In the Wind of Our World Trip – via Auckland to L.A.

The farewell from Sydney wasn’t easy – we had soaked up the energy of this city, the light, the sea, the culture.

After a brief stopover in Auckland’s transit area – not enough time for new discoveries, but just enough for a smile of remembrance – we continued our journey, right into the vastness of the Pacific.

The flight was bumpy, the sleep restless, the distance long – and yet: we land safely in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles – A Bittersweet Reunion

We’ve stepped onto Californian soil many times before – but this time, it feels different.

Los Angeles, usually radiant with life and wide beaches, now bears a shadow across its soul.

A few weeks ago, the worst wildfires in the history of Los Angeles County ravaged the area – scars in a landscape we had wanted to remember in all its beauty.

Hollywood is calling – welcome back to the City of Angels!

As we make our way toward the LAX exit, uncertainty grows: Will the city still shine? Or will it show us its wounds?

But for a moment, all of that fades – Lena is already waving to us from the arrivals hall. Our California connection is here!

I’m a big fan of airport greetings – they’re like sunrises: full of promise, warmth, and new beginnings. Each of these moments is a little gift I want to hold onto forever.

A moment filled with love, warmth, and connection – captured forever.

On the Road – Lessons in American Driving

We head to ALAMO together – the car rental process is pleasantly smooth.

Before diving into big city traffic, it’s worth glancing at the quirks of American driving culture:

• Passing on the left and the right? Totally normal – unless a sign says, “Keep right, except to pass.”
• Right turn on red? Usually allowed – unless a sign says otherwise.
• Traffic lights often hang across the intersection – confusing at first glance.
• 4-Way Stops: Whoever stops first, goes first. And yes, it works – with eye contact and patience.
• Carpool lanes? Absolutely. If you’re not alone, you’re allowed to use them.
• And then the STOP signs – omnipresent and serious. “ALL WAY” means everyone stops. Period.

Pacific Coast Highway, just as we love it – endless skies, the sound of the ocean, and a sense of freedom in the air.

Arriving in Studio City

Lena and I lead the way, Reinhold follows. After a long flight, he’s grateful to focus solely on driving – no GPS, no urban chaos.

We already know Andrew’s Airbnb. It’s comforting to find a bit of familiarity so far from home.

A few quiet days in Studio City – relaxed, peaceful, familiar.

Who needs red carpets when sidewalk chalk is enough? Andrew knows how to make us smile.

Malibu? Not This Time …

We used to head down the Pacific Coast Highway – toward Malibu, hair in the wind, soaking in that unique West Coast feeling.

Santa Monica in the distance – golden light on familiar sand, but the end of the road remains hidden this time.

 

This time, our journey ends just past Santa Monica: police barriers and warning signs urge us to turn back. Rainfall on scorched hills has increased the risk of landslides.

Nature reminds us who has the final say.

An article from the Public Policy Institute of California puts it plainly:

“The lives of people – their homes, memories, neighborhoods, health, and well-being – depend on our ability to take climate change seriously.”

Arrival. A Deep Breath. Family.

Having come from New Zealand, we were spared the worst of jet lag – but long journeys leave their mark.

We slow things down and savor the time with Lena. A few calm days before the next chapter begins.

Because: In a few weeks, we’ll return to L.A. – for the final stop on this incredible journey.

Longing begins where the waves meet the sand. Malibu – we’ll be back.

---

A Small Note Before the End

So far, our journey has taken us on flights totaling over 50 hours and covering 43,744 kilometers (return included). For comparison: the Earth’s circumference is 40,075 kilometers.

Almost a full circle – and yet, it doesn’t feel like it’s over.

Note: Our stay in the USA – including road trip and follow-up adventures – was a seamless continuation of our world trip. But since we regularly travel in the US and have already visited many places multiple times, these stories are grouped under the menu item “USA”.

 

To be translated soon:

Not done with Los Angeles yet?
➡️ Los Angeles – City of Angels

Or come along with us
➡️ to the Coachella Valley