Uncategorized

On Sunday morning I have a fun event planned, riding the Pacific Surfliner train. I read somewhere that it’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the country. It happened that Britany has a meeting in a town a few hours north from here and came up with the idea that I could take the train and meet her up there in the afternoon. After being stuck in traffic for hours yesterday, I’m glad I can ride the train today.

I had planned to show my friend Brittany my all-time favorite hike in Hollywood, but she’s not feeling so well today and tells me I can better go by myself. So, early in the morning I drive alone to Los Angeles. It’s about two hours driving to the start of the hike and despite it being only 5am, there is quite some traffic on the road. It seems to me that every moment of the day there are cars on the innerstate between San Diego and LA. The drive goes well and just before 7am I start the hike.
It’s a bit misty and nice and fresh outside. As soon as I start climbing the mountain I feel excited and full of joy to be here again. It’s much greener here now than in the Summer and I see many flowers along the trail. It’s not too busy yet and there are just a few people at the first stop at the Wisdom Tree. The flag is waving, but unlike other times there is no view of the city today, because of the mist. I like it though, because it’s not too hot outside and very comfortable to hike. After a short break I continue hiking and now it gets busier. When I arrive at the Hollywood Sign there are several people there. I still enjoy the view though, but I also cherish the time I hiked up here before sunrise and was here all by myself.
After having enjoyed the view for a while, I hike back via the other side of the mountain. That trail is a lot harder and therefore there are no other people. It also gives a great view of the Warner Brother Studios. It’s nice that no matter how many times I’ve been here, I still love it very much. When I hiked all the way back to the car I’m feeling a bit tired and need some new energy. I drive to Beachwood Cafe, a nice restaurant in Hollywood that’s always busy. Fortunately I find a place at the bar, just like last year and enjoy some coffee and a typical American meal: eggs, bacon and pancakes. That recharges me and soon I’m good to continue again.
When I saw the Warner Brothers studios from the mountain I got the idea to go on a studio tour, because it has been a few years since I did that the last time. I drive up to the studios, but find out at the register that a big part of the backlot is closed today because they’re filming there. The backlot are the buildings outside where they filmed the town of Starshollow from Gilmore Girls and other series. Since seeing the backlot would be my main reason for taking the tour I decide that I might better pass on it this. For a moment I’m not quite sure what to do now. Then I decide to find the most affordable gas station in the area. Gas is very expensive again in California, about $5 per gallon, which is getting close to European prices. Fortunately in other states like Colorado, where I hope to drive to again, it’s a lot cheaper. After I fill up my car, I go to a shopping mall, but it’s not that interesting so I decide to drive back to San Diego. It turns out that takes a lot longer than expected, because traffic is really stuck this afternoon. I’m thankful that I don’t have to drive here every day like many of the other people in the cars around me. After about three hours I’m back in San Diego where I pick up pizza at my favorite place in town, Mr. Moto’s pizza, and then head back home to have dinner together with Brittany and Adie. The plan is to stay here til Monday morning and then start with the roadtrip.

Leaving a place by ferry feels very definite like you don’t know when you’re coming back there. For a moment I wonder if I should have spend more time in the Olympic area, but knowing that I’ve one two hikes there I feel like I’ve gotten a great experience there. I don’t want to skip Seattle though and so I drive to Space Needle where there also is a monorail station.

This morning I got a message from someone who I hadn’t spoken with for a long time. She told me that she currently has a hard time being happy and that my positive messages and pictures are helping to cheer her up. I know how challenging it can be sometimes to find joy and I’m very grateful that I am able to help others where I can.

When you’re feeling down I think it’s very important to reach out to someone and tell how you feel. It might not be an easy step, but you have to know that everyone has their ups and downs and there is a good chance they’ll understand how you feel. Even if they might not have a solution for you, it’ll probably make you feel better to just share your challenges with someone.

Talking about it is a great start, though there is no change without action. Therefore I’ve written down seven actions that might help you feel better and bring more joy into your days.