Alexandra Yanik

Moving away from Los Angeles, in my case from the San Fernando Valley to London, is a pretty big commitment. With distance comes missing friends, family, cheap avocados and the sun (I have never been this pale, ever), but also those obnoxious, stressful gifts that only LA can give. The following list of things I miss the most since moving away from LA might make me seem like a tea-drinking, pale, redcoat-lover who is just kidding around. Do I wish I had all of these things each and every day? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. But anyone who has moved away from LA knows that this is not a joke. 1. Driving in LA (don't laugh): Since moving to London, I only take public transportation. As great as being able to sleep or read on my daily commute is, I miss that reliable hour in traffic to go 5 miles on the 101 reserved for brushing up on my karaoke skills and catching up with friends (hands-free, of course). Speaking out loud in public transportation is frowned upon here, and I don’t need everyone listening to me answer my mom’s questions. More importantly, 'personal space' isn't a known concept during rush hour on the tube, so enjoy the freedom while you have it. 2. Air conditioning: When it's 90 degrees plus in LA, the AC is cranked up or the fans are on. When it feels like 90 degrees in London, there is no air conditioning; we’re told to carry water bottles with us by TFL and pray that the large, shvitzing man wearing a suit doesn’t stand next to us. 3. Earthquakes: It’s