Dreams, Moments, Travels
On our way back home from Santa Barbara to Phoenix, Arizona, we again stopped in West Covina, California, at the Hong Kong Plaza. This mini-mall is a treasure trove for culture seekers. Not only do they have an Indonesian restaurant, but they also have Malaysian, Korean BBQ, and a variety of Chinese restaurants, a Sushi bar, a Shabu Shabu restaurant, and a Boba Tea store. In between all of these dining choices are small shops, a grocery, gift stores, and this Tokyo 99 Cent Plus store.
Family friend Gail joined our aunt and uncle and us to start the day with a trip up to San Marcos Pass to the Cold Spring Tavern, an 1860s stagecoach stop near Santa Barbara, California. They have a great breakfast and, from what I’ve heard, a great prime rib for dinner.
The place is a popular destination for those lucky enough to have stumbled upon it and has earned the title “Most Romantic Getaway.” Check their entertainment schedule, as they often feature live music.
What would a visit to Southern California be without at least one stop at a Farmer’s Market?
Stopping in West Covina, California, on our way to Santa Barbara, we were hungry for some Asian food and took in a meal at a small Malaysian place. Caroline had the Nasi Goreng while I opted for the Bami Goreng – hers was a rice dish, mine noodle.
When we lived in Germany, we would make frequent trips to Amsterdam, where we often ate at Mr. Moto’s, an all-time favorite Indonesian fast food joint, which now seems to have merged into a new Asian-style Mongolian BBQ.
Two old animal skulls gather moss perched high on this shingle rooftop.
From a row far far away in another galaxy comes this photo of Garrison Keillor of A Prairie Home Companion fame. Caroline and I had to peer through a telescope to watch Garrison during this performance at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts here in Arizona. I shot this image without flash at 6400 ISO with a 14000mm lens, but shooting under such poor conditions I was only able to capture this blown-out featureless blur. Next time I’ll bring my 4 billion candle-power flash. Regardless, we truly enjoyed hearing a feature-length presentation of the news from Lake Wobegon.
Another order of soap arrives except this time I don’t just order three or four, I go for a dozen. Juniper Ridge makes wildcrafted natural soaps using wild harvested plant materials to fragrance their soaps. My favorite is the Coastal Sage. If you have never been along the Pacific coast or you now live far away and would love a reminder of a spring going into a summer day, try buying a couple of these and see if you too don’t keep coming back for more. You’ll also find their products at the Muir Woods National Monument in Northern California if you can drop by, mail order though will probably be easier. Juniper Ridge is a small company that has terrific customer service. Call them at 1-800-205-9499 or visit their website.