Tag: travel

Madonna!

The Humble Fabulist2 Comments

Driving south from San Simeon on CA-1 and then US-101, your way will inevitably bring you to another castle of opulence. The High Temple of Kitsch, a Symphony in Pink by the Brass Ensemble, the legendary Madonna Inn. From ”roses are red” to ”think pink” to ”red or dead”, every banality you’ve ever heard or thought of, will come to mind and take on a new meaning. This place has to be seen to be believed –  from its Alpine Swiss hotel exterior down to the lavishly decorated restrooms, everything dressed in all shades of pink, with brass accents breaking the ”monotony”. Seeing ”la vie en rose” has never been easier, no rose-coloured glasses necessary.  And that is only the ground floor; you haven’t even seen the rooms yet!

Mr. & Mrs. Madonna

The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo

July 12th, 2017

The Roman Pool

The Humble Fabulist6 Comments

Sheer, mind-blowing magnificence in thousands of tiny smalti, left me speechless.

{The Roman Pool is decorated from ceiling to floor with 1″ square mosaic tiles. These glass tiles, called smalti, are either colored (mainly blue or orange) or are clear with fused gold inside. The intense colors and shimmering gold of the tiles combine to create a breathtaking effect. The designs created by the tiles were developed by muralist Camille Solon. The inspiration for some of these designs came from the 5th Century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.}

For more about the Roman Pool, please go to the Hearst Castle Pools webpage.

July 12th, 2017

La Cuesta Encantada || The Enchanted Hill of San Simeon

The Humble Fabulist3 Comments

Following his mother’s death in 1919, media magnate William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon and later on purchased even more, until the land he owned extended further than the eye could see. Captivated by the beauty of the landscape, and probably tired of lodging in platform tents whenever he visited his ranch, Hearst hired architect Julia Morgan and asked her to build ”something that would be more comfortable” than the tents.  

Throughout his life, Hearst dreamed of building a castle similar to those he had seen on his European  tour as a boy. 28 years, 68,500 square feet, 38 bedrooms, 30 fireplaces, 42 bathrooms and 14 sitting rooms later (and that is only Casa Grande, the main building of the complex), his dream came true. He called his castle La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill” and, after a two-hour tour of the Grand Rooms, guest suites, gardens and the spectacular Roman Pool, I can affirm that this mythical structure of epic proportions is definitely ”something more comfortable” than Mr. Hearst’s tents.

During construction, Hearst used the Castle as his residence and it was there he exhibited his extraordinary art collection and entertained his friends. The elite of Hollywood, politics and sports – everyone who was anyone, has stayed in these rooms. Construction was still ongoing in 1947, when Hearst had to leave the castle because of his fragile health which required continuous medical care. Parts of the castle still remain unfinished.

If you enjoyed this virtual walk of the gardens, wait till we go indoors; coming up, views from the Grand Rooms and guest suites.

Hearst Castle, San Simeon

July 12th, 2017

Mapping Pacific Grove & Monterey

The Humble FabulistLeave a comment

Mapping the 17-mile Drive, making sure I won’t get lost (I get lost anyway, my navigator has to recalculate regularly, I don’t know what I would have done without it, most likely wouldn’t go on a road trip in the first place). 

Other vehicles one should expect to see often in the area – golf carts. There are so many golf courses in Monterey Peninsula, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was totally covered in green. Must have something to do with the local household income which is higher than the U.S. average. Rather obvious, judging by the magnificent villas, cottages and other exclusive properties. This is a golf course on Pebble Beach.

Moving towards the north to Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse on the West Coast, still an active navigational aid today. It sits, as you may have guessed, next to another golf course (and a cemetery, but I have no photos of it).

A tired golfer taking a break.

Tranquility in the Memory Garden, Pacific House near the noisy-touristy Fisherman’s Wharf.

California’s First Theatre. Built as a lodge and tavern for sailors, it was used as a theatre in 1850 when U.S. Army officers from Colonel Stevenson’s 1st New York Volunteers produced plays as a money-making venture. Tickets sold for $5 each and first night receipts totaled $500. Now closed due to structural deficiencies, until further notice. [source]

Another sunset, another farewell. Next stop, Cambria.

July 11th, 2017

Paper Dog

The Humble FabulistLeave a comment

*Recent Resident Posting* on the bulletin board of my building’s website:

Title: DogSitting/Babysitting

Hi! My name is [….], and I live with my mother in apt […]. I’m looking to see if anyone is in need of dog sitting/walking. I’ve had experience sitting dogs, and cats for a good amount of time. (If you need a reference, I have […..] from apt 23). I’m reaching out because I love pets, especially dogs, and would love to sit or walk them as a means to work and to pay my tuition in school. I’m also a after school teacher/Head counselor, so if you need me to take care of your child, I’m available to speak about it at anytime after 6:30pm, which is the time I get out of work. If you need someone to dog/cat sit or babysit call me at […-…-….]. Thank you.

July 10th, 2017

Do you believe in fairy tales?

The Humble Fabulist6 Comments

Once upon a time, there lived a man named Hugh. He was a good man who liked to build things with his hands. One day, it was the leap year 1924, Hugh came to Carmel to visit his sister. As his good fortune would have it, he met a woman named Mayotta. She was a good woman who liked to make things with her hands. Their lives met, their souls touched and, a year later, Hugh Comstock and Mayotta Browne become husband and wife. 

Mayotta was an artist who made little felt dolls she called the ”Otsy-Totsys”. She made more and more and then a few more, until there was no space left for the growing family in their home. Mayotta then asked her husband if he would build a doll house for her Otsy-Totsys. And so, Mayotta and Hugh, who were no architects nor designers but loved to make things with their hands, built the first wood cottage and named it Hansel. A little later, came Gretel and the rest followed in their gravel path.

Now, do you believe in fairy tales?

You can look for the real-life fairy tale cottages of Carmel on the Hugh Comstock Historical Hill District. Read more about them on this blog by Lynn Momboisse, who even went into the trouble of sketching a map, so you won’t miss even one!

And, if chasing fairy houses makes you hungry, Patisserie Boissiere is a mere magic wand’s flick away. The tale continues inside.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

July 10th, 2017