tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79572189319635660152024-02-06T19:50:19.556-08:00Worth the DetourWherein I document my quest to visit all the national parks in the United States and other travel adventures.Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-44733324516690024202012-05-28T18:00:00.000-07:002012-05-28T18:00:01.960-07:00Lost LuggageFor those looking for updates here, please note that this blog has traveled to <a href="http://worthdetour.wordpress.com/">Wordpress</a>.<br />
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No need to bring luggage, but click to follow if the inclination strikes you!Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-82887822477023955522012-02-29T21:45:00.012-08:002012-02-29T21:45:00.248-08:00Lost LuggageFor those looking for updates here, please note that this blog has traveled to <a href="http://worthdetour.wordpress.com/">Wordpress</a>.<br />
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No need to bring luggage, but click to follow if the inclination strikes you!Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-74935767898985870022011-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:002011-09-08T11:27:54.963-07:00Redwood National Park<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.”—William Blake<br />
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Having just traveled on the Redwood Highway (aka US 101) this past weekend, I realized that a post on Redwood National Park was long overdue. I avoided writing about this park immediately after my July road trip because it was such an odd experience for me. Walking through the trees is itself intensely spiritual, but, for me, driving through the park became almost Proustian as my childhood flashed before me and I realized with a shock that I had been there before.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I had known that on a long-ago trip to California with my family we had driven through a redwood tree, but I couldn’t remember where, and I was sure we hadn’t gone that far north. But, as I saw kitschy roadside attraction after kitschy roadside attraction (the Trees of Mystery, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the One Log House), it all came flooding back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next concept in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise?</td></tr>
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It is truly a wondrous place.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmkl6EBP-rSi1F8_tLxVUBHgEOq4knWt2PK3mlEdGy-PjLeHvUvHbIG31QGcxb8IW-L1zV0J9oYENooj82K_fS9VmITQTV3fnua7R7T5lLR8JEUjCSaVG6C7g_79ICQcEXJDgFi8Ztlmj/s1600/RNP.Stout+Grove+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmkl6EBP-rSi1F8_tLxVUBHgEOq4knWt2PK3mlEdGy-PjLeHvUvHbIG31QGcxb8IW-L1zV0J9oYENooj82K_fS9VmITQTV3fnua7R7T5lLR8JEUjCSaVG6C7g_79ICQcEXJDgFi8Ztlmj/s400/RNP.Stout+Grove+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park</td></tr>
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Redwood National Park is actually made up of three state parks with additional land added on, totaling over 130,000 acres, but in no real pattern. So, one weaves in and out of the park as one drives along. It is probably for this reason that the National Park Service does not charge its usual vehicle fee. At the Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick, the ranger told me to avoid Lady Bird Johnson Grove (generally the most crowded spot since every guidebook mentions it) and said I would see just as many old growth trees by taking my planned route on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and the Howland Hill Road in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a brief detour off of Hwy 101 that takes you through Elk Prairie Meadow and right by the aptly named “Big Tree Wayside” stop. Although one sees them elsewhere, this is probably your best chance of spotting elk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi-sPxhB1Bh3W1wZpTNNqKXUgzMN5Cxv43RWSc4FZmkwiQlitTvBZm_gMC7DsEdfnymu5LoWLu981TCH0zvWfbuv7Jzql59I6Otd6eRR4qW1qokPf-rMePJHg8UWwSAN-HAFEwwswVhSS/s1600/RNP.Prairie+Creek+Elk+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi-sPxhB1Bh3W1wZpTNNqKXUgzMN5Cxv43RWSc4FZmkwiQlitTvBZm_gMC7DsEdfnymu5LoWLu981TCH0zvWfbuv7Jzql59I6Otd6eRR4qW1qokPf-rMePJHg8UWwSAN-HAFEwwswVhSS/s400/RNP.Prairie+Creek+Elk+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaFvTIX6Yc8ISjszX9cy6w-iKjVF_gDOFCyb8PLMEOAF9bHlMYkA3EJND0sU6bP2kwW-ne6zHy4UODEACWBdsr943EYE1tu4VOLCLKhSoyxqTVSnKN-YgmhtItHDBSI6sYzxt9cWaP_pf/s1600/RNP.Prairie+Creek+Elk+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaFvTIX6Yc8ISjszX9cy6w-iKjVF_gDOFCyb8PLMEOAF9bHlMYkA3EJND0sU6bP2kwW-ne6zHy4UODEACWBdsr943EYE1tu4VOLCLKhSoyxqTVSnKN-YgmhtItHDBSI6sYzxt9cWaP_pf/s400/RNP.Prairie+Creek+Elk+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first I thought there was only one and that these were branches!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Elk were not the only wildlife I saw. In an incredible, but ultimately sad, turn of events, a gray whale and her baby had swum up the Klamath River a few weeks before my arrival and had taken up residency under the Klamath Bridge, where hoards of tourists would flock from one side to the other as the whale swam beneath it. The baby was successfully driven out to sea, but the mother eventually beached herself and died weeks later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray whale in the Klamath River</td></tr>
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Howland Hill Road, at the northern-most end of the park just south of the Oregon border, is a bit harder to find but is absolutely worth the trouble. If you follow the entire road, past Stout Grove and out to Route 199, you can loop around and rejoin US 101 without doubling back. The drive is an incredible experience with trees immediately on either side looming over the (often) one-lane road.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eKpJNJLohB82qLjAk5GIgkom7HHI8m4Zig9KBNIndrTGPOraiM_CvrXF1kDmk0nUZPv1uIXgacMtg1SXK89HCjf-G2lXyuISr1NAseSp9ds8pXbkmR3GXbXcOJCyP8xJU1XrVt9zDgWl/s1600/RNP.Howland+Hill+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eKpJNJLohB82qLjAk5GIgkom7HHI8m4Zig9KBNIndrTGPOraiM_CvrXF1kDmk0nUZPv1uIXgacMtg1SXK89HCjf-G2lXyuISr1NAseSp9ds8pXbkmR3GXbXcOJCyP8xJU1XrVt9zDgWl/s400/RNP.Howland+Hill+Road.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-ElOYNf1Krerp7lh3s5JZrQWK68nVn8A9M3z6ESHzLFZcY5HkvdT4giLUgI6E4EqFBvo67kGmbQYtnqmcNkEOF4_Ug-VJVJzoTvB3YzyvIrhH6FbPG2Q0LgJTBcjYlO80Xw2Hn3JSlMj/s1600/RNP.Stout+Grove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-ElOYNf1Krerp7lh3s5JZrQWK68nVn8A9M3z6ESHzLFZcY5HkvdT4giLUgI6E4EqFBvo67kGmbQYtnqmcNkEOF4_Ug-VJVJzoTvB3YzyvIrhH6FbPG2Q0LgJTBcjYlO80Xw2Hn3JSlMj/s400/RNP.Stout+Grove+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout Grove, off Howland Hill Road</td></tr>
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If you want to get a taste of the redwoods and can’t make it all the way up north, you can drive the Avenue of the Giants, a 30-mile stretch of road that parallels Highway 101 as it winds its way through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The southern entrance of this route is at Phillipsville and the north entrance is at Pepperwood, just 200 miles or so north of San Francisco. If you want to walk among the trees for a bit, I recommend the Loop Trail in the Founders Grove. Even though <i>Return of the Jedi</i> was actually filmed on private land just north of the National Park, this trail was where I most felt like I was on that movie set.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvOK6OOHXybpg-_3rKmyX024pM5KpasNDAJqZl6-T8COlm6vfbZb7VIi_vtTJpZCVcEdk_WDmDPa_U68VVxUpwq7jp2jBtKrdu666DL_OxRZ1CtkxknpXYNRU0rBUcCVn0XTQXvFPxARE/s1600/Humboldt.Founders+Grove+Loop+Trail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvOK6OOHXybpg-_3rKmyX024pM5KpasNDAJqZl6-T8COlm6vfbZb7VIi_vtTJpZCVcEdk_WDmDPa_U68VVxUpwq7jp2jBtKrdu666DL_OxRZ1CtkxknpXYNRU0rBUcCVn0XTQXvFPxARE/s400/Humboldt.Founders+Grove+Loop+Trail+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Can’t you just see an Ewok climbing over this at any moment?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-69337785307051331052011-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:002011-08-08T22:28:18.364-07:00Lassen Volcanic National Park<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/lavo/">Lassen Volcanic</a>, located in the Shasta Cascade region, is one of California’s eight national parks, although many people (even in California) have never heard of it. The park centers on Lassen Peak (10,457 ft), one of California’s three active volcanoes, along with Mount Shasta directly to the north and Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada. Previously believed to be extinct, it experienced a series of over 150 eruptions from 1914 to 1917, but has been quiet since 1921.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Like <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/08/crater-lake-oregon.html">Crater Lake</a>, the main park road (Hwy 89), which climbs to 8,500 feet, is closed throughout the winter and spring; this year it did not open until July 16. Although this main road was designed to take in all the notable features of the park, including volcanic peaks, hot springs, boiling mud pots, and glacial lakes, unlike Crater Lake, I felt like I really could have benefitted from spending more time in the park and hiking a bit. I definitely want to go back when I have the time to do so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak, south view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Lake--this spot was so peaceful, it almost made me want to camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_xkJ1CVZ8nFHa54sxTTEsGB4ykCXlfvgpHpfyMqNUEEdWaYKvntAe_y_NZrIUD4mWTcjwbsv_C0EszxuuVj4mqmkZ-2r_N0qNupJSuwy4YyH4sfT_qu-x4NAKTP6tXt_S7MJKhBPBABp/s1600/Lassen+08.Kings+Creek+Meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_xkJ1CVZ8nFHa54sxTTEsGB4ykCXlfvgpHpfyMqNUEEdWaYKvntAe_y_NZrIUD4mWTcjwbsv_C0EszxuuVj4mqmkZ-2r_N0qNupJSuwy4YyH4sfT_qu-x4NAKTP6tXt_S7MJKhBPBABp/s400/Lassen+08.Kings+Creek+Meadow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings Creek Meadow--sadly with no audio because I could hear the frogs from here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMCwtzEa034RzF31-I9ASQj-IV5lYdcoHGwxtnWww7pAuw3B-fBXqZ1htpZy7yhPUnv0mmXNlWlJgnAe_MDItI9dUiq96V560eI_hCM9EDPQzMuN0pIrIHtXv-siWXV23M6cq2l2omVMR/s1600/Lassen+14.Bumpass+Hell+Overlook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMCwtzEa034RzF31-I9ASQj-IV5lYdcoHGwxtnWww7pAuw3B-fBXqZ1htpZy7yhPUnv0mmXNlWlJgnAe_MDItI9dUiq96V560eI_hCM9EDPQzMuN0pIrIHtXv-siWXV23M6cq2l2omVMR/s400/Lassen+14.Bumpass+Hell+Overlook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumpass Hell Overlook</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKH4xboH4FUI-4etctR0E3UCxn1HMUQt0qMe43PViPMsCFpAsv3jtiVMTjZz4j0EJT9mI-q8Cl-fBLhEF_MnW7dL-HGFdB0tFeapOaeuGXPC4_NST3N_etvlhnErm1husS2t_HJlPRZIp/s1600/Lassen+16.Emerald+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKH4xboH4FUI-4etctR0E3UCxn1HMUQt0qMe43PViPMsCFpAsv3jtiVMTjZz4j0EJT9mI-q8Cl-fBLhEF_MnW7dL-HGFdB0tFeapOaeuGXPC4_NST3N_etvlhnErm1husS2t_HJlPRZIp/s400/Lassen+16.Emerald+Lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Lake (yes, in July!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HPHl1c9hq9jYda9mzxG-BITheEjr9_yHwjMq_p0cKBtLQ8KibAUHhzBbCZfUFbJWw7m2tXiC0c30DMpcwIAv1rA_7FuZZBZZZLlrSvgNHE2TUMHMKFwoZpquIrperYoHk4AqKNlkR7Ck/s1600/Lassen+22.Little+Hot+Springs+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HPHl1c9hq9jYda9mzxG-BITheEjr9_yHwjMq_p0cKBtLQ8KibAUHhzBbCZfUFbJWw7m2tXiC0c30DMpcwIAv1rA_7FuZZBZZZLlrSvgNHE2TUMHMKFwoZpquIrperYoHk4AqKNlkR7Ck/s320/Lassen+22.Little+Hot+Springs+Valley.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Hot Springs Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bfK1B5ti4RVfH1tQMAUQIh6qCecZNcQ1vWiwQJU8B-fS9so80AMdWv46aFgqHE3S6nkW9yyD0aomoCy6m3imf2F9VxCMVzruYWsUsCiWkzqpU9aRSrU10b8-qfOsxZLQXiIRhkht5E-N/s1600/Lassen+24.Little+Hot+Springs+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bfK1B5ti4RVfH1tQMAUQIh6qCecZNcQ1vWiwQJU8B-fS9so80AMdWv46aFgqHE3S6nkW9yyD0aomoCy6m3imf2F9VxCMVzruYWsUsCiWkzqpU9aRSrU10b8-qfOsxZLQXiIRhkht5E-N/s320/Lassen+24.Little+Hot+Springs+Valley.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Hot Springs Valley--now with bee!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4r7yx2IHvc_-PaUZ7p-K46MsCGGBFmPjh0wiif1vFARzXYZKjubF6A4kMZYLSmnlYRLOP-s_0HwcD4KKooK8fCxvWQ5jSLdZUemk5dRLWed8qov4A3kjfROUkPj3xh89HdNUv9JB8v7P/s1600/Lassen+28.Sulphur+Works.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4r7yx2IHvc_-PaUZ7p-K46MsCGGBFmPjh0wiif1vFARzXYZKjubF6A4kMZYLSmnlYRLOP-s_0HwcD4KKooK8fCxvWQ5jSLdZUemk5dRLWed8qov4A3kjfROUkPj3xh89HdNUv9JB8v7P/s400/Lassen+28.Sulphur+Works.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulphur Works</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-29063620483953762922011-08-02T08:30:00.000-07:002011-08-02T08:32:50.336-07:00Crater Lake, Oregon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm">Crater Lake</a> is Oregon’s only National Park—but what a park! At 1,943 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the United States, and this, along with the purity of the water, leads to the most extraordinary blue I’ve ever seen. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Jv4PYhQfGeIbkQeBN8gSBiljHXsFQvE3CJ_ni33gK2M23o8zjWyQrmZ1xmQCYuMjgqXinv4WfoBj6_GVLiuMPE7AzfRxodJcaw-aHUo-EZx1JpGJgSVIu5FhBMihTp5_y6k9HeyXI9J/s1600/Crater+Lake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Jv4PYhQfGeIbkQeBN8gSBiljHXsFQvE3CJ_ni33gK2M23o8zjWyQrmZ1xmQCYuMjgqXinv4WfoBj6_GVLiuMPE7AzfRxodJcaw-aHUo-EZx1JpGJgSVIu5FhBMihTp5_y6k9HeyXI9J/s400/Crater+Lake+1.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake from the East Rim Drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GzMLDLVl0Usr2bu_xx5umCydcM8HKzKsI3n5BSHhCI4uwqD9AZ5VVgO1HeNqylXRZUmCE2Rcxwg-ucfFWdV-C5CRdLJBxiAko4qfJq_QY7oiedD_mKlPskouAxddr9HCXjLUL0o4nor9/s1600/Crater+Lake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GzMLDLVl0Usr2bu_xx5umCydcM8HKzKsI3n5BSHhCI4uwqD9AZ5VVgO1HeNqylXRZUmCE2Rcxwg-ucfFWdV-C5CRdLJBxiAko4qfJq_QY7oiedD_mKlPskouAxddr9HCXjLUL0o4nor9/s400/Crater+Lake+4.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phantom Ship (the height of a 16-story building) from the Sun Notch trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S3RyiYks92nP-HfP_En9SiKurFZPbzYhiOiwZQSQL4cU1erKo8-ch7TEVC5Xz9lJtbi4WcgHj0kS8X8SxLH_lD1ZbCS7QLNWId67J0xVroNYVuc4EY0Mn3mKPBbvFpwwjEL5XuXSy_1d/s1600/Crater+Lake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S3RyiYks92nP-HfP_En9SiKurFZPbzYhiOiwZQSQL4cU1erKo8-ch7TEVC5Xz9lJtbi4WcgHj0kS8X8SxLH_lD1ZbCS7QLNWId67J0xVroNYVuc4EY0Mn3mKPBbvFpwwjEL5XuXSy_1d/s400/Crater+Lake+2.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine pollen creates pretty swirls in July but eventually settles to the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rH1_ImLRU8uKkDwsjRTtsch0X5z9S6uOEqjzs28NMzmSpu-q4LZxpmKhTPL50NZz19p4dPPUTBh3wVUCfNZPjCziTK64u65LTf7_NrejzrB35dBcie23LqQuYZrydFxwVc-9BP48GUHN/s1600/Crater+Lake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rH1_ImLRU8uKkDwsjRTtsch0X5z9S6uOEqjzs28NMzmSpu-q4LZxpmKhTPL50NZz19p4dPPUTBh3wVUCfNZPjCziTK64u65LTf7_NrejzrB35dBcie23LqQuYZrydFxwVc-9BP48GUHN/s400/Crater+Lake+3.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Wizard Island from the mosquito-filled Pumice Castle Overlook</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The window of opportunity to fully experience this wonder is quite small. The park receives an average of 500-550 inches of snow annually and the opening of the Rim Drive (33 miles) is completely dependent on when this snowpack finally starts to melt. This past season’s snowfall was a whopping 673 inches, and therefore the complete Rim Drive opened just days before my arrival, on July 24th. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Many hiking trails and side roads were still closed due to snow. Here is the first part of the road to Cloudcap Overlook (a 1-mile spur that takes you to the highest overlook on the lake). Sadly, I could drive no further than this, as the snow soon overtook both lanes completely. However, as long as you can get around either side of the lake, I encourage you to do so. The snows return again in early fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DqJ27x2YKWQSG3AFJ-TQI1xbhwnh-m_3kyTafh2fjwHCq_Q8F2nNIhqQarbj-b1ETKR7uFj5EoJIA4wBVAwHe6y-dgfRxDc0E8__TLwE4mIZF-NA4uFEqRyht9xph-kQ0df4dqfM9qMp/s1600/Crater+Lake+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DqJ27x2YKWQSG3AFJ-TQI1xbhwnh-m_3kyTafh2fjwHCq_Q8F2nNIhqQarbj-b1ETKR7uFj5EoJIA4wBVAwHe6y-dgfRxDc0E8__TLwE4mIZF-NA4uFEqRyht9xph-kQ0df4dqfM9qMp/s400/Crater+Lake+32.jpg" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Seriously, the lake really is that blue. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_uKDMS_aR9IHBqZatUqNGt8mtdhWs49sW8vM737GHnHQXDcI9QdCtbMhKr-NSZ19igzVbG2pCF5r5MiQiY1WUsny4Ecbs1llBnn-oIYAvoi3dKSyaaF23Gt9-Jo_gwggWMKhDXDn6RKd/s1600/Crater+Lake+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_uKDMS_aR9IHBqZatUqNGt8mtdhWs49sW8vM737GHnHQXDcI9QdCtbMhKr-NSZ19igzVbG2pCF5r5MiQiY1WUsny4Ecbs1llBnn-oIYAvoi3dKSyaaF23Gt9-Jo_gwggWMKhDXDn6RKd/s400/Crater+Lake+38.jpg" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-54262593164681036842011-05-31T22:00:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:10:13.680-07:00Mission Impossible: Santa BarbaraFounded in 1786, just after the death of Father Junípero Serra, <a href="http://www.santabarbaramission.org/">Santa Barbara</a> is the tenth of the <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/p/mission-impossible.html">21 Franciscan missions in Alta California</a>. As one is constantly reminded in brochures and guidebooks, Santa Barbara is the “Queen of the Missions.” <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bFG57WJhZua0bStV4cingrIln6BEpW3I5h9k-JYHWVG03dUnp1SzoEDnee3XYie2Hep7nSSY32kd4utRpfPDrT4v_X0woPpMnKQl6WsIQ-FUDb1bDJ1dKv_7DAmSMEehgxrj83wihivz/s1600/SB+Mission+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bFG57WJhZua0bStV4cingrIln6BEpW3I5h9k-JYHWVG03dUnp1SzoEDnee3XYie2Hep7nSSY32kd4utRpfPDrT4v_X0woPpMnKQl6WsIQ-FUDb1bDJ1dKv_7DAmSMEehgxrj83wihivz/s400/SB+Mission+Front.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While the outside is nice enough, there is no doubt that the interior is certainly the prettiest of the missions, as it is still an active parish and in great shape. The chapel itself is fairly simple, barring the elaborate altar with incredibly vibrant statues.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zM3IDBesQ3F15VnTD8G2lic2nDEE3xrk5naN7FdRbSy7oyopxfUvi68_H3mwost2vNf2xIiDBPMzM7LIxVTEjQVPtsqdfIssa_yQziFpDEPmEQNkZd78HAv2e4ta8vGg7Oe0zX-r_IKT/s1600/SB+Mission+Chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zM3IDBesQ3F15VnTD8G2lic2nDEE3xrk5naN7FdRbSy7oyopxfUvi68_H3mwost2vNf2xIiDBPMzM7LIxVTEjQVPtsqdfIssa_yQziFpDEPmEQNkZd78HAv2e4ta8vGg7Oe0zX-r_IKT/s400/SB+Mission+Chapel.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Even though this mission is in downtown Santa Barbara, I felt an incredible sense of peace there that I can’t explain, more so than other missions in the middle of nowhere. The Sacred Garden is the first thing one experiences upon entry and it sets the mood.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ6HaQQ-fWorSKdLiDgoOymZJ1EnZ2nEXwZ2Ot4zxo6qEHUoIw4D7I-XfcdB2YDb0itYG4Mh7ZuoUvt3fh_O6BkJZ_FZRzdF19HdQTRXQUK9W42LYnubmxMKKm2SOcaw5rRrL44aKcrYz/s1600/SB+Mission+Garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ6HaQQ-fWorSKdLiDgoOymZJ1EnZ2nEXwZ2Ot4zxo6qEHUoIw4D7I-XfcdB2YDb0itYG4Mh7ZuoUvt3fh_O6BkJZ_FZRzdF19HdQTRXQUK9W42LYnubmxMKKm2SOcaw5rRrL44aKcrYz/s400/SB+Mission+Garden+2.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After admiring the various flowers and cacti, I skipped the historical video to head straight to the cemetery garden. There are two highlights here: 1) the enormous Moreton Bay fig tree, which is not nearly as big as <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/05/weekend-getaway-santa-barbara.html">“the” Moreton Bay fig tree</a>, but I hadn’t seen that one yet, and 2) the skull carvings over the church doors.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZh-5q1_3gk8mkLree9TgBqAYAIAm66oqxfOSBtY20onjBB3Chlkr6RAXFgBjktMQJZblRSbXr0T2IB-mxm06_QJFEg5MihA745othNH990K5Bz29IEI9QaC2DBMq65jFZ5yW_BlepsbCe/s1600/SB+Mission+Cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZh-5q1_3gk8mkLree9TgBqAYAIAm66oqxfOSBtY20onjBB3Chlkr6RAXFgBjktMQJZblRSbXr0T2IB-mxm06_QJFEg5MihA745othNH990K5Bz29IEI9QaC2DBMq65jFZ5yW_BlepsbCe/s400/SB+Mission+Cemetery.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After the entering the chapel from the cemetery, one proceeds through a museum in the former living quarters of the missionaries, but, after all we saw at <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/05/mission-impossible-la-purisima.html">La Purísima</a>, I didn’t spend very much time there. <br />
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Even upon exiting, the sense of peace carries through with the fountain out front, built in 1808. Which made me really happy I didn't stop <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/05/weekend-getaway-santa-barbara.html">that day during the <em>I Madonnari</em> festival</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvZlivPUhcyIfi00F9u8HadRMpNAf0VOeGUNNCwlTA32Go5z-dfyP2EGiudyjvyOhSb5lLcSDfs7tXi-1U3br6AQ6u-80luUZDnv3orpPpIhUlqQG1U_X7gV8YJn4JckvsdlfR3xghTo/s1600/SB+Mission+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvZlivPUhcyIfi00F9u8HadRMpNAf0VOeGUNNCwlTA32Go5z-dfyP2EGiudyjvyOhSb5lLcSDfs7tXi-1U3br6AQ6u-80luUZDnv3orpPpIhUlqQG1U_X7gV8YJn4JckvsdlfR3xghTo/s400/SB+Mission+Fountain.jpg" t8="true" width="296" /></a></div></div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-4850412381974965672011-05-31T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-11T09:18:04.316-07:00Mission Impossible: La Purísima<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima is a short detour off of Highway 101 on the outskirts of Lompoc, CA. Founded in 1787, <a href="http://www.lapurisimamission.org/">La Purísima</a> is the eleventh of the <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/p/mission-impossible.html">21 Franciscan missions in Alta California</a>. Originally in Lompoc proper, it was moved to its present location outside the city and on El Camino Real in 1812 after an earthquake destroyed the original church and vestry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XdKse__Kacj1ZgdVApXIDnhn8WfmT98GblHzyUmr4x-2kn7PUv_1HsM8QencjOythDmnvuUQkoB9TLguOOUZx3Tka7usQIyTTguOC61rKzlTx3qPmH7TdAUMsXVhgvSJ3mFGgbF5xmWF/s1600/La+Purisima+Back+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XdKse__Kacj1ZgdVApXIDnhn8WfmT98GblHzyUmr4x-2kn7PUv_1HsM8QencjOythDmnvuUQkoB9TLguOOUZx3Tka7usQIyTTguOC61rKzlTx3qPmH7TdAUMsXVhgvSJ3mFGgbF5xmWF/s400/La+Purisima+Back+2.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This is the most complete restoration project on the entire Mission Trail, with work beginning in the 1930s under the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The buildings and grounds are extensive with furnishings, tools, and even animal breeds (Churro sheep, goats, longhorn cattle, burros, etc.) from the Spanish period. More than any other mission I’ve visited, La Purísima really gives one the sense of what life was like back then. And, if you like the outdoors, there are twenty-five miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Because this is also a California State Park (but not one of the many closed due to the inherent cheapness of the California taxpayer), there is a Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall to get you oriented.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4MG43UuBndUh9a80dsl2ns-4W7-t8h4kT0TAXeK7xM1aOQsH0XX1wQOwJI4hPD3V1ubfGa6I2y3FrN6Xc-cLMTiXbx6fYje80yCoLZQvRLBD_sKWRKILvmhYkA6Dm1DkJhsBsKpSwM80/s1600/La+Purisima+Display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4MG43UuBndUh9a80dsl2ns-4W7-t8h4kT0TAXeK7xM1aOQsH0XX1wQOwJI4hPD3V1ubfGa6I2y3FrN6Xc-cLMTiXbx6fYje80yCoLZQvRLBD_sKWRKILvmhYkA6Dm1DkJhsBsKpSwM80/s400/La+Purisima+Display.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this soldier seem happy to be working at the mission?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpk3eVRwQJuKEHt1LVta6F0YExFbzsrw24k2xMgOV2Y5VrkorTZbGxGK7UNxgtH37IPK1yac8NhxSrNimI22Q48mdHbZz_c5AkFbPTm2KDEcPx4wFPpj-sDhJnvyCyC3Yey-3QaIN8nc8/s1600/La+Purisima+Flock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpk3eVRwQJuKEHt1LVta6F0YExFbzsrw24k2xMgOV2Y5VrkorTZbGxGK7UNxgtH37IPK1yac8NhxSrNimI22Q48mdHbZz_c5AkFbPTm2KDEcPx4wFPpj-sDhJnvyCyC3Yey-3QaIN8nc8/s400/La+Purisima+Flock.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure the sheep and goats are happy too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMmzapCyHYWc7sRUTnZE__OhzcTCbmt9ED6qu-OFXN_bb5Ej1BP1-mseMT5XU7LESg5Q9pUy51YjloTLd8alldoDyNyVpYN5onDUURdmb3ECi25pu1jVWF3VeDw14ZjsF2hH8UyHB_phg/s1600/La+Purisima+Fountain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMmzapCyHYWc7sRUTnZE__OhzcTCbmt9ED6qu-OFXN_bb5Ej1BP1-mseMT5XU7LESg5Q9pUy51YjloTLd8alldoDyNyVpYN5onDUURdmb3ECi25pu1jVWF3VeDw14ZjsF2hH8UyHB_phg/s400/La+Purisima+Fountain+1.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monks were green even way back when: The fountain, above, was used for <br />
drinking, with run-off piped to the lavanderia, whose run-off went to the cistern<br />
where soap settled at the bottom and the remaining water was used in the gardens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk8EHMENITaWFN_NtjictYIhs7PZnZL20ih8mwq2c4qg4iVOalJbj9hnXhjnRVLyC2l-h37c-HFhdV3vo11297VNqJwQTRj6FlXT2PqR1J7XcMkEFMUNHAYI2zKecFEH_7w4k_hi3qWXz/s1600/La+Purisima+Loom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk8EHMENITaWFN_NtjictYIhs7PZnZL20ih8mwq2c4qg4iVOalJbj9hnXhjnRVLyC2l-h37c-HFhdV3vo11297VNqJwQTRj6FlXT2PqR1J7XcMkEFMUNHAYI2zKecFEH_7w4k_hi3qWXz/s400/La+Purisima+Loom.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over 1000 people were involved in weaving activities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPpLEDL2QoPR6gnH0zMYtxZKe6wvz7E5dPIVxD3SpmC6ir0Q0InsN1zAxgmIZqYFj_WCUMz2itiXAtkR5P-8dpBt9ymM67ZhTUBfqsXyz0cFlloajR5N-iAPY9a-D1fEGkyKUglymCOKF/s1600/La+Purisima+Olive+Press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPpLEDL2QoPR6gnH0zMYtxZKe6wvz7E5dPIVxD3SpmC6ir0Q0InsN1zAxgmIZqYFj_WCUMz2itiXAtkR5P-8dpBt9ymM67ZhTUBfqsXyz0cFlloajR5N-iAPY9a-D1fEGkyKUglymCOKF/s400/La+Purisima+Olive+Press.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monks apparently had a thing for EVOO.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5qRptbxpiUL9tHswxOIhaoWoHtN7Yl1NYOQ6SCAtWfbAsiau04LYHGBniFT_lpqlJ4x_RCR9a315p9UmeYepM9p6orLsjH6rO86xEe9CbooI81exqzY4HmuaZyBRFK6Rh0byE149TOmw/s1600/La+Purisima+Confessional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5qRptbxpiUL9tHswxOIhaoWoHtN7Yl1NYOQ6SCAtWfbAsiau04LYHGBniFT_lpqlJ4x_RCR9a315p9UmeYepM9p6orLsjH6rO86xEe9CbooI81exqzY4HmuaZyBRFK6Rh0byE149TOmw/s400/La+Purisima+Confessional.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confessional or amateur puppet theater? You be the judge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Dgb3sfXDZctcz7ez3BCYPlHZpdsRUD-DBPsj1ClSLZUYkuNM4q8tnRBMw0HtD5kCwsjhEgxN5Lo3QmrU0DNfUPeUWbUPBMujDKoRAwEQUW_RXJp3eS0JZjwJGtqobYHZJW54tMSFuq47/s1600/La+Purisima+Quarters+Bookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Dgb3sfXDZctcz7ez3BCYPlHZpdsRUD-DBPsj1ClSLZUYkuNM4q8tnRBMw0HtD5kCwsjhEgxN5Lo3QmrU0DNfUPeUWbUPBMujDKoRAwEQUW_RXJp3eS0JZjwJGtqobYHZJW54tMSFuq47/s400/La+Purisima+Quarters+Bookshelves.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a sin to covet a monk's bookshelves? If so, color me guilty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-14992699945089134462011-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:38:57.141-07:00Weekend Getaway: Santa Barbara<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This month, for personal and professional reasons, The Boys* had to come out from New York to Santa Barbara, so I decided to fly down for the weekend. It was a bit pricey, but, not only would I get a chance to see two of my favorite people in the world, I would also be able to cross a few more <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/p/mission-impossible.html">missions off my list</a>. Win-win.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I always intend to visit Santa Barbara when I drive down to L.A., but it suffers from being a bit too close to that city (and you just want to get there already, and not stop and play tourist). On the one occasion that I did pass through, I only had time for lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria.** I drove by the <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/05/mission-impossible-santa-barbara.html">Santa Barbara Mission</a>; however, it was Memorial Day weekend and the annual festival of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Madonnari</i> (Italian street painting) and therefore I realized instantly that it would be insane to try and find parking anywhere near there, so I headed back to 101 and up the coast.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What I didn’t realize was that there’s so much to see and do in Santa Barbara (beyond the Mission) that it merits more than a detour, and has earned its place as my first weekend getaway. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">First on your list should be the <a href="http://www.sbcourts.org/">Courthouse</a>, one of the loveliest you’ll ever see. Located at 1100 Anacapa Street (on the corner of Anapamu Street—and, yes, there are many similar sounding and confusing street names in this city), this building is a marvel inside and out, with hand-painted ceilings, spiral staircases, Spanish tiles, carved doors, and gorgeous murals depicting early California history. From the tower, you get a great view of the surrounding city, ocean, and mountains.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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The <a href="http://www.sbmuseart.org/">Santa Barbara Museum of Art</a> is one of the top ten regional museums in the country, and can serve as a nice respite from shopping on State Street. While we originally went to the museum to see the sand mandala created by the monks of the Sera Mahayana Buddhist Monastery in South India, the exhibition that really caught my eye was that of stop-motion photographer <a href="http://www.sbma.net/exhibitions/origersht.web">Ori Gersht</a>, who had some incredible pieces inspired by one of my favorite artists, Henri Fantin-Latour.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ori Gersht, <em>Blow Up: Untitled 4</em>, 2007</td></tr>
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What can I say? I have a weakness for flowers, even when they are exploding.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Speaking of flowers, worth a trip into the hills is the <a href="http://www.sbbg.org/index.cfm">Santa Barbara Botanic Garden</a> on Mission Canyon Road. The gardens, which cover 78 acres, feature indigenous plants of California, with a meadow section, redwood section, desert section, etc. We were lucky to catch a number of plants in bloom, especially cacti. Absolutely beautiful.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0nPCLJQY1waGrDu_ljgkTGJ45rC_MpK63o_E6MX5ovd0fU46bKwX_Wq1-nvbPg9sQOZkTpT86F8zIMYd3jgDDvnxyRiJRGKgqymG03t7Otp_xKpLeYcxbLVwGTThbORaHlik8qPQkbLK/s1600/SB+Botanic+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0nPCLJQY1waGrDu_ljgkTGJ45rC_MpK63o_E6MX5ovd0fU46bKwX_Wq1-nvbPg9sQOZkTpT86F8zIMYd3jgDDvnxyRiJRGKgqymG03t7Otp_xKpLeYcxbLVwGTThbORaHlik8qPQkbLK/s400/SB+Botanic+Flowers.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjhkOmBOODaNaOUJvE3RtJqFeNiMlkC6Ks4BsyeIh9th5WBApOgsGrECBSPgNcLN8iSvLzC_k0MxCQtQ1RX8mdiArz0iEPltuFFv3PgQ8TSuFWhSsVRjbD61wLGJzBOgwBj2GHw6WFNhA/s1600/SB+Botanic+Cactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjhkOmBOODaNaOUJvE3RtJqFeNiMlkC6Ks4BsyeIh9th5WBApOgsGrECBSPgNcLN8iSvLzC_k0MxCQtQ1RX8mdiArz0iEPltuFFv3PgQ8TSuFWhSsVRjbD61wLGJzBOgwBj2GHw6WFNhA/s400/SB+Botanic+Cactus.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Another fascinating freak of nature, and I’m not talking about the dolphins down by Stearns Wharf (although, dolphins!), is the Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the intersection of Chapala Street and Highway 101. Planted in the 1870s and now a city landmark, it is ginormous.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs9x4OWTZMY4ofkxen69JjKCr0x_W7-WF2INcnw5Jj04_GspEuiFRBQx6qvTOgKk27LhdzrzsqCJaYwmVl_pOqtIJqBYpYh3iK9NQpSZleF4lCBl2pmq5nSdBCr1iCv5lcdh5K02WrigE/s1600/SB+Fig+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs9x4OWTZMY4ofkxen69JjKCr0x_W7-WF2INcnw5Jj04_GspEuiFRBQx6qvTOgKk27LhdzrzsqCJaYwmVl_pOqtIJqBYpYh3iK9NQpSZleF4lCBl2pmq5nSdBCr1iCv5lcdh5K02WrigE/s400/SB+Fig+2.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Of course, as any viewer of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sideways</i> can tell you, Santa Barbara County is also wine country. Just over the San Marcos Pass and through the Los Padres National Forest is the Santa Ynez Valley, home of killer pinot noirs and chardonnays. If you don’t have time to go vineyard hopping, on any trip down 101, I highly recommend a detour to the small town of Los Olivos and a visit to the <a href="http://www.thelosolivostastingroom.com/">Los Olivos Tasting Room & Wine Shop</a>. While in the neighborhood, be sure to stop in at the Disneyesque town of Solvang and the <a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2011/05/mission-impossible-la-purisima.html">La Purísima Mission</a> just down the road in Lompoc.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG8DU17ILTrQ23p5lGQwxMWmt3wT2MMLIbZtdvlqN7f4AWoaAA96qHorjqIwwvwU3Ha9RUXvWbfLZmgjXuG0RqF0qJZmSeLH-OpXrtPkGia6jhuqJwqkY5T0b2ZTHImxPQpBp98ycaW8B/s1600/Solvang+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG8DU17ILTrQ23p5lGQwxMWmt3wT2MMLIbZtdvlqN7f4AWoaAA96qHorjqIwwvwU3Ha9RUXvWbfLZmgjXuG0RqF0qJZmSeLH-OpXrtPkGia6jhuqJwqkY5T0b2ZTHImxPQpBp98ycaW8B/s400/Solvang+1.jpg" t8="true" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Yes, almost all of the stores and<br />
hotels in Solvang look like this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dlbcCarr_Mfmsh43TuYF_DMoUbSziywa-tAnnsRHvFkfKZ_uiuYJaJLu4xzdhfg4HqMCCZNyKHz4qseBiYMc6ev6fVWugMuOMCRdRQFiNdzGoegzHZeZn1ChqpyZVcH7EpJUFBMC4Xh/s1600/La+Purisima+Bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dlbcCarr_Mfmsh43TuYF_DMoUbSziywa-tAnnsRHvFkfKZ_uiuYJaJLu4xzdhfg4HqMCCZNyKHz4qseBiYMc6ev6fVWugMuOMCRdRQFiNdzGoegzHZeZn1ChqpyZVcH7EpJUFBMC4Xh/s400/La+Purisima+Bells.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Purísima Mission</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Finally, a shout-out to the <a href="http://www.bathstreetinn.com/">Bath Street Inn</a>—a large, comfortable Victorian Bed & Breakfast close to the center of town. My room was actually larger than it seems in pictures and I had a lovely balcony to boot. In addition to afternoon tea and evening wine and cheese, they serve a delicious, filling breakfast, with homemade granola and such dishes as stuffed French toast and baked eggs (which were so good I raved about them and they printed out the recipe for me unasked). A great place.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-fXxv7n8ybiqIpLo5TmzQqG68gklEc5ZQsoUASheGPgkqFFLJ7RxE11yPjts9jSnknEmxTLQ5R2t2KWHXvG58S5ztSy-hH2QTdbkU_oc4CTaJ4LHHQkx2YoF_AiWh60FY4l9pEYwSahJ/s1600/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-fXxv7n8ybiqIpLo5TmzQqG68gklEc5ZQsoUASheGPgkqFFLJ7RxE11yPjts9jSnknEmxTLQ5R2t2KWHXvG58S5ztSy-hH2QTdbkU_oc4CTaJ4LHHQkx2YoF_AiWh60FY4l9pEYwSahJ/s200/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Balcony.jpg" t8="true" width="150" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_51kFVp10oNJbSZNckYoZZkTGoS-odC-_QQRHJL-y67ZQKCFrzvMEJTgwhh8_idYuDVMzuPDcvQw4T-o8bSUec2WTJQaKTgjDM1SGQkj7IT8pbcIIf08mhPUGx74pfPWyapMMUNz2xYt/s1600/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_51kFVp10oNJbSZNckYoZZkTGoS-odC-_QQRHJL-y67ZQKCFrzvMEJTgwhh8_idYuDVMzuPDcvQw4T-o8bSUec2WTJQaKTgjDM1SGQkj7IT8pbcIIf08mhPUGx74pfPWyapMMUNz2xYt/s320/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Chairs.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4hUwPmruzgEO34bkU64mA6YOH-szXX7xNo5lcM_Bv8K9lul5uBjBuQJcCwGt6ywowv40QnFn1OrrLR7PKErJVfl6Y29Verz90G3ws3D44fGldrfabpGT4JUm3L1JziXMMxkfV_2pOxmL/s1600/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Room+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4hUwPmruzgEO34bkU64mA6YOH-szXX7xNo5lcM_Bv8K9lul5uBjBuQJcCwGt6ywowv40QnFn1OrrLR7PKErJVfl6Y29Verz90G3ws3D44fGldrfabpGT4JUm3L1JziXMMxkfV_2pOxmL/s400/SB+Bath+St+Inn+Room+1.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Word to the wise: If you ever fly in to the Santa Barbara Airport, be aware that the relatively short taxi ride from the airport to downtown will set you back about $45, including tip. The shuttles you see parked right next to the taxis outside the airport will make the same trip for only $27-30.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">* See future posts on Utah. One of The Boys took the profile pic on this page.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">** La Super-Rica Taqueria at 622 North Milpas Street is reputed to be Julia Child’s “favorite taco stand”; however, a local who knew her swears she told him she had no idea where that rumor got started. Regardless, the roasted pasilla chile stuffed with cheese and the chorizo tacos were almost worth the ridiculous wait in line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-4157827168002131382011-05-08T11:30:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:25:23.575-07:00Hampton Court, London<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It might seem odd to spend a day at <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/">Hampton Court</a> when one is in London for just a few days, but I chose to do so for a couple of reasons. One, it was the only one of the top London sites in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/000-Places-See-Before-updated/dp/0761161023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304869598&sr=8-1">1001 Places to See Before You Die</a></i> that I had never visited. Two, originally built by Cardinal Wolsey and later serving as one of the palaces of Henry VIII, it plays a major role in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wolf Hall</i> (which I really will finish one of these days—really, truly). It also serves as the setting for much of the action in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Man for All Seasons</i>, which I read for my <a href="http://slywit.blogspot.com/2011/04/royals-and-rulers.html">Royals and Rulers book salon</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Visiting the palace does take a bit of effort as it is located in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames at the extreme southwest edge of Greater London. It takes well over 30 minutes by train from Waterloo, but the station is just a short walk from the palace, so overall the trip is not too bad. You can also arrive by boat, but then the travel time is extremely unpredictable (and can be hours).<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIM80FAXyvmp0fC44f3UDVhzei12WDftUnMknxlodFJr3mNjsC7YeGpuBFPNMZ8y65-8jfmwqoTk904o_0v06pBX8K1yJlSZrb7-c0XLivIidi5I_mACJ8atCJMQ7uwYPcYTJsr5CG17V/s1600/Hampton+Air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIM80FAXyvmp0fC44f3UDVhzei12WDftUnMknxlodFJr3mNjsC7YeGpuBFPNMZ8y65-8jfmwqoTk904o_0v06pBX8K1yJlSZrb7-c0XLivIidi5I_mACJ8atCJMQ7uwYPcYTJsr5CG17V/s320/Hampton+Air.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As you can see in the above photo (taken from a postcard), the palace is quite extensive, as are the grounds. In fact, the palace itself is a bit confusing to navigate, so, once you arrive in the Clock Court, you may want to take the time to figure out what you most want to see and then head there directly using your map.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhzELRno-Sbu0h4mUoUXoTszhx0JnGoV-ywjaMnxpkeIS7mE1jFXhQL7kwgPEwxninbDqFHF1ovuPrBblpEx0SZpAqnGXPnLkJ4wMFZ2pBw9SDhfJicSfP4SYbJRI_2qObAxEzRh5JS2m/s1600/Hampton+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhzELRno-Sbu0h4mUoUXoTszhx0JnGoV-ywjaMnxpkeIS7mE1jFXhQL7kwgPEwxninbDqFHF1ovuPrBblpEx0SZpAqnGXPnLkJ4wMFZ2pBw9SDhfJicSfP4SYbJRI_2qObAxEzRh5JS2m/s400/Hampton+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Boleyn’s gateway and the astronomical clock</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Really, use the map. I know that we ended up in a part of the palace that my friend had never seen before, and there were interesting things that I realized later we never saw. My favorite spots were the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal in Henry VIII’s State Apartments, the King’s Staircase and the King’s Guard Chamber (weapons!) in William III’s Apartments, and the gardens, especially The Maze.<br />
<br />
The Great Hall, as its name indicates, is one of those huge medieval halls that served many purposes besides being a communal dining room, for example, Shakespeare’s company performed here for King James I. The hall is lined with magnificent Flemish tapestries depicting the story of Abraham and has an elaborately carved wooden ceiling. At the end of the hall is an incredible stained glass window from the mid-1800s depicting the arms of Henry VIII and his six wives.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_vy7YSG7WS1YM8WrnhbrrT4GRp9eclHI5JWaSYJvSsdkSbN0J3XLOPOB_aTXR8ixgO6czY256P94bez3_8ikgDv3z2xKh_L0EniCVEBa8qqMHgCVW_jtxjuJ3poMU-PKb8hCRmqpI05k/s1600/Hampton+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_vy7YSG7WS1YM8WrnhbrrT4GRp9eclHI5JWaSYJvSsdkSbN0J3XLOPOB_aTXR8ixgO6czY256P94bez3_8ikgDv3z2xKh_L0EniCVEBa8qqMHgCVW_jtxjuJ3poMU-PKb8hCRmqpI05k/s400/Hampton+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Hall, Hampton Court</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The King’s Staircase in William III’s Apartments is the most mind-blowing mural I’ve ever seen in a setting like this. It’s perhaps hard to see in this photo but the painting, by Antonio Verrio, wraps around the stairwell and onto the ceiling. It depicts William III dominating a group of Roman emperors (representing the king’s Catholic enemies) as well as a banquet of the Gods (representing the peace and prosperity of William’s reign).</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtm3Uy4VOEjXU07ToK0kEF5PK5jWmevcqmN8_9JZNAgIGbcrhk5wFXuZUSt-_FuXX1AxmItU0FZ0qJ9K3Yxrj85FqyCSvZXD0yanPR4wgeiU669QCocxbJuLuKqs5YaPoXWd7SJeOBz9C/s1600/Hampton+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtm3Uy4VOEjXU07ToK0kEF5PK5jWmevcqmN8_9JZNAgIGbcrhk5wFXuZUSt-_FuXX1AxmItU0FZ0qJ9K3Yxrj85FqyCSvZXD0yanPR4wgeiU669QCocxbJuLuKqs5YaPoXWd7SJeOBz9C/s400/Hampton+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King's Staircase, painted by Antonio Verrio</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZXcOMcKm9dpg2Xx1aL8YLEkb2jydXp_Sz88ftsk8UspXkg_qOSAIlsNK-AYhGRqCglGUIcF48zdcgTit21VaNQejML4XpmHOv0q_5j517yVG_J4yEC1P-IGenxNEZB8CIORA92bVhKT7/s1600/Hampton+Maze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZXcOMcKm9dpg2Xx1aL8YLEkb2jydXp_Sz88ftsk8UspXkg_qOSAIlsNK-AYhGRqCglGUIcF48zdcgTit21VaNQejML4XpmHOv0q_5j517yVG_J4yEC1P-IGenxNEZB8CIORA92bVhKT7/s200/Hampton+Maze.jpg" width="150" /></a>The Hampton Court Maze is the oldest hedge maze in the United Kingdom. And I guess that might mean the world, because where else would they have hedge mazes that are older? Do the Chinese have some sort of hedge maze tradition that I’m unaware of? (Because, if so, China will move way up on my must-see list.) In any case, even though I am still recovering from the difficulties I encountered in the pineapple maze on Oahu, I love mazes of all kinds, so this is where we headed first.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other lovely spots on the grounds include the Privy Garden, which was the private garden of the king and has a very geometric style, the Pond Gardens, which are sunken flower gardens that were originally ornamental ponds used for holding fish, and the Great Vine, a grape vine planted in the 1760s by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. [Side note: I’m really not sure which is worse, having the name Lancelot, or being called Capability.]</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kfIcyDr6I5e_vIalAo5IhxfpPB95qQGnCTAH1aSWXFkRPSZreQ-xa8R0vefOR-FByn36oDjYpZoBgLy-PmO2Y6ZfHSi-Ui2BwFxnUvmFH2cGXAf7ujz5Ier4Ajo4rpefLVINmgaIMzEk/s1600/Hampton+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kfIcyDr6I5e_vIalAo5IhxfpPB95qQGnCTAH1aSWXFkRPSZreQ-xa8R0vefOR-FByn36oDjYpZoBgLy-PmO2Y6ZfHSi-Ui2BwFxnUvmFH2cGXAf7ujz5Ier4Ajo4rpefLVINmgaIMzEk/s400/Hampton+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Privy Garden, Hampton Court</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
In short, there is much to see and do here, and Hampton Court is certainly worth the detour!</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-38760026188107370372011-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:28:23.133-07:00Borough Market, London<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Nothing like a good cup of coffee for a Monday morning!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you happen to find yourself in <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/">Borough Market</a>, near <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">London</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Bridge</placetype></place> (and you should), be sure to check out the coffee at <a href="http://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/">Monmouth Coffee Company</a> on the corner of Park and Stoney Streets. Much like <a href="http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/">Blue Bottle Coffee</a> in San Francisco, this is a place that takes coffee seriously (although, apparently, unlike Blue Bottle, they will deign to grind beans for you). Be sure to get the special pour-over filter coffee of the day and not espresso. Delicious.</div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5eOPpsRDe966JJ38rGnFliLTlfHJWiewb1vBSC8gfZQhGsRLmqrTZq_q0maPaN1XEmOZCKxX9TCGEJDM6AQDFfU-Cv_ETlhE_Li9Tyy0yIk8Qg3PiF217sCv7gR57z7ak_WNHVto6scL/s1600/Borough.Monmouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5eOPpsRDe966JJ38rGnFliLTlfHJWiewb1vBSC8gfZQhGsRLmqrTZq_q0maPaN1XEmOZCKxX9TCGEJDM6AQDFfU-Cv_ETlhE_Li9Tyy0yIk8Qg3PiF217sCv7gR57z7ak_WNHVto6scL/s320/Borough.Monmouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monmouth Coffee by Manic Street Preacher via Flickr</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Borough Market is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and is well worth the detour. Maybe I’ve been watching too much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No Reservations</i>, but, these days, this is the type of place where I prefer spending time on vacation, rather than any monument or museum. There are people selling all kinds of produce, as well as fish, meat, dairy, bread, and tons of prepared food. In fact, it was seeing all the spices available here that made me go a bit overboard when I was later in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">France</place></country-region>. Stall vendors change depending on the day, but there are a number of permanent traders as well, so, if you are in the area, feel free to check it out any day but Sunday. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtegqu4xZioLNW34nwx_qZdT5LUuaByVlLZyr5bZF_pdkVkxnOlma71EqR2ZGiHW6Jo2w840WpTeeJQpAgdCr3yfd2BdOUYec4Qlqwzf3wlc5In54FfDsLMJDuVx-1mgsRbrDHj3Kinxm/s1600/Borough+Neal%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtegqu4xZioLNW34nwx_qZdT5LUuaByVlLZyr5bZF_pdkVkxnOlma71EqR2ZGiHW6Jo2w840WpTeeJQpAgdCr3yfd2BdOUYec4Qlqwzf3wlc5In54FfDsLMJDuVx-1mgsRbrDHj3Kinxm/s320/Borough+Neal%2527s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sampling cheese at Neal's Yard Dairy</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you like cheese, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/shops_borough.html#">Neal’s Yard Dairy</a>, right next to Monmouth Coffee on Park Street. When I was there, they were very generous with samples and explanations about the different kinds of cheeses. I tried a few kinds of Stilton and Cheddar and all were to die for. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp7N-ZC0gCjnS9gSXcXaVTSJapm11U_jnMjYEpdlZFu4EitBXJRrC9KqeXSPccZtHaIOeM-OMaMZ7ldGDJkoTmkrlwkgMx4Rdwh8aRESXAbRyE-QRWu8NcxfBiLdpfxvrDQcJPFm0_64g/s1600/Borough.Chorizo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp7N-ZC0gCjnS9gSXcXaVTSJapm11U_jnMjYEpdlZFu4EitBXJRrC9KqeXSPccZtHaIOeM-OMaMZ7ldGDJkoTmkrlwkgMx4Rdwh8aRESXAbRyE-QRWu8NcxfBiLdpfxvrDQcJPFm0_64g/s320/Borough.Chorizo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chorizo Grill lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Also incredibly delicious are the chorizo sandwiches made by <a href="http://www.brindisa.com/shop/">Brindisa Spanish Foods</a>. Their store sells all sorts of meats and products from <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Spain</place></country-region>, but make sure to stop at the Chorizo Grill outside to pick up their specialty, a ciabatta roll filled with grilled chorizo and piquillo peppers, and topped with arugula. Lunch heaven.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">*Both the Borough Market and <place w:st="on">Covent Garden (27 Monmouth Street) </place>locations of Monmouth Coffee Company, as well as Neal’s Yard Dairy, are open Monday-Saturday. Brindisa Spanish Foods is open Tuesday-Saturday. Unless indicated, photos are from each store's official website.</span></div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-7375706059360032662011-04-29T07:45:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:27:27.988-07:00Westminster Abbey<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Yes, I insisted on revisiting Westminster Abbey on my trip to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">London</place></city> last month because of the royal wedding this morning. I hate to admit it, but I’m a sucker for the pageantry of it all. It’s one reason I love attending Catholic mass despite the fact that Protestant hymns are vastly superior.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In any case, it had been a long time since I had been inside. I was quite shocked by the entrance fee, which is £16, or about $25. As a rule, I have a problem with a church charging an entrance fee. There just seems to be something inherently wrong in that. And, when that church also asks that you respect the setting and not take pictures? That seems a bit like trying to have your cake and eat it too. In any case, the photos here are from the official website.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgKGWINxhscS385xIEFxHo1LMGfbKwFiYp23roAfHvvGRRvSfwb0RsEdieYz9IMaWSoyNrp5PVDHczoiiIo6oqJ5Fc8UTQDLgpoZZ_vadzY8dnEPC8qa0mV3pJDXw1YeEs7L1rJOPgoTr/s1600/Quire+west.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgKGWINxhscS385xIEFxHo1LMGfbKwFiYp23roAfHvvGRRvSfwb0RsEdieYz9IMaWSoyNrp5PVDHczoiiIo6oqJ5Fc8UTQDLgpoZZ_vadzY8dnEPC8qa0mV3pJDXw1YeEs7L1rJOPgoTr/s320/Quire+west.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quire, Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It was crazy crowded, which was a shame, because there really is a lot to see beyond just the architecture of the church itself. The audio guide is decent, but could give more detail. Of course, with so many people (and a friend waiting outside), I couldn’t really linger. Highlights include the Quire, the Chapel of Henry VII with the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, the Cloisters, and the Coronation Chair, which for restoration had been moved to near the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at the main entrance. Personally, I found Poet’s Corner a bit disappointing; it was too crowded, both with the dead and the living. My favorite piece by far was the monument commemorating Lady Elizabeth Nightingale in the North Transept and Ambulatory. The figure of Death reaching out to grab her is incredibly moving. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcPBeF3AL8qP2qBUvMVg-pVkBbgNN19af2xtPHk7ZSmGmdUgZsrtv_Oe9-aQ_6ZWWM6eC7naaFhB-rGWkESmigSiOhuahgObbUqbV02M3KBnTVd6lemRcL2sMgVyLieNWTO9FzTmxto-/s1600/WA.Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcPBeF3AL8qP2qBUvMVg-pVkBbgNN19af2xtPHk7ZSmGmdUgZsrtv_Oe9-aQ_6ZWWM6eC7naaFhB-rGWkESmigSiOhuahgObbUqbV02M3KBnTVd6lemRcL2sMgVyLieNWTO9FzTmxto-/s1600/WA.Night.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture by Louis François Roubiliac</td></tr>
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All in all, despite the cost, I highly recommend a visit. The church is very beautiful and there is lots to see inside to make it worth the detour.<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">* Photos were taken from the official Westminster Abbey website.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-49463310772501713502011-04-12T21:00:00.000-07:002011-04-12T21:01:10.716-07:00The Phantom of the Opera<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">—What’s wrong with it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">—I'll tell you what's wrong with it, my lad. It’s dead, that’s what’s wrong with it! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">—No, no, it’s uh,... resting… it’s, ah... probably pining for the fjords…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It seems only fitting to resurrect this long-dormant blog with an entry about the home of one of the most famous “ghosts” of all time. This post is dedicated to La Javanaise, who has been looking for a new entry here for quite awhile and who thinks that the Palais Garnier is worth the detour.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbThVX9V_QVrDBEyaDTlbABeLa_zVIL3GkgqJF8PN2HsDK305qk7W_qOwQTL0CEM69AtcDM_XKT7PS22YLxOxQVIZ2o2QkGm7q74F8ZpqIc0sj0lVpeAv4co5eny1rld6umokc0eqZluu/s1600/Opera+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbThVX9V_QVrDBEyaDTlbABeLa_zVIL3GkgqJF8PN2HsDK305qk7W_qOwQTL0CEM69AtcDM_XKT7PS22YLxOxQVIZ2o2QkGm7q74F8ZpqIc0sj0lVpeAv4co5eny1rld6umokc0eqZluu/s320/Opera+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palais Garnier facade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_3c4lbFnPazyKtRJPxvKMq26XAAz4bLRBA7jRNZ6foqM44coMHzY7UK24PWrJA2n3FK1PlIW4pSj6LKqy0GDPfDiMMLa317p0Sh5TZRLqptIP-SsxvElq1NSMQ2ehByhEwSwtRk5uf3k/s1600/Opera+ceiling+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_3c4lbFnPazyKtRJPxvKMq26XAAz4bLRBA7jRNZ6foqM44coMHzY7UK24PWrJA2n3FK1PlIW4pSj6LKqy0GDPfDiMMLa317p0Sh5TZRLqptIP-SsxvElq1NSMQ2ehByhEwSwtRk5uf3k/s320/Opera+ceiling+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marc Chagall's famous ceiling</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Paris</place></city> to visit family last month, I had the great good fortune to attend two performances at the historic opera house of the Opéra National de Paris, the <a href="http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/L_Opera/Palais_Garnier/PalaisGarnier.php?lang=en">Palais Garnier</a>. For some reason, throughout my time living in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Paris</place></city>, I never made it inside this building, despite attending multiple ballet performances—all of which happened to take place at the Opéra Bastille, the new opera house in the twelfth arrondissement. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You can, of course, take a guided tour of the opera house itself, but I highly recommend attending a performance if you can. For one, you might get to sit in the best cheap seats I’ve ever experienced:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2aQm5ZkVJo9rJtgU43YG_C4ejWiGKoQaXbkXk18nOkpCOvK_8o4xo1LVzclooFZLk4Sq0OUb20KZs8bWxPJ33EGkcQQPMNZmyr1yrkOtkDz86pIYYA5HYVK7hUCVRQJHQVchlFUamhCW/s1600/Opera+Loge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2aQm5ZkVJo9rJtgU43YG_C4ejWiGKoQaXbkXk18nOkpCOvK_8o4xo1LVzclooFZLk4Sq0OUb20KZs8bWxPJ33EGkcQQPMNZmyr1yrkOtkDz86pIYYA5HYVK7hUCVRQJHQVchlFUamhCW/s320/Opera+Loge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22zNVv-SS0jIupCwi8_VrTX9qo5Flub7oWGmh0bGhr1lCsTTdWg6v3tw41zW4Ooq0EpX-zAvQKb2gESx_sUanZ4wKSS0NWgloJ3Igh07UYBQZg8zNFyWxtuelsQcXn1iTOvGTfUJk7Fla/s1600/IMG_2701.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22zNVv-SS0jIupCwi8_VrTX9qo5Flub7oWGmh0bGhr1lCsTTdWg6v3tw41zW4Ooq0EpX-zAvQKb2gESx_sUanZ4wKSS0NWgloJ3Igh07UYBQZg8zNFyWxtuelsQcXn1iTOvGTfUJk7Fla/s200/IMG_2701.50.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTmlDj1xKKRztwaOUSPCTyFQH6rc1Plr1pM-Rod8vN1Q7rIAkJmlGrfJmlXuj8oUy6_yMsvAP5s6r7pU7jT5AY3ZFmnC6CObC5TotJafIsFV9nrrIklAJ9fEoEdvemMIjk7j6Rca1nii7/s1600/IMG_2698.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTmlDj1xKKRztwaOUSPCTyFQH6rc1Plr1pM-Rod8vN1Q7rIAkJmlGrfJmlXuj8oUy6_yMsvAP5s6r7pU7jT5AY3ZFmnC6CObC5TotJafIsFV9nrrIklAJ9fEoEdvemMIjk7j6Rca1nii7/s200/IMG_2698.50.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Seriously, if the War Memorial Opera House had this kind of seating in the upper balconies, I would get full subscriptions for both the opera and ballet every year.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So, how does one get tickets? Well, if there are tickets available, you can reserve online (in either French or English) at the <a href="http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/">official website</a> and print out your ticket. Unfortunately, to even check availability, you have to first register, which is annoying. Furthermore, the seating and pricing chart is very complicated and advice on where to sit was hard to find on the Internet (the reservation site will tell you your potential seat, but there is no corresponding chart with numbered seats to let you know where it’s located). For the boxes pictured above, it’s important to know that the boxes are numbered starting at the stage with even numbers to the right (stage left) and odd numbers to the left (stage right). So, the lower your number, the closer you are to the stage, and the more cut off one side of the stage will be. Boxes numbered in the thirties are at the center of that particular level. Ideally, in each box, you want seats #1 and/or #2, which are at the front, or #3 and #4, which are in the second row; it will be very difficult to see from seats #5 or #6. One great feature of the reservation system is that it picks the “best” seat for your price range and, before you actually purchase your ticket, you see a photo of the view from your exact seat, so you do eventually see precisely what you are buying.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kátia Kabanová</i>, I was able to buy tickets online and was seated in the 2ème loge, box 12, seat 1. This box was fairly close, which was nice, but much of the right side of the stage (stage left) was blocked from view. Luckily, the performance was primarily blocked to be on stage right; I’m not sure what I would have seen had I been in a box on the other side. You can see my write-up of the performance over at <a href="http://slywit.blogspot.com/2011/03/opera-101bohemian-rhapsody.html">Sly Wit</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coppélia</i>, I had to be a bit more adventurous. I went early for last-minute tickets, but only three tickets were available for the Sunday matinée and there were already quite a few people in line. I ended up buying tickets from a scalper at the front of the opera house itself. Obviously, I was taking a chance, but I had scoped out the guy in advance and watched him sell a ticket. Since he stuck around, and he was right in front of the security guard, I figured I could immediately check its authenticity and would at least have the recourse of yelling at him if it didn’t work. Based on the prices I was quoted, I would plan on paying an extra 30-40 euros per ticket. For my seat, which was in the 3ème loge, box 23, seat 3, this meant paying about $70 total for an $18 ticket (an orchestra seat would have been about $185). Technically, this seat had reduced visibility, but it really didn’t and I could see everything. Given the luxuriousness of my loge, it still seemed a better value than the opera house tickets I buy in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">San Francisco</place></city>. While <a href="http://slywit.blogspot.com/2011/03/ballet-101coppelia.html">I still wish I had seen the production here in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">San Francisco</place></city></a>, I don’t regret it one bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">For both performances, the chandelier stayed in place. No phantoms were seen.</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-36127648507873544782011-01-01T16:40:00.000-08:002011-01-01T17:42:49.125-08:002011 Travel Goals<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As per usual, the coming year's travel goals remain loosely defined and I need to come up with some concrete plans in the near future.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the spring, I head to Paris to visit family. I will be there for at least a week, guiding my brother and sister-in-law around the city. I’m really looking forward to it because, having lived there off and on in the 1990s, and visiting family from time to time, it’s rare that I simply play tourist and it will be interesting to see the city through those eyes again. As part of that trip, I’ve decided to cross the pond a week early to experience more of a “vacation” somewhere else in Europe. I really want to go to Istanbul, but don’t know if I’m up for that on my own. However, if anyone has recommendations for a place to stay, that might help seal the deal. Italy is another option I’m considering, since I’ve been working on an Italian textbook for the past year and would like to see more of the country beyond my one visit to Tuscany years ago. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA3lON2wq1Sh7LzB-pYydGp14r49Aox4jPSVfzpI01JPuTF8cKlQU7CNTH4DukH0Y_S11kTFVaet03GbXlm7tXpfTyqsKVo9B_FbI9TdyT8zP1hdOvSPcK_15trL_FXAORDsfTA09YcBa/s1600/NP+JT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA3lON2wq1Sh7LzB-pYydGp14r49Aox4jPSVfzpI01JPuTF8cKlQU7CNTH4DukH0Y_S11kTFVaet03GbXlm7tXpfTyqsKVo9B_FbI9TdyT8zP1hdOvSPcK_15trL_FXAORDsfTA09YcBa/s320/NP+JT.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua Tree National Park, November 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My other big trip of the year will involve national parks. For Christmas, my extremely generous sister (who, like me, enjoys hiking in the parks) has offered me a trip with her to any park in the lower forty-eight. The only question is which one? To date, I have visited Joshua Tree, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Big Bend, Yellowstone, Glacier, Carlsbad Caverns, The Petrified Forest, and Saguaro (although my memory of the last three is dim at best since they were visited on a family trip in sixth grade). Right now I’m leaning towards Grand Teton, which I always regret not visiting when my father and I were in Jackson Hole after a visit to Yellowstone, and Crater Lake, which I’ve been hoping to visit since moving out West. Again, I welcome suggestions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, April 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Otherwise, this year I hope to further explore California. I've seen quite a bit since moving here, but there is so much more to see and do, including the remaining national parks on my list (Channel Islands, Death Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Lassen Volcanic, Redwood), but also Napa Valley, the northern coast (especially Mendocino), and Gold Country.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Happy New Year and safe travels everyone!Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-5049033334865502152010-12-30T22:16:00.000-08:002010-12-30T22:26:29.507-08:00Vermont’s Northeast KingdomWhile not one spot per se, the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I spent most of my childhood summers. As an adult, I generally went up for the fall foliage, but it’s really great at almost any time of the year except Mud Season (aka late winter/early spring). While I hadn’t returned since moving out to California, this year I was lucky enough to visit during a very, very white Christmas. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk7WqUwbWmTG8o-H9o6n0pgXqoTYiSrj-FiWv55x-j_AzcXWKgY98onyQrOWLcVPv69ViUYN6RBO_k97oNSmvpmb93ONuVDTlit88xOKfJKsoj1X-TJ1L3OoHKspXVZ3dGPWgSequ6nHz/s1600/Vermont+woods+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk7WqUwbWmTG8o-H9o6n0pgXqoTYiSrj-FiWv55x-j_AzcXWKgY98onyQrOWLcVPv69ViUYN6RBO_k97oNSmvpmb93ONuVDTlit88xOKfJKsoj1X-TJ1L3OoHKspXVZ3dGPWgSequ6nHz/s320/Vermont+woods+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLywJ7mGtdRD9z_TnP9xRRfyzOGFldNi9RRm0fGkJYGQH7HFIkWyd0iFX-MJ5UwHchcyGjC8RaCFu0OBITG0iRHtJ_nOscVW-uRSKyOQ3hjKQxgTJwfjCLZGZk4D4ZRAz2pxjFJajKtNh/s1600/Vermont+woods+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLywJ7mGtdRD9z_TnP9xRRfyzOGFldNi9RRm0fGkJYGQH7HFIkWyd0iFX-MJ5UwHchcyGjC8RaCFu0OBITG0iRHtJ_nOscVW-uRSKyOQ3hjKQxgTJwfjCLZGZk4D4ZRAz2pxjFJajKtNh/s320/Vermont+woods+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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This lakes region on the Canadian border is not your typical postcard picture of Vermont—or “New York Vermont” as we called it growing up. This is hard-core rural Vermont, where gun racks outnumber ski racks by a wide margin and our favorite event at the Orleans County Fair was the Demolition Derby. While there are touches of the picturesque, such as the historic green of Craftsbury Common (seen most notably in Alfred Hitchcock’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Trouble with Harry</i>), and touches of the hippie-bohemian, such as the annual Bread & Puppet “Our Domestic Resurrection Circus” outdoor festival, by and large, this is a land of fishermen and hunters, with “camps” not lake houses.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">You never know when you may have to </div><div align="left">cut up a moose...</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdJsrIckGr1DC24Y3e6YnhYmEfC3hEZxtdsKYEXIQ9UhsF7NkCm3QUAv27Us5GZw3x0zxaMwG0-VcRqV7tDc9euCwaeHH-AFWPm3uIz08qzIyuetTCJGWrZ47_mbCdENLG7ozX2ODHGo6/s1600/Vermont+woods+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdJsrIckGr1DC24Y3e6YnhYmEfC3hEZxtdsKYEXIQ9UhsF7NkCm3QUAv27Us5GZw3x0zxaMwG0-VcRqV7tDc9euCwaeHH-AFWPm3uIz08qzIyuetTCJGWrZ47_mbCdENLG7ozX2ODHGo6/s320/Vermont+woods+3.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or need snowmobile directions.</td></tr>
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A great example of this unique atmosphere is Currier’s Market in Glover. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got moose?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays </div><div align="left">this bear from his duty.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guns, germs, and steel. And sleds?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">It's certainly worth the detour!</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-27017216491721156172010-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:002011-05-02T10:27:27.988-07:00Mission Impossible<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are 21 missions on <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">California</place></state>’s Historic Mission trail, running from San Diego de Alcala in the south (the first mission, founded in 1769) to the Mission <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">San Francisco Solano (1823) in the northern wine country. </span></strong>I don’t find the individual missions themselves very exciting, but, taken as a whole, as part of <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">California</state></place>’s living history, I find them fascinating. And, of course, since they are catalogued as a trail, I want to visit them all. Most of the missions are along Route 101, which traces the historic route of El Camino Real, the Royal Road established by the Spanish as they moved their empire northward through California. On my most recent trip to <place w:st="on">Southern California</place>, I visited two: the Mission San Antonio de Padua, 40 miles north of Paso Robles, and the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mission San Antonio de Padua was the third mission built in <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">California</state></place> and possesses the first bell made in the state. I’m not so sure I would categorize it as worth the detour, mostly because it is a really, really long detour off of 101 (25 miles or so), on an army base, with nothing in the vicinity. But, if you are interested in missions, it is a different architectural style than the others I’ve seen, with a very pretty interior garden, and in a very beautiful setting. There are also picnic tables on the grounds that would be perfect for a picnic lunch rest stop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLhu0yMzgc6C_Ww8x9YJqdlw6YQZUR-_CA8A_GeSp3IQPnGdqF3WAu500OsMmDoYnXI1HD1-xUkgRsL6d35ZBiu0Iar_bjciCLDETfdrIcggK7xRS3xBGElhCDKDfT_maeYL41DkejK7V/s1600/San+Antonio+de+Padua+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLhu0yMzgc6C_Ww8x9YJqdlw6YQZUR-_CA8A_GeSp3IQPnGdqF3WAu500OsMmDoYnXI1HD1-xUkgRsL6d35ZBiu0Iar_bjciCLDETfdrIcggK7xRS3xBGElhCDKDfT_maeYL41DkejK7V/s320/San+Antonio+de+Padua+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OVnFDakaLVV6mPMCimGiukx8fqmh2Ru_QE3eyfzbCy54nVUytBTF5QGMzZBfHqYKe5ZF6Z9bIQDBpDYD1kFMGDs5sOoiAcgO6wA8cu7qagvOJrfesoH7szTXMLPz1stG6Xbi7bsDVOvy/s1600/San+Antonio+de+Padua+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OVnFDakaLVV6mPMCimGiukx8fqmh2Ru_QE3eyfzbCy54nVUytBTF5QGMzZBfHqYKe5ZF6Z9bIQDBpDYD1kFMGDs5sOoiAcgO6wA8cu7qagvOJrfesoH7szTXMLPz1stG6Xbi7bsDVOvy/s320/San+Antonio+de+Padua+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooH776wEGlWDeCgxGmqLISTIqbVXVO8o-csPF5rn4OVWACvi8Vg4918gvYp60k_1_0LsdzCGVEaHfTXaeO2ZT3U3M4kmc_TXfJdgo_DSGkyn-oGZ9Kh1W_4Gc6bhjJaS2kANAY3F9i29E/s1600/San+Antonio+de+Padua+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooH776wEGlWDeCgxGmqLISTIqbVXVO8o-csPF5rn4OVWACvi8Vg4918gvYp60k_1_0LsdzCGVEaHfTXaeO2ZT3U3M4kmc_TXfJdgo_DSGkyn-oGZ9Kh1W_4Gc6bhjJaS2kANAY3F9i29E/s200/San+Antonio+de+Padua+3.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUQOTFK_uaGYih7p_z_iqS8OrfeUFnWxTAELCmtwJUectwM9sR4V5Uq4AfL4ny0O_m91MHBp3FZp1yh3Gu6Ad16HghSCQcCoQllk-PBSEMEHam8y7Brl5n9ozOXkWJyoQW6pmCtvud8Wk/s1600/SLO+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUQOTFK_uaGYih7p_z_iqS8OrfeUFnWxTAELCmtwJUectwM9sR4V5Uq4AfL4ny0O_m91MHBp3FZp1yh3Gu6Ad16HghSCQcCoQllk-PBSEMEHam8y7Brl5n9ozOXkWJyoQW6pmCtvud8Wk/s320/SLO+ceiling.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was the fifth mission to be built in <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">California</state></place> in 1772. It is unusual in that the chapel is L-shaped, with a very pretty ornamental archway separating the two halves. The decoration in general makes this mission a bit more inviting than others I have seen. I particularly liked the fountain sculptures outside in the plaza, which reflect the historic nickname of this area, the "Valley of the Bears." Unlike San Antonio de Padua, this mission is right in the heart of downtown <city w:st="on">San Luis Obispo</city>, and is easy to visit if you happen to be in this very cute town, or are staying at the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><a href="http://worththedetour.blogspot.com/2010/12/madonna-inn.html">Madonna</placename> <placename w:st="on">Inn</a></placename></place>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WkbXVOTVPQl0nCZ9ERQU2FMNFOrK5BsECj2kfqPytFVJoIv3ooSAssNDy6-8dNWfskzT9rvsqX4gTOR5zcBZE_o4edNvSmdia_lMAJguqiZgQl2QLTT6MwgCOdkEeRLQgChWhR0yBYHa/s1600/SLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WkbXVOTVPQl0nCZ9ERQU2FMNFOrK5BsECj2kfqPytFVJoIv3ooSAssNDy6-8dNWfskzT9rvsqX4gTOR5zcBZE_o4edNvSmdia_lMAJguqiZgQl2QLTT6MwgCOdkEeRLQgChWhR0yBYHa/s320/SLO.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-45026839214306579792010-12-06T07:30:00.000-08:002010-12-09T23:28:17.865-08:00National Steinbeck Center<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While you might not think any museum dedicated to the work of one writer is worth the detour, the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas just might change your mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Back in high school, I loved Steinbeck. This may or may not be attributed to a crush on James Dean and his role as Cal in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">East of Eden</i>, but I do remember insisting that we visit Cannery Row on a family trip to California (before the Monterey Bay Aquarium took over the area). Watch for future posts on Marfa, TX (where my oldest friend in the world happens to live and where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Giant</i> was filmed) and the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles (where key scenes in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebel Without a Cause</i> take place and where I’ve actually never been, even though I seem to be in its backyard multiple times a year). <br />
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Maybe it’s a good thing Dean only made three films. <br />
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Completely coincidentally, I re-enacted his fatal drive to Salinas on my latest trip back from Pasadena when I refueled in Lost Hills and crossed over to Paso Robles on Route 46. Unfortunately, I was not in a Porsche. Fortunately, no one ran into me head on either. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But I digress.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What was great about the National Steinbeck Center was that you could really see how the evolution of Steinbeck’s life influenced his writing, from growing up in the agricultural world of the Salinas Valley, which heavily influenced both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Grapes of Wrath</i> (1939) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">East of Eden</i> (1952), to his time living in a cottage in Pacific Grove, where he met Ed Ricketts, the model for “Doc” in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cannery Row</i> (1945) and with whom he traveled to the Sea of Cortez, where he heard the story he eventually transformed into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pearl</i>, to his time as a war correspondent <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">in Europe</span>, which made its way into his script for Alfred Hitchcock’s film <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lifeboat</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">One gets a real sense of place from the displays, which include a railway boxcar (a key element in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">East of Eden</i>) and the homemade truck/camper (named Rocinante, after <a href="http://slywit.blogspot.com/2010/11/lost-in-translation.html">Don Quixote</a>’s horse) in which Steinbeck toured the U.S., a trip described in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Travels with Charley: In Search of America</i> (1960). A number of displays were interactive and help to understand books one hasn’t read. There are also cute little touches like the bag of “frogs” from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cannery Row</i>, designed to move and sound as if there are live frogs in it. My only complaint would be with the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">audio—the</span> numerous film clips were great for making the books come alive, but you could hear too many different things at the same time. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In short, if you find yourself driving down the 101 through Salinas, or touring the Monterey peninsula, check it out.</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-58254251316783432842010-12-01T08:20:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:01:46.390-08:00Madonna Inn<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I really only have two things to say about the <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/">Madonna Inn</a> in San Luis Obispo:<br />
1) the pictures don’t do it justice, and 2) I can’t wait for an excuse to go back. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j74KVwMp4URIbRCSjIFi2_wx1pEZdfMnHRZC_wWjjMIPy31Ghgo2Z4CgM_62S6Rs5XLzT47kg2s1I5Z3lxUif5Ds18AemX9GphmzDHSJqdGuMIoVlHA9VCEElijsJ1auUcjLHuiwfpF1/s1600/Madonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j74KVwMp4URIbRCSjIFi2_wx1pEZdfMnHRZC_wWjjMIPy31Ghgo2Z4CgM_62S6Rs5XLzT47kg2s1I5Z3lxUif5Ds18AemX9GphmzDHSJqdGuMIoVlHA9VCEElijsJ1auUcjLHuiwfpF1/s320/Madonna.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, where Routes 1 and 101 cross, it is the perfect stop on any trip between the two cities. While perhaps expensive for the area, you can find good deals by poking around the rates on their website. Regardless, you will get great value for your money.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When I first heard about this place—that it was kitschy, with every room having a different theme—I pictured a slightly seedy roadside inn, whose only value was the concept. What I found instead was an incredibly designed, completely modern hotel, with a friendly staff, excellent food, and fabulous rooms. Yes, it is completely kitschy, but in a good way. The closest I may get to a modern fairytale castle. If you want to get an idea of the variety of rooms, take a look at <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/rooms/137.php">Caveman</a>, <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/rooms/174.php">Crazy Dazy</a>, <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/rooms/169.php">Vous</a>, <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/rooms/203.php">Wilhelm Tell</a>, and, my personal favorite, <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/rooms/121.php">San Francisco</a>. There are over 100 different choices. And, while you can’t reserve a specific design, you can submit a request for any room that falls under the rate you have reserved. I submitted three choices within my rate block and got my top choice, Traveler’s Yacht.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTQDnaaCfTGcAaFVlX5HgLGV29qOiHP6bpqTl2N21ULBy6d8H6Wj6q06GOcjoGpQbXyLhu4qIveuuy4rcGK_icVB9amF1kdGhNdPu9abQJgV3oDkxOZD9kDeiBBnu3Z5-cyHZ-_30KghE/s1600/Yacht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTQDnaaCfTGcAaFVlX5HgLGV29qOiHP6bpqTl2N21ULBy6d8H6Wj6q06GOcjoGpQbXyLhu4qIveuuy4rcGK_icVB9amF1kdGhNdPu9abQJgV3oDkxOZD9kDeiBBnu3Z5-cyHZ-_30KghE/s320/Yacht.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykVTKke4lbdPRBDQ2HUK0LyIUku-QpYDdyjaauf16gP-sltfh1om6nuMcxOpMnYJmBgp13UrKUgwQGEPSX4Cp8UeWFX9cIprh38jnuRju7HFzFD9dId3Zk-vo6Ab68L5f2Rs-0ojjJycD/s1600/Yacht+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykVTKke4lbdPRBDQ2HUK0LyIUku-QpYDdyjaauf16gP-sltfh1om6nuMcxOpMnYJmBgp13UrKUgwQGEPSX4Cp8UeWFX9cIprh38jnuRju7HFzFD9dId3Zk-vo6Ab68L5f2Rs-0ojjJycD/s200/Yacht+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8kA6OG8JhKDSE3Z9IF3cx6GQhLuQGcAFRpOW7qH_6pCSov25svEDSGLuaMDUn2YdZ3dlPkf79dqy7rP-30KBLKmYWUNwO4PVivIMtqZ_eHlq3x7c6CZ-yvB3EEJX5UOyyeoODCV2yQfX/s1600/Yacht+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8kA6OG8JhKDSE3Z9IF3cx6GQhLuQGcAFRpOW7qH_6pCSov25svEDSGLuaMDUn2YdZ3dlPkf79dqy7rP-30KBLKmYWUNwO4PVivIMtqZ_eHlq3x7c6CZ-yvB3EEJX5UOyyeoODCV2yQfX/s200/Yacht+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcS3YcVUMObDT4wW5tkANAoOFi1eGPPlJxj9sQzLGgC6gVD8kycREQN45hBBab5gasv16dQWPWnpESuVXiIdB2v9RNzfci-M-UZUWG5xa7lShLCAAQPpkl-RUdxf233fBoqKjFB-FXi0y/s1600/Yacht+Shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcS3YcVUMObDT4wW5tkANAoOFi1eGPPlJxj9sQzLGgC6gVD8kycREQN45hBBab5gasv16dQWPWnpESuVXiIdB2v9RNzfci-M-UZUWG5xa7lShLCAAQPpkl-RUdxf233fBoqKjFB-FXi0y/s320/Yacht+Shower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
I love nautical themes and immediately loved the room, which was quite large, with an extremely plush carpet that was a joy to walk on barefoot. The amount of detail and thought that must have gone into the room is truly incredible. <br />
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What really got me was the bathroom. I would kill for a bathroom like this, especially the tile, which was inset with anchors on the floor, and starfish and seahorses in the shower stall. Even the fixtures looked like little ship’s wheels. <br />
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I can’t wait to see what they have done with some of the other themes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The restaurants are designed with similar elaborate care, especially the <a href="http://www.madonnainn.com/steakhouse.php">steakhouse</a>. By the way, those banquettes you see in that picture are not red, they’re pink, the Madonna Inn’s signature color. Since I was there after they had begun putting up Christmas decorations, it was even more extravagant than usual. More importantly, although not a big steak eater, I must say that my rib-eye was delicious (the cocktails could be improved however).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Finally, don’t miss the men’s room urinal in the restaurant complex, complete with waterfall. Go ahead ladies, knock and take a peek. Everyone does.</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-36096581306490205512010-12-01T07:32:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:51:07.871-08:00Asilomar<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOkWq5xnb3cw1c8h3DHz325nxwCy5Lp5Z1JRD1eXIdPyHivBdXkTv9ABxIspekFa0Tr_NtASj1KDgfrSoBFTZ7hZMAAB0UzfcKox6t0awJ-LlE-l7R3Ren08v5psiPIHETKS7EKOwfmuR/s1600/Asilomar+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOkWq5xnb3cw1c8h3DHz325nxwCy5Lp5Z1JRD1eXIdPyHivBdXkTv9ABxIspekFa0Tr_NtASj1KDgfrSoBFTZ7hZMAAB0UzfcKox6t0awJ-LlE-l7R3Ren08v5psiPIHETKS7EKOwfmuR/s200/Asilomar+Sign.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.visitasilomar.com/">Asilomar</a>, or rather, the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, was designed to be a YWCA retreat by Julia Morgan, the Arts & Crafts architect of Hearst Castle. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Asilomar</i> is actually a made-up word roughly meaning “refuge by the sea.” Located in Pacific Grove on the edge of the Monterey Peninsula, the over 100 acres of beachfront land is certainly that. It is hard not to feel the quiet pull of nature while there—within moments of checking in, as I entered my room, deer ambled by my window. The ocean is just steps away and the grounds of the center connect to the beach over a short boardwalk over wild dunes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt7aLMlDL2REZrJfK-pP1DJoHeXyLNVFiQRUS3TCxvYKPCF-rICC7eUcq1UvDXTpKAvbeekXgibUgw-1mvW5Kh0GWBtEKGz4fBb_qO0EiZUFcDFjmXfdSi6dG6EkbxwURy1jFajkV4L0M/s1600/Asilomar+Buck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt7aLMlDL2REZrJfK-pP1DJoHeXyLNVFiQRUS3TCxvYKPCF-rICC7eUcq1UvDXTpKAvbeekXgibUgw-1mvW5Kh0GWBtEKGz4fBb_qO0EiZUFcDFjmXfdSi6dG6EkbxwURy1jFajkV4L0M/s200/Asilomar+Buck.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaping into the yard of Scripps lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Asilomar is now a conference center, but, when there is space available, leisure travelers can book rooms separately. The historic buildings designed by Morgan are listed in the <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">National Register of Historic Places and that’s where I chose to stay. </span>Rooms of various types and sizes can be found in these lodges, all with private baths, as well as a common living room and fireplace in the center of the building (great for reading). Prices are very reasonable for the area. Guests are provided breakfast in the main dining hall and can eat other meals there, but, in general, the food is nothing to write home about. Since I had been warned not to eat there, I chose to eat other meals in downtown Pacific Grove and nearby Monterey.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql7n2X2Pb8CwZ3b0zTyJPXwc1lrNLDWNfl1AEgwO_6Ai_sEW9Wa_VYYJsIIzJtBpVJJMuKVOWFeuFLEfMZepRrpCRjY_yHTmhiU45ibJlFCsVRSH0reFOxR-F-XB1ZSHsZgAsNagNoR4S/s1600/Asilomar+Scripps+Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql7n2X2Pb8CwZ3b0zTyJPXwc1lrNLDWNfl1AEgwO_6Ai_sEW9Wa_VYYJsIIzJtBpVJJMuKVOWFeuFLEfMZepRrpCRjY_yHTmhiU45ibJlFCsVRSH0reFOxR-F-XB1ZSHsZgAsNagNoR4S/s200/Asilomar+Scripps+Lodge.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scripps lodge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTZHkg1i86RYW1w2BttpTndyY-vkWhYqN1EumtuJ1plEZ2ennXVQVEx6gjoIU6N8oU0pPJhP7SJ-TQJQ-NuKO9_aq-v1cOqOB_DVcULBcEXFUX_YXdG5dq5pj2n0dJQ9IZwPQIvEmD3JL/s1600/Asilomar+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTZHkg1i86RYW1w2BttpTndyY-vkWhYqN1EumtuJ1plEZ2ennXVQVEx6gjoIU6N8oU0pPJhP7SJ-TQJQ-NuKO9_aq-v1cOqOB_DVcULBcEXFUX_YXdG5dq5pj2n0dJQ9IZwPQIvEmD3JL/s320/Asilomar+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the grounds and ocean from Scripps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0paegZuoQOgYepY-ExTDSWO5JbDc4ePblFppYpaU_A2VeHKbR93aGpGG7H2MAGSSJGlcTG49RcRXys0FU4hVcvy4_2b7ojv0q40zAFocS0z6-5GMhttwfheLizifr1GT7Xy4EBb8jWCrT/s1600/Asilomar+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0paegZuoQOgYepY-ExTDSWO5JbDc4ePblFppYpaU_A2VeHKbR93aGpGG7H2MAGSSJGlcTG49RcRXys0FU4hVcvy4_2b7ojv0q40zAFocS0z6-5GMhttwfheLizifr1GT7Xy4EBb8jWCrT/s320/Asilomar+Room.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scripps room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rustic lodges of Asilomar are probably not to everybody’s taste, especially given that there are no telephones or televisions, but I thought they were heaven. The beds were comfortable, the rooms were clean, and the setting can’t be beat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7Ms-Ro3Fj2p_SjStJcErSEsmpo5sodCI9E1aDFyAe_CCRQHC9R2PnNL4yrWzOAWczAFEN824SE_q7bznmnEXQeayLVEZt0VPt6deH9X4hJXhb_ejo1j3Ex5ou_w_oo6T9mHFdiPvq1l3/s1600/Asilomar+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7Ms-Ro3Fj2p_SjStJcErSEsmpo5sodCI9E1aDFyAe_CCRQHC9R2PnNL4yrWzOAWczAFEN824SE_q7bznmnEXQeayLVEZt0VPt6deH9X4hJXhb_ejo1j3Ex5ou_w_oo6T9mHFdiPvq1l3/s400/Asilomar+Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Asilomar Beach</td></tr>
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</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957218931963566015.post-6232800836638288592010-12-01T07:25:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:49:46.157-08:00Worth the Detour<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I used to keep a travel journal. But, when I started making fewer and fewer “exotic” trips, and my obsessive neatness started to take over all aspects of my life, it became more difficult to keep it up. Instead, entering my many trip notes into my journal became one of my eternal projects, destined to remain forever in my project basket.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It occurred to me recently that a great way to tackle that pile would be with a blog. That way, I could do it piecemeal, which would be a great way to organize and label recommendations for later reference anyway. Also, I can keep the content separate from my <a href="http://slywit.blogspot.com/">Sly Wit</a> blog, where I really want to keep the focus on culture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I’ll cover trips as I make them, starting with my recent trip down the California coast, but also go back and write up previous adventures, with a focus on road trips, especially those involving U.S. National Parks and National Monuments.<br />
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As the title indicates, I really want this space to be less about entire trips and more about specific things to do and places to stay that are worth the detour. Going forward, I welcome comments and your own travel recommendations about stops along the way.</div>Sylviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894115691475045438noreply@blogger.com0