What’s old is new again.

I spent 17 years doing the daily commute to work between Mar Vista and Culver City, and here I am—settled in a Los Angeles westside neighbourhood again.

Since leaving LA over four years ago we’ve visited a few times, but this is the first time we’ve signed a lease for an apartment. So although I’m embracing the City of Angels for an extended term, it’s not a permanent move. It’s a transitionary leg of the journey—Covid has a lot to answer for.

Getting to know the Neighbourhood

When I look out our bedroom window, I can see the corner of the corporate office building I worked in for 17 years. I know this area well and can’t wait to get out an explore it to see what’s changed. It has long been known as the Heart of Screenland because Culver City was the location of MGM Studio (now owned and run by Sony Pictures).

The local shops are open, and we have a Smart & Final supermarket a hop and a skip away, and it’s only a short stroll to the nearest Trader Joes and there’s also a Sprouts nearby. So between these three supermarket chains—we won’t go hungry.

Downtown Culver City

Culver City is expansive, but we’re adjacent to the downtown area, which is a hub of restaurants, bars, and coffeeshops. These have recently opened again with Covid-restrictions, and are currently only offering take-away or outside dining options. But with the roll out of the vaccine, I’m hopeful normal service resumes before summer, and we can make the most of all of these great dining spots and watering-holes that make this area a sought after destination. The benefit for us is that we don’t have to drive home after an evening out, it’s all on our doorstep.

Embracing this new Chapter

Moving back to Los Angeles wasn’t at the top of my to-do list – it wasn’t even on the horizon. But something I’m learning about being nomadic is that the nature of the beast is being adaptable and embracing the unknown.

Nothing’s for ever.

Everything we do is just a transitionary phase. A bridge to something new.