Day 11 - Los Angeles - Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive

Hello Germany,

We have arrived in Los Angeles. We are staying in Beverly Hills. In the past few days, we have been staying for an average of 80 EUR per night (about 40 EUR per person). Here in L.A., I booked a higher category because I wanted to relax in a clean, good room. I don't know if it's a pricing mistake or if I didn't read the fine print... but... WHERE HAVE WE LANDED? :-)

In the heart of Beverly Hills, near Rodeo Drive - one of the most expensive and luxurious shopping streets. We just checked out the rooftop pool and bar... and all the people look so different... you can tell they have money... I'm sure we also look like aliens to them :-) Since we felt a bit out of place at the Dom Pérignon party up there, we thought we'd explore Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. What can I say? It's a beautifully dreamy residential area. Everyone has a few palm trees in front of their door and a nice front yard. Hardly a minute goes by here on Rodeo Drive without a Mercedes G, a Lamborghini, or a Ferrari passing by. This seems to be completely normal here. Just like plump lips and enhanced 'assets' :-)

I'm sure we will also get to know the other side of L.A., but for today we are just 'wow-ed'. The next culture shock after Las Vegas. Apart from this crazy experience, there's not much more to report for today, as we only arrived at 4 p.m. today. Tomorrow and the next few days, we'll go to the more touristy places like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame... etc.

STOP: I forgot to mention that we stopped in Palm Springs on the way here. We sent you the video. It's also a beautifully dreamy residential area just outside of L.A., where many (former) stars have retired or spend the 'winter', as it's a bit hotter here - about 2 hours further towards the desert.

Oh, I've also looked up the license plates now. In most states, they are only required on the back. That explains why many people only have a license plate on the back. There are regular license plates like we know them, e.g. 8CJR233, but there are also personalized license plates, like simply ALBERT. Yes, such a license plate is possible here. In California, special characters are even allowed, like Dog ♥R (for Dog Lover), etc.

Now here on Rodeo Drive, it seems like anything is possible the more money people have. Some people drive around here with just a smiley face as their license plate or a golden 'G' on their Ferrari. And then there are also special cases like this one :-)

Tomorrow we will be back with less decadent news. But first, we need to get some new clothes so that we fit in here... But maybe we'll do that a few kilometers away. If I observed correctly while window shopping, a bikini like the one I saw at the rooftop party costs as much as our entire vacation. Prada & Co. make it possible :-)

In the gallery above, you'll find some more impressions from today.

Until tomorrow,

Dean + Luisa