When I was recently thinking about my trips to the U.S., I immediately had to think about my autumn-break vacation in 2006 at the West coast, including some days in L.A., San Diego and some relaxed times in Baja California (Mexico) afterwards.

Los Angeles has to be seen at least by everyone who’s also been to New York .. and if it’s only to see the difference. So fake, so full of A to Z celebrities and AMAZING malls (not to mention the well known Rodeo Drive, which hasn’t changed since Julia Roberts walked her way down in “Pretty Woman”).

The only thing, which I should have left out is the redneck-mekka of Christian Audigier AND the Kodak theatre.. but as a tourist you must have seen all these places to get your own impression of this city.

Therefore Baja California was the absolute enriching alternative programme and although I had serious problems with standing the unbelievably dry heat (yes I’m just another typical light skinned person), I wish I could be there some time again! We stayed in the Las Ventanas, which seemed to be one of the best at that time (“Oh my god, mum, MK & Ashley Olsen have been there..”) and the food as well as the service were just flawless.

Above you see Venice beach, the Mondrian (I hope you recognized my love for the Morgans Hotel Group), the Getty Museum and the wonderful sight I had from my room when I was waking up)

Below you see the sight from the car in San Diego, the Betsey Johnson Store in L.A. and the Las Ventanas Hotel, where all the pictures of that amazing areal were taken.