Nadya and her husband treat us like royalty and give us the grand tour of their incredible state. But I must sayI find myself completely confused at this spectacle, this fantasy, this dream that is California. California likes to do everything bigger and bolder then everyone, the food, the people, the buildings, everything. But in so many ways it is also a fantasy that doesnt really exist.

Having studied photography in California, I always have mixed feelings about coming here. Everything here seems to excel at being at the extreme end of the spectrum, both high and low. I can truly see the appeal this must have with some people, but in many ways it is just not for me. Perhaps California is still much too young historically to be the city it really wants to be. I do have to give LA credit for trying so hard to be as culturally aware as it is.

But of course, there are some great photographic opportunities here that you wont want to miss!