Oregon

I am here in Oregon with my family for a reunion. Yesterday we got to drive to little old beach towns, see an old light house, and drive through the beautiful country side. Isn't it funny to see how just one state can vary so much in nature, mood, sights, smells, and persona?? What does that say about the people living in the city?

Recently a family friend of mine asked me "what defines a city"? It is the architecture? Is it a movie, song, or poem that highlights or exemplifies the city? Is it a large piece of art? Or is it the collaboration of sights, smells, people, and sounds that jumbled together make a rhythm for the city? For example, most people would say what is so great about Chicago is the architecture. New York is great for the layouts of the roads and parks, and Boston is so rich due to the history and traditions.

My favorite city in the world, San Francisco, is beloved to me due to the architecture, the history of immigrants from the Gold Rush and through Angel Island, the collaboration of high end shopping in Union Square with China Town, the wonderful art museums, Pier 39, the wonderful winding roads that lead up and down and all around, and the beautiful victorian homes in the Castro district. But is that how I would define San Francisco? Or define the city?

If so, how would I begin to describe Los Angeles? I have lived there for 3 years now, yet I am not sure how I could summarize LA or define how it is a city.. Would it be the contrast of Bunker Hill with Skid Row? Would it be the "glamour" that drives crazies and talents into LA and Hollywood? What are your thoughts guys???

:)