Our wonderful Tropea landlady, Ginevra. On her recommendation, we had planned to check out her relative's similar rental at a Le Marche vineyard later that year (2024) but a combo of its renos plus our new knee issues caused us to pivot and travel elsewhere.
Our wonderful Tropea landlady, Ginevra. On her recommendation, we had planned to check out her relative's similar rental at a Le Marche vineyard later that year (2024) but a combo of its renos plus our new knee issues caused us to pivot and travel elsewhere.
0 2025/08/31 13:41:13
Pizzo APE driver.
Pizzo APE driver.
0 2025/08/31 13:40:53
Chianalea lady.
Chianalea lady.
0 2025/08/31 13:40:32
Proud Roman guitarist.
Proud Roman guitarist.
0 2025/08/31 13:39:38
Attractive younger couple in Tropea.
Attractive younger couple in Tropea.
0 2025/08/31 13:30:55
Stylish younger man.
Stylish younger man.
0 2025/08/31 13:30:48
Stylish older man.
Stylish older man.
0 2025/08/31 13:30:43
and gone to heaven. What follows will be exclusively PEOPLE, both Calabrians and also Romans.
and gone to heaven. What follows will be exclusively PEOPLE, both Calabrians and also Romans.
0 2025/08/31 13:30:14
Swimmers may think that they've died...
Swimmers may think that they've died...
0 2025/08/31 13:30:07
We flew from Toronto to Rome. There was a spectacular harvest moon that night in Toronto, one which reflected onto Lake Ontario. From Roma, we then flew down to Lamezia Terme then taxied to Tropea.
We flew from Toronto to Rome. There was a spectacular harvest moon that night in Toronto, one which reflected onto Lake Ontario. From Roma, we then flew down to Lamezia Terme then taxied to Tropea.
0 2025/08/31 13:29:30
Calabria is a great place to visit, both for travelers and also folks with Calabrian heritage visiting on heritage tours. Stanley Tucci's parents were both born there. As for lodgings, we have two rentals to recco: a splurge villa in Tropea plus a unique waterside property in Scilla's most picturesque Chianalea neighborhood. Details to follow. (pron. Scilla=SHE-elah and Chianalea=kee-anna-layah)
Calabria is a great place to visit, both for travelers and also folks with Calabrian heritage visiting on heritage tours. Stanley Tucci's parents were both born there. As for lodgings, we have two rentals to recco: a splurge villa in Tropea plus a unique waterside property in Scilla's most picturesque Chianalea neighborhood. Details to follow. (pron. Scilla=SHE-elah and Chianalea=kee-anna-layah)
0 2025/08/31 13:29:19
Incontestably, this was the most unexpected shop in all of SB. OK, maybe tied with the axe-throwing (no joke) active funhouse in the main drag of State Street! Next: we are nearing the end, so let's go for some water tours.
Incontestably, this was the most unexpected shop in all of SB. OK, maybe tied with the axe-throwing (no joke) active funhouse in the main drag of State Street! Next: we are nearing the end, so let's go for some water tours.
0 2025/06/11 18:02:14
It offers related interior decor items for sale plus workshops on spiritual matters (e.g. soulful drumming). They were closed during our visit otherwise we may have bought candles.
It offers related interior decor items for sale plus workshops on spiritual matters (e.g. soulful drumming). They were closed during our visit otherwise we may have bought candles.
0 2025/06/11 18:02:00
A most unique place signals the very far eastern edge of Summerland: sacred Space. This Asian-influenced shop is a veritable oasis.
A most unique place signals the very far eastern edge of Summerland: sacred Space. This Asian-influenced shop is a veritable oasis.
0 2025/06/11 18:01:25
Summerland has a remarkable row of competing outside/garden decor shops. So pointedly visual. Oprah and Meagan were both recently present at the opening of one new store in that same area: 'Godmother'. There is also a Parrot sanctuary along the way.
Summerland has a remarkable row of competing outside/garden decor shops. So pointedly visual. Oprah and Meagan were both recently present at the opening of one new store in that same area: 'Godmother'. There is also a Parrot sanctuary along the way.
0 2025/06/11 18:01:11
Breakfast in America. The Summerland Beach cafe is a fun, old-school family place. We went there early one morn, after seeing the sunrise. Shown here are its famed list of historic 'Etiquette Rules' beside its fly-hunting frog.
Breakfast in America. The Summerland Beach cafe is a fun, old-school family place. We went there early one morn, after seeing the sunrise. Shown here are its famed list of historic 'Etiquette Rules' beside its fly-hunting frog.
0 2025/06/11 18:00:50
The Cito Fire Station. Brave folks. Respect. See their Fire Indicator on the far right. *Would you believe it: some of the thieves arrested for raiding homes in Pasadena during the height of the fires were wait for it...dressed as firefighters!
The Cito Fire Station. Brave folks. Respect. See their Fire Indicator on the far right. *Would you believe it: some of the thieves arrested for raiding homes in Pasadena during the height of the fires were wait for it...dressed as firefighters!
0 2025/06/10 12:53:26
"Nooooo!"
"Nooooo!"
0 2025/06/10 12:41:30
A shy exotic.
A shy exotic.
0 2025/06/10 12:41:17
Animal topiary.
Animal topiary.
0 2025/06/10 12:41:07
Pelican on left: "Christ! How many more fotos is this 'Zeebek' guy gonna' show?!" Pelican on right: "Well, there's still the Mission and the Courthouse and..."
Pelican on left: "Christ! How many more fotos is this 'Zeebek' guy gonna' show?!" Pelican on right: "Well, there's still the Mission and the Courthouse and..."
0 2025/06/10 12:40:49
Never trust anyone who dislikes gardens.
Never trust anyone who dislikes gardens.
0 2025/06/10 12:40:31
Photosynthetically
Photosynthetically
0 2025/06/10 12:39:50
Pretty purple.
Pretty purple.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:41
We kept bumping into one particular friendly and jean-clad blonde woman here and there. It was only afterwards that I recognized her photo in the brochure as the Garden manager. In this area, one finds some large chunks of colored glass strewn artfully-about.
We kept bumping into one particular friendly and jean-clad blonde woman here and there. It was only afterwards that I recognized her photo in the brochure as the Garden manager. In this area, one finds some large chunks of colored glass strewn artfully-about.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:22
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:10
Beside that dogwood, this backlit beauty, with the sound of bees somewhere nearby. Someone had placed a lovely white flower in the lap of the Buddha statue. We also saw ferns near the lotuses and lily pond.
Beside that dogwood, this backlit beauty, with the sound of bees somewhere nearby. Someone had placed a lovely white flower in the lap of the Buddha statue. We also saw ferns near the lotuses and lily pond.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:53
'In flowered fields, the mind delights.' (B. Nietvelt)
'In flowered fields, the mind delights.' (B. Nietvelt)
0 2025/06/10 12:38:41
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:32
A metal stork stood out. Close by, we heard owl hoots, doves and warblers. Bliss. Then crows started calling. We moved onto an area of mini-statuary, whimsical children's themes outnumbering the lions plus the Roman kind.
A metal stork stood out. Close by, we heard owl hoots, doves and warblers. Bliss. Then crows started calling. We moved onto an area of mini-statuary, whimsical children's themes outnumbering the lions plus the Roman kind.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:17
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
0 2025/06/10 12:37:57
As stated before, 'beautiful' is a tired word used among travelers, But here, it seemed the only descriptor. After securing our self-guided tour stickers, we began our stroll at this calm location. A collection of bonsai plants with self-watering hoses lay behind that pagoda. Mrs Z spied a hyper-busy Anna's Hummingbird. We would later see it again, having a comical chat with a statue of Triton by his fountain.
As stated before, 'beautiful' is a tired word used among travelers, But here, it seemed the only descriptor. After securing our self-guided tour stickers, we began our stroll at this calm location. A collection of bonsai plants with self-watering hoses lay behind that pagoda. Mrs Z spied a hyper-busy Anna's Hummingbird. We would later see it again, having a comical chat with a statue of Triton by his fountain.
0 2025/06/10 12:37:40
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
0 2025/06/10 12:37:21
These glass objects were for sale in the garden's nursery/gift shop. We bought three packets of seeds there to take home as an experiment. Just as we were leaving, there commenced a Guided Tour for new members, which probably doubled as a social mixer for singles and other folks.
These glass objects were for sale in the garden's nursery/gift shop. We bought three packets of seeds there to take home as an experiment. Just as we were leaving, there commenced a Guided Tour for new members, which probably doubled as a social mixer for singles and other folks.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:47
This is the classic and by now cliche view of the main meadow. California orange poppies filled the foreground. On Reddit the very next day, a German traveler posted a question with this same image that he'd found on the NET: "Is this Santa Barbara?"
This is the classic and by now cliche view of the main meadow. California orange poppies filled the foreground. On Reddit the very next day, a German traveler posted a question with this same image that he'd found on the NET: "Is this Santa Barbara?"
0 2025/06/10 11:34:34
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:22
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:09
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
0 2025/06/10 11:33:53
That same center housed a cool display made by grade 8 Art students from La Colina Jr. High. Those kids painted an assortment of unique seeds. Above we see one such example. Those same students also created a seed quilt with local artist Rosie Brand. About 1,300 seeds species are stored here (20% are from California) while a half-million are produced each year. The garden has 216 Native plants including grasses. Those are fed by 180, 000 gallons of agua collected in various tanks and channels.
That same center housed a cool display made by grade 8 Art students from La Colina Jr. High. Those kids painted an assortment of unique seeds. Above we see one such example. Those same students also created a seed quilt with local artist Rosie Brand. About 1,300 seeds species are stored here (20% are from California) while a half-million are produced each year. The garden has 216 Native plants including grasses. Those are fed by 180, 000 gallons of agua collected in various tanks and channels.
0 2025/06/10 11:33:43
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
0 2025/06/10 11:33:30
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