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California |
Useful ideas
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Other opinions
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I made my first (and last, till now) trip to California in my 2004 holidays, for the first time without the boys. To fight jetlag we spent 2 days in New York in both directions.
Form there we flew to S. Francisco, where we rented a car in the airport, to go to town. With my special skills to loose myself I went straight to Oakland. I noticed it when entering the bridge, but decided not to turn halfway, and, since I was there, why not a look over Oakland? Back to S. Francisco I had no trouble finding the excellent motel I booked in Internet. We stood there for 3 days, and took 2 days driving south to Los Angeles. A quick visit to Carmel and 17 mile drive, a lunch at Nepenthe, stopping here and there in the Big Sur, and the visit to Hearst Castle at San Simeon. A few more miles and we slept in a calm and cheap motel at Santa Maria. The 2th day was reserved to see Santa Barbara (wonderful surprise) and Malibu (disappointed), arriving at Santa Monica by the end of the day. Two days in Los Angeles, with everybody's program and I delivered the car in the airport, leaving to Las Vegas by night. Two nights there and, as weekend came with its rising of the prices, we escaped to the Grand Canyon, by air, visiting also the Brice Canyon and Monument Valley. Back to Vegas in Sunday afternoon, to find the room still cheaper than 2 days before. And it was it, flying next day back to New York, and home 2 days later. |
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For those who live the rushes of big towns, camping in this wild nature must feel like living in Paradise. However, I live in a very small town, and have tranquility all year around, so I just passed along the coast, enjoying the views and some visible wildlife. Though we were prepared to swim, the weather, in August, didn't invite us to take off our pulls (to be entirely honest... sometimes... anoraks) |
17 Mile drive
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"17 mile drive seems to be a neighborhood of rich people wanting to live in peace. So, at the entrance they charge you $8.50 trying to keep you away.Respect them, and save your money. The landscape is pleasant, the buildings are discreet and elegant, golf is seen everywhere, but... why pay for it? Bypass it, and head to the Big Sur where the beauty still stands and is free." We all have contradictions - I wrote it in my intro text, but, having read so many controversial opinions I had to go there, as you probably will. And... it's interesting, despite the price. |
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Hearst Castle
For more than 3 months I hesitated in writing about Hearst Castle, so strong are the contradictory feelings about it. It surely is an impressive collection of marvels. No doubt, the architects tried their best to give harmony to the boss tastes. No doubt, the site is priceless. But...But... Why such an uncomfortable sensation? What can I say? That's one more of those things that no description can explain. Seeing it for yourself it's the only thing it will do.They recommend booking in advance, and I did it from Portugal, choosing a secure scheduling time, considering that I was driving from San Francisco and enjoying the sights.I arrived one hour prior than scheduled, and had no problem anticipating the visit. Which is always an escorted visit.More details in my San Simeon page Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452 |
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The castle While the interiors are heavy and following a very arguable taste, the gardens are splendorous and the sights breathtaking. I strongly recommend that you should see the movies at the exit, explaining how the complex was built. |
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The pools Hearst Palace is very well known from the cinema, and the outdoor pool is one of its landmarks. However the inner pool is also a precious construction, though so cold in its old fashion look that the weather should be rather hot to prefer swimming indoor, and heat was something we couldn't find in California... in August (yes, I know - we didn't go to San Diego...) |
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Beach at my scale Santa Barbara was, for us, the most appealing beach in USA. A good stripe of sand, a calm sea, an organized and well maintained shore and lots of shops and restaurants at walking distance. The life seamed easy and calm, and good taste was present. Even the sun came to help our good appreciation. Definitively: Santa Barbara was "MY" beach in my first trip to California |
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Tropical Look Freezing from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we had in Santa Barbara the best contact with sub-tropical weather and flora. We didn't see any large garden or park (we only had a couple of hours to the beautiful city), but most streets show luxurious trees and flowers. |
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Spanish or moor?
Don't expect me to write down what we may learn in the official page of the courthouse. I only tell you my great impression about the building. In a country where the attempts to copy European styles sometimes lead to disaster, due to the American cultural "obligation" of doing everything big and spectacular, this building has an absolute harmony and balanced proportions. Used to see courthouses that evidence austerity and severity, the main feeling in this place is... sensibility. And that is important also in justice! Address: 1100 Block of Anacapa St |