ORANGE PICKING AT PAUMA VALLEY

I had the chance to visit a large orange orchard when I was in SoCal; and when I say large, it means a really....really massive farm that stretches from the valley up to the mountain.  We even had to ride the car just to reach some of the orange and lemon groves from the farm house.  I dared not to go up the mountain because I am not built for mountains anymore.  Sometimes, I could not even believe that I used to hike a lot when I was a whole lot younger.

The farm is owned by the lovely Uncle Ben and Aunt Marge Burgos, who hosted a sumptuous lunch for us as well.  The kids enjoyed the trip and frolicked around the "not-so-friendly to adults with back problems" areas.  The adults on the other hand enjoyed picking oranges, lemons, tangerines and blood oranges.  We even got to bring home a rather huge pumpkin!

WHAT I WORE:

shirtdress from H&M

black vest from WALMART'S  CLEARANCE SALE (yup!5 dollars only)

flared pants from HAIDUOYI

scarf from H&M (gift from a good friend)

bag from LUXE

caleen boots from ISABEL MARANT

with Blake

with my lovely Aunt Lou and Uncle Ben

yes, that is my tattooed arm

the Burgos, Almenana ,and Palisoc

BALBOA PARK

I was really excited to go to this park and had it planned  even before I set foot again in California.  The last time I was in California, I was not really able to go around but since I stayed in SoCal for most of my trip, a Balboa Park visit was a must.  I had seen this in countless reference park pictures at work; even used it for some of my projects too.  I consider it as one of the most successful urban parks in California, mainly because a lot of people actually go to this place not just to visit/tour but to actually stay, relax,people watch...you know, those park stuff activities.  Moreover, it has its own sustainability and conservancy strategies that is why it thrives even in drought stricken Cali.  I did not have much time to explore the whole park because I passed by this on the way to the AECOM San Diego office with my mini-me and aunt.

But the truth is, the park did not disappoint at all even if I was there for just a couple of hours.  I was like a kid in the candy store, I could not decide how to maximize my time especially with so much stuffs relevant to my work. There were a good number of people, most taking refuge from the scorching sun and the mayhem of the dense San Diego City.   As an architect, it is a reference project feast.  As a photographer, it is still a visual smorgasbord.  Too bad, I did not have time to go into the museums or the bridge but nevertheless, I enjoyed every bit of it and I will still go back to this place when I return to San Diego.

click the link below to visit their website

BALBOA PARK

the museum entrance

the botanical building

Plaza de Panama

Lily Pond

Lily Pond

view of the botanical building from the lily pond area

like a Monet garden

inside the botanical building

botanical garden

Timken Museum of Art

pedestrian friendly

Japanese garden

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

LOVELY LAKE ELSINORE

It was a very nice morning when we headed out to check Lake Elsinore after going to church.  It was a tad chilly but nevertheless, the sun was up and shining, so that made my day.  Lake Elsinore is just right next to Wildomar and I am telling you, the place is really gorgeous.  I mean, they have a lake a historical downtown, and beautiful sceneries--all the primary components of a must see tourist spot.  However, it could benefit even more from a lot of Landscape Architecture  and Planning to maximise the town's potential, and eventually make a mark as a tourist destination.  My Aunt said that it had its glory days a long time ago. In fact, it used to be really frequented by tourists.  I do wish it can bring back its brilliance once again one of these days.

WHAT I WORE:

black turtleneck from ZARA

striped wide legged pants from H&M

tote bag from COACH

eyewear from MIUMIU

Caleen boots from ISABEL MARANT

couldn't resist taking a shot

in action

how quaint can it be?

California living...palm-lined roads

the ortega mountains as the backdrop

plantation house

sea gulls

the lake

mini me frolicking at the lakeshore