During a recent trip to the Santa Barbara area, we stopped to visit one of California’s 21 missions, Old Mission Santa Barbara. Stretching from San Diego to Sonoma, these missions are reminders of California’s and the nation’s past. Over a period of 54 years these were built, along with forts or presidios. Some of these evolved into major cities in California.
According to this mission, it is a community of many parts, but one spirit. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since its establishment in 1786.
Santa Barbara Mission
Today the Mission operations include a museum, gift shop, cemetery and mausoleum, and several historic gardens, as well as being the home to a community of Franciscan Friars on about 15 acres. This is also home base for Saint Barbara Parish, which operates under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library, a separate Franciscan-sponsored non-profit, and a Novitiate which provides the first year of education for Friars in training from across the United States.
Santa Barbara Mission inside
We spent about two hours wandering through the multiple gardens and touring around the mission. Our self-guided tour allowed us access to the museum where historical artwork, artifacts, and information on living here many years ago gave us insight into the history of this area.
Santa Barbara Mission
The Mission church, mausoleum, and cemetery offered a calming effect as we reflected on life centered around a Mission. The grounds encompass 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Peaceful is the best way to describe the visit.
Santa Barbara Mission cemetery
Definitely worth time to visit when you are in the Santa Barbara area.
If You Go: The Old Santa Barbara Mission is located at 2201 Laguna Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
History: Missions in Alta California were established as a result of the threat of Russian fur trappers encroaching on the area. Spain learned land could be claimed inexpensively by establishing a mission, sending dedicated padres and supplies, and adding some soldiers for protection.
Mission San Luis Rey, 18th in this chain of missions throughout California, was founded in 1789 by Padre Fermin Francisco do Lasuen, successor to Padre Junipero Serra. He named it after St. Louis IX, King of France during the 13th century.
Between 1798 and 1832 Mission San Luis Rey became home to 3,000 Indians who helped care for 50,000 head of livestock. The Mission’s land was cultivated for grapes, oranges, olives, wheat, and corn. Self-sustaining, the Mission channeled water from the river to the north to irrigate its crops. Buildings were constructed using local materials of adobe, fired clay bricks, and wooden timbers. By 1830 the Mission was the largest building in California.
During the 1950s and 1960s the Friars uncovered the Soldiers’ Barracks and the Lavanderia. Today, restoration is ongoing.
Quadrangle: If you want to tour an important part of the Mission, sign up for a special tour to access the quadrangle. This area houses workshops, living quarters, a kitchen, an infirmary, a winery, and storage.
Pepper Tree: Also within this quadrangle is the oldest living Pepper Tree in California. The first pepper trees in Alta California were planted by Father Antonio Peyri, using seeds brought here in 1830 by a sailor from Peru. Even if you don’t take the special tour, you can still see this tree and the surrounding gardens through the original carriage arch.
Cemetery: The cemetery has been in continuous use since the Mission was founded. It is the oldest burial grounds in North San Diego County still in operation. With recent expansion it is possible for area residents of all faiths to be buried here. Check out the skull and crossbones above the entrance to the cemetery. This is typical of Franciscan cemeteries.
If you’re a television show watcher from the 1950s, you may recognize those gates. Walt Disney used them for the filming of several television episodes of ‘Zorro’ at San Luis Rey.
Architecture: While missions in California are recognizable by their architecture, sparkling white exteriors, and bell towers, Mission San Luis Rey is among the finest existing examples of Spanish-Colonial architecture in all of California. It’s one of only two cruciform, or cross-shaped, churches ever built by the Spanish in the region. It is no wonder it’s a National Historic Landmark. The main walls of the church are 30 feet high and 5 feet thick with an adobe interior and baked brick exterior. Lime-based whitewash coats the walls. Its bell tower is an impressive 75 feet tall. Another unique feature here is the restored wooden dome. This is the only mission with a dome and cupola.
If You Go: Old Mission San Luis Rey is located at 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA. For more information, www.sanluisrey.org.
If maps are of interest to you, take some time to explore the Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla. This is not a typical museum.
For one thing, it’s smaller than most museums. It’s more than an educational visit as well. The goal is to create an awareness and appreciation for history, geography, and politics of the world. The artistic beauty and sheer magnitude of the collection will surprise you.
Wander though and look at maps that depict our world from those who first thought they knew what the world looked like to what it actually is today. You might be amazed at how close some were and how almost accurate others were.
Many explorers mapped out the geography as they traveled, giving others a glimpse of what the world as they knew it looked like. These are original maps. Fun depictions of Disneyland to San Diego’s Oil Fields to a map of the world from 1472 might be on display.
The permanent exhibition includes maps from a copy of 1472 map by Isadore of Seville, which is considered to be the first printed map. There’s also a tourist map of Southern California. Quite the eclectic group.
Island maps, sea charts, celestial maps, the Holy Land, maps by Benjamin Franklin, a rare manuscript map of New England by John Thornton, and so many others are displayed in various rooms.
There is a variety of educational tools and opportunities available for schoolteachers, educators, and the general public as well. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
If You Go: The Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla is located at 7825 Fay Ave. Suite LL-A, La Jolla. They are open by appointment. Call 855-653-6277 or email roz@lajollamapmuseum.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations 619-685-3291 WEBSITE: sdzwa.org PRESS ROOM: sdzwa.org/pr/orangutanbirth2022
NEWS RELEASE
San Diego Zoo Celebrates the Birth of a Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutan Infant SAN DIEGO (Jan. 18, 2022) – A new year brings new beginnings—and that is especially true for Indah, a 35-year-old female Sumatran orangutan at the San Diego Zoo, who gave birth to her third infant earlier this month. The healthy 2-week-old male was born on January 4, and has been named Kaja, after an island in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, that houses rehabilitated orangutans prior to release in the wild. He is the first orangutan born at the Zoo in more than seven years, when Indah gave birth to her daughter Aisha back in 2014. “To witness the birth of such a majestic critically endangered animal is a remarkable experience and brings us hope for the future,” said Erika Kohler, interim executive director of the San Diego Zoo. “His birth increases the population by one and that is a necessary step in our ongoing efforts to gain a deeper understanding of orangutans so we can conserve the species where they live.” Although the infant orangutan was deemed healthy, Indah experienced some complications following the birth. Zoo team members reached out to community-based experts for help, including neonatal anesthesiologists and OB-GYN specialists. Indah is recovering, and will be on habitat intermittently. Both her and the infant are being monitored closely by wildlife health and wildlife care specialists. “It was extremely rewarding to see the understanding and collaboration put forth by our talented team and community consultants to provide the necessary care for
Indah and her infant,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, director of veterinary services at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We will continue to stay vigilant; and at the same time, remain hopeful.” Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The decline in their population is due to illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss from rampant deforestation, which forces them into closer contact with people. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance works to save the species by collaborating with innovative partners. Along with organizations such as SINTAS Indonesia and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, conservationists work to prevent wildlife trafficking and encourage the public to help reduce the demand for wildlife products, while advocating for laws and other measures that protect wildlife. About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational
Traveling has many benefits, but for those who don’t have much time or money, it can be difficult to get away. Fortunately, there are several ways you can travel to just about anywhere your heart desires without breaking the bank, and if you do a bit of research ahead of time, you’ll save yourself several hours of driving or walking by looking for the best destinations for your needs.
That research is important; while the idea of jetting off to a new city is romantic and fun, it’s not ideal for those looking for a way to save time and money. Do some homework to find not only the best deal on transportation, but the best deal on a place to stay and how to find one close to everything you need. For instance, if you grab a hotel room by the airport simply because it has the cheapest rate, you might find yourself having to spend extra money on a cab or Uber to get to restaurants and events, or you might have to walk long distances to get there, which will take up valuable time.
Travels and Escapes shares some great tips on how to avoid wasting hours and dollars on your next trip.
Plan ahead
Planning your trip a couple of months in advance will often ensure you get the best deal on accommodations and plane tickets. You can also plan your departure and arrival on days that aren’t typically peak travel times; Tuesdays are usually the best days to get a good price for air travel, according to BudgetTravel.
Do some homework
Make sure you know everything worth knowing about your transportation and accommodations before you book anything. Resorts sometimes have added, “hidden” fees that you won’t see until the end of your stay, which can be a nasty surprise to say the least. Understanding exactly what you’ll be responsible for will help you stay on budget and will give you peace of mind.
Think locally
Travel doesn’t have to be exclusively to faraway places; you can likely find all sorts of fun things to do in cities near you. Look online for the best cities to visit that are within an hour or two of your hometown and take a day or weekend trip. This is a great option for people who have full schedules and can’t afford to take a longer trip.
You don’t even have to leave town! Simply rent a vacation home in San Diego and stay near the city’s attractions that interest you. For example, if you want to enjoy San Diego’s thriving restaurant and music scene, you can find a home in the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’d prefer to spend time near the water, look for a home near one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches. Most vacation homes come with fully equipped kitchens, so you’ll be able to save substantially by cooking your own meals instead of eating out all the time.
Take public transit
Just about anywhere you visit will have some form of public transportation, so take advantage of it! It’s usually either free or very inexpensive, and if you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing it’s the way to go if you want to save money (and shoe leather).
Remember that traveling on a budget means you’ll need to be careful about keeping your funds safe. Never flash your cash in public, and, if possible, wear a travel pack that straps to your body to keep your money and credit cards close. With a little planning, you’ll be able to take the trip you’ve always wanted to take and keep your cash where you want it: in your pocket.
Forks, Corks, and Brews officially launches their online presence
today. Co-founders Jackie and Wendy VanHatten encourage and educate their
readers by sharing recipes, kitchen secrets, and wine and beer pairings. They
also investigate San Diego’s coffee.
Creating real
food for the busy household that likes to entertain is their main focus.
However, food quality, efficiency, and sustainability are key to preparing
their cuisine. VanHatten says efficiency in the kitchen is the secret for busy
families. “Everyone is busy. That doesn’t mean quality meals get sacrificed. We
want our kids to know how to shop for sustainable ingredients and then cook a
tasty meal using those ingredients.”
As busy women,
Jackie and Wendy are the go-to source for cooking with real, wholesome food.
Follow along for their simple recipes, useful kitchen suggestions, and
straight-talk gadget reviews.
Sign up and
subscribe for the latest recipes, coffee trends, exclusive wine talk, and beer
buzz. Learn from their experience in the kitchen as their photographer
highlights the cooking process and the finished dish.
What happens when your scheduled flight is changed? It’s probably happened to all of us.
Sometimes you receive an email telling you your flight has changed. Sometimes it’s leaving three minutes earlier than before.
Sometimes, you receive a notification your flight time is a
little less than the original time.
Okay…not a problem.
I received a notification from American Airlines about my
upcoming flight to Europe. This one was a problem for me.
Instead of going from San Diego to JFK and then Paris, we
had been rerouted from San Diego to Los Angeles to JFK to Paris. This added an
additional stop. That wasn’t the problem, however.
We had less than 30 minutes at LAX to switch from American
Eagle to American. Not good. Worse, coming back we had 19 minutes in Los
Angeles to get to the plane to San Diego. That’s not going to happen.
What did I do?
I immediately called American Airlines and gave my confirmation
number to a wonderful lady. When she looked up my flight, she chuckled. “Honey,
you aren’t going to make that. Let me fix it for you.”
Her customer service was amazing, she fixed my problem, and
put us on new flights.
Everything seems to be good now. Stay tuned for the actual
flights…
When I travel, I see other travelers with dogs. Some are in carriers. Some on leashes. Some are definitely service dogs. Others are pets.
I’ve
often wondered what you do if you have a dog in an airport terminal.
I found several airports with places for your furry pooch. There are probably more. Do you have any favorites?
Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport
The
Pet Patch is located east of Terminal 2. The Pet Paw Pad can be found in
Terminal 3, outside on the West End. The Bone Yard can be found on the west
side of Terminal 4, near baggage claim.
Nearby
PHX Sky train stations, pet relief areas are also available. The East Economy
Park & Bark is near the East Economy parking garages and The Park ‘n Play
is on the northwest corner of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station.
San Diego International Airport
Seven
different pet relief stations are available. You’ll find artificial turf and
waste bags. These pet relief stations can be found throughout the terminals outside
of the airport, as well as indoor at Terminal 2 West.
Philadelphia International
Airport
At
Philadelphia International Airport, there are seven Service Animal Relief
Areas, called Pet Ports. These relief areas have a mulch surface, a bench,
biodegradable pet waste bags, and a garbage can. All stations are available for
both service animals and pets.
Boston Logan International
Airport
In Boston,
the relief areas are no-frills, but plentiful. These rest areas are located on
the arrivals level curb outside every terminal. There is also a pet-relief area
located in Terminal E, after security, and near Gate E7.
Denver International Airport
Denver
International Airport has spots for pets with artificial turf, bags, and a sink
on each concourse as well as right outside Jeppesen Terminal. After security, these
are located in the center cores of A, B and C Gates. A pre-security pet
restroom area is located just outside door 200 on the west side of the Jeppesen
Terminal.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport
Indoor
Service Animal Relief Areas here are available throughout the airport and can
be used by service animals and other traveling pets. They can be found in every
concourse. This airport also has a dog park, located in the Ground
Transportation area on Domestic Terminal South. This fully fenced-in park
offers biodegradable bags along with benches.
Reno-Tahoe International
Airport
This
airport has three dog parks available. Gate K-9 Bark Parks are fenced, ADA
accessible, and have running water, mutt mitts for cleanup, and a canopied area
for when the weather isn’t so great. Indoors, an area is available on the
second floor of the terminal building.
The owner and chef, Yves Fournier, and his wife, Susie, grew
up in a small village at the base of the French Alps. His love of baking is
evident as you eat his pastries and listen to him talk about what he’s making.
He told us he learned the ins and outs of pastry making from his father, who
learned it from his father and grandfather. No wonder everything tastes so
authentic.
A little background…Chef Yves came to San Diego as a pastry
chef for the Le Meridien Hotel in 1992, worked for several 5-star hotels, and
was the Executive Baking and Pastry Chef instructor for the San Diego Culinary
Institute.
When he started a small pop-up out of his home, neighbors
and friends encouraged him to open a bakery.
We are glad he did.
Everything looks so good. Better than than…it all tastes
better than it looks.
One bite of an almond croissant, with just the right among
of toasted almond slices and powdered sugar, beg to be devoured. Beignets
practically melt in your mouth. Savory quiches are light, yet filling. And, the
lemon tarts just have to be sampled.
Trust us when we say this secret spot needs to be checked
out. You’ll thank us.
If You Go: French Oven is located at 10299 Scripps Ranch
Trail, Suite E, San Diego.
Cassis…you may know the word cassis as the French work for blackcurrant. That’s true. And, it’s a great taste.
High Above Cassis
However, it’s also the name of a delightful French fishing port complete with impossibly clear turquoise waters, dozens of boats, and yummy-looking pastel houses. Plenty of charm here, too. There’ s just no other way to describe it.
Driving down and down the steep, winding road, past rocky cliffs on one side and glimpses of blue water on the other, you eventually arrive on the edge of Cassis. Without knowing it, you’ve passed right by the centuries-old Chateau. And, yes those were grapevines on the steep rocky slopes. Then you see shimmering water in the distance. The Mediterranean Sea.
Park above the town. You really do not want to drive on the narrow, slightly uneven cobblestone streets where locals and tourists are wandering. Walking gives you the opportunity to experience Cassis the way it should be experienced. Slowly.
Friday, the day we were there, is market day. Even though the guide books said this market was smaller than others in Provence, we found it to be just as diverse and delicious as any others we had been to. We strolled through rows and rows of vendors, tented stalls, and smells so fantastic our mouths couldn’t stop watering.
I visited with a cheesemaker from Germany. In the south of France. Go figure. Another vendor, a woman selling olive wood spoons, knew where San Diego was. Her daughter goes to school there. Small world. Deeply hued, brightly colored bowls, plates, and platters grabbed my attention. The vendor and I talked…her using small amounts of English and me using broken French. We got along just fine.
Even though the cheeses, meats, olives, pottery, flowers, biscuits, baskets, cookies, pastries, and stacks of breads might have appeared to be the same as other street markets, they weren’t. Each village or town has their own unique specialties. Candied orange cookies begged to be eaten with a cup of espresso. Yummy morning treat. They are a specialty here.
Not crowded like its touristy neighbor, St. Tropez, Cassis is a popular place for both international and French tourists on holiday. Everyone takes time to sit at a sidewalk café and people watch. Doesn’t matter if you’re drinking your morning coffee or mid-morning rose wine. Finished? How about shopping for a chic sundress, a stylish straw hat, or colorful, flirty sandals? All of the above, please.
Another thing, not a lot of English is spoken here. Yet, everyone is friendly and regardless of your command of the French language, you don’t even realize you’ve been communicating with the shopkeeper or the couple at the table next to you.
Wine? Sure. This is one of France’s outstanding wine growing areas. In fact, it’s one of the first three French wine regions to be classed as an AOC by decree on May 15, 1936. In this area, 12 wine estates produce 1,000,000 bottles a year. That’s a lot of wine from those steep vineyards. You’ll find mostly white wines with some Roses.
If you’re here for more than a day, you have to take a boat trip to the Calanques. These rocky inlets are called the Fjordes of the Med. A series of rocky cliffs and bays have been formed in the limestone. This area has a unique eco-system with no soil. It has been protected since 2012. The best way to see it is by boat. Be sure to allow enough time…or stay another day.
At the end of the day…Cassis is a place we’ll come back to. Wandering the town, sampling local seafood and wines, watching people enjoying themselves, and relaxing with a view of the sparkling Med in front of us and rows of candy-colored buildings stacked up the cliffs behind us. Oh yeah. We’ll be back. Hold our table. Merci.
If You Go: Cassis is located east of Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur in southern France.
