Weekend in Los Angeles

There was this itch.  That of not having been on a road trip to one of our favorite haunts in all California.  That of the L.A area visit that we had a run rate of visiting at least once in six months.  It had been close to 18.  Had to do it.  Had to.

So we went.  This glorious summer weekend.  On the itinerary were places to see that keep surprising us and keep confirming our faith that there is still a lot left.  Food of course.  Mountains and sand and sea.  Pacific majesty to what some might call God's amazing grace and places where folks go to worship this unseen entity.  It was all on the agenda.

First stop - Santa Clara valley and its neighboring hills.  A place carved by geology.  A site for Star Trek fans where some scenes were immortalized.  Had to check it out.  This place is called the Vasquez Rocks.

Star Trekkies come to hang (literally since it is good rock climbing too) and it is a backdrop to a scene with Capt Kirk 

The park is an open acreage where the PCT also runs through and an occasional hiker is seen making their way to Canada from San Diego.

Followed by some amazing Cuban cuisine.  Yes - lots of it.  And some baked goodies.  Porto's in Burbank is a family run business for decades.  We stuffed ourselves with a lot of seasonal items including this awesome guava infused barbecued pork sandwich on sweet bun.  That right there made the trip worth it.

Sandwich and fresh plantain chips - more than filling

This was then followed by a visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills.  An eastern burb of the LA Area around 50 miles out.  This was a volunteer built magnificence made with Indian sandstone and Carrara marble and wood detail in teak.  It is a temple for Krishna Radha - among the most eminent in the Hindu pantheon.

BAPS mandir

Sanctum Sanctroum - the roof is hand carved marble and the whole edifice is Quake Proof

After soaking in some Hinduism we headed back west to hit up a glass cathedral.  It is the largest glass structures in the world created by an architect who lived to be 98.

Glassy eyed by the time we were done

The main building is being renovated but there is acres to wander in the campus and impressive structures and water features to hang out.  We had some Vietnamese Sesame balls for a snack from local vendors.

From there another drive to another chapel - this designed by Frank Lloyd's son on a hill overlooking the Pacific.  Another hour in the car but enjoyable as we drove past the port of Long Beach to get here.

Wayfarer Chapel based on Swedenborg ideology

Evening on Redondo Beach

Last workout before nap time

Finally we wove our way to the coast (Redondo Beach) to play in the water before bedtime.