Joié's Blog

Traveling to Los Angeles for the first time was a life changing experience and I think it was the best thing that has ever happened to me! In September 2020, I decided I needed to change my environment because Pittsburgh, PA was becoming draining. My long-time friend, Brandon, lived in LA and I thought I’d finally visit him. 

Keep in mind, there were many wildfires happening during the time along with the ongoing pandemic. Also, I had never been on an airplane and I’d be traveling alone. Everything I was about to do was new but I needed it. I was anxious but I felt like God was telling me to go

The Flight

When I got to the airport, I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going. I figured it out though of course! I got to my gate and was ready to board. I was a little scared because I didn’t know what to expect. However, the flight was smooth and the views from above were beautiful! After 4 hours and 30 minutes, I landed in LA. The LAX airport is huge! It took me a while to find the passenger pick-up exit but I found it. 

The Fun

I couldn’t believe I was 2,426 miles away from home and I traveled alone! I was so proud of myself and I fell in love with everything about the city. The vibe was upbeat, the sun was shining bright, the palm trees were leaning. I think I embraced how different everything was from home.

I’m not going to lie, I was acting like a fan and Brandon was trying to make sure I enjoyed my 3-day Vacay! I wanted to do everything in such a short amount of time. On the first night, I visited Hollywood Boulevard admiring the Hollywood Walk of Fame and had dinner at N.10 Restaurant. I was so happy!

On the second day, I went hiking at Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign. This was a moment I realized how big the city was. Honestly, seeing the Hollywood sign made me think of the disney channel movie “Starstruck.” I felt like a big kid and just felt blessed to see it in person. I felt like I was in a movie. Brandon and I also had some funny moments where we almost lost the trail!

On the third day, I went to dockweiler beach. It was a very special moment for me because I hadn’t been to the beach since I was 6-years old. The water was cold as hell so I only put my feet in. I felt grounded and at peace. I kept looking at the ocean in awe. Honestly, I love nature and to be in an environment with a body of water and mountains made me feel alive.

The Love

Honestly, going to LA Brandon and I were just platonic friends. I might have had a small crush on him but nothing serious. We’ve been friends since we were 16. This trip made me see him in a different set of eyes. My feelings started growing because I watched him go out of his way to make me happy multiple times. This man spent a whole hour in Home depot to find firewood because I wanted to experience a bonfire on the beach. I also was shivering in the car and he turned the heat on. That might not seem like a lot to many, but the little things do mean a lot to me.

Eventually, we both expressed mutual feelings of crushing on each other but decided to remain friends. We had a really great friendship and a history of annual reunions every time he came back home to visit.

The Wake Up Call

Brandon and I went out to dinner and began saying our goodbyes. Then something crazy happened which shifted the dynamic of the night. It showed me how a big city also comes with big problems. In the end it brought us close together, and now we are in a happy long distance relationship.

I went to Los Angeles as a young single girl trying to escape feeling trapped in her hometown. I left as a brave, inspired, grateful woman in a happy and healthy relationship. It was truly a blessing and completely changed my life!