TravelswithCharie

The Sunken Garden It's so refreshing to be outside and to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. At Filoli, everywhere you gaze, there's a flower or tree or piece of pottery that will call your attention. How I wish I took notes of the names of the flowers, but I must remain content with the colorful images I had the pleasure of taking. Though none can equal seeing the gardens and house up close.  The Chartres Garden The gardens change with the seasons. We just missed the tulips and wisteria. We're now into May when roses, foxgloves, peonies, lavender and violas captivate the landscape. There are so many varieties of roses (about 500) that we had a field day just looking for the Mr. Lincoln rose. In the process I found the Johann Strauss rose but I was most impressed with these October roses that are in full bloom and overwhelming its bush (shown below).  The October Rose in the Rose Garden The Knot Garden is always a highlight. The intricate geometric design weave

It’s always fun to be at the Ferry Building Marketplace  in San Francisco especially to meet old friends for lunch or dinner. I met up recently with long-time friends from Honolulu who were in the City for a few hours layover. Their cruise ship was docked right behind the Ferry Building so the Market Bar was the perfect venue for our get-together.   It was not easy to decide which of the appetizing entrées to choose from and I narrowed my choices to three: 1) Local Halibut a la plancha with Asparagus, artichokes, leeks, citrus butter , 2) Wild Shrimp Linguine with olive oil, chile flakes, arugula , 3) Asparagus & Wild Salmon Risotto with fava leaves. Really loved my risotto! It was quite tasty and the kitchen didn’t skimp on the chunks of salmon. We were a large group and arrived at various times but the staff was accommodating and attentive. 1 Ferry Building # 36 San Francisco , CA 94111-4230 (415) 434-1100 http://www.marketbar.com/ *  *  * Image by Charie

I recently finished reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's the first book of his that I've read and I was hooked. Now I'm reading his other novel, The Pilgrimage . The Alchemist inspires. "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." It reveals a secret: "The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times." It explains why we can't follow our dreams: "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." And how do we deal with heartaches?: "If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day." There's more. You have to read the book to find out. Mr. Coelho also has a super blog where you can find out more about his works. Here's the link: http://paulocoelhoblog.com/ .  *  *  *

Lorca's house in the outskirts of Granada Today I gave a travel presentation at work about Spain and I included this sonnet from one of Spain's greatest poets/playwrights, Federico Garcia Lorca. It's full of visual imagery which not only gives the reader the ability to see what he's written but it also leads the mind of the reader in search of meaning. Sonnet of Sweet Complaint Never let me lose the marvel of your statue-like eyes, or the accent the solitary rose your breath places on my cheek at night. I am afraid of being, on this shore, a branchless trunk, and what I most regret is having no flower, pulp, or clay for the worm of my despair. If you are my hidden treasure, if you are my cross, my dampened pain, if I am a dog, and you alone my master, never let me lose what I have gained, and adorn the branches of your river with leaves of my estranged Autumn. The original Spanish version below is from http://www.poesia-inter.net/fglso107.htm Soneto

Lime Green Icicle Tower I finally had the chance to enter the Chihuly Gallery at City Center in Las Vegas recently and marveled at the beautiful pieces that were on display. I was riveted to the Lime Green Icicle Tower  which is almost floor to ceiling in height. It was mesmerizing to stare down at the reflection of the Tower on its mirror base and to check out the individual "icicles" up close. I love the cubicle idea where there's a niche for the smaller artworks. The colors are amazing!  Here's one of the pieces up close. I believe this one belongs to his Persians series. Below is a better picture (than the one I previously posted) of his Cobalt Reeds and Spears . The Gallery also features paintings by Dale Chihuly. Hours are from 10am - 11pm Sundays through Thursday and 10am - 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. *  *  * Images by Charie

The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas consistently produces one of the best floral displays. This spring, the botanical garden is awash with tulips. What a sight to behold amidst the slot machine jungle! This carousel sits in a field of blooms - violet colored mums, yellow tulips. The Bellagio Hotel changes its floral theme every season. It's always fun to see what each season yields. The inspiration of this floral arrangement comes from a landscape painting by David Hockney which is currently on exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The exhibition entitled "A Sense of Place: From Monet to Hockney" continues through January 9, 2012. There are a lot of whimsical touches such as shown above. Entrance to the botanical gardens is free. What a relaxing way to spend with family and friends admiring the happy colors of Easter. And I love these parasols hanging from the dome of the Via Bellagio shops. It's just so spring-y! Happy Easter everyone. *  *  * Ima

And one or more things about Buenos Aires: Where to stay : I really liked my room at the Dazzler Hotel on Maipu 850, right in the center of town. The room was spacious and clean with laminated wood floor and breakfast was included. The hotel is a short walk to Calle Florida and Galerias Pacifico. My only complaint about the room was the noise from the street below as Maipu is a bus route. So ask for a room away from the street. Parks : Buenos Aires has many beautiful parks, perfect for weary feet. Do go to a park where there are a lot of people so you're safe and be aware of what's going on around you. The plazoleta below is on Calle Arroyo and Avenida de 9 de Julio. I also liked the Plaza de las Naciones where you have a great view of the Florialis Generica from under bright yellow outdoor umbrellas. Another little square on Calle Arroyo was on the former site of the Israeli Embassy which was bombed in 1992. Today it is a quiet place for reflection