Philipp's trip, 3

Trip to the beautiful Mono Lake, the oldest lake in North America (history and photos and webcam and panorama view). Impressive visit of Bodie, one of the few original ghost towns from the
California gold rush in the 19th century.
Plus: the Bodie story, more photos and historic documents.
Last but not least: A Swiss native - General John A. Sutter - was among the first gold diggers (also check out the movie).

Remembering September 11, 2001

The twin towers might have gone, the memory does not vanish.

Tall like two soldiers
you stood with might
until that day
that merciful flight.
When time seemed to stop
and everyone did stare
you once stood proud
and now you're not there.
Families are crippled
their loved ones gone
and sadly but true
life still goes on.

Written by 11 year old Olivia Nowotny

Philipp's trip, 2

Exploring the huge and beautiful Yosemite National Park. Driving through Sequoia National Park. Hugging one of these huge trees (by far the largest in the world. Plus: more description, more photos). Sleeping overnight at the Housekeeping Camp in the middle of Yosemite park.

Re-select Dubya

Hillarious and funny, this fake "official re-selection site" for George W. Bush.

Matchmaker in a cab

Good idea. A taxi driver in New York sets up blind dates for customers.

Philipp's trip, 1

I would have loved to accompany Philipp on his one week trip through California. But since I have to work he left by himself this morning (with this rental car). He drove all the way up to Northern California. First stop and overnight stay: Fresno.

Be a speechwriter

...and create create the speech you always wanted to hear from George W. Bush.

Friend in town, 5

Philipp on a boogieboard at Venice Beach.

Today I would have liked to show Philipp the beautiful Griffith Observatory (virtual tour) with one of the best and most beautiful views over Los Angeles. But the famous location of the James Dean movie "Rebel without A Cause" was closed due to a major renovation so we continued to cruise on the legendary Hollywood Boulevard, spotted for celebrities on Sunset Strip, checked out the shopping district of funky Melrose Avenue and had lunch in a relaxing park in West Hollwood. Since we both felt the urge to jump into the ocean again we headed towards Venice Beach (webcam) where we had big fun riding the boogieboards (web pictures) for the rest of the day. Afterwards we went for a well-deserved happy hour at the Irish pub Finn McCool's and joined Leslie for a great American dinner at the Broadway Deli in Santa Monica. We ended the day with a visit of the cool and innovative (digital) music store (& coffeehouse) Hear Music and a stroll on the lively Third Street Promenade. Plus: the beach pictures.

Friend in town, 4

Beach boy - enjoying life.

We originally wanted to drive to Huntington Beach today, one of "America's famous surf cities" with the best waves in California. Since we had kind of a late start in the morning we decided to go Manhattan Beach - another great surfer spot but located much closer to L.A. We had a great picnic from Trader Joe's, jumped into the ocean and bodysurfed for hours. Being carried by these powerful pacific waves is one of the best feeling one can have! Later in the afternoon we drove back and went for a sightseeing rid through the fascinating downtown of Los Angeles and checked out a couple of its attractions such as the new and beautiful Disney Concert Hall (design by star architect Frank Gehry), the wonderful Union Station, the new gigantic cathedral Our Lady Of The Angels, the Museum of Modern Art and all the great historic buildings. A refreshing drink was desperately needed, so we joined Leslie for a cocktail at the roof bar of the hip Standard Hotel which offers the most amazing panoramic view of the skyline of downtown L.A. (close to my favorite skyscraper, the Sanwa bank building). Philipp's wish to have a real American steak came immediately come true when we drove to the Outback Steakhouse in Burbank and ate a delicious dinner until we almost dropped dead. Plus: the pictures from L.A. downtown - and other places.

Friend in town, 3

Labor day. Hot and sunny - again. We wanted to show an European what REAL bargain hunting (American style) means. So we drove up to Camarillo the Premium Outlet, a huge shopping center with hundreds of brands where one can find all kind of brands for discount prices up to 70 percent. Our guest was in seventh heaven and shops like crazy - sneakers, clothes and bags for AMAZING prices). On the way back we stopped by Galpin Ford in in order to check what kind of incentives this car dealership has to offer. Unfortunately nothing for our budget. But it was a riot to see how shopping for anything in the USA became an event. Everything in big sizes, with lots of colors - and party, party, party (that's how sales people think they can keep consumers in the shopping mood. And it works - mostly..) After these highly interesting, but exhausting experiences we have to cool off with a refreshing swim at the public swimming-pool in Glassell Park. After that we enjoyed ourselves at a very nice Labor Day barbecue of our friends Beat and Tara's house in Silver Lake.

Friend in town, 2

Leslie & Philipp (literally) in Mexico City.

Chill-out day. Philipp needed to go easy on his first day in California. We went for a great classic American breakfast at Cindy's Restaurant in our neighborhood. Later on: relaxing at the Santa Monica beach. Despite the holiday weekend (labor day) the crowd is not that bad. Sunbathing. Bodysurfing. A absolutely beautiful day. For dinner we drove to the beautiful and artsy neighborhood of Los Feliz where we had delicious burritos and margaritas at the funky Mexican restaurant Mexico City. We ended the day with a good night cup (yummy mojto) at the bar of one of our favorite hang-outs, the Edendale Grill in Silver Lake.