California

I'd always dreamed of going to California, of experiencing those places I'd only ever admired in TV shows. And so in spring we decided to take a crazy holiday: 2 weeks in California, 1 in Los Angeles and 1 in San Francisco. We left from Rome on a direct Alitalia flight and reached Los Angeles in the early afternoon, and already the area around the airport looked over the top. Oh yes, that's the right adjective for this city: OVER THE TOP! In a positive sense, obviously. We stayed in the Downtown area, the business district, huge skyscrapers and everyone rushing about. It isn't the best area, but to make up for it the hotel was fabulous! On the first day we went to the Hollywood Studios...

wonderful! You pay $99 to get in, or $139 if you don't want to queue for ages (which is advisable), and you get a special pass — what a treat! The Studios are enormous; you need a whole day to enjoy them properly. The next day we finally went to the famous Santa Monica beach. I rented a surfboard and a wetsuit (advisable) and threw myself into the waves. Well, at least I tried! Still, I had a great time. In the water I met people from all over the world, and it was wonderful. Over the following days we went to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and San Diego. In Hollywood you can shop happily on the main street without spending too much, whereas in Beverly Hills, on the famous Rodeo Drive, it's best not to look at the prices...

outrageous! One thing that surprised me is that on this street there's only one French shop, then they're all Italian! With Versace ruling the roost with a shop like a Roman temple. In San Diego, on the other hand, we didn't stay long enough — it feels like being in Mexico. The port is an absolute must-see. After the week was over, we left for San Francisco, a city that has stayed in my heart. We stayed in the best area, Fisherman's Wharf, near the port, the liveliest part of the city. It would be lovely to live there. It has everything: a huge park (Golden Gate Park), houses in typical Victorian style, the cable cars, the little trams (not to be missed), and excellent food too! For lovers of good food I highly recommend the crab chowder and the clam chowder, both served inside a warm bread roll. See the photo. Unlike Los Angeles, there's no Metro here, but the buses work very well.

The ticket costs 1 dollar 25 cents and you buy it from the driver using a little machine. Finally, after only ever seeing it from a distance, we went onto the famous Golden Gate, the bridge that symbolises the city. We walked all the way across it on the way there (a few kilometres), while on the way back we took the bus. San Francisco has the largest Chinese community in the West, and it was in Chinatown that I bought a kimono for my girlfriend. There's also the chance to buy the famous Pacific pearls, taken from the oyster in front of your eyes if you agree to take part in the Hawaiian ritual, complete with a little song! One last thing: visit Pier 39, a pier where some friendly sea lions 'reside' — it's really quite special! Greetings to everyone and... until the next trip!