Photo diary: California, here we come!

Hello lovebirds,

A few month ago I went on a little adventure with one of my best friends. We decided on a whimp to go on a big adventure. We went to California in November. It was pretty nerve-wracking. It was our first time in California and in the US. The beginning of the trip was complicated: missing papers, long lines, traffic jam, different sits, long flights. I experienced long flights for the first time. I have to admit I hate it. I couldn't sleep on the plane. They feed you too much plane/plain food. It's cold. People are sitting too close to you. It never ends. The bright side is that on our way back we had a few nice movies to watch which made the time fly by quicker.

We finally arrives at LAX after 17 hours. Our hotel was in Hollywood: The Hollywood Hotel. It was a nice hotel: clean with a good complemantary breakfast. They had different facilities which we unfortunately didn't get to experience.

On the second - well, technically our first day in LA - we rented a car. A lovely red Toyota Corolla and head for the highway. During our trip, we saw: the Hollywood sign, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Newport Beach & Disneyland Park California. We ate, visited, walked, did some shopping, drove and enjoyed the sun and the beach. It was a break from our usual routine.

I fell in love with Californian beach but I don't think I'll go back there any time soon. I was overwhelmed by the social differences in Los Angeles. It’s truly heart-breaking to watch.

For the first time in my life, I truly realized how lucky I was to be born in France, how priviledged we are in Europe and simply that what I'm accustomed to can be thought as luxury to some. While here I'm simply part of the middle class, my struggle is nothing compared to theirs. I was fortunate enough to be born in a country and a family such as mine. I have never had to worry about where to catch my next meal or where to sleep or if I will be out on the streets by midday. If this trip has taught me anything, it has to be just that.