Sunday, July 22, 2012

Pacific Grove - what to like...


The view across the bay from Pacific Grove

I was driving down through the Del Monte forrest
in Pacific Grove,
this view took my breath away

There are so many lovely things to
appreciate in this town
Here are just a few pretty things...


Flowers at Trader Joe's

Sunflowers at Trader Joe's

The pine trees along the walking trails


We picked up Anthony at the airport
on Saturday, July 21, 2012

Anthony and John
San Jose Airport

And now, Anthony is one of the best things
to like in Pacific Grove

Happy to be in Pacific Grove
 
 
 

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Walk in the Neighborhood

The Southern Pacific Trail


It's hard to believe that such a "trail" is just a block away
from our apartment complex
Trails such as this make it easy to want to walk or run
every day, even when it's cold and damp
This is one of the many reasons it's so lovely to live
in Pacific Grove


From afar, it looks like I might have to turn back...

A closer look...
Such a disaster can be beautiful


The fragrance of the broken pine branches,
the moss on large branches of the tree
made for a captivating vision of this majestic pine

As I made my way around the ruins of this fallen tree
the train "station" appears...
it is the end of what was once the
Southern Pacific train ride
to Mrs. Hearst's retreat grounds for her friends...

Asilomar

A replica of the former station


Lots of interesting history just down the street...

Monday, July 9, 2012

"Back in the US of A"


What a good way to start our new adventures
at "home"


It's the 4th of July!!!


Flags abound!


Barbeque chicken and hot dogs
at Caledonia Park, Pacific Grove

Patriots serving good old American food!


*****


but wait,
this is part of our "American Experience", too...






Obon Festival at the Buddist Temple
Seaside, California


On our return, someone said that the culture shock returning
home may be harder than settling in a new country...

I think this may be part of it...




Monday, July 2, 2012

Settling into a routine




Monterey Farmer's Market

We know we are back in Monterey when we go to the Thursday Farmer's Market.

One of the things we enjoyed so much in the South of France
was the Farmer's Market
The local entertainment and the local produce, wine,
 cheeses and butchers' trucks
For some reason, we thought that would be recreated
in the many Farmer's Markets that Monterey County offers

Flowers and fruit abound - it's strawberry season

Music is plentiful here, too

The markets here in Monterey have a whole different feel
We miss getting our favorite cheese and floral honey
We miss tasting the different hard sausages from the sausage vendor
I miss the little table where I could get fresh cheve for 2.50
and where is the blanquette?

The produce is still wonderful here
Flowers and plants are plentiful
It's just different and very American, I guess

Is this what is meant by culture shock?