COMPARE
Bellingham street, steps from people's homes.
Notice the paved roads.
Because no one rides here.
CONTRAST
A few steps from my old apartment in West Los Angeles.
Gridlock.
You don't see the potholes in the road until after midnight. But they're all over, keeping tire stores in business.
The view from W. Washington University, 6:45 p.m.
The view of busy downtown Bellingham.
7 p.m.
Notice the cars driving at the intersection--north east west south.
Notice the available parking places near that blue truck.
Angelenos, I think you've found your place. This town needs you, and you need this town. If we share Los Angeles energy with Bellingham's mellow ways, and Bellingham opens its paved roads and open parking spaces to us, gratitude with spill over into oxygen-rich Washington, and everyone will be happy.
After about five minutes walking as a lone person on Harris Street in downtown Bellingham, I saw a young man. Frease Belay was his name and he told me that Bellingham was known as "the city of subdued excitement." Well, tonight I think they could use a pick-me-up. I think Los Angelenos could give this town an excitement boost, starting with a refreshing stay at its most treasured Inn, The Chrysalis Inn and Spa, followed by filling up the downtown joints with laughter, dance, and spirited conversation.
When I compare and contrast Bellingham and Los Angeles, I can't help but think together they'd make the perfect pair.
I parked the car, and looked for a place to eat. I passed restaurants with 0-6 people dining. In the entire place.
And I took this photo of downtown.
7:15 p.m.
No one was on the street.
The good thing about it...
I felt perfectly safe.
