Pacific Ocean View
Recently, taking a trip up the
winding coastline, where the Pacific Ocean washes the California shore, I paid
a visit to the charming town of Santa Barbara. Splendid houses climb up the steep
hills overlooking a blue oceanscape decorated with drifting sailboats.
Santa Barbara Sailboats
The warm Spanish flavor of the architecture
adds a marvelous contrast to the pastel tones of the water and sky meeting in
the far horizon. Following an interesting day of
fine art and gallery conversations, I strolled down to the pier. The refreshing, cool wind blew,
escalating in its chilliness the further I walked down the antique wood planks
suspended high above the ocean waters.
Santa Barbara Pier Ocean View
The leisurely rhythm of life
therapeutically relaxed, and even the soaring seagulls enjoyed the laid back
atmosphere. Somehow each and every visitor,
leaving his or her cares behind, looked transformed, strolling down
the sandy beach, basking in the sunlight. Cheerful children played, drawing
pictures in the wet sand.
Santa Barbara Pier
No matter the pleasure of an
ocean experience, the freezing wind drove me away to seek the warm comfort of State
Street, heated by the shinning sun. The town began to transform
itself. Closed to all car traffic, the street now filled with musicians, artist
and singers, coming out for their evening performances. A farmers market,
selling beautiful flowers, fruits, honey, delighted local shoppers.
A delicious café latte and éclair
As I observed the windows of
small boutiques, the sweet assortment of a local bakery lured me through its
open doors into an interior of classic black and white tile, ornamental
furniture and charming paintings. The eventful day famously
concluded by sipping a hot café latte and sampling a scrumptious éclair, while watching the world float by slowly through a glazed window.
