One day in LA. 

Phew it is hot. The heat in Southern California never seems to let up. This February is unseasonably warm, which translated, means just like summer. During the week we drove to Los Angeles. I like this town. It is terribly snobby, but it beats with positive and creative energy.
                  
From Newport Beach to Santa Monica (Los Angeles) the route by car usually takes about an hour, we were able to make it to the nearest Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in just over 40 minutes. 

For sure we went faster as we used the less crowded carpool lane - reserved for cars with a minimum of two passengers. Look at all those cars with just one person driving!

A visit to the Polish very elegant office passed without any problems, and in over one month I should get my new passport by mail.                          

                             

A few months ago, I spotted on the Discover LA Instagram page a property that took my breath away. I really wanted to see it with my own eyes. I succeeded:                      

The Stahl House is located in Hollywood Hills. Buck Stahl wasn't anybody famous. The house itself does not involve any Hollywood story. It just happened that one day in 1954 Stahl bought land on the hills and decided to build a home on it.

With the help of architect Pierre Koenig, the Stahl House was transformed into amazing and unique estate.  The Koenig work featured in the Case Study House Program. It was a practical manifesto of a large group of designers, whose aim was to show the modern, post-war and functional architecture.

The concept used the beautiful skyline, visible from any interior. The house itself is built mostly of glass and steel. The Stahl House was entered the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Our only regret was that we did not stay until sunset, and we could not cool off in the pool.

Here is a link to the Stahl House gallery of recent magazine and commercial photoshoots: 
http://www.stahlhouse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=115  

                                    

In the afternoon, in a different area of LA, we found time to catch up with friends. 

 We also traveled through the famous district of Beverly Hills.

When we left hot Los Angeles, we had to stop for a little shopping.

I recently read the book Driving the Saudis - by American author Jayne Larson.  She mainly describes the experience of working for the lavish Saudi Royal family, but you can also learn about the city of Angels itself. I recommend it. :)

Along the way, we checked if we were lucky winning the mega lottery Powerball. The prize was $500 million! We were close, but still very far away.

Three right numbers, including the key powerball number, got us to win $ 7! Almost enough for a delicious lemon cheesecake from a well-known Cheesecake Factory restaurant, which we bought at the mall. 

                                                  

                                                       

                           

We came back little tired but in good spirits, and we are already planning our next visit to magical LA.

H.