It's the most familiar and occupied state for Thai people. There are more Thai living in Los Angeles than other city in the U.S. Surprisingly, Los Angeles and the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, has the same meaning "City of Angel". Maybe this is another thing make Thai living in L.A. feels like home. It's my first time, in 1.5 years in the U.S., having un-americanized Thai food in Thai restaurant. I think, most Thai students here go to Bangrak Market, near Hollywood, when they go to L.A. It's a heaven for sick-of-cheese guy like me. You can have a touching feeling taking a photograph with your favourite srtar's footprint at Mann's Chinese Temple in Hollywood. You have to take a picture with the big HOLLYWOOD sign on background to convince your friend that you are really there.

For naturalist, Yosemite National Park will make you feel great. Half Dome and Vernal fall is a common scene for Thai student studying English at A.U.A. It's one of my inspirations to go to the U.S. Ansel Adam did an excellent job making American love and protect their natural heritages. I wish Thai can do that some day. There are lots of beautiful views here. I recommend to spend at least 3 days here in July-August. Before this, snow might block you to access many points of interest.

     The beach at Long Beach and Santa Monica are not different; so so. There are more land activities like roller blading at Santa Monica while more water activities at Long Beach. The most exciting beach to me is the one off US.1 between Monterey and Santa Barbara. Hundreds of seals sun-bathing along one mile beach. Sixteen or whateverteen -mile drive at Monterey is wasting time, money and film. Solvang is a very cute town worth detour from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

     San Francisco, is another familiar U.S. city among Thai. Romance city with strange but very nice houses and apartments. For a little fun, you can't miss driving along the Lombard street. Make sure you don't burn your transmission.
     For more exciting, go to Fort Funston to see Hang Glider taking off there. It's really cool! I think San Francisco is almost a perfect city. It has lots of diversities, yet peaceful community, more liberal people There is maybe only one problem, you have to live with earthquake!!!