Vacation in California

Santa Ana, California - 4-9, Sept, 2010

We had been planning this vacation for about 6 months. We were going to visit my dear childhood friend, Sahar Frooghi, and her hubby, Navid. Although we talk all the time, she and I hadn't seen each other for 6 years since we parted in Haifa, Israel. They were excellent hosts and we had a great, great time. It was our first time in California. The beautiful plantain and coconut palms, the beautiful hills contrasting here and there with barren sections struck by fires, the beautiful buildings and cars, and beautiful weather, makes it a land of contrast. It was quite beautiful.

The first picture there is one of a special brand of cypress I had only seen before in Israel. I was used to seeing it, particularly, around the Baha'i holy shrines, and so it was fascinating to find them here in California in Sahar's neighborhood.

Sahar and Jayron immediately bonded and went everywhere together. We also met Sahar and Navid's cats, with their varying temperaments. Very interesting brood. It was a fun holiday. The next four entries cover the Calfornia trip as well.

California #2

California Vacation trip - Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

At Newport beach. There was a fog in the beginning, which eventually lifted, but the water was still chilly. You'll notice in our expressions as our feet touched the waves:) It was fun. It was Jayron's first time on the sand. Then as he adjusted to it all, he really began enjoying himself.

California #3

California vacation trip - Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

We visited the Richard Nixon library. He was president from 1969-74. As I understand it, most, if not all, of the presidents have libraries. Aaron has also been to Clinton's. They are a very informative and fascinating place to visit. We enjoyed the visit tremendously.
Below: Pictures of Mr. Nixon and wife, Patricia; his car as a senator (there was also a picture of his state car but I didn't include it below); some of the great leaders he worked with to influence world affairs: a piece of the Berlin Wall; a replica of his study; Apollo 11; his wife's beautiful rose garden; the house he was born in; the steel basin he was bathed in; the stove; hellicopter he took when he left the White House; the spot where his wife and him are buried side-by-side in the rose garden. We saw many other beautiful souvenirs and mementos we couldn't include them all here.

We would also have visited Regan's library, but that was about a 1.5 hr drive away, so we didn't.

California #4

California, Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

On one of the hills of Santa Ana. Notice the sections ravaged by the fires. Below are some pictures in the Santa Ana zoo; and then more pictures in Long Beach; and finally a picture with Joya, a Baha'i who hosted us for 19 Day Feast. I am wearing a beautiful poncho Joya made.

California #5

California, Sept 4- 9, 2010

More pictures. Here we visited the Aquarium of the Pacific at Long Beach. It was fun. There were tons of sea creatures to see. I even saw sea lions for my first time. Jayron was, first scared, and then fascinated, especially with the mesmerizing movements of the jelly-fish. We had a great time. It was just the three of us that day; Sahar had to work. But I had to put this first cute picture somewhere:) I couldn't put in all the pictures, but we saw crabs, lobsters, starfish, and all kinds of colorful fish.





















A whale made entirely of recycable plastic bottles














Crabs

Jayron is fascinated

So colorful!

Ah, the Jelly-fish!














Sea lions lazying out of the water on the rocks


















Aaron in one of the small acquaria
















Visiting with the shark and stingrays

We were encouraged to touch the stingrays, who can be deadly, but with these ones, their poisonous stings have been removed. It took me a while to get the courage to do it, but I did. It felt velvety.