Top 5 Reasons To Attend An Art And Wine Faire.

*From the October 2014 archive*

1)  Great food (and supposedly great wine, though I don’t drink because I drive to these events).  There’s something for the whole family to enjoy, even games for the kids.

2)  Hard-working artists displaying their work outdoors under tents (paintings, sculptures, etc.).

3)  Live bands and independent solo artists play great music.

4)  These events take place on closed streets, and along these closed streets are small businesses and restaurants.  Why not show your support for small businesses?

and…..

5)  Check out a few of the photos I took from the San Carlos Art And Wine Faire this past weekend, and you decide if an Art And Wine Festival in your town (or near your town) is worth it…

 

A Nice Sunday Stroll Through Downtown Carmel.

*From the October 2014 archive*

My original plan was to experience the annual four-day “Taste Of Carmel” Festival.  But because of time restrictions I had during that weekend, I’ll only provide two hours of a review in this blog.

The weather was perfect to walk through the lively downtown Carmel.  I felt a sense of Europe, and this place brought back personal fond memories.  The place definitely lives up to its reputation of Bohemian Culture, which was first founded here in the early 1900’s.  Everyone that walks through here will be surrounded by art and culture.  Numerous art galleries, wine-tasting venues, and cultural imports shops (such as a Turkish Imports store) fill up the downtown area.  People from all over the world visit here.  I even met a couple of women from Great Britain and New York at the Carmel Coffee And Bakery Company.  (On another note, make sure to stop into Carmel Coffee And Bakery Company if you’re a La Boulange Cafe’ or Starbuck’s Fan.  They are located on Ocean Ave, between Dolores St. and Lincoln St.  You can contact them at 831-626-8885.)

Two of my other personal favorites here are: Robin’s Jewelry and Chuckle’s Cards And Gifts.  I met Robin in the hallway of the Doud Craft Studios (an indoor mini-plaza of stores), complementing her on her outfit.  Because she has a great personality, I couldn’t help but stop by her store where her apprentice Keeza was creating more jewelry.  Yes, they make their products by hand with sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, shells, natural materials, and of course…a lot of love.  Visit their website at: www.robinsjewelrycarmel.com .  And for Chuckle’s Cards And Gifts, you’ll get a good laugh with the humorous products they sell.  You can visit them at: 3 Dolores NW 0f 6th Ave.  Or you can contact them at:  (831) 293-8023.

Make sure to visit Carmel and its beach.  You’ll see why it’s ranked the 2nd best small city in the U.S. by Conde’ Nast Traveler, and rated one of America’s best beach towns by National Geographic Traveler.

                        

Why Would You Not Want To See This?

*From the October 2014 archive*

A few photos I took at Ocean View Blvd. and Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove.

   

Jameson’s Classic Motorcycle Museum – “Show ‘Em, Don’t Stow ‘Em!”

*From the October 2014 archive*

     

If you’re ever in Pacific Grove definitely visit Jameson’s Classic Motorcycle Museum. You’ll be happily greeted by the owner himself, Neil Jameson. He’s been collecting motorcycles and sidecar rigs for 60 years, which is basically the reason why he opened this museum. I was amazed by his vintage bike models, and also the models he has acquired from other countries. The museum’s motto is “Show ‘Em, Don’t Stow ‘Em!” He will happily answer any questions you may have. Neil even gave me advice on how to find a motorcycle for myself, and he gave advice on what places I should visit in Pacific Grove.

Here’s the info. for your visit:
Address – 305 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA
Phone – (831) 331-3335
E-mail – neil@oldgeezersatlarge.com
Hours – Open weekends 12p.m.-5p.m. and by appointment.
Admission is free, but there is a $2 suggested donation to maintain the utilities.

Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, And Justin Timberlake.

*From the October 2014 archive*

Driving down California’s Highway 1 making a right into Monterey and Pacific Grove, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Don’t,’ Charli XCX’s ‘Boom, Clap,’ and Justin Timberlake’s ‘Not A Bad Thing’ plays on the radio while I’m enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean.  If I had a drop-top on my car, I would’ve definitely used it.  But putting the windows down was enough to enjoy the breeze, and the mid-80’s temperature with the sun.

Enjoy the photos and definitely visit this place.  These photos are near Lover’s Point (where there was actually a wedding taking place the day I went).  It also makes a great weekend getaway.  The prices for hotel/motel rooms are a bit high in my opinion, but you can find lower-cost alternatives away from the busy tourist spots.  It’s worth visiting, whether it’s by yourself, your family, or your significant other/spouse.

“Travel Allows Me To Better Understand The World I Live In.” – Paul Esposito

London – A Basic Requirement For Any World Traveler (Or ‘Traveller’ According To The U.K.)

Usually I would type in facts and reasons why people should visit a specific place, but I think this place is self-explanatory.  Yes! I would highly recommend visiting this place especially if you’ve never been here.  I remember walking from the hotel in Vincent Square, getting closer, and slowly seeing the top of the clock tower rising above the other sites along the way.

There are many great places and attractions to see here.  I’ve only dealt with the nightlife for a few nights, but it’s definitely a lively experience.  One activity I highly recommend is taking a boat ride at night, cruising through the Thames River.  I’ve seen many great places at night, but I think this activity ranks at the top of my list.

Russian-American Fair

‘Dah!’ I wanted something different and cultural today 🙂

 

Odessa, Ukraine

It’s been 2 years since I’ve been here, but I’m still in disbelief.  If I never had friends of Slavic origin, and if I wasn’t dating a woman in Odessa at that time,  I probably would’ve never visited this place or become curious about Eastern Europe in general. But I’m glad that it happened and I consider the place as a ‘jewel.’ It’s too bad that the terrible situation is occurring.  Visiting Ukraine again  (and Russia for the 1st time) are still on my list of travel. Although most of my visit was an extreme test of my Russian-speaking abilities,  I enjoyed the artistic and cultural sites. The 2 photos I’m showing are the famous Odessa Opera House, and the famous Potemkin Steps entering the city from the Black Sea port. There are many facts but here are a few:

-Catherine The Great was one of the city’s founders.

-Duke de Richelieu was the 1st governor (statue of him at the top of Potemkin Steps).

 -Potemkin Stairs named after Grigory Potemkin.

-Has one of the largest seaports in the area.

-Diverse culture and nationalities.  Odessa is known for its large Jewish Diaspora. They speak Russian and Ukrainian,  but they also have their own language. 

– 

–

Lake Tahoe

C-Factor Encyclopedia

I haven’t been here in years, but it’s interesting to find certain locations at certain times.

View original post