Hey Reader!

Over the past few weeks, a number of people have asked me how long I’ve been living in California. (8.5 years, if you were wondering). Questions of how I feel about living here for so long, if I think I’ll stay here, etc. have all been coming up a lot, both in conversation, and just in my mind.

While those seem like fairly standard questions, the answer has never been easy for me.

Truthfully, as someone who’s always loved travel, I’ve never really felt super grounded in wherever I was living. Growing up in New Jersey, I was obsessed with the idea of moving away to California, which to be honest, was largely based around the fantasy that moving far would 1) solve all my internal problems and 2) I would finally be able to accomplish all my goals and dreams.

Now, I’ve been living here for a while and can unfortunately confirm that neither of those things have happened. I can also say that I’m still constantly dreaming of elsewhere — whether it’s the ever-growing list of places I’d like to visit, or even the idea of living somewhere else (my husband, who’s from Rio de Janeiro, and I have many conversations about possibly living in Brazil someday, among other places).

Especially with the financial and professional stress of the past couple of years since being laid off from my newspaper job, it’s so easy to gravitate toward the idea of just starting fresh, and start blaming a place for all the problems that just come with life.

It’s true that California is not the easiest place to move to. It’s expensive and far from both of our families, and I’m honestly a bit envious of people who grew up here and have built-in support and community. But, I also have to remind myself that every place comes with the good and the bad, and the difficulties of life are inevitable, wherever you are.

Southern California is filled with opportunities, and has so many special places that I love experiencing — and sharing with you!

So, I don’t know when or where I’ll end up moving somewhere else, or even if I will at all. But living in Long Beach has had an inevitable impact on my life, and will always be a huge part of my story.

In the spirit of reflecting on where I live, read on for some highlights of Long Beach, where I’ve called home for the past 8 years.
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🌺 this week I’m loving …

​“A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki​

I haven’t yet finished this one, but here’s the jist: Ruth, a novelist living on a remote Canadian island, discovers a lunchbox washed up on the shore containing a diary. The diary belongs to Nao, a struggling Japanese teenager. The novel follows both of their stories, weaving in quantum mechanics, time bending, and interconnections. I love the writing style, and can’t wait to see where it’s all going.

📚Check it out here​

🗺️ destination spotlight: Long Beach

WHERE TO EAT: Long Beach is hiding some of the best food in LA County, and we have a ton of options, but here are some highlights as a long-time resident. The Breakfast Bar has been around since 2002. (My go-to is the Eggs Noni, which is sort of like a vegetarian eggs benedict.) Don’t skip trying some Cambodian cuisine either (one of my favorite LBC facts is that we’re home to the largest Cambodian population outside of Cambodia) — my favorite is Monorom Cambodian Restaurant. For fancier meals, @Sushi, Ammatoli, and La Parolaccia Osteria are also some of my favorites for sushi (obviously), Levantine, and Italian, respectively. Thai Curry Pizza also may have recently changed my life.

WHERE TO SHOP: For thrift and antique shopping, you can’t do better than the LBC. Definitely make it to Retro Row, a funky street lines with restaurants and shops. Native Sol, Meow, Far Outfit, and CASA are my favorites. Long Beach Vintage Etc., Magnolia on Willow, and Goods on Orange are also my top picks!

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DON’T MISS: Rancho Los Alamitos is one of the city’s most peaceful spots, featuring a historic home, and a beautiful garden, and it’s totally free to visit! I also love the Museum of Latin American Art. Walk along the beach path (Junipero Beach and Rosie’s Dog Beach are my favorite areas). If you have a bit more room in your budget, Long Beach is also home to one of the best aquariums in California, the Aquarium of the Pacific, plus the Queen Mary, a historic ship with lots of fun tours, plus a beautiful bar and restaurant.

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VISITING TIP: Parking is a little stressful, but in Downtown, you will find a few different lots that have free two-hour parking. Be sure to not leave any items visible in your car, and lock it wherever you are!

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💖Get all my favorites in this Long Beach weekend guide!​

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Happy travels,

Tess

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