Petter, Another well written story. Next time you're out west, let me introduce you to some friends of mine in Bel Air and you and Luba might enjoy staying at the Hotel Bel Air (the hotel where Marilyn Monroe spent her very last night). It is magical and might give you a different sense of LA versus the Mondrian. Next time your state side...and I hope it is soon...try a trip to Texas...as my guest of course...you might find it a bit more laid back and "real" if you know what I mean. All the best to you both, Steve

Amen to that Petter

As is the case with so many visitors to Cali, you've only been able to see one/some of the metropolitan areas. California can't be judged by L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, or Silicon Valley, just as England can't be judged by London, or France judged by Paris. This is a huge, meandering, and very beautiful state, and to know the true heart-beat of it, one must venture forth and get away from the mega-metropolis'. You will find that which you seek here in California, but you must go where the air is clean, the people are real, and the spirit is pure.

the girls are just great why not come on down

GO TO SAN FRANCISCO, LA is LA

Petter...you and Luba should not judge all Americans by what you experienced in California. There are very real people in USA, just not in California. If you want to meet real, honest, and beautiful people, you need to go to other states. I am in Kentucky. Here people are more down to earth and real. We don't think much of Californians either. We call California "the land of fruits and nuts" and we mean that both figuratively and litterally! Come visit Kentucky for the real people of the USA. I think Luba would look beautiful in her Derby Hat at the Kentucky Derby. It would make for some great photos.

Hi Petter - I was born and raised in Cali (Southern) and have traveled to many countries around the world and to many other states around the US. The truly amazing thing about Cali is that it, more than anywhere I know, represents just about the entire world's peoples and cultures. It's all here. If you get tired of the fake, just turn the corner and you will find a group of people that are very real. And who knows where those people will be from! When you hang out long enough you'll find in Cali anything that you can find in the rest of the world. And it's cool to be surrounded by every color skin you can imagine from every part of the globe you can imagine. More languages are spoken in Cali than anywhere else in the world. A true melting pot. And the overall reason that all these people flock here is because Cali is a leading place of free thought, creative expression, innovative living and, oh ya, the whether is about the best in the world. So from Cali to you with Love & Peace -- dAgan =)

My family and I lived overseas for most of my life before I was twenty - fifteen of those preceding years, in fact. I spent the overwhelming majority of that time abroad in the Netherlands, which at first glance is the most tolerant place on Earth. But it isn't. As evidenced by recent developments in that country's politics, the Dutch, in general, are only tolerant insofar as they have the ability to ignore something. Through this eventual realization, which only epiphanied in my brain a short time before I left, I understood that first impressions are always deceiving, if only through the average human being's inability to grasp the myriad nuances of a person and/or culture upon meeting them. I suppose this is what I am getting at: My mother always said to our non-American friends; "If you want to see America, do not go to California, Texas, Florida or New York. If you do, all you will experience is California or Texas or Florida or New York. All our states are different, but those four are so different that they're just plain strange." My family comes from two states, mostly: North Carolina and Utah. The people of NC are warm, welcoming and down-home practical. Too poor for plastic surgery, too. Or steroids. In fact, their neighbors, the South Carolinians, have the lowest GDP per capita of any other state in the Union, except Alabama. Utah is large, gorgeous, lacking roads, dry, hot, and... a bit religious. Okay, very religious. But not exclusive. The culture and history there is almost the same as California's, the difference being that Utahns have neither forgotten nor ignored it. The California you describe has paved over and sold its history. Not that it was all that glorious to begin with; the Yahi Tribe and the migrant workers of the Great Depression can vouch for that. But then, no region's history is squeaky-clean, isn't that right, my Viking pal? Evidence the Nordic Y-chromosomes scattered all across Europe... I guess I'm saying, COME BACK TO THE USA and see our cultured side. Boston, Salt Lake City, Savannah, Williamsburg... We have history, language, authenticity and, most importantly, beautiful people who have only their genes to thank -- not their doctors.

I came to the Golden State from my home in Missouri to try and make it as cinematographer (a lot of hard work, learning, and time will hopefully land me as a member of the American Society of Cinematographers with several artistic credits to my name). I find that there are two different Californias; the North and the South. In the sun drenched south you find what Petter is talking about. Los Angeles and Orange County sprawl as far as the eye can see in a grid of concrete. The air is poisoned and many of the people are too. But there are also a lot of regular hardworking folks doing the best they can. The North on the other hand is shrouded in a mist that brings reality to its people. The dreams are more of a better life for mankind rather a better life for oneself. If you drive even further up the 101 you'll find the most amazing trees to inhabit the Earth. The Redwoods! Simply amazing, otherworldly, Massive. What a location for a photo shoot. Beautiful women dwarfed by giant trees with beams of diffused sunlight slipping through the forest canopy above. Ferns of deep green. Just imagine a stunning woman posing in such a place.....whoa, getting a little carried away there. Anyway...California is a large place with a diverse population. If you know what to avoid than your experience here can only be good. There are eery deserts, snow capped mountains, a rugged coast line, lazy farms, ancient forests, quaint little towns.....and yes, also the beast that is Los Angeles, and the delightful left leaning San Francisco. Give it a try, ignore what you don't like and dig deep into what you find fascinating.

Other people seemed to like your take on your California. I don't. I have lived here since I was 3 years, about 28 years, and I have to tell you that there is definitely a part of California that can be described as you have decribed California: Los Angeles. However, California is a big state and your comments are definitely a gross generalization for one area of the state. It would be terrible to just aim the arrow at L.A. but it is that whole general area. Los Angeles, Hollywood, Malibu. That's why I never go to L.A. And personally, living extremely close to Laguna Niguel (next zip code over), I find it hard to believe you were in and Laguna Niguel and didn't get more out of California than the view given above by you (focused at Hegre).

Seeing you between the beautiful twins makes my day! Be careful though, the guys in the US have never seen girls this hot. You might scare them!

I've never been to California, but I wish to! And your travel report, Petter, just reflect the truth: the only REALLY beauties in Califronia are the TWINS when they were together there. They are like shining stars, they're truly happy when they are together. You know this better than me!

Man! Luba in the sun and the fun of the Golden State makes me wanna move there and pronto! HOOOOTTT stuff! Playboy wishes they had a girl as beautiful as Looobbba!

While it's true that much of California is over-run by malls and trash, there are many beautiful parts - The Sierra Nevadas, Northern California in general, and the desert of the Southeast. Not to mention Luba and Nadya! These shots are amazing. The one of Luba on the bed has to be one of the most erotic shots ever taken. She really sparkles, so sensuous, in these shots. So there must be SOMETHING good about California if it makes Luba more gorgeous than ever! Come back to the US of A, Luba!

Its always a pleasure seeing the beautiful Luba, but seeing her romp around the US like a superstar is so hot! You are the king Petter!

Hello Peter, I'm so relieved to hear your take on California. I think it is all that is tacky and trashy and facinating and vulger and inhumane about America. While part of me would like to visit one day, it would be with the same morbid curiousity that one visits Las Vegas. It is a glimpse into another segment of society so unfamiliar to my own Midwestern existance, yet has small gems that I would seek after - if only for a breif time. There is nothing of real and lasting beauty in California really, except for the beauty of the land. In an upscale WalMart existance, there seems to be just trailor trash with money, and those who would like to be like them. And yes, a very small part of me is only slightly envious.

Peter,
Next time you come to see California, don't stop in LA! We call the city 'la la land' for all the reasons you quote. LA is only 1/100th of the state, and likewise, only 1/100 of what you should see!

Yes!!you are right about the fakeness in LA.I think Texas would be a good place for your next journey.The hill country in the center of the state would be cool!

Petter,

I have never commented on these boards before but its nice to see into your thinking. LA is fake, the people (for the most part) are lost in the things that dont matter. Dreams are great dont get me wrong but when you look into someones eyes and just see an abyss its pretty sad. When life gets to the point of "who can I be seen with or who 'important' is at this club or this party," you know its time to pull the plug. Not really that great of a DREAM if you ask me. From what I have seen,San Diego is pure crap as well. Keep it real and keep up the sweet pics.

With due respect to your comments, LA does not represent the State of California. It is important that you (and anyone reading this) drives up hwy 1 at some point in your life(lives)...to Big Sur/Carmel/San Fran, and Napa...go in Oct/Nov, but go. The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur has to be one of the most seductive places on Earth; and Hwy 1, one of the prettiest drives anywhere.

Luba is hot that is it... She needs to move from Ukraine to West Virginia.. I would be pleased

I sure wish these whining Califonions would just stick to the subject. California is just as you stated it is, and that coming from someone from the outside looking in. A very objective point of view. Steve and Quib don't get it; you're not passing "judgment" on everyone, but simply expressing the reality of you observations. I had to go back through the terrific galleries to regain my perspective...ahhh, I feel much better now...Cali-what?

Ah Petter, it sounds like you only experienced southern California. You MUST go north to northern California! It is a COMPLETELY different world and many wanted to make it a second state of the union. There are hundreds of miles of untouched and pristine beaches, majestic fern lined redwood forests, clear streams cascading into a pure sea, giant cliffs and stacked rock outcrops, a highway that hugs a mountain one thousand feet above the sea, wild and undeveloped countrysides, old ranches and equipment, picturesque Inns nestled above the ocean, REAL people, and some incredibly wonderful locations for shooting nudes! I have been shooting nudes here for over 30 years and the locations are just pure magic! Come sometime Petter and I will show you. John