Anyah Mroz

Los Angeles: Hollywood Hills

After leaving my previous Airbnb, as mentioned in my previous post, I hopped on a bus to Hollywood where my next Airbnb awaited me. As the bus dropped me off in the bustling heart of Hollywood Boulevard, right along the iconic Walk of Fame, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the flood of emotions and memories from my visit 17 years ago. Although it was tempting to wander around Hollywood Boulevard once again, my primary focus for the day was to reach my next Airbnb as swiftly as possible. I strolled a short distance towards my accommodation, and eventually decided to take an Uber up the hill.

For a long time, I had yearned to return to LA and immerse myself in its unique allure. My dream had always been to indulge in the luxury of a lavish Airbnb, staying in a beautiful property for an extended period. However, with my current travel plans to explore the USA and limited time to save up funds, I had to find a way to experience a taste of luxury on a budget. Nonetheless, I made the decision to treat myself and book an Airbnb in the Hollywood Hills for the first two days of my stay in LA. It seemed like a perfect idea, especially during the initial days when jet lag would likely have me craving relaxation by the poolside. Although the Airbnb was not the cheapest option available, at $250 for two nights, it was still a more affordable alternative compared to most hotels in the area. As a solo traveler, the cost was manageable, and for those traveling with a companion, it would be even more economical as the price covered two persons. The mansion itself was truly exceptional, offering breathtaking views that words fail to capture. I couldn’t help but feel like a celebrity as I relished the experience of staying in such a remarkable abode. What made it even more remarkable was the fact that I practically had the entire place to myself, as the owners resided in a separate section of the house. My room felt like a cozy studio, complete with a comfortable bedroom, a convenient kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Throughout my stay, I had the pleasure of enjoying the stunning pool all to myself, overlooking the dazzling expanse of LA from the tranquil hills.

Exploring the Hollywood Hills was an absolute must-do for me. The sheer magnificence of the mansions in the area left me in awe, and I couldn’t help but admire their grandeur. As I strolled along, I couldn’t help but ponder who might call these architectural wonders home. Were they celebrities or simply affluent individuals? It sparked my curiosity, and I found myself contemplating the secret to their success and wealth. I couldn’t deny that living in such a luxurious neighborhood would be a dream come true. However, one must be prepared for the hilly terrain when staying in the hills. The steep inclines and scorching LA heat can be quite exhausting, especially for someone like me whose fitness levels have waned recently. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of meeting the delightful assistant of the family residing in the mansion. We spent a considerable amount of time together during my stay, and I thoroughly enjoyed our walks together. Accompanied by her sweet dog, we ventured through the scenic Hollywood Hills, exploring the neighborhood and taking in the stunning views. As we strolled, she shared captivating stories about the iconic residents who had lived in the magnificent mansions that adorned the hills. It was fascinating to hear about the rich history and glamorous past of this renowned neighborhood. In addition, she introduced me to a hidden gem of a hiking trail that offered even more breathtaking views than the renowned ones. It was a privilege to have such a knowledgeable and pleasant companion during my time in the mansion, making my experience even more unforgettable.

Some of the exquisite residences of the Hollywood Hills

As a fan of rooftop bars, I couldn’t resist the allure of Catch LA, a renowned and upscale restaurant situated above West Hollywood at the corner of Melrose. With its reputation as a celebrity hotspot, I eagerly made a reservation three weeks in advance, determined to have an unforgettable evening. Admittedly, the prospect of spotting celebrities enticed me, as they are a rare sight in my home country of Norway.

Arriving at Catch LA, I was thrilled to secure a table for one on a Saturday night. Surprisingly, dining alone didn’t feel awkward at all; it’s something I’ve grown accustomed to during my travels. To my delight, I struck up a lively conversation with some girls seated nearby, instantly enhancing the atmosphere and making my evening even more enjoyable.

Amidst the atmosphere of potential celebrity sightings, I had a remarkable encounter with the talented Kelly Clarkson, who happened to be seated right in front of me with her mother. I had the incredible opportunity to shake her hand and engage in a brief conversation. I was truly impressed by her warmth and down-to-earth demeanor. It was a wonderful reminder that behind the fame, celebrities are genuine and lovely individuals. In addition to the star-studded ambiance, I must mention that the sushi at Catch LA was an absolute delight.

Sushi at Catch LA

The following day, I had a reservation for brunch at the iconic Chateau Marmont, conveniently located just down the hill from the mansion. It was a must-visit destination! Known for its rich Hollywood history, Chateau Marmont is not only featured in scenes from “A Star Is Born,” but it’s also associated with incidents such as John Belushi’s overdose, James Dean’s window jump, and Billie Idol’s notorious room destruction. Despite not encountering any celebrities during my visit, I had an incredible time at this enchanting venue. The beauty of the place and its unique atmosphere left a lasting impression on me.

However, the highlight of my experience at Chateau Marmont was the unexpected friendship I formed with one of the staff members. We struck up a conversation about my travels, and he insisted that I meet his husband, who also happened to live in LA. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we instantly connected. I had the pleasure of spending many days with them during my stay in LA, exploring the city and experiencing “their LA.” Their genuine care and hospitality went above and beyond, making my time in LA truly exceptional. I was amazed by the kindness and generosity they showed to someone they had just met. It was a heartwarming reminder of the goodness of people and the power of human connection.This unexpected encounter served as a beautiful reminder that traveling alone can lead to remarkable connections with amazing people.

I dedicated the remainder of “Day number 2” to basking in the sun and indulging in relaxation by the “private” pool. These moments of tranquility are essential from time to time. I treated myself to some delectable takeaway sushi and other snacks, creating a delightful evening overlooking the sprawling expanse of LA from the Hills. The experience was simply enchanting as I gazed at the stars, observed the city’s illuminated skyline nestled amidst the hills, and admired the grandeur of the nearby mansions. It truly felt like a magical setting that must be witnessed firsthand. Additionally, I was fascinated by the serenity that enveloped the hills, despite their close proximity to the bustling city center and the vibrant ambiance of Hollywood.

Parting ways with the beautiful house was truly bittersweet. I couldn’t help but wish that the family would adopt me, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with them and make a lasting impression. It was definitely a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in booking this remarkable Airbnb, I would be more than happy to provide you with the link. Please feel free to contact me, and I’ll gladly share the details with you.

#losangeles #california #hollywood #hollywoodhills #mansion #airbnb #catch #catchla #chateaumarmont #westhollywood #restaurant #rooftopbar

Los Angeles: Arriving in LA

Los Angeles, often referred to as the “city of angels,” elicits strong opinions from people who either adore or despise it. As for me, my fascination with this city has persisted since I was 13 years old, when I spent a month there during an EF language course. Since that time, I have harbored a deep desire to return, and the thought of eventually moving or staying there for an extended period has never left my mind. LA encompasses everything I used to daydream about: a pleasant climate, stunning beaches, a sense of luxury, extraordinary restaurants, renowned celebrities, and remarkable individuals. However, as I reflect upon my desire to live there, doubts have crept in. Nevertheless, now that I am back in Norway, I realize just how much I already miss the allure of Los Angeles.

The journey from Amsterdam to Los Angeles proved to be quite tiring. Despite having the luxury of an entire two-seat row to myself, which I greatly appreciated as someone with long legs, the 12-hour flight was still arduous, especially since I was traveling alone at night. Interestingly, I hadn’t realized the flight duration was 12 hours until I was already onboard. Typically, my travels take me to the other side of America, so mentally preparing for such a long journey was unexpected. Normally, I have no trouble sleeping on lengthy flights and tend to doze off before takeoff, waking up when the food is served, and then falling back asleep until landing. However, this time was different—I couldn’t sleep at all! On the bright side, I did get the opportunity to watch four enjoyable movies.

I must commend Delta Airlines for their significant improvement in service since my last flight with them. The food, in particular, was quite satisfying. I always make it a point to pre-order an Asian Vegetarian meal, despite not being vegetarian, as it adds a delightful level of spiciness to the dishes. For me, flavor is essential, and having a spicy element in my food enhances the overall experience.

Upon arrival, I proceeded through passport control and customs, which surprisingly went smoothly. I often find myself feeling nervous when entering the USA, likely due to the unsettling stories I’ve heard. I was also apprehensive about potentially being asked perplexing questions that could unsettle me, given that I was traveling alone, staying for an extended period, and only had carry-on luggage. However, to my pleasant surprise, the process was remarkably quick. It took me around 40 minutes from disembarking the plane to leaving the airport.

Undeniably, LA is an expensive city. As I mentioned in my previous post, selecting LA as my first destination for my US trip may not have been the wisest choice. In fact, I ended up using up half of my budget for the entire 1.5-month trip within just one week in LA. Fortunately, I had anticipated the high cost of living in the city to some extent, so I was somewhat prepared. As I mentioned earlier, staying in hotels was not a feasible option throughout my journey, particularly in LA. As a solo traveler, I needed to consider alternative accommodations. Opting to rent Airbnb rooms turned out to be the best decision I made.

Upon departing the airport, my initial plan was to walk to a nearby supermarket to purchase breakfast for the next day and some food for the evening. However, I quickly realized that the USA isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly country. The absence of sidewalks and the difficulty in navigating using GPS left me uncertain about which direction to take. Consequently, I decided to opt for an Uber ride instead. As I rode through the city, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and awe. The sight of majestic palm trees, the vibrant blue sky, the sprawling highways, and the imposing cars brought back wonderful memories. It felt surreal to be back in this enchanting city.

The Airbnb I booked provided me with a private room and bathroom, surpassing the quality of many hotels I had come across in my online search. It was located in a pleasant apartment complex featuring a pool, offering a delightful amenity. I had intended to explore the surrounding area upon arrival, but exhaustion got the better of me. Instead, I indulged in the simple pleasure of relaxing in front of the TV, nestled comfortably in my bed within the Airbnb. Unfortunately, jet lag disrupted my sleep, causing me to wake up at 5 AM the next day. On the bright side, this allowed me to enjoy an early morning swim in the pool as soon as it opened at 7 AM. Soon, I would be heading into town to embark on the exciting adventures that awaited me at my next Airbnb.

#airbnb #pool #travel #arrival #usa #losangeles #la #california #delta #deltaairlines

USA trip 2019

For several years, I had a strong longing to return to the USA. Finally, on the 30th of August, my dream came true as I boarded a plane bound for LA. It had been three years since my last visit, a short one at that, but this time I was determined to stay longer and explore the country while visiting all my friends who lived there. The decision became even easier when I signed up for a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy course in Philadelphia. Planning my trip for 1.5 months, I had the freedom to be flexible with my dates, ensuring I could attend the course and celebrate my birthday during the trip. This flexibility also allowed me to find amazingly affordable roundtrip tickets, costing only 340 Euros (around 370 USD) for the journey from Stavanger to LA and back from Miami to Stavanger. With the flights sorted, I set out to plan the rest of my journey. The final route took me through Los Angeles, Reno, Seattle, Detroit, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Miami, relying on a combination of bus and flight travel.

Why travel solo?

Now, let’s talk about why I chose to travel solo. It wasn’t due to a lack of travel companions; rather, I simply wanted to embrace the freedom of independent exploration. Making my own decisions on where to go and what to do felt liberating. Plus, solo travel often leads to meeting new people and forming unexpected friendships—especially in the US, where striking up conversations is easy. It’s fascinating how a simple visit to a clothing store can result in a sales assistant sharing their life story. These encounters are quite unique and different from what I’m used to in Norway and most parts of Europe.

What I found surprising…

During my trip, I noticed some surprising aspects. Despite having visited the USA multiple times and even living in Seattle for a year, each state felt distinct and almost like a different country. The nature and architecture varied greatly, especially when I traveled from one city to another and covered long distances. Seattle, in particular, captivated me with its lush greenery, reminding me of the beauty of Norway. It felt even more enchanting than when I lived there previously.

Prices

The prices, however, caught me off guard. I remembered the USA being reasonably affordable in the past, but things have changed. As a Norwegian, accustomed to the high cost of living back home, I usually feel richer while on vacation abroad. However, this time it was the opposite. The strong dollar and the weaker Norwegian Kroner made everything seem quite expensive, especially starting the trip in LA, which is known for its higher costs.

Accomodation

Finding accommodation was another challenge, as luxury hotels like Four Seasons were beyond my budget for a 1.5-month stay. However, since I’m not exactly into backpacking, I still preferred a bit more privacy and cleanliness than what traditional hostels typically offer. So, I opted for several Airbnbs, and I was pleasantly surprised by their quality. I chose rooms with as much privacy as possible, often with private bathrooms. In my future posts about each city, I’ll delve into more details about these Airbnb experiences.

Transportation

Regarding transportation, I found that taking the bus wasn’t as common in the US cities I visited (at least not in the cities that I visited). When I mentioned using the bus in LA, people often reacted with surprise, associating it with homelessness or poverty. However, their opinions didn’t deter me. I saw the bus as a practical and cost-effective way to navigate the city. Not only was it cheaper than taxis or Uber, but it also provided an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in the local atmosphere and explore the city at a relaxed pace. In fact, I even opted for an overnight bus journey from LA to Reno with FlixBus, which proved to be a clean and comfortable option—perfect for those on a budget. During my travels, I was indeed taken aback by the significant number of homeless people in all the cities I visited.

Crime

One concern that weighed on the minds of my friends and family was safety, given that I was traveling solo, using buses, and staying at private homes via Airbnb. Thankfully, I felt completely safe throughout my trip. I avoided walking alone in the evenings in LA but felt comfortable doing so in other cities that were considered “safer.” However, an incident occurred when I was walking in downtown Seattle on Friday the 13th. Witnesses informed me that someone had been shot just 10 minutes before I arrived. It served as a reminder to always exercise caution, regardless of where you are.

Stay tuned for my upcoming posts, where I’ll share my experiences in each city I visited. In the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram for more updates.

#travel #travelblogger #usa #unitedstates #travelblog #flixbus #airbnb #solotravel #traveler