Winter Roadtrip: Palm Springs

After days of pouring rain in LA and presumably falling snow points east, I decided to venture out on a little road trip - just me and the 'trusty' Touareg out for an overnight adventure in my favorite place east...way east of LA - Palm Springs. The traffic was light, the air crisp and my mood surprisingly relaxed. Even as close as Downtown LA I could see the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains, although moving farther east it was evident the best was yet to come and it did. It was a beautiful evening drive and morning return. I love Palm Springs in Fall, Winter and Spring. I wish I could say Summer as well, but I don't want to die by melting.

Croissants for Haiti

Today, in the midst of pouring rain and hail I drove my ass to Santa Monica to help my buddy Greg deliver food from one of his clients to the "Hope for Haiti" telethon organized by George Clooney and Wyclef Jean. Besides the scary road conditions, it was a cool trip to make. In some small way I feel like I've made a contribution by helping to feed the Hollywood types that will turn around and make Haiti some money for earthquake relief. Another cool thing was being to venture on to the CBS Television City lot. I've never been on it, so it was neat to see the bungalow where shows like 'The Price is Right' is produced. Later on tonight I venture to Newport Beach to attend an awards dinner and then to Santa Monica for one of my good friends' going away party at Bodega wine. Wish this rain would quick it.

I'll be back...

I spent a rainy Wednesday in Hollywood integrating back into the world of travel and tourism and it felt great. It'd been a while since I last attended an industry function where so many people from my past welcomed me back into the industry and honestly, it was humbling. Contacts from all over from theme parks, hotels and destinations to state tourism reps and international PR agencies, it felt nice to be remembered and congratulated for my most recent foray into the biz. Now, I never uttered the words "I'll be back" like Ahnold, but in a way I always knew this is the line of work I'd be involved in.

Speaking of Ahnold, the day was capped off by a lavish reception and dinner at Hollywood & Highland, catered by Wolfgang Puck and littered with old photographs of the Governor, including a Madame Tussaud's wax figure of him as the 'Terminator.' Ahnold spoke to the audience live from DC where he was in hopes of raising more $$$ for California. He quipped with Wolfgang on-stage and we all stood in honor of what he's done for the tourism industry in the State. I made new friends, drank a lil wine and overall had a pretty neat day.

Nutty or Smooth?

I love making new discovery in "old" places. Tonight after my hot and heavy workout at the gym I went down to BodyFactory, my favorite smoothie joint at the Arclight complex off Sunset Boulevard. Instead of going straight for my "PB&J" or "PB&C" options (that'd be the peanut butter and jelly, and peanut butter and chocolate, respectively), I opted for something new, the "Mocha Nut Blast," espresso beans, low carb chocolate, peanut butter and banana. The best part of it all is the option you're given upon ordering, the clerk exclaiming, NUTTY OR SMOOTH? Uhm, it depends, I thought? I thought of my belly and how full of water I was so I opted for the smooth, saving my nutty for anutter day (ha!). It's a delicious concoction, not too sweet, and since the chocolate is low in carb, well it's practically gym-dessert. It's a must try, and practically a meal in itself for $5.50.

www.bodyfactory.com

Back in it.....

Today I made the drive to work from my new home in Hancock Park all the way to Newport Beach. For months and since my new role promoting this new destination I found myself conflicted about where to live and what life to lead. Needless to say Long Beach wasn't for me and lucky for me a good friend and his spare bedroom came to my rescue. I feel back in my element, loving where I live and where I work and well, the extra commute time is just one of those sacrifices one has got to make.

So today I'm back in it and in more ways than one. I plan to fire up my dossier as it's gonna be a great year full of travels, new experiences and well, things I like.

DG