I’ve spent so little time out west, and yet the last couple of years I’ve found myself in California several times. Earlier this year I was in California as part of a road trip up the coast, which I recounted here, but my recent trip was short and all business. Unfortunate since it was my first time to Los Angeles.

We arrived Monday in time to head over to the convention center, which was hosting Solar Power International 2010, my first official introduction into the solar industry on behalf of several clients, one in particular. I quickly received my badge and we headed to a brief networking event for SEPA before heading out to dinner.

Right around the corner was STAPLES Center and LA Live, a happening spot with a number of restaurants and large screen tvs around a commons. We stopped at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant where I had an AMAZING pasta dish– some of the best food I had on the trip.

I spent the next few days walking the show and learning all about the solar industry, meeting with key media on behalf of my client and taking it all in. Luckily I have two pairs of great tradeshow shoes so my feet were spared despite all the non-stop walking, however, I wasn’t prepared for the growing weight of my bags and was in dire need of a massage for my neck and shoulders when I turned in each night.

We had a couple other good meals at Water Grill (caught them filming a tv show on the street just outside that’s supposed to run on NBC in January), Trader Vic’s (good food–I had the Ahi Tuna salad–but terrible service) and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, where I’m always surprised and delighted with exceptional food and service.

All the walking and great food seemed to offset one another, and I came home a healthy and happy girl. Aside from leaving the 80 degree temperatures for lovely Cleveland’s 50 degrees and rain. OH-IO.