A Trip to Santa Barbara

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.

Elena Baranoff - Santa Barbara Ocean
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.

Elena Baranoff - Santa Barbara Pier
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- Elena Baranoff
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.

Elena Baranoff - Santa Barbara Cafe
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.    


No comments:

Post a Comment