Back in LA

I saw a crash in front of my eyes in Mountain View a few days ago and another one in downtown LA yesterday. Five crashes on the freeway between San Diego and San Francisco. People crash a lot in California. Why might that be?

Anyway, I had the opportunity to visit the Zerply office which is based in the 500 Startups office in Silicon Valley and I got blown away. The drive these people have in these startups is incredible and I was lucky to see how it all works and how everybody helps each other out. If you ever have an idea for an Internet company that you believe in, contact 500 Startups and if your idea gets picked to the program, you'll get accelerated towards investors so much faster than doing it on your own.

I had to say goodbye to Ethan, Justin, Christofer, Linn, Eliza, Josef and Martin at Zerply eventually because I was bound to get back to San Francisco. Took the Caltrain back for $6.75 and witnessed the fog descending from the mountains looking like an avalanche, a view that I have to get to see again. That's going to be next year though, because my time is running out. I visited the Chrome (bags) store on 4th Street and got myself a nice new Anton bag. If you ever get to SF, you can pick all the colors in your messenger bag yourself and get it sown on site for about $30 extra. Time was running out though and I had to find my way to Oakland.

I found a ride share to LA the evening before and ended up paying $30 to get to Union Station, a 7h ride in a Toyota Camry.

Yesterday while I browsed through downtown LA, I got offered a couch to sleep on, but had to turn it down because I already had a place. I like the people in California. The moment you tell them you're from around the world, they start offering their couches places to sleep on.

Last night I prepared a dinner for 9 people in Altadena, LA, which turned out to be a winner! Today I woke up 4.25am to drive to the airport to drop off some very nice and friendly people. Now I'm sitting in Corner Bakery in Westwood finishing off my breakfast. Why? Because I gave my first breakfast from Ralph's to a homeless guy. He got happy which made me happy. Three and a half days to go of this adventure.

This trip has seriously been the best one I've ever been on and I'm sad it's going to end soon. Couch surfing and Craigslist (Ride sharing) at least in California is the best way to meet local people who will show you around and share their stories. Try it!