California Parking Lot

San Clemente

While visiting San Clemente, my mom and I were able to hangout with the locals and experience the annual Ocean Festival.

Napa Valley

 While visiting Napa Valley, my dad and I were able to learn hands on about how wine is cultivated and harvested. The winery process is an art that one should look into if they were to come across the opportunity.

San Francisco Giants, AT&T Ballpark

The Giants faced the Milwaukee Brewers and won 4-2. The game was amazing, and to top it off we were able to watch the Giant's closer, Brian Wilson... "FEAR THE BEARD!"

San Francisco

The weekend with my dad started off by visiting Lombard Street, Fisherman's wharf, and Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Island

Squid!

View from the hotel room.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

 The Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry. An interesting fact is the building cost a total of $130 million and the parking structure cost an estimated $110 million.

  

Painting Party

A local artist, Roxanna, had a showing coming up. To prepare for the showing she decided to have a painting party. This event was probably one of my most enjoyable times spent with the locals. There's nothing like a party with a bunch of artists... The fellow in the white shirt is Moses, a great friend and artist.

Newport Beach

  

The weekend started off at Irvine's Farmer's Market where Nathaniel and I bought fresh fruit. After a quick snack, we met up with my friend/colleague Mariela in Newport Beach.  While cruising the bike trail we stumbled upon The Lovell Beach House.

Our trip was capped off with a visit to California's #1 surfing spot, The Wedge.

Newport Beach

View from our porch

Last weekend, my buddy Charlie came down to visit with a couple of his friends. We ended up staying at the Marriott Hotel in Newport Beach...

Our pool :)

Topanga State Park, Los Angeles

Topanga State Park is located entirely within the city limits of LA and is considered the world's largest park and recreation area within the boundaries of a major city.

The main attraction of Topanga State Park is Eagle Rock. While at Eagle Rock, one can experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Dumbest thing I've done thus far.

Del Mar

Del Mar Pizza

Del Mar Beach

While in Del Mar, I came across an amazing pizzeria simply titled "Del Mar Pizza." After ordering a large pizza, I decided to walk around and absorb the culture.


Del Mar is known for its quality of living, weather conditions, and beautiful beaches. In fact, it was mentioned in Time magazine's "100 Greatest Beaches in the World."

Salk Institute

In typical man fashion, I ignored all directions given by the Garmin while heading towards La Jolla Beach... In doing so, I came across the work of one of the most inspirational architects of our generation, Louis Kahn!

Although the Salk Institute was closed over the weekend, I was able to befriend a couple security guards who gave me an all-access pass.

View from Salk Institute

View from Salk Institute

Ho-ho

Shout out to my fat dog Ho-Ho...
He is the Homer Simpson of dogs. He is notorious for leaving indents on our couches from long naps and pure laziness.

La Jolla

 









After spending the night in LA with my friends, I drove down to La Jolla to get a taste of what is consider one of California's best beaches. La Jolla means "The Jewel," and it's given name certainly correlated with my experience.





La Jolla turned out to be a tourist hotspot, so I decided to escape the populous and drive further up north towards Del Mar.





Before venturing North, I stopped to eat at Crab Catcher which provided a gorgeous view towards the ocean. Although it was a little pricey, you get what you pay for in this circumstance.



Downtown Los Angeles

With my buddy Nathaniel gone for the weekend, I decided to explore as much as possible within a 48 hour  span. The weekend started with hanging out with some new friends that I met in Los Angeles.