To ward off the doldrums of a hapless spring season and the disappointment from the mini getaway I was aching for but never took, I’ve been focusing my energy on preparing my presentation for The Hive conference in Berlin (this weekend!) and making arrangements for our trip to the States at the end of the month. We’ll be passing through Philadelphia to see my family before jetting off to southern California for a wedding, then we’ll drive up the coast. I was a curious eight year old the last time I explored some of California’s greats – San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego – but I embark on this trip with fresh eyes and the company of a Frenchman who has been dreaming of the golden state since I met him. I have every reason to be afraid of him falling in love with it but what he doesn’t know is I’m afraid of the same (as if my feelings of place and purpose needed to be complicated any further)!

Friends have given us fantastic must-eat lists for San Francisco, I booked a place that came highly recommended for our night in Los Angeles but we have had very few ideas for Monterey and Santa Barbara where we will also be making stops. Any suggestions? I’m also interested in recommendations for small stationery, home goods, and knick knacks boutiques and cannot-be-missed things to do. Please share your favorites!

Although I’m off to Berlin before sunrise on Friday morning, you’ll still be greeted with a new Franco File Friday in your inboxes, this one also includes a giveaway.

And a final note – thank you ALL for your warmth, candid words of advice and personal stories in response to my Things I’m Afraid to Tell You post. Who says the web can’t serve as a communal therapy group?

Merci!