Traffic

One of the things I find incredible here is the traffic. Granted, L.A. is infamous for its bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405. And yes, the drivers here will pull some insane stunts, for example, cutting across six lanes of heavy traffic to make their exit.

But I think there's also something beautiful about the traffic here, especially at night. An artery of red lights going one way, a vein of white going the other. Automobiles of every shape, size, age and color weaving between one another, flowing faster than the speed limit most of the time.

Do I trust this guy behind me to let me in this other lane? How soon should I start thinking about getting into the right lane for my exit? Should I signal? If I signal will he close the gap?

It's all very intricate, like dancing. Which reminds me I haven't elaborated on my tango lesson yet. I learned a lot that night, about dancing, about following, about trust, about relationships in general. One particular man was very helpful in teaching me some of these things.

"Lean on me," he whispers. "No, no, lean on me. That's better."
"Don't anticipate. If you anticipate it's like dancing by yourself."
"Perfect! That's perfect! You are going to be good."

What I find truly incredible is that, once you trust the fellow you're dancing with, it becomes much easier. He wants you to do "the ochos", he is going to twist your hips and hold you in a way that it's very simple to accomplish. Dancing becomes more fluid, more beautiful.

You never learn that in the movies.