Story: After COVID, summer of 2022
On June 26, 2022, it feels like the first day of summer this year. Even so, it is around 30 degrees. Compare with other cities, Vancouver is so much better temperature. I start to think about the after-summer plan. When people take days off, I work. When people back to the office, I work remotely. Either way, I am working.
I received the promotion email, 50% off for 3 months, from WeWork. It means I need to use WeWork at least until the end of September. Initially, I was thinking to back to Japan in September, but I need to stay in my hometown for dental treatment. There is no WeWork in the countryside of Japan. Therefore, I slide back to Japan in October. Before that, I would like to use WeWork in the United States in September.
Seattle is convenient from Vancouver, but Airbnb price is not so affordable. Los Angeles is attractive. I visited only the airport for transit before. How about San Francisco? It similar situation to Seattle. I compared these cities closely.
I signed up with WeWork on June 30th, 2022. I actually used WeWork today. It was as same as before, but it is good for work. I used a printer and phone booth for meetings. It was productive.
Seattle, San Francisco & Los Angeles
I checked the price at Airbnb for 2 weeks. Seattle and San Francisco look similar prices, over $1000. I can choose it, but I need a choice, low price to medium price. I did not search deeply, but I chose Los Angeles this time. Because there are many WeWork offices.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is a major city in the U.S. state of California. With a 2020 population of 3,898,747, it is the largest city in the state, as well as the second-largest city in the United States following New York City. Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic and cultural diversity, Hollywood film industry, and sprawling metropolitan area. – Wikipedia
From my general impression, Los Angeles is the center of entertainment, Universal studio, Disney, MBA, MLB, etc. I came to LAX only for the transit before. I saw the city from an airplane and it looks like Unsplash photos. Before I travel to the United States, I always feel anxious about gun violence. I was afraid when I visited Chicago, IL for the first time. Nothing happened though.
©Expedia
I am usually satisfied when I walk around different cities. The architecture of the museum is attractive. I don’t know if I will visit there or not. I want to see MBA someday. I don’t have any favorite team.
I am going to the WeWork office as many as possible in 2 weeks. After 3 or 4 pm, I will travel if I have time. I will visit downtown and Santa Monica beach.
©Hungry Passport
4 million people in Los Angeles. I hope the weather will be nice in September. I will buy water. I have to care about Wi-Fi. During previous travel, I did not have to care about it. Because it was in Canada. I will figure it out.
©TDC
Learning about the city during the travel is good.
Flight search
Flair offers a very low price, under $200, from YVR to LAX. I am worried about how tiny the cabin is. Even if it is very tiny, I get to L.A. in 3 hours. I can endure.
After L.A., I will back to Japan for a month. When I backed there in December 2019, it was around $700. In June 2022, I am searching for a flight in the fall, but it costs $1290 at least. I could not decide purchase for a few days. Then I checked Air Canada and I just remembered that I had an Aeroplan on my business credit card. I had about 70,000 pt. Therefore, I booked the flight from YVR to L.A. by Air Canada. It costs $382.96 CND. Then, I booked YVR to KIX by also Air Canada. I used 68,000 pt. I could discount the costs to $496.36 CND. Not bad.
Airbnb
Airbnb has changed the interface based on the data. It is a good example of UX design.
I searched the Los Angeles area. I found a couple of private rooms for around $800. No kitchen, unfurnished, there are some conditions, but I can decide what I need, what I don’t need, what I can compromise.
Overall, there is no comfort zone, I felt. The 1 block looks huge compared with Vancouver, BC. I checked from point A to point B on Google Maps. It takes easily over 1 hour by train/bus. I watched the massive road lane and heavy traffic jams on YouTube. It is shocking. I have no confidence to drive there.
I booked unfurnished accommodation in downtown, L.A. for $895.55 CND/2 weeks. I asked the owner to prepare some cardboard boxes. He said okay. I still need to bring a sleeping bag (and a sleeping pad, maybe).
*Updated: September 8, 2022
I walked around near the Little Tokyo area, the Airbnb dorm is also there. I saw homeless people, but it is not too many compared with Vancouver, BC.
The heat wave is here for a few days. I don’t have an AC(I don’t expect a comfortable situation) in the room. That’s okay, but I must have a fan. It was too hot at the first night. I could not find a fan in my room yesterday. I could not sleep. I even felt that homeless people may be more comfortable. Because outside is cooler than this room.
*Update: September 11, 2022
I could not sleep well during the heat wave was here. The room is significantly hot and the fan does not work well in the 30+ degree temperature. I feel that this is the same weather in Tokyo, Japan 10 years ago, but in Tokyo, there is AC in all the apartments (at least when I lived/rent there). I felt that early September was not a good choice. Late September and October are better for a nomad. Because we are flexible.
Hostel/motel
Recently, I have a habit to search Airbnb first, but we have an alternative. It is a hostel. It is affordable if you are okay to share the sleeping room with 4-8 people. I am okay for a few days, but I stay L.A. in for 2 weeks. That’s a little tough for me.
Preparing for the travel
It’s always anxious before travel. I felt COVID symptoms a week ago even though I have never tested positive. It had gone in a few days. I am ready to travel.
Lists before travel
– Passport (& copy) ✓✓✓
– Tickets for an airline (& print out) ✓✓✓
– Drivers license
– Health insurance card
– Foreign currency ✓✓
*Check the passport and expiration date as well.
*In my experience, WiFi at the airport is unstable. Printout is at ease.
– Suitcases, backpack
– Maps and directions (print out if need)
– Travel pillow
– Sleeping mask
– Earplugs
– Travel locks
– Luggage tags
– Pens and paper
– Snacks and empty water bottles ✓✓✓
– Small pocket knife (not in a carry-on!)
– Rope(expandable clothesline) ✓
*Snacks and empty water bottles save money at the airport.
– Cellphone, charger
– Laptop, iPad or Tablet, E-reader
– Chargers ✓✓✓
– Travel adapter and converter
*I always think that I need an iPad only during travel.
– Underwear
– Socks
– Sleepwear
– Shirts, polos
– Jeans, trousers, shorts
– Dresses, skirts
– Shoes, sneakers
– Flipflops, slippers(in accommodation) ✓✓
– Jackets, coats, raincoats
– Belts, ties
– Scarves, hats, gloves
*I don’t think no one forgets clothes. Less is better.
– Toothbrush, paste
– Deodorant
– Tweezers (not in a carry-on!)
– Soap, shampoo, conditioner
– Towels ✓✓
*Some hotels or Airbnb does not have towels
– Nailcare
– Tissues
– Skin products
– Glasses, contact lenses
– Vinyl bags ✓
*These products above are always in the small pouch after travel. No need to care.
– Swimsuit
– Walking shoes
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Umbrella ✓✓
– Daypack
– Books, e-books, magazines ✓
International Travel
The day before the flight and it is the USA, not Canada(domestic). My anxiety is peak.
ESTA
When I went to Chicago, IL, I paid for something at the airport. I used Kiosk, but I did not remember what it was. I figured it out. It calls ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
If you are entering the United States by air or sea carrier under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to apply for travel authorization under ESTA. ESTA is administered by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and not this office.
I did ESTA, but it is pending. I sometimes cannot get through the airport process. Because I am a Japanese citizen and a Japanese passport, but I live in Canada as a PR resident. Hope no issue at the airport. 🤞🏻
*No one checks the printout at the airport. Do people really pay ESTA?
eTA
Canada has a similar program. It calls eTA. I think Canada does not require eTA for PR residence.
Online check-in
I don’t get used to the procedure of flight. I am still not sure why I have to use the Kiosk at the airport even though I do check-in online. Anyway, please check in 24 hours before the flight.
*I received the text message and email at 4 am. It says check in within 5 hours. It made me little fear. I got YVR at a little past 6 am. I got to the gate at 7:40 am. It took time.
*Update: September 20, 2022
I did check in the day before the flight. I waited for the flight at the closest WeWork from LAX in the morning. I left WeWork at 11:40 am and I got to LAX at 12:30 pm. Air Canada terminal is 6. It is very far from the bus stop. Please be careful. The check-in and security check was empty. So, I could get inside at 1 pm. I have 3 hours. Arrive early, waiting inside is always better and be calm. LAX wifi is okay for MacBook Pro, but it is weak on the iPhone. The flight was also not full. Besise 2 seats were empty. LAX to YVR was only 2 hours and half. I did ArriveCAN yesterday, but I had to do paperwork. PR holder by other country citizen faces this situation often.
WeWork
Yes, there are many WeWork locations. It won’t be walkable to get there. I checked transit as well.
*In downtown, 3 locations are available. WeWork at 1003 E 4th PI is the closest location from Airbnb but it was closed.
Mobile/Data(Prepaid SIM)
A cell phone is always a headache when we are across the border. The United States and Canada is a neighbours, but once across the border, there is no service and no WiFi, roaming is started. This is the first time for the digital nomad in the United States. I am thinking to buy a prepaid SIM just in case. I searched how people deal with this issue.
So many travel blogger mentions prepaid SIM. I knew T-Mobile and AT&T. Not many websites were mentioned, but Verizon is also a major career. Blogger mentions Three. it is a UK company. I have never heard before, but Three looks cheaper than US careers.
If I think about Canada’s situation, the major company is expensive and local people know about affordable careers. It is only a few days before the flight. So, I cannot buy SIM on Amazon before traveling. I will ask it to local people at WeWork.
*Update: September 8, 2022
I haven’t seen a mobile shop on the street so far. I do roaming when I use Google Maps. Very short time, but I don’t know how much it costs. And I am not sure about the difference between mobile data and roaming data.
Experience
*Update: September 8, 2022
I had no information about downtown, LA. I worked around when I commute to WeWork. Yesterday, I walked near 7th Station. I saw Uniqlo and the atmosphere was the center of downtown. I will discover there in 2 weeks.
*Update: September 9, 2022
I went to Santa Monica today. It was a good place. It took 1 hour and 30 mins by train. It takes over 1 hour wherever I go from downtown, LA. I talked to some people at WeWork. Basically, everyone has a car. Yesterday, a stranger yelled at me on the street and I know the reason. I ignored it, but I don’t face an issue of gun violence in daily L.A. life so far.
*Update: September 13, 2022
A heat wave had gone. It’s a comfortable temperature in Los Angeles, L.A. It’s been a week and I gradually get used to the local. I am using public transit and I can see many local people and areas. Rich and poor, kindness and greedy, clean and dirty. Hispanic and black are the uniqueness of Los Angeles or the United States.
I know the current inflation on the news, but there are too high grocery costs for the ordinal person who live in Canada. I bought americano in long beach. It was US$4. I bought vegetable juice and shampoo at the CVS pharmacy. It costed US$10. When I checked the bill on the bank account, everything grew +30%. Because of the strong US currency. I know Canada is also facing inflation, but compared with the United States, it is nothing.
I felt that I need to make a living first if I live in the United States. I have to win somehow. Otherwise, I have to share the kitchen and bath forever. That’s not cozy. I also felt that is here really expensive to buy a home? I saw a lot of old small housing across the city from the bus. According to Google, the typical home value of homes in Los Angeles is $991,551. I don’t feel that value though.
*Update: September 16, 2022
Yesterday, I am using Metro J Line(Silver) 910 and Metro C Line(Green). When I backed to Airbnb, I saw 3 high school students, 2 men and 1 girl, and one man dropped a gun. It was a small pistol. I was working behind them.
It depends on the age and purpose of travel, but when people travel to other countries, tourists don’t use local transit. They charter the bus and move point A to point B easily. It’s safe, but it misses many local experiences. When I visited a Pacific Design Center, 1 homeless blamed me to stand on the narrow pedestrian road. I don’t think he should not treat a tourist that way, but this is part of daily life.
*Update: September 18, 2022
It is Sunday and 2 days left to leave L.A. I woke up 4:30 am everyday and worked at WeWork. I have gotton tired. I feel that 2 weeks is a good length. If it’s 1 week, I would feel I want to come back. I usually travel in 2 weeks. I feel that I want to back to home and take a break in the late of travel. I did not have entertainment event here, but I could see downtown and local in L.A. Cannot compalin.
According to the Airbnb manager, San Francisco is expensive than L.A. I hope I have chance to stay San Francisco next time.
WeWork at Gas Company Tower
I arrived at LAX around 1 pm. So many people at the airport. The sign was not very clear. It says, ground transportation. I followed it, but I was not sure whether I can get FlyAway(bus from LAX to downtown) or not. Anyhow, I got a bus terminal. I was waiting for FlyAway for a while. I got to Union Square around 2:30 pm. I booked WeWork short after I got downtown. Then, I walked from Union Station to here in 30 mins. Unluckily, the heat wave is here, very hot.
WeWork at the Gas Company Tower requires a security check, access card does not work for All Access members. I don’t have to use an access card for a washroom, but basically, I need to stay in an open space. It is 35F, an exclusive office. The view is great. The receptionist said that I can use this location between 9 am to 5 pm, but people are still here around 6 pm. I may not be able to get to the office in the early morning. So, it is not convenient for me. This location is available for 95 people, but I did not see many people today.
WeWork at 1150 S Olive St
On the second day, I booked The Maxwell. Because it is the closest WeWork from Airbnb. I got there before 6 am. The access Card did not work. Security helped me to get into the building, but I could not get into the WeWork office. I noticed that Gas Company Tower and The Maxwell are the same as on-demand. I can access there from 8 am to 17 pm(officially, but seems to I can work there after 17 pm). So, I have only 1 choice in downtown, LA. It’s 1150 S Olive St.
I got here before 7 am. I asked about the floor at the reception. She did not know which floor is WeWork. It was 9F and 10F. I did not know how to use an elevator. I asked the people. People are kind if you ask.
In the office, no one is there. I took the desk beside the reception. Maybe a little noisy, but I want to feel the atmosphere. I feel that the desk is too high, or the chair is too low. The conversation started at reception around 8:30 am.
In the afternoon, I worked around the office. There were a stadium, convention center, station, and graffiti of Kobe Bryant. I did not see many people. Outside is the scorching heat. The office is chilly. Airbnb is hot. I cannot escape anywhere.
*Update: September 18, 2022
The second time at 1150 S Olive St. It was a quiet weekend, but again someone started a Zoom call at the desk and make me irritated. Temperature is natural. I printed documents out for the flight. WeWork really provides value to freelance.
WeWork at Pacific Design Center
On the Third day, I got out the downtown, LA. It took over 1 hour to get to WeWork at Pacific Design Center from Union Station. I used the Metro B line and Bus 16. I might get here by only bus, but I did not have a Tap Card. Currently, a mask is mandatory for public transit. I am sorry that I did not know that in the metro. I saw the sign when I was waiting for the bus.
I knew that it is a red building, but there was no sign on the building. I did not know where WeWork is in the building. I thought P indicates parking. So, I pushed SL and I could find WeWork by chance. Each unkind sign makes me culture shock.
The office is 2 floors, but mainly the working desk is only 1 floor. I don’t see the Hollywood sign from here, but I can see the hill. It looks like rich people live there. At 7:30 am, I see 3-4 people. The office is chilly for ordinally Asian. Be prepared.
There are many shops on Santa Monica Blvd. I will walk in the afternoon.
WeWork at 312 Arizona Ave
Since I got to Los Angels, California, it is a heat wave here in Los Angels and I cannot stay on Airbnb. Because the room is significantly hot. I left Airbnb at 5:30 am. I went to Union Station and got 7 days pass. It costs $12.50, 50% off in 2022. Affordable compared with the grocery. Anyway, I hop into the Purple line and Waterblue line. It took over 1 hour to get to Santa Monica.
It is a different atmosphere compared with downtown, LA. I feel more tourism feeling here. I arrived WeWork at 312 Arizona Ave at 7:30 am. I saw a few people. Stay here(Santa Monica), work here(WeWork) sounds nice. I don’t remember whether I see Airbnb less than $1K in 2 weeks near here. The reception and same area(you can see the picture above) is nice brightness and enough light from the window. The workspace has enough desks for all access members, but that space is a little dim.
I visited Santa Monica Pier when I had lunch. A nice open space, waves, and a beach. I assume that the best season is over, but I saw quite enough people for business. Downtown Santa Monica is condensed. I saw many attractive shops.
In the afternoon, WeWork is very crowded, only less than 20 spots left. Phone manner is not so good. Everyone calls at the desk and it may be annoying if you don’t have noise-canceling earbuds. Worry about whether. I don’t have an umbrella.
ThingsToDo: www.santamonica.com
WeWork at The Hubb
I got used to how the train is running in L.A. Union Station and 7th Station are core. Tourists can get to downtown, L.A. by train from LAX, but it requires transit a couple of times. So, FlyAway(bus) is a good choice even though you may have to wait a while at the LAX. Musk is mandatory on public transit, but it is totally up to people. On the train, some people are playing loud music, some people are sleeping. It looks the United States.
I got WeWork at The Hubb in Long Beach L.A. on Saturday morning. It says beach, but different atmosphere compared with Santa Monica. There is an office building and a high residence. As same as usual, there is no sign which floor is WeWork. So, I scan the access card and pushed all the buttons from 2F to 6F. WeWork locates 3F, 4F, and 5F.
The interior and plants on the terrace are a beach town feel. Light is a warm color on 3F. 5F is white and bright. I am working on 3F. I saw 1 lady on 5F, but basically empty. I heard voices a couple of times, but people are not working. Happy weekend.
ThingsToDo: www.visitlongbeach.com
WeWork at Constellation Place
It is a suburb of downtown, L.A. I got here by bus 28. It was delayed 10+ mins near Union Station. When I got off the bus, I saw some office buildings, such as Mckinsey & Company. It is early Sunday morning, at 7 am, but I saw security.
I found the WeWork at Constellation Place. It was not easy to get here. I did not realize the sign at first and passed by. I need to talk to security. Because I don’t know which floor WeWork is located on. It is 1F to 3F. I still don’t know how to enter the WeWork from 1F.
I talked to a black woman who uses a wheelchair. She became a member on Friday. She is a writer and she works at night and quiet weekend. It was nice to see her. I do not see other people so far, but it is the weekend.
I am going to go to Beverly Hills this afternoon.
ThingsToDo: lovebeverlyhills.com
WeWork at North Brand Boulevard
I got WeWork at 611 North Brand Boulevard by Bus 92. I didn’t have to transport it and it was convenient. In the previous WeWork, the commute took over 1 hour. So, I felt that 30 mins for commute is fast even though I can get to the WeWork office in 15 mins by walking in Vancouver, BC. Bus stop to WeWork, it is only a few blocks away. I felt that the environment is not bad. The street is clean. I did not see homeless people. Only 30 mins from Union Station.
As usual, I don’t know which floor the WeWork is located on. I scanned and pushed the all buttons. It was 13F. I saw this location has 3 floors, but I could not find it on an elevator. I asked a receptionist. Currently, here is only 1 floor. This office is not fancy compared with others in Los Angeles. Looks more office and has no background music, but I can access it 24 hours as an all-access member. I got here before 7 am. I already saw a few people. If you are used WeWork before, you know the atmosphere, a bunch of strangers, and no greeting. When people is using earbuds/headphone, I cannot say anything. Here as well. It is not a good manner, I think 😔
I walked near WeWork. There are many new condominiums. I don’t see homeless people here. Restaurants are thriving at lunchtime. Within 1 hour to downtown, L.A. I felt that North Brand Blvd is a nice area to live in.
WeWork at One Culver
I used only bus 33 and got WeWork at One Cluver at 7 am. I saw nice shops between the bus stop and here.
The middle of the building is a huge open space. WeWork is located at 6F and 7F. I observed the atmosphere and here is nice. Office, but not typical. There are many chair desks and sofa desks. I can see the rainbow from the terrace. It’s Sony Pictures Office. I will come here again.
I took window sheets on 6F at 7 am. People call behind me and it is annoying. I have to use earbuds. In the afternoon, people look for the desk. Please come here earlier if you have a plan to work at One Oliver.
*Updated: September 17, 2022
I visited the second time at WeWork at One Cluver. I like this location and neighborhood, the Cluver area, but the WeWrok users are not so good. It was very empty on weekend, but someone started zoom call right behind me even though there were plenty of empty seats. Idiot.
WeWork at Lantana
I got WeWork at Lantana this morning. I compared Lantana with other locations and Lantana was easy to transport, only E line trains. This location is open 5 am to 19 pm. I arrived at 7 am as same as usual. From 26th st/Bergamot Station to here, nothing to see. Looks like a business area.
Close to Santa Monica, 3 stops before. Therefore, WeWork at Lantana looks small and cozy. I cannot find many working desks. People are coming continuously from 7 am. nice morning light from the window. Here is not a large space, but shortly after people are looking for seats.
In the afternoon, small meetup event. I talked with the CEO of Goodones(still only beta) which is a photo organizing app. He is ex-Google. Already passed the seed round. This situation is very California. Interesting.
During the break, I visited Chris Do’s office. They created the future which has 2M subscribers on YouTube here. Deep emotion.
Overall, I like here. The temperature is mild and suitable for ordinal Asians.
WeWork at Manhattan Beach Towers
My worry was the transit. I was not sure whether bus or train at first. Google mentions Metro J Line(gray) and Metro C Line(Green). I supposed that Metro C Line is the train. Because of the icon. I waited for J Line near Union Station. The bus 910 came to the spot on time, but I need to pay $0.75 with 7 days pass. I got off the bus at Harbor Fwy Station. It looks on the highway and I don’t see this kind of bus stop a lot. I could find the Green Line somehow and I got to WeWork at Manhattan Beach Towers. Huge road and a huge 1 block. I am sure that local people come here by car. There are a few similar buildings. Here is 1240 as you see it on the address. It’s on the 1F. No worry to lose your way. I did chat with the staff. Manhattan Beach Towers has 1F – 3F. 2F has not have much impression, but 3F is a nice wall seat if you want to work without interaction.
This location looks like a business park. Not very fancy. I think many business traveller use this location and the others, 222 Pacific Coast Hwy. Manhattan Beach Towers is slightly far from LAX. From Douglas Station to here, there are many stores. No worries about lunch. At 7 am, it was very quiet, but during the morning, local people came to Manhattan Beach Towers more than I thought. I don’t know whether this location is parking-friendly or not. I am not sure how people get here.
I could practice for leaving L.A. a couple of days later. That’s the best learning today.
WeWork at 5161 Lankershim Blvd
I did not check the North Hollywood carefully. Because I thought I cannot get there. Last night, I found this location and came here on Happy Friday. Only a total 4F building and WeWork is located at 2F. I got here at 6:40 am. People came here from 7 am gradually. This location has a central open space. I saw this at another location and this is a good concept. Builder don’t have to make it and set up the desk and chair as much as possible if they want, but it looks typical office. People don’t want that.
I am curious about this neighbor. I saw Amazon Fresh on Google Maps.
WeWork at The Maxwell
The before the last day of L.A., California. I realized that I did not walk around near Airbnb. It was not usual, but I chose the WeWork at The Maxwell. This location has a restricted time, 8 am to 17 pm. So, you cannot come here before 8 am. I tested it this morning and I could not enter here even at 7:59 am. If you are here before 17 pm, you can extend to stay, but you cannot come back to the office after 17 pm.
There are 2 floors, 3F and 4F. Reception is 4F. I could not find many desks at 4F, around 20?, but there are enough desks on 3F for all access members. Here, I can back to Airbnb for lunch. Only 10 mins by walk. If I stay for 1 month in L.A., I might use this location a lot. There is a tiny rooftop and I found many plugs. There is no WiFi, but you can work if you want.
I walked for 1 hour before opening the door. This area looks like a business and industry district. I found Dover Street Market, a high-end clothing store, in Los Angeles. I went there in Tokyo a long time ago. It was a small surprise. I also found many coffee shops below.
– Groundwork Coffee Co.
– Boxx Coffee Roasters Co.
– Verve Coffee Roasters
– Eighfold Coffee
– Blue Bottle Coffee
– Stumptown Coffee Roasters
I worked at a cafe in Vancouver, BC, a lot before COVID. I could try it again here. Next time.
WeWork at 222 Pacific Coast Hwy
On the last day of L.A., I visited WeWork at 222 Pacific Coast Hwy, located on 10F(no direction sign as same as usual). Metro J line(gray/bus 910) and Metro C Line(green) from near Union Station. Here is the same neighbor as Manhattan Beach Towers, a business district. The closest office for LAX. I can see some people have carry-on luggage.
I could have early lunch with frozen food. There is a grocery store near here. You can buy a small snack for the airport as well.
On the first day in L.A., I could stay at WeWork until I can check in the Airbnb, after 3 pm. Today, I can stay at WeWork before fright, 4 pm. I printed out the boarding pass. I will eat something before I got to the airport. This is really convenient during travel.
Roaming charges
*September 29, 2022
I don’t go to the United States often, but I knew the word, roaming. Therefore, I did not use my cell phone as much as I can. I thought I can pay the fee based on the usage.
I got the bill from Fido(Rogers) and Fido charges consumers $12 per day. I had no call or text message during the travel. Fido has a record. I used only 2-3 MB a couple of days, but Fido charges consumers. I was just in the United States. I think this is not only my issue. Many people come to Canada as an immigrant. Then, they go to the United States or home country or etc. Why mobile career can charge consumers $12/day(Fido) without agreement? I am sure that many people even do not know the roaming. There are many ways to protect consumers from the roaming issue.
– Ask for agreement (currently don’t)
– Stop the mobile/data function before the agreement (currently don’t)
– Send a message for agreement and how much they are going to charge so far every day (currently don’t)
This is really bad business practice. I don’t know how many people become victims of this every day. There is no consumer protection. Should prohibit this practice by law.
Canada.ca: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Conclusion: Get out comfort zone
*On July 3, 2022
I am planning the L.A. travel. It is fun, but finding affordable accommodation is not fun. I don’t know anything about the City of Los Angeles, area, local, transportation and distance, etc. I already bought the flight ticket a few days ago. It depends on how much I can compromise, share a room or private room, etc.
After I booked Airbnb, I am focusing on work and schedule again. I will work at WeWork in L.A. every day, but I cannot give trouble to clients as a professional. I do careful preparation. I am going to earn more than the cost in L.A. This is a fundamental goal as the temporary nomad.
*On September 19, 2022
My travel is almost over. I scanned the City of L.A. a lot. Yes, L.A. looks may not safety, but I did not face any threat in 2 weeks. I walked 8-9 pm every day, but it was nothing happened in daily life. It is the second largest city in North America, but I saw many kindnesses in this city more than fighting. There was some rudeness or inappropriate manner, but Unites States has diversity. Everyone does not think and live the same way.
I don’t have many travel experiences to resort places, but L.A. has a huge beach and a beautiful sunset. That was a memorable moment on this trip. Big thanks to Los Angeles, CA and WeWork!
What’s next? NYC or Chicago, IL? I will execute it in 2023.
