L.A. - Fall Break

My travel buddy Patrick was also in San Diego for Fall Break. He has some uncles and aunts that live in San Diego and Los Angeles. We went up to LA and spent some time with his uncle who worked for Frank Gehry – he had a lot of interesting things to say about the local architecture. One of the most remarkable buildings we visited was the Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall. I’ve seen several Gehry buildings and enjoy his unique style. The Concert Hall has many of the same elements as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. Here are a couple pictures that show off the amazing lines.

We also went to the Huntington Estate in San Marino. Henry E. Huntington created his estate over a hundred years ago and imported trees and plants from around the world. The gardens and grounds were simply lovely. He also was a great art and book collector – His collection includes, among other treasures, a first edition Don Juan (Lord Byron), a 15th century illuminated manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and an original Gutenberg Bible! So, there was plenty to see and enjoy.

Tijuana, Mexico - Crossing Borders

I’ve been to Mexico several times, but I’ve never been to Tijuana. While working at the university teaching Spanish, I’ve met a lot of people whose only experience in a Spanish speaking place was Tijuana. I decided that since I was so close to the border I had better go check it out for myself. Honestly, it wasn’t nearly as dirty, crazy or scary as many people try to make it seem. In fact, it was quite clean, laid back and friendly; which can be said about most of Mexico. I got off the beaten path and found a nice market (which wasn’t geared to tourists, but rather to the people who sell things to the tourists). I also had some polla al azteca which is a specialty in Northern Mexico. Basically, it is chicken cooked in a sauce with a cactus pod (spines removed). It has a distinct flavor and was simply divino for a warm, sleepy Mexican afternoon.I’ve been to Mexico several times, but I’ve never been to Tijuana. While working at the university teaching Spanish, I’ve met a lot of people whose only experience in a Spanish speaking place was Tijuana. I decided that since I was so close to the border I had better go check it out for myself. Honestly, it wasn’t nearly as dirty, crazy or scary as many people try to make it seem. In fact, it was quite clean, laid back and friendly; which can be said about most of Mexico. I got off the beaten path and found a nice market (which wasn’t geared to tourists, but rather to the people who sell things to the tourists). I also had some polla al azteca which is a specialty in Northern Mexico. Basically, it is chicken cooked in a sauce with a cactus pod (spines removed). It has a distinct flavor and was simply divino for a warm, sleepy Mexican afternoon.

San Diego, California - Fall Break

This year for Fall Break I went to Southern California. My sister and her family live in San Diego (La Jolla). They have been there for about 5 years and this was the first time I’ve been able to travel to see them. Having a full week, plus two weekends, I took full advantage of my time and did as much as I could. The most enjoyable part of the trip was hanging out with my sister and brother-in-law and of course playing with my adorable niece and nephew. We went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and saw two baby elephants and had lots of other amazing animals. (The picture is of me and my niece walking in the animal park.)