I'm on Vacation

I've relocated to LA - it's only a holiday - but I like to pretend that I've moved here. It's something I do whenever I go abroad - I do so much nerdy research that people presume I'm making a permanent move - why else would she need to know the annual rainfall figures or the average rent, they ask themselves. I've been wandering around in a jet-lagged haze for the last two days so I have yet to really take things in but I like what I've seen already.

I love the sense of opportunity that is so present in LA. You get the feeling that there's a party waiting to happen, a deal waiting to be made, a celebrity waiting to be spotted around each corner. One thing that certainly is waiting for you around each and every corner is a newsstand heaving with goodies - magazines are so easy to come by in this town and not just the trashy weeklies but all the good ones too. Lula, W, Nylon and all the other favourites are readily available which is such a lovely change from Dublin. And of course, I adore the food. Portions are huge, sugar abounds and you can make all the special requests you want. Could I get that without the pumpkin seeds but with croûtons and instead of the Caesar dressing, could I get Ranch and could I get that on the side? Yes, of course and have a nice day! Wow. Loves it.

LA style seems to be just as you'd expect - there are lots of leggings, flip-flops and denim cut-offs. There are the usual shops that we know and love - Urban Outfitters and American Apparel - but I look forward to discovering the little boutiques and vintage stores where the real treasure is found. Getting around without a car is a little tricky but I'm getting used to the bus and my crazy friends, like the man with the twigs in his hat or the lady who keeps shouting "horrible bus driver" each time the bus stops.