Monday, March 25, 2013

Spring Break (Photo of the Week)


We had spring break last week, and although we spent the time at home, it was very relaxing. The Geek took the week off as well and we had some really good time together. None of us sat at the computer very much which was a wonderful change.

The Geek and I took a lovely walk at our laguna where there are old trees in the vineyards on the way to the water.


The hawks were circling over this area, but they were quite far off to capture them on camera.


Kaefer had one project to do for school, and for this we had to go to the beach at sunset. The first time we went the sun was pretty absent... it was very windy and cold, and we didn't stay long.


The problem is that we can never tell what the weather is like at the ocean when we're still home. Only a few miles closer to the coast everything can change and you go from sunny and warm to foggy and cold.

We spent a day in San Francisco to see the famous Terracotta warriors of China's first emperor. I had seen them years ago in Hildesheim, Germany, but it was just as  fascinating as back then. If you ever have the chance to see them, go. You won't regret it.

Photo of the Week

The exhibition displays eight of the warriors and two horses - out of a complete army. It's unbelievable to imagine this work at 200 BC! It was more than inspiring.

We actually looked at all the exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum - it really makes you tired after a certain time. So we thought it would be nice to have a good meal and went to Suppenküche, a German restaurant in the city, and had a wonderful cooling glass of beer (Hefeweizen).


Gosh, that was good. The food was fabulous as well and very authentic. We sure weren't there for the last time. The restaurant is relatively small and reminds me of a German Bierstube. You sit at big wooden tables, and if all the tables are occupied you will share it with strangers, just scoop together and leave more space for other people (NOT for a romantic dinner!). This is the way we do it in Germany in many places, and you can actually make wonderful friends this way. If you have ever been to a German Biergarten you know what I'm talking about!

After a day of rain we tried the beach again for Kaefer's project. We first had a bowl of clam chowder at our favorite restaurant in Bodega Bay, the Sandpiper, and found out that they are under new management, and I'm not quite sure that this change did the restaurant any good. We will see. At the beach it was windy and cold again, but there was the sun and we could actually enjoy a beautiful sunset.


While Kaefer was working on her project and the Geek was helping her, I took pictures - what else?


Since the weather was so nice (except for the one day of rain, but I actually liked that since we still need quite some more rain) I worked in the garden - I laid a new path in the flower beds in front of the house, planted some more flowers and got my olive tree, that had lived in a pot, into the ground. It is often hard physical work, but envisioning my garden kept me doing it - a good thing.

waiting to get into the ground

And yes, there was also some resting, reading and just relaxing - it was time to get out the hammock!


It was a wonderful week, spent with my family and sometimes a few friends. I am quite surprised how relaxing it was and how good I feel right now.

I hope all of you are doing well and can enjoy some spring if you're in the Northern hemisphere.



13 comments:

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Herrliche Fotos :) Von Frühling können wir hier derzeit nur träumen, es ist bitterkalt und stürmisch. Überall liegen noch Schneereste.... Der Winter will dieses Jahr so gar nicht weichen.

Kate North said...

We went to see the Terracotta Warriors when they were at the British Museum a few years ago - they are really amazing. Can't remember how many we saw, but it was a few more than what you mention. I'd love to see even more of them!

Kay L. Davies said...

Beautiful sunset eventually, and I'm glad you went to see the Warriors. We actually saw them in China, where the whole dig is covered by a big building to keep the weather off the terra cotta. It was awesome to see them.
K

Magic Love Crow said...

Fantastic pictures!! The famous Terracotta warriors of China's first emperor looks amazing! I will join you for a beer next time ;o) Take Care ;o)

windrock studio said...

It sounds like you all had a wonderful Spring break ... good days together, good food & drink.
All of these photos are truly amazing, each one just beautiful!

Willkommen auf meiner Kreativseite. said...

Was für herrliche Fotos sind das wieder! Ich hoffe, dass der Frühling sich irgendwann auch zu uns verirrt. Der Winter will dieses Jahr kein Ende nehmen. So langsam reicht es mit dem Frost.

Liebe Grüße aus dem Eisschrank
Renate

Elephant's Child said...

That sounds like a fabulous break. IF his health permits my partner hopes to go to China later this year or early next. The terracotta warriors are certainly on this wish list.
Your photos are, as always, stunning. And isn't working in the garden rewarding - and by the time things bloom the hard work is but a distant memory.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Carola, Such a gorgeous photo of the Pink Cherry Blossom(??).. The photo of the grand old tree in the vineyard is gorgeous. I love the photos of the "Sea".. No gardening or laying in the Hammock yet for us but hopefully soon. Your week sounded fantastic. Have a lovely week. Hugs Judy

Darla said...

Looks like you had a wonderful week. We are so lucky to have so much to see and do right in our own backyards so to speak. No need to go out of town (although I did).

Darla

patty said...

Sounds like a wonderful "stay-cation", Carola, in every way! Beautiful photos - thanks for taking us along!!

Tammie Lee said...

it looks
and sounds
as though you had a wonderful time away
from your computer
such wonderful images ~

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a fantastic visit! I love the terra cotta wariors photo (will have to try to go see them in town). And I am crazy about the colors in the first photo.
Rinda

Ginnie Hart said...

Sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered, Carola. When you mentioned Hildesheim, Germany, my ears really perked up because that's one city I absolutely love and remember well. It tickles me that I can actually relate to some of your home country, just as you can to mine. :)