A hard question is what is the difference between romanticism and reality. When does the captured reality of a dream lose its luster? Conversely, when do nostalgic, otherworldly memories lose their magic?
On my trip to the coast of Spain, the concept of Southern California is perhaps the most romanticized ideal I have found by the people here, especially in Barcelona. I find this ironic given that the climate, food, and beauty of the people here are very much just as great and the European sophistication much greater. But perhaps California has always represented a newness of the future, while Europe and its history forever represents an attachment to the past. Newness and California has always meant endless possibilities along with an abundance of nature to also explore new possibilities in the spiritual and energetic realms. Despite its reputation for ego and hedonism, god is pretty easy to find in California where golden hills and cliffs meet perfect sunsets. There are plenty of angels all around.
California reality mixed with romanticism is one’s first few drives up and down PCH past Malibu and if one is lucky a sailboat ride up the same coast. It is first being in the mountain canyons where you can view the ocean and Catalina on a clear day and gaining your own sense of peace that feels like it can last forever. It is one’s first time falling in love on a near perfect summer night and laying outside until dawn. There is nothing like those first times and never will be. I have learned that no matter how much one tries floating on the waves of romanticism it can not last forever. One can look for other places in the world to romanticize but perhaps there is no place like Southern California for it.”