Malibu - life is too short to live it elsewhere

Chapter 26: Malibu - life is too short to live it elsewhere

FYI: Malibu - a 27-mile strip of Pacific coastline -
is a secluded city of understated glam; like a classy,
massive Tiffany gem, in which facets magical blue
hues of the ocean refract and mingle with golden
rays of the sun. It is a shining beachfront community
with it's wonderful sandy beaches, where the most
sexy lifeguards keep watch - if you have ever seen
“Baywatch” - you know what I am talking about.
Being home to many celebrities, accomplished
actors, movie moguls and sparkling personalities
of the entertainment industry, it is also a city of
refuge – where rich and beautiful pursue a
sophisticated life-(style) surrounded by the scenic
beauty of Malibu’s nature, lush high hedges around
their vast villas and a whole housekeeping crew.

A fashionable Malibu goddess possesses at least five
Bikinis and doesn’t leave the house without sun
protection factor 50. Driving an Italian convertible
along the PCH she wears big ass designer shades that
hide her face. Her long, wavy hair swirls in the ocean
breeze. Her perfectly manicured hands hold a smart
phone that sparkles in the sun while she talks away...
Voila - a scene from the fabulous life of a Malibu diva.

One of these beautiful Californian summer days, I
was invited to spend the day with a fabulous friend
who lives in Malibu. This is when I was privileged to
get an insight into the ocean breeze infused glitz of
the "Malibu way of life". My friend’s house – a
luxurious sanctuary nestled at the edge of a cliff, far
away from the hustle and bustle and busy traffic of
Los Angeles’ streets is equipped with a pool, a gym,
a home theater, a spacious terrace, a garden and a
miniature basketball court. Here in Malibu everybody
seems relaxed, well balanced and self-fulfilled. So is
my friend: she is hardly ever out in the clutter and
nerve-wracking "climate" of L.A.’s streets, she
informed me.
Her house and grounds are literally filled with peace
and harmony - sacred silence permeated with salty
ocean breeze aromas and tender rays of sun nurse
soul and senses. Seagulls and ocean waves create the
only background sound. From the spacious terrace
appointed with a pool and Jacuzzi I look down from
the cliff on surfers waiting to catch a THE wave ...

A friendly, though glossy vibe filled the spacious rooms
and long halls of her house. Furnished and decorated
neatly using grey, white and cream hues, the extensive
floor to ceiling windows allowed a stunning view over
the ocean, while golden rays of the Malibu sun bathed
the interior marvelously. After giving me a tour through
the splendid interiors of her house - we did Yoga on the
private beach. Cooling off in the pool and relaxing with
a drink we hang out for a while, sharing stories and
watching the endless horizon.

The signature Malibu Inn - is where we went to grab a
bite for lunch: an iconic beachside eatery, luxurious hotel
and bar venue with live entertainment and a long-term
treasured tradition that caters to sea food fans with an
inventive array of coastal cuisine, starving surfers and to
Malibu’s vegetarian girls (like me), offering special Tofu
options like the "Tofu Burger" - which I truly loved and
savored. The lovely waitress - another special friend of
my - gave us a special deal on our food and kindly
introduced us to her boss, the chef of the Malibu Inn
restaurant. Patrons hang out al fresco at the cozy terrace
or amid a picturesque native-American-themed indoor
setting.

Our next stop: the Malibu Lumber Yard Mall - a fantastic
outdoor mall made entirely of attractive hardwood, a tribute
to the old lumber yard that used to be located here - where
my friend introduced me to some fancy little boutiques.
This is when I have fallen in love with a cute pink bikini that
I have found at this popular store "Kitston". Now it was
time for a 5 o' clock coffee. Starbucks is where Lumber Yard
Mall shoppers get their daily dose of caffeine while watching
beautiful peeps and relaxing in the cool shadow of the ample
sunshades.
This is a truly beautiful mall: A spacious deck drenched in
sunlight invites you to stay a while on the cozy chairs. Two
levels face into a wood stage where bands play live music
on weekends. Palm trees swish in the breeze while the
mountains tower above you majestically. Fish swim about
in the cylindrical kelp tanks. A picturesque Malibu fairy tale.

… Did I already mention that my Malibu friend is a renowned
personal trainer to a famous clientele that includes Brad Pitt
and Lisa Marie Presley to name but a few? She is a fitness
guru, expert nutritionist and grows her own veggies in her
garden. “Working on the inner strength and overall health”-
is her vocational philosophy. Her sinewy curves and
Hollywood-star good looks are a magnet for attention. …

A Golden Coast (Love-)Story

Chapter 25: A Golden Coast (Love-)Story

FYI: The Pacific Coast Highway, aka Route #1 is
a significant connection between south and north
California. This illustrious path winds graciously
alongside stunning nature sights and the most
beautiful beaches of the wonderful state California,
presenting tourists, locals, visitors and adventure
or retreat-seeking peeps also lovely resorts, great
camping grounds and excellent sea-food eateries.

Driving the longest route of The Golden State many
times up and down, I have always been mesmerized
by the stunning beauty of nature and the endless
recreational possibilities. From San Diego to Santa
Barbara - this is the part I have covered and
discovered - and have fallen in love with. Here is
one Golden Coast story:

"Where are you guys going", the kind saleswoman
asked me at the Nordstrom shoe department ...
This is when I bought a cute pair of brown cowgirl
booties that matched my little Louis Vuitton bag.
Now I was fashionably set for the ultimate Golden
Coast romantic adventure.
... The following day - a beautiful, hot summer noon -
my date (a person I didn't meet before) rang my
doorbell. In this istant I didn't know that this was
the beginning of a the longest, most exciting
rendevouz I ever have experienced: This dashing
gentleman carried me off on a trip I won't forget.

A secluded little horse ranch in the Santa Monica
Mountains was to be the first stop of our journey.
We hit the PCH - excited about our first encounter
and for the adventure that was lying ahead...
While cherishing each others company and
savoring magical moments of romance, we
discovered Santa Monica's mountains on horse's
backs. Aromas of dense shrubs and dry trees
mingled with a fresh ocean breeze, and a cloud of
sand and dust was being swirled up by horse's
hoofs. As the wind stroked my hair I inhaled
deeply; looking down from my white horse, even
deeper down the cliffs, I discovered the dark blue
ocean unfolding before me... what a staggering
height, what a stunning view!

We rode up even higher, galloped lush meadows and
walked up narrow paths and steep hills. From the very
top the horizon, exuberantly framed by the beauty of
nature presented itself to us in it's fullest glory: at
set of sun the sky turned a lush pink-orange mingling
with the brightly glittering sea.

Overwhelmed and loaded with adrenalin we hit the
road again, further riding the PCH looking out for a
spot to celebrate the night with a romantic dinner.
Paradise Cove - a secluded sea-food ocean side eatery -
which serves drinks and food alongside a lovely view
over the pacific - seemed perfect for a candle light
dinner under the stars.
Watching into each others eyes, my date and I indulged
in another magical moment while sitting in the sand
two feet away from the water. The rush of the waves
created a lovely soundtrack and the stars sparkled
bright as we toasted to love with Champagne...

Our next stop was the Santa Monica pier where we
ended up in the famous ferris wheel. The moon
was shining bright and the moment was truly
mesmerizing when the two of us settled back in a
booth and the wheel started moving slowly it's way
up... After going for a few rounds the wheel sudennly
stopped routating and intoxicated by the sweet
romance we found ourselves in a passionate clinch...
Just like in one of those cute romantic-comedy
scenes.

A hidden gem in Santa Barbara

Chapter 24: A hidden gem in Santa Barbara

While listening to the soothing soundtrack of the little
creek that runs alongside the steep hills, we hike up a
trail that leads us to a hidden little gem, a historic lodge
and former way station for mountain-crossing travelers
nestled amid an idyllic setting: The Cold Spring Tavern -
originally constructed in the 1860s -is located on a stretch
of Stagecoach Road right off Highway 154, within the
hills above beautiful Santa Barbara.

The storybook tavern is surrounded by tall, sinuous trees,
mossy paths, and sandstone boulders; it seems there is
always a mountain breeze that ruffles and wafts the
chimney smoke which mingles with the aromas of the
woods and nature that grows rampantly and snuggles up
to the romantic hut. At once, you feel like you are in an
ancient place - a place where history seems to collect and
merge into the present and finally embrace you with it's
magic... wow, what a scene!

The 3,000-square-foot main restaurant and bar is an
idyllic respite and getaway to folks on the road, Santa
Barbara locals, bikers, out-of state-tourists or adventurous
couples and families - providing a snapshot of California
history.
Behind heavy, wooden doors you will discover a cozy,
rustic ambience with a wood-paneled dining room, a bar
and four stone hearth fireplaces that crackle away and
create a cozy background sound. "Through this world I
stroll or ramble I find that life's just a gamble", states an
old wooden beam that supports the all-wood ceiling.
Rugged shelves mounted high up by the ceiling showcase
a collection of ancient porcelain.

Scuffed wooden walls tell wild western stories about
heroes of a bygone era: animal heads, cowboy shotguns,
rugged hats and rusty horseshoes create a perfect setting
for an authenitc western movie. Next to an animal skin
a golden framed photograph adorns the wall, that presents
a proud native inhabitant: an Indian chief. Big wooden
circular chandeliers hang close by the ceiling and add just
a little bit more light to the oil lamps that gorgeously
enlighten the tables while creating a romantic atmosphere
and making the whole idyllic-rustic / rugged-ancient /
wild-western style complete.

It was a warm summer weekend when I visited. Bands
played relaxed tunes and visitors pulled up blankets on
the little yard. Patrons kicked back while savoring thickly
piled up sandwiches, home fries or homemade biscuits.
The in-door menu offered traditional American fare:
burgers, fries and steaks. A long list of omelet options -
coming in many variations - satisfies every vegetarian's
tummy.
The atmosphere: mellow. We chilled the whole afternoon,
taking a break from every day life - far away from the
hustle and bustle of La La Land's shine and glitz. Fresh
intoxicating air, lush green nature and cozy sounds invited
us to dream. When the fist stars in the sky showed we
savored a romantic meal while soaking up the magnificent
moment.

Iconic Hollywood Glam @ Goa

Chapter 23: Iconic Hollywood Glam @ Goa

A long line of ravishingly glammed up and impeccably
groomed Hollywood types embellish Cahuenga Blvd.
on these Thursday nights, radiating an exciting buzz,
while intoxicating aromas of Eau de perfumes and
colognes fill the heady air outside of Tinsel Town's
celeb-hang-out and hipster hot spot: The Goa Club.

If you live in Los Angeles you always have to stay "au
currant", and at that time, there was nothing hipper
or hotter than this exotic playground for those in need
of a late-night rendezvous or experience a feast for
the senses. Come here when you're in the mood to let
loose and flirt with the wild side. Plunge in and soak up
the sexy La La Land swank on 7,000 square feet of
Indian-themed nightlife revelry from the kingpins
Adolfo Suaya and former soap star Michael Sutton.

... The velvet rope was lifted immediately when the
club's interior craftsman and in-demand Hollywood
designer Kris Keith approached the formidable doorman.
We strolled in like super stars - considering that clubbers
come here and wait in lines, unless they are well-
connected and drop the right names, or are exceedingly
well-dressed, meaning: wearing next to nothing.
Aside from being famous for it's elaborate, swank design
with a brilliant interior decoration, this Asia-themed hot
spot is bathing in the fabulous shine of infamous
personalities like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton or Avril
Lavigne. That's why this popular club is permanently
haunted by paparazzis too.

Tonight I was to get my "private tour" through the club's
sanctuaries and VIP nooks: Once we passed the door, we
entered a labyrinth that translated distinctive Indian styles
extremely extravagantly: A great number of noble Persian
rugs covered the walls, miles of golden chains dangled from
the ceiling, and a massive golden chandelier mystically
lightened up the sultry ambience. A big "Shiva"-candle-
holder illuminated the main bar. I felt like entering Taj
Mahal. There was also a sultan's bed beautifully arranged
with plenty of pillows and sparkling sheets. The center
of attraction: Slinky dressed acrobatic belly dancers moving
their delicious bodies smoothly over the little stage.

Mesmerized by all the swank and glitz, I found myself on
the cozy two-level back patio with private circular booths
dimly lit by lovely lanterns. We indulged in the magic of the
night while watching the stars sparkling above us.
Handsome waiters served us with Champagne.

The little sushi bar at the top floor invites patrons to have
a bite - although nobody comes here for the food. Multiple
VIP nooks and crannies create a romantic setting for dates.
Flirting, cozy lounging and dancing amid exotic Indian shapes
and all golden decor - this is so L.A. style and Hollywood
gamour at its best!
My companions and I dined at the romantic sushi bar while
soaking up the glam and hype. Another fabulous night in
LaLa Land that I love to remember: Goa is the quintessential
Hollywood experience. However don't take it too serious but
wear your classiest little dress.