day out on the ocean, I returned my surfboard hoping to explore more of the city. The city was bustling with businessmen, artists, musicians, and families. The diverse culture of people shared the same home and the same dream.
Apart from the Hollywood characters, there were people you wouldn’t see. The underprivileged, the ones who went to bed with an empty stomach, the ones who don’t know where they were going to sleep. The homeless. They too had the same dream.
“Got something to spare son?” one trembled. “I need some food.”
I passed him a 10 dollar bill. The look on his face was pitiful, his face glowed with happiness. We then went on to find the nearest restaurant. The street was filled with fast-food restaurants. I could see the restaurants lined up to the horizon. I seemed as though I was in heaven. As we chowed down our tacos he then went on about how he ended up without a home.
“I was thrown out the house,” he cried. “I wanted to become a musician but my mom wouldn’t let me.”
The story was tearful. I felt enormously lucky to be sat there with food in my stomach and a place to stay. His name is Montero.
I left the restaurant with a full stomach and a lesson learnt. A bright yellow light immediately hit my face. The pink tinge reflected off the soaring skyscrapers. The orange ball of fire fell past the horizon. The sky became dark and the city came to life. The streets were filled; bars were flushed with beer, music played over the skies of Los Angeles. Actors served all over the streets- the excitement was building up. I was defeated and fatigued. My day came to an end as the city came to life. The American dream they said.
