One of my frequent commentors requested more information on my California trip.
Having shown you some of the Mojave and a shot or two from a beautiful mountaintop restaurant in Orange County known as Las Brisas, the rest may seem a bit anti-climactic by comparison.
The same friends who treated me to a fabulous breakfast at Las Brisas also took in an exhibition of Latin American artists at the Bowers Museum, a gem of a place I've visited several times. Check out http://www.bowers.org for further information.
While at the museum, we spotted an equally intriguing exhibit of photographs of masks and tribal life in New Guinea. Though I could not photograph the exhibits, I did purchase a book for one, and take some pictures of the museum's outer Asian garden and hall.
The garden, at the museum entrance, contains a variety of sculpture, trees, manicured areas and fountains. The mural, just inside, depicts elements of all of the current exhibitions. The totum pole was snapped for the fun of it.
The weekend capped off with a small, very belated birthday gathering at stepsister's for me. Several friends came, and the menu featured fish tacos and a decadent chocolate trifle.
Though I was disappointed at the unavailability of tickets for South Coast Repertory's Ordinary Days, I did see two films, Blind Side, with Sandra Bullock, and Young Victoria, with Emily Blunt. Of the two, I would recommend Young Victoria to those who like well acted, lavishly costumed period pieces. If you think politics are bad now, they were no less so in Victoria's lifetime.
The heart-warming true story of a boy rescued from poverty and a probable life of crime is a great catch when it comes out on DVD.
Other than the cinema, I also spent time sightseeing and visiting Aliso beach, albeit briefly.
Monday found me enjoying a picnic at Orange County Regional Park before returning to pack for the flight back. The horses and ponies pictured here are available for hire.
