A clip of Christian Bale from the early 2000s is gaining steam on Reddit this week for his take on moving to Los Angeles. He claims he “hated” living in Los Angeles for the first year or two.
Neighborly Love
Christian said his life back in the United Kingdom was “very different” than life in Los Angeles. Neighbors and friends were more social with each other. The actor claimed it was normal in England to “just roll up at people’s houses… and just knock on the door.”
A Driving Culture
Plus, coming from “a walking culture” made living in a notoriously motor-centric city like Los Angeles a difficult adjustment. The actor stated, “I don’t know what to do here… I’ve got to jump in a car all the time.”
What is a “Third Place”?
Comments in the Reddit thread bring up the concept of “third places,” their importance in our society, and our lack thereof in modern Los Angeles society.
Third places are places outside the home (“first place”) and workplace (“second place”) where people can gather, unwind, and connect with others. These include spots like cafés, parks, libraries, and gyms.
They play an important role in building community, easing loneliness, and supporting mental well-being, although their presence has diminished in recent years.
“Third Places” to Enjoy in L.A.
Los Angeles is lucky to still have wonderful “third places” where Angelenos can gather together.
Some of the top “third places” in L.A.:
- Santa Monica Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Huntington Botanical Gardens
- Descanso Gardens
- L.A. County Arboretum
- Pawradise Park
Los Angeles is full of gorgeous places that are free to enjoy with friends and family.
