We leave Buenos Aires, with a night time view of the Pampas. As our Young, Poor & Fabulous airlines flight reaches it's maximum altitude, we take out our funkiest fashion, switch language guides and prepare for our next destination.
After a bit of turbulence over Russia and Siberia, our plane lands safely at Narita Airport. Welcome to Tokyo. Tourists often avoid Japan intimidated by high prices. Tokyo has been more of a good value since the nation's economice recession. Hotel rooms are cheaper then New York, the transportation won't break the bank and there's always good street food. A cab ride to the city center runs one $ 300.00. Take a limousine bus, they are typically located behind baggage claim at the airport. It's the least expensive route to Central Tokyo. Although, it makes many stops, this is a good way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a grand enterance into the city.
Tokyo looks similar to Chicago's Loop with dash of Times Square and Melrose Avenue (of course with Japanese writing). The film LOST IN TRANSLATION did an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of the city. Like the film, there are neon lights everywhere, big screens on the buildings and speakers blarring hip-hop and pop. Predictably, there are throngs of people in every direction. This is not as overwhelming as portrayed.
Cabs are pricey here and the city is spread out. Your best way to get around town is via subway. Don't be intimidated by the lines, it's similar to the London underground or Paris metro. The subway signs like most of Tokyo are in Japanese and English. A couple stations only have Japanese writing. If you know where you're going, but only encounter Japanese writing; ask a Tokyoite for help. Obviously they know where they're going and fancy brushing up on English skills.
Ridding the subway is a free fashion show within itself. Here you'll find an infusion of hip school kids jamming to their IPOD, businessmen/women in black trench coats and daring fashionistas showing off their latest avant gard creations. It's an instant runway and the envy of the major fashion capitals. The subway is relatively cheap and is the best way to get around the city. The Young, Poor & Fabulous set will be pleased.
My favorite Tokyo neighborhoods are Harajuku and Shibuya. Both are young, edgy and are associated with quintessential funky/Tokyo fashion. During the afternoon, teenagers roam the streets in their school uniforms looking for the coolest threads. Clothes in Japan are expensive, even though they are painfully hip and pretty. If you want a good taste of Harajuku eat some street food. Crepes are the signature street food of Tokyo. They are inexpensive, delicious and fits anyone's budget. These are best enjoyed roaming through Harajuku and watching the artsy fashion go by.
Let's next go to the Shibuya district. This is what we see on TV, when one looks at images of Tokyo. The fashion here is as young and hip as Harajuku with more bargains. This place is designed for the teenage budget. It also has tons of neon lights. My favorite activity is to walk on the Shibuya crossing, also dubbed the world's busiest intersection. Here you'll come face to face with every form of humanity. I know it sounds Western, but Starbucks is the best place to get a birds eye of the crossing (only catch is they don't allow photography there).
When you walk past the pachinko parlors (Japanese slot machines), keep an eye open for Little Spoon. It's my favorite Japanese curry house, which I went to nearly every night. The food is delicious. My favorite dish has to be the pork curry with steamed rice, very addicting. On the topic of food, Shinjuku, also in West Tokyo has the most interesting alley ways. This is a open secret for good, quality food.
These alley ways feel the most Japanese to me. There are stands with five chairs and a gourmet chef who prepares traditional Japanese dishes for hungry businessmen/women. The aroma is delicious and the prices won't drain you. Shinjuku like the rest of Tokyo is famed for it's electronic shops. Cell phones are the city's primary claim to technological advancement. The typical IPODs, camera phones and television are prominent. However, there is a way to get a good bargain on electronics.
Any electronics on display are at a lower price. The Japanese dislike fingerprints, hence the price cut. Speaking of Japanese likes and dislikes here are some tips for acculturating oneself to the nation's etiquette and cultural quirks.
1.Gentlemen make sure to keep your hands down to your side as a courtesy to female passangers.
2.When meeting someone, make sure you bow. No hand shakes!
3. Word of warning, many public bathrooms have holes in the floor. Don't be alarmed and do your business without complaint.
4. Surgical masks are quite common, especially at flu season.
5. When visiting a Japanese house hold, make sure to bring your host a gift.
Special mention: Hold on to your subway ticket throughout the ride. You will need it to enter and exit the subway.
Don't miss: Coffee is expensive here. However, don't miss out. It's the best coffee, I've ever had.
Buy: Lots of Japnese candy. Tokyoites love their Kit Kat bars. These sweets come in flavors ranging from traditional chocolate to grape and even strawberry. Every sweet took will be satisfied with the vast amount of candy available (it's a culture, which values it's sweet tooth).
Tokyo is a wonderland of neon, fashion and people. As we leave Tokyo via limousine bus with a panaromic view of Tokyo tower gives us a fair bon voyage. Off to Narita Airport and another Young, Poor & Fabulous destination. It's a surprise.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Young, Poor & Fabulous (Buenos Aires Survival Guide)
This is my big blog spot comeback. Go me! Nothing says Young, Poor & Fabulous like living and jet setting to international cities across the globe. It would suck to be poor and in some suburb, which will remain nameless (if you know me, that's obvious).
The last few years have been spent all over the world. Not being wealthy has given me street smarts and an appreciation for the city's simpler pleasures. Of course, cosmopolitan living is synonmous with wealth and many feel you can only live or visit a great place on a heafty budget. I am here to say, not true.
Buckle up your economy class seat, sit back and prepare to jet set to some of the world's most glamorous cities. In this edition, we will travel to Buenos Aires. Bring your translation guide, since we will be crossing some heavy duty language barriers.
Europe is becoming more of a common destination like Hawaii or Vegas. It's funny how many say they're world travelers, but have only been to Europe. Rather then seeing the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain for the millionth time, go where all good Italians relocate, Argentina.
For those with a great fear of South America, toughen up. Buenos Aires is very safe and cosmopolitan. Nearly every culture is represented, Jewish, Chinese and Italian (big surprise). Many Latin American and Europeans are also present. What I love about the BA is how beautiful it is. Monuments everywhere, crowds and of course lots of Belle Epoque architecture, like Paris.
Enough with the travel guide cliches, let's get to the good stuff. The city feels quite a bit like New York. Residents also known as Portenos live on top of businesses, walk or take the metro everywhere and the buildings form canyons ( but not a skyscrapper kind of town). For some of you men and ladies, the majority of the population is mostly female.
Like New York, the city is all about food. Throw your health food palate at the security check in. This city is big on good Italian, Pizza and steak. If you eat neither, go back to Santa Monica. Not only is the food melt in your mouth good, it's also very inexpensive. I once had an empanada and a glass of delicious white wine for only $5.0o American dollars. The restaurants are very simple and down home. This gives eateries a homey, comfortable feel and makes everyone Porteno or not feel at mom's dinning table.
Going out is always inexpensive in the sophisticated capital. Remember this is a late night city. I passed out at sometime in the afternoon and woke up. While wandering the streets, I naively thought it was 8 pm, since everything was bustling and crowded. To my surprise, it happened to be 2 am. Such an incredible experience having dinner and drinks late night. I am kind of a night owl, can't you tell?
If your young, poor and fabulous, then trendy hoods are probably your glass of vino rojo. Palermo Soho and Hollywood are the epicenters of trendy BA. The Soho neighborhood is very hip with botiques, coffee houses and bars, created for die hard fashionistas. Unlike, the Manhattan borrough, which bares it's name, the BA version is slightly more artsy (unlike corporte run Soho). Thanks to a lack of chain store and art galleries (with the exception of the Diesel store), still contain a slightly boho vibe. Palermo Hollywood isn't as bustling. However, it looks like parts of Brooklyn transformed into an Argentine neighborhood then Hollywood, CA.
The city's most prestigious neighborhood is La Recoletta. It's the equivalant of New York's Upper East Side and London's Mayfair district. Don't be fooled by it's wealthy status. This is still affordable to the American dollar. You can buy an apartment for $100 K here. It's surrounded by the Recoletta cemetary, famous for housing the crypt of Eva Peron. This is free and is a favorite stomping grounds for American tourists armed with disposable cameras.
For high culture, the Museum of Latin American Art is fantastic. There is an admittance price, but it's worth the pretty peso. As the cultural pulse of South America, don't forget to catch an opera at the world famous Colon Opera House (Maria Callas an other greats have performed here).
Nothing says Buenos Aires, like tango. La Boca is the most quintessentially Porteno neighborhood. It has beautifully painted homes drenched in funky colors. However, it should be dubbed La tourist hood, since most visitors hang out in the cafes and bars there. Regardless of tourists, one could catch a free tango show. This is more of an experience to say "I've seen this" and it's free, so don't miss it.
Fashionistas note, leather is huge and inexpensive here. The shops are OK there. I wouldn't say it rivals the fashion capitals. Most interesting part of the capital's shops are the reminents of a Harrod's department store(yup like in London), since the architecture is quite lovely.
During my ten day stay in the BA, I called the Wilton Hotel home. It's on the edge of Recoletta, walking distance to La Casa Rosada (the Presidential palace), sumptuous shops and Avenida 9 de Julio, which is the widest street in the wold. The hotel is clean and affordable (perfect for the young, poor and fabulous set). If one is looking for a hip botique hotel, this is not it. What it lacks in hip, it makes for in cleanliness and hospitality. Definetly recommend it.
For those who want a more affordable, unique and metropolitan experience visit the BA. The people are friendly, food is delicious and plenty of cultural keep any urbanite happy. Bon voyage, my friends.
The last few years have been spent all over the world. Not being wealthy has given me street smarts and an appreciation for the city's simpler pleasures. Of course, cosmopolitan living is synonmous with wealth and many feel you can only live or visit a great place on a heafty budget. I am here to say, not true.
Buckle up your economy class seat, sit back and prepare to jet set to some of the world's most glamorous cities. In this edition, we will travel to Buenos Aires. Bring your translation guide, since we will be crossing some heavy duty language barriers.
Europe is becoming more of a common destination like Hawaii or Vegas. It's funny how many say they're world travelers, but have only been to Europe. Rather then seeing the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain for the millionth time, go where all good Italians relocate, Argentina.
For those with a great fear of South America, toughen up. Buenos Aires is very safe and cosmopolitan. Nearly every culture is represented, Jewish, Chinese and Italian (big surprise). Many Latin American and Europeans are also present. What I love about the BA is how beautiful it is. Monuments everywhere, crowds and of course lots of Belle Epoque architecture, like Paris.
Enough with the travel guide cliches, let's get to the good stuff. The city feels quite a bit like New York. Residents also known as Portenos live on top of businesses, walk or take the metro everywhere and the buildings form canyons ( but not a skyscrapper kind of town). For some of you men and ladies, the majority of the population is mostly female.
Like New York, the city is all about food. Throw your health food palate at the security check in. This city is big on good Italian, Pizza and steak. If you eat neither, go back to Santa Monica. Not only is the food melt in your mouth good, it's also very inexpensive. I once had an empanada and a glass of delicious white wine for only $5.0o American dollars. The restaurants are very simple and down home. This gives eateries a homey, comfortable feel and makes everyone Porteno or not feel at mom's dinning table.
Going out is always inexpensive in the sophisticated capital. Remember this is a late night city. I passed out at sometime in the afternoon and woke up. While wandering the streets, I naively thought it was 8 pm, since everything was bustling and crowded. To my surprise, it happened to be 2 am. Such an incredible experience having dinner and drinks late night. I am kind of a night owl, can't you tell?
If your young, poor and fabulous, then trendy hoods are probably your glass of vino rojo. Palermo Soho and Hollywood are the epicenters of trendy BA. The Soho neighborhood is very hip with botiques, coffee houses and bars, created for die hard fashionistas. Unlike, the Manhattan borrough, which bares it's name, the BA version is slightly more artsy (unlike corporte run Soho). Thanks to a lack of chain store and art galleries (with the exception of the Diesel store), still contain a slightly boho vibe. Palermo Hollywood isn't as bustling. However, it looks like parts of Brooklyn transformed into an Argentine neighborhood then Hollywood, CA.
The city's most prestigious neighborhood is La Recoletta. It's the equivalant of New York's Upper East Side and London's Mayfair district. Don't be fooled by it's wealthy status. This is still affordable to the American dollar. You can buy an apartment for $100 K here. It's surrounded by the Recoletta cemetary, famous for housing the crypt of Eva Peron. This is free and is a favorite stomping grounds for American tourists armed with disposable cameras.
For high culture, the Museum of Latin American Art is fantastic. There is an admittance price, but it's worth the pretty peso. As the cultural pulse of South America, don't forget to catch an opera at the world famous Colon Opera House (Maria Callas an other greats have performed here).
Nothing says Buenos Aires, like tango. La Boca is the most quintessentially Porteno neighborhood. It has beautifully painted homes drenched in funky colors. However, it should be dubbed La tourist hood, since most visitors hang out in the cafes and bars there. Regardless of tourists, one could catch a free tango show. This is more of an experience to say "I've seen this" and it's free, so don't miss it.
Fashionistas note, leather is huge and inexpensive here. The shops are OK there. I wouldn't say it rivals the fashion capitals. Most interesting part of the capital's shops are the reminents of a Harrod's department store(yup like in London), since the architecture is quite lovely.
During my ten day stay in the BA, I called the Wilton Hotel home. It's on the edge of Recoletta, walking distance to La Casa Rosada (the Presidential palace), sumptuous shops and Avenida 9 de Julio, which is the widest street in the wold. The hotel is clean and affordable (perfect for the young, poor and fabulous set). If one is looking for a hip botique hotel, this is not it. What it lacks in hip, it makes for in cleanliness and hospitality. Definetly recommend it.
For those who want a more affordable, unique and metropolitan experience visit the BA. The people are friendly, food is delicious and plenty of cultural keep any urbanite happy. Bon voyage, my friends.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Young, Poor & Fabulous: Volume 2 (Fashion)
FASHIONPlease play David Bowie's "Fashion" while reading this.
Forget about fashion week. The world's authentic runways are on the streets, subways, and airports of the world. Each city has their own view and interpretation on fashion.
In Tokyo, young people buy clothes as a form of expression. In a nation, where one states their point of view from the perspecitve of an entire nation, as opposed to an individual opinion is used to relay one's creative self. Tokyo fashion is all about self expression, while knocking out the traditional views on dress.
In London, fashion is about the basics. As one of the most expensive city in the world, Londoners are often forced to design and make their own clothes. However, this has inspired many international fashion designers. From mod to punk, the British capital has made it's fashion part of most people's wardrobe.
Los Angeles is the world's most image obsessed city. Where else can you shop at Gucci, have a boob job and dine at Mr. Chow's in the same day? L.A. is not known for it's fashion savy style. Rhine stones on t-shirts, sweat suits, flip flops, excuse me while I scream for dear life. With image as a component, many Angelenos attempt to have the appearence of a high priced trust-fund baby. Like movies, this is all make believe. Real Angelenos know that a wealthy appearence usually constitutes credit card debt. As young urbanites living in Los Angeles, I say let's commence with a fashion revelution. The following steps are designed for those with a small income, but a love fare for good couture.
New Yorkers are reknowned for their love of fashion. The New York look is revolves around fushion. For example, one would go to Barney's and buy a beautiful, but expensive cashmere sweater. Often times, they will combine this sweater with a pair of slacks from H & M and a gap jacket. It's about not breaking the bank, but still looking like spectacular.
This pattern should be followed in Los Angeles, a city with similar chain stores. Don't become a label whore. Saying you bought that cute top at Marc Jacobs is thrilling, but if it's not in your budget don't buy tons of designer brands. However, don't starve yourself either. If you like and can afford that hot item the time, buy it. When a unique item comes along, it's almost guarenteed nobody else has it.
MUST MENTION:When it comes to blue jeans, don't buy them cheap. A cheap pair of jeans, looks---cheap. It reaks of bad quality. Definetly buy an expensive pair, even if it's a sacrafice. A good pair lasts longer, which means one wouldn't have to buy jeans repeatedly (costing more money).
Do remember the basics. H & M, The Gap, and Banana Republic are obviously not the nerve of high fashion. These popular chain stores have their ups. They work better for business casual consumers. I bought a beautiful peacoat at the Gap half the price of Bloomingdale's. It's still has elegance, without looking like it came out of corporate America.
Don't have chain store overkill. Wearing H & M all the time is boring and bland. Try small botiuques. These can be very expensive, but there are gems. One of a kind dresses, jackets, etc. The style is more daring, since botique consumers often demand cutting edge fashion. Some of L.A.'s great botique shops are on 3rd street (between the Grove and Beverly Center), Melrose (which can be very overpriced) and La Brea. If your looking for a sale, don't be a sales whore. Remember with sales, one must get there when it first starts. The days after the sale tend to have less goodies. Don't buy items just because of a sale. You may end up under arrest by the fashion police. The Fred Segal's sale is amazing. HONORABLE MENTION:Lohman's
Dressing well, translates to feeling fantastic. Pick clothes that make you feel great. Most of us don't have the money to dress like a millionaire. With the proper threads, one can look like they stepped out of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Have fun and avoid stripper shoes, flip flops, and most importantly beated shirts. Let's make Los Angeles into one of the fashion capitals!
Forget about fashion week. The world's authentic runways are on the streets, subways, and airports of the world. Each city has their own view and interpretation on fashion.
In Tokyo, young people buy clothes as a form of expression. In a nation, where one states their point of view from the perspecitve of an entire nation, as opposed to an individual opinion is used to relay one's creative self. Tokyo fashion is all about self expression, while knocking out the traditional views on dress.
In London, fashion is about the basics. As one of the most expensive city in the world, Londoners are often forced to design and make their own clothes. However, this has inspired many international fashion designers. From mod to punk, the British capital has made it's fashion part of most people's wardrobe.
Los Angeles is the world's most image obsessed city. Where else can you shop at Gucci, have a boob job and dine at Mr. Chow's in the same day? L.A. is not known for it's fashion savy style. Rhine stones on t-shirts, sweat suits, flip flops, excuse me while I scream for dear life. With image as a component, many Angelenos attempt to have the appearence of a high priced trust-fund baby. Like movies, this is all make believe. Real Angelenos know that a wealthy appearence usually constitutes credit card debt. As young urbanites living in Los Angeles, I say let's commence with a fashion revelution. The following steps are designed for those with a small income, but a love fare for good couture.
New Yorkers are reknowned for their love of fashion. The New York look is revolves around fushion. For example, one would go to Barney's and buy a beautiful, but expensive cashmere sweater. Often times, they will combine this sweater with a pair of slacks from H & M and a gap jacket. It's about not breaking the bank, but still looking like spectacular.
This pattern should be followed in Los Angeles, a city with similar chain stores. Don't become a label whore. Saying you bought that cute top at Marc Jacobs is thrilling, but if it's not in your budget don't buy tons of designer brands. However, don't starve yourself either. If you like and can afford that hot item the time, buy it. When a unique item comes along, it's almost guarenteed nobody else has it.
MUST MENTION:When it comes to blue jeans, don't buy them cheap. A cheap pair of jeans, looks---cheap. It reaks of bad quality. Definetly buy an expensive pair, even if it's a sacrafice. A good pair lasts longer, which means one wouldn't have to buy jeans repeatedly (costing more money).
Do remember the basics. H & M, The Gap, and Banana Republic are obviously not the nerve of high fashion. These popular chain stores have their ups. They work better for business casual consumers. I bought a beautiful peacoat at the Gap half the price of Bloomingdale's. It's still has elegance, without looking like it came out of corporate America.
Don't have chain store overkill. Wearing H & M all the time is boring and bland. Try small botiuques. These can be very expensive, but there are gems. One of a kind dresses, jackets, etc. The style is more daring, since botique consumers often demand cutting edge fashion. Some of L.A.'s great botique shops are on 3rd street (between the Grove and Beverly Center), Melrose (which can be very overpriced) and La Brea. If your looking for a sale, don't be a sales whore. Remember with sales, one must get there when it first starts. The days after the sale tend to have less goodies. Don't buy items just because of a sale. You may end up under arrest by the fashion police. The Fred Segal's sale is amazing. HONORABLE MENTION:Lohman's
Dressing well, translates to feeling fantastic. Pick clothes that make you feel great. Most of us don't have the money to dress like a millionaire. With the proper threads, one can look like they stepped out of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Have fun and avoid stripper shoes, flip flops, and most importantly beated shirts. Let's make Los Angeles into one of the fashion capitals!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Young, Poor & Fabulous
Life in the city is synonmous with luxury living.; yeah, if you're Trump, a Vanderbilt or Madonna. Most urbanites live pay check to pay check, co-habitat in cramped apartments, and eat Campbells soup for all three meals. That's why we love the city. We wouldn't be here without an appreciation for grit, crowds, and claustrophobia.
Living the glamorous, cosmopolitan life isn't as hard to achieve. The following blogs are intended as a blue print for a fantastic city experience without much money. My series delves into fashion, culture, travel, dating, and even boozin (my personal favorite).
CULTURE
Want to look smart? Then read a book, go to a museum or see a symphony orchestra. Forget about standing in que for the hottest L.A. disco on a Saturday night, that's so bridge and tunnel.
Instead save your Vodka Tonic money for something that leaves a knowledge hangover.
MUSEUMS: This is one of the best parts of living in a big city. Wheter you fancy dinosaur bones, a Warhol, or examing King Tut's tomb, you can't get your fix at the museum. Some museums most notably Museum of Modern Art(New York) and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (L.A.) offers free admittance. You can roam around for hours and explore great exhibits for nothing.
If you're not lucky enough to go to free museum night, go any other time. My best advice for those with waiter/assistant salaries is bring your student I.D. I graduated from university almost a year ago and still use my I.D. to recieve discount admition. Don't be shy!
Museums make fabulous to take a date. Dump the cliche, movie theatre idea. That is so 1999. Take your honey to a Dali exhibit, discuss some art, and see how impressed she/he is (even if you haven't taken an art history class in your life). You may know nothing about art, but the atmosphere and date choice, make one seemed cultured and smart.
Museum cafes are also terriffic. They have tasty fare, since their clientel can be very worldy and expects the finest food. Don't fret, the food usually tastes great and won't break the bank. It's also a great place to discuss one's day of culture.
ART GALLERIES: Forget about boozin in club or trendy bar. I recommend attending an gallery opening. Nothing tastes better then free booze. Gallery openings means there's going to be plenty of wine and possibly cheddar. You can get slaughtered and still afford a cab ride back to your gritty metropolitan palace.
THEATRE/OPERA- Nothing beats seeing a live performance. If you want to see an opera, don't be intimidated by the prices. Tickets can sell as low as $20.00. I've seen good performances for that price. The seats were great, high, but defintely worth every penny. A couple months back I saw an opera conducted by Placido Domingo for the price one would spend on the latest flick.
Theatre. I love good theatre. Off Broadway shows (general term) can be shitty. Let's be honest. However, I've discovered some wonderful gems for a low price $15-$20.00. Off Broadway tends be less corporate as opposed to conformist fare. For example, I saw Tamming of the Shrew done completely in drag (women as men and vice versa). very creative and a fun twist on the traditional Shakespeare play. In Los Angeles, the small theatres are on Santa Monica blvd, east of La Brea.
Living fabulously doesn't take a lot of money. If you have imagination any place could be wonderful. Maybe not any random place, but close enough. I hope my advice is helpful, more blogs to come
Living the glamorous, cosmopolitan life isn't as hard to achieve. The following blogs are intended as a blue print for a fantastic city experience without much money. My series delves into fashion, culture, travel, dating, and even boozin (my personal favorite).
CULTURE
Want to look smart? Then read a book, go to a museum or see a symphony orchestra. Forget about standing in que for the hottest L.A. disco on a Saturday night, that's so bridge and tunnel.
Instead save your Vodka Tonic money for something that leaves a knowledge hangover.
MUSEUMS: This is one of the best parts of living in a big city. Wheter you fancy dinosaur bones, a Warhol, or examing King Tut's tomb, you can't get your fix at the museum. Some museums most notably Museum of Modern Art(New York) and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (L.A.) offers free admittance. You can roam around for hours and explore great exhibits for nothing.
If you're not lucky enough to go to free museum night, go any other time. My best advice for those with waiter/assistant salaries is bring your student I.D. I graduated from university almost a year ago and still use my I.D. to recieve discount admition. Don't be shy!
Museums make fabulous to take a date. Dump the cliche, movie theatre idea. That is so 1999. Take your honey to a Dali exhibit, discuss some art, and see how impressed she/he is (even if you haven't taken an art history class in your life). You may know nothing about art, but the atmosphere and date choice, make one seemed cultured and smart.
Museum cafes are also terriffic. They have tasty fare, since their clientel can be very worldy and expects the finest food. Don't fret, the food usually tastes great and won't break the bank. It's also a great place to discuss one's day of culture.
ART GALLERIES: Forget about boozin in club or trendy bar. I recommend attending an gallery opening. Nothing tastes better then free booze. Gallery openings means there's going to be plenty of wine and possibly cheddar. You can get slaughtered and still afford a cab ride back to your gritty metropolitan palace.
THEATRE/OPERA- Nothing beats seeing a live performance. If you want to see an opera, don't be intimidated by the prices. Tickets can sell as low as $20.00. I've seen good performances for that price. The seats were great, high, but defintely worth every penny. A couple months back I saw an opera conducted by Placido Domingo for the price one would spend on the latest flick.
Theatre. I love good theatre. Off Broadway shows (general term) can be shitty. Let's be honest. However, I've discovered some wonderful gems for a low price $15-$20.00. Off Broadway tends be less corporate as opposed to conformist fare. For example, I saw Tamming of the Shrew done completely in drag (women as men and vice versa). very creative and a fun twist on the traditional Shakespeare play. In Los Angeles, the small theatres are on Santa Monica blvd, east of La Brea.
Living fabulously doesn't take a lot of money. If you have imagination any place could be wonderful. Maybe not any random place, but close enough. I hope my advice is helpful, more blogs to come
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