Dani California - the sequel

The Sunset Limited is taking me one step further on my roads. It is also the last train ride (in the US) on this trip. Los Angeles to New Orleans. Once I get to New Orleans I’ll be meeting up with a friend from back home. And with a rented car we’ll be exploring through the heat of the South East. I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve done by train already. But after 4 long distance train rides I sure do know the on board menu by heart :) And I must have told my trip route about a hundred times already – or close to it anyway. Cause when you travel alone you get to talk to people easily. During breakfast or lunch. Or most likely with your seat neighbour. That is if you are traveling coach. Which I have done 4 times. And I’m good with not having to go on a 5th train ride :)

But let’s look back on the last 11 days .. After some cold but wonderful days up in the North I really was looking warward to some sunny and warm days in California. I barely could wait to get there. Not just because of the weather. No, I was really looking forward to seeing the Del Rosarios again. At first though I spent 4 days in Redondo Beach. Getting stuff ready to ship back home (my bags were getting way too heavy). Just relaxing on the beach. Dwelling in memories of when I used to live there 11 years ago. Realizing that some things change. Like bakeries that I used to go to not being there anymore. But that’s life. And the only constant is change as someone once said. And it’s true. During those days in the South of LA I also got to meet up with Liz. A friend I’ve met through Southern Gothic Productions and that I had met 2 years ago. Luckily she’s now living in the LA area. So we met up, went to Venice Beach and after a delicious dinner (Ahi Tuna), of course, we ended up going to the movies.

The time at the Del Rosario Mansion :) started pretty good. Pedicure and Manicure with Teresa and Liana (how much I have longed for this after a good 3 weeks of camping). And then it just went on.Partying into Liana’s 6th birthday. Visits to the beach and experiencing the California Grunion Spawning at midnight. Having fun at Knott’s Berry Farm and in San Diego Zoo. And a girls night out (just the adults) to Eva Longoria’s restaurant Beso in Hollywood.

All in all, I’ve had – once again – a great time being "Dani California". Thank you once more to Teresa, Derek, Teri, Liana and of course Kiwi (Teri’s dog, the newest member of the family). I’ve really enjoyed my Cali days. I already miss you all! But I’ll be seeing you guys in 2 years in Europe. So you better start planning now ;)

More adventures in New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and so on coming up … so stay with me on the road.

Safe travels to you all!!