The sun may rise in the East, at least it settles in the final location...California.
I was 12, the first time I got introduced to the Bling Bling west coast of the United States of America. A place where the sunshine sparkles in the blue ocean all year 'round. It was magical and I found myself in a whole new state of mind.
From then on I was lucky enough to go back EVERY summer!
The things I remember best...
Waking up early in the morning to the smell of the rising sun. Driving in a mini-van filled with surfboards and friends to go up to the beach, where the girls would watch the boys suck at surfing. Afternoons filled with sunbathing, shopping and checking out the cute guys at Abercrombie. And evenings would consist of going out to the movies or eating smores by a campfire on the beach. I felt like a kid in a candy store, I wore flip flops to restaurants and a pink hat that matched my bubblegum lipstick.
My best memory...
Cruising down the 101 in a blue pick-up truck with my bare feet out the window while enjoying the sound of the Red Hot Chillipeppers 'Californication'. Living in the moment is what I did every day.
Back home I was bombarded Miss USA during my high school & college years since I picked up on a heavy American accent and an over the top dressing style that didn't refer to my European roots.
Now I sometimes wake up in the morning and recognize that smell of California. An intense scent you can only witness on a sunny morning when nature is getting ready for that big ball of radiation. That smell takes me right back to the golden coast. I wish I could capture it in a bottle, only used in desperate moments, when I need a shot of energy and instant gratification.