Growing up as a kid in Chicago, LA always held an aura of intrigue and mystery. How was it possible that - while I was busy shoveling the snow off our driveway - Angelenos could be out riding their bikes and working on their tans? Given this curiosity, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I moved there to find out what it was all about.

Now that I'm here, it's turned out to be different than I expected. Sure, all of the stereotypes about this place are true: the traffic and the attitude are exactly as advertised. Yet, after spending a little time here, you eventually find yourself looking at something unique or strange and thinking: I'd never see this in another city.

So this was my mission for this year: spend some time getting to know this place. What makes it so great? Why are we all willing to pay mortgage-sized rents and live in buildings that are one earthquake away from collapse to live here?

Throughout the adventure, I always had my camera with me because Angelenos are nothing if not worried about their outward appearance. This book therefore captures some of the more picturesque scenes that I encountered during my weekend travels.

After all that, I'm not sure that I've started to figure anything out about this place. However, I can confirm that it's a special city because the LA magic has affected me, as well: it's a place where anything is possible, as long as you have the skill and desire to be creative.