California Love

It's been 2 days. I'm in love with California already. Now I understand why all my NYC people said they hope we come back. After a painless flight with lots of legroom, I wrapped up a bunch of work yesterday while sitting on our balcony, sipping iced tea and gazing on a fountain nine stories below.

Knowing that I didn't have to do much else on the way here but relax, I people watched at LAX and had a few laughs as luggage apparently is something that needs to be rushed to...why? Not sure, it will keep going around the little baggage carousel if you miss it on lap one. As our taxi took us towards Century City, I found it ironic that we (two Devils fans from NY) arrived on the day of the LA Kings parade. No, we didn't go to it, are you nuts! But we did get here in time to catch some of the Euro 2012 games on our swanky hotel's enormous flat screen as we dined on our first meal. Lunch was at 11:30 (technically 2:30 on our digestive systems' collective watch) and couldn't have been more delicious: Baha fish tacos with a creamy avocado sauce, nuff said!

Following lunch and a stroll around the pool, spa, gym and three food/drink spots we arrived at the lobby Starbucks (heavenly) and discovered that you get a free drink when you check in on Foursquare (bonus!) For dinner last night, we went to Gulfstream for Oysters and Dover Sole that is flown in only on Thursdays and Fridays from the North Atlantic. No way I was missing that! Melt in your mouth amazing, with creamy mashed potatoes and wilted spinach. Perfection on a plate joined by Deep Sea Red and shoulders are down.

Next was a walk around the outdoor mall that Gulfstream lives in where we grabbed an after dinner latte and cupcake at Vanilla (what a treat!) and returned content to our California King to read. Content and well traveled, I was asleep by 9pm (or midnight NY time-surprised I made it that far) and slept the first solid ten hours in I can't tell you how long. These would be our well rested, just ate oysters faces:

Up at 7am for a work call today, I felt refreshed and ready to delve into Day 2. I'm hunting for books and planning on lunch at a Brazillian place down the street. Tomorrow, we rent a car for the weekend and drive up the coast. I haven't felt so clear and calm in a very long time. And now to the pool before lunch!

Peace & Palm Trees
K