For the past month I have been back in California, also known as my homebase. After a couple weeks down south I enjoyed a spectacular drive up the coast from Encinitas to Oakland with my super fun-loving cousin Tara. This gave me the chance to take in large doses of the best stuff that California has to offer: fresh air, breathtaking coastline and delicious summer produce.
Here are some snaps of my time in California, including my amazing visit to see my lifelong friend Lynne in Lake Arrowhead, and my meandering drive up the coast. The roadtrip itinerary called for stops in Thousand Oaks, Big Sur, Pacific Grove and Monterey Bay on the way up to destination Oakland.
Encinitas is a place I never mind calling home.
Reconnecting with caffeine and pesto in the best way possible.
Pizza! Oh how I missed you. Basic is one of my absolute favorites!
Lucky me, got to make a visit to Lynne and take a gorgeous walk around Lake Arrowhead with her & her fiance Brian
Followed by a sun soaked trip to the beach with Brian’s son charming son!
A few hours up the coast, I spent some quality time with the cousins in Thousand Oaks
Then Tara and I kicked off our roadtrip! Coasting up the 1 highway is my favorite drive in the world
Late lunch break! Picnic near San Louis Obispo
Silvery sunset to cap off the night
In Big Sur we stopped for a night at the Fernwood Motel, which was the best deal in town and literally just off the 1. Their bar was hopping with locals, visitors and a couple bands. Rumor had it that we missed out on a drop-in acoustic performance by Bright Eyes just the night before. Unbelievable! Nonetheless was a perfect stopover, and let us get in a nice morning hike before continuing on our drive in the AM.
For brunch we swung through Pacific Grove for avocado & egg croissant sandwiches, at the Red House Cafe, which absolutely hit the spot. Continuing along the coast to Monterey Bay aquarium, where I hadn’t been since highschool was another highlight as I got up-close and personal snapping photos of the jellies and seahorses for a couple hours of nerdy bliss.
Early morning stroll through a redwoods grove in Big Sur.
My morning coffee in Big Sur. Nothing to complain about here.
By the seashore somewhere between Carmel and Monterey
Enjoying unhindered afternoon of silliness at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
Finally, arriving in the Bay Area couldn’t have been any sweeter as it was my first opportunity to meet the latest addition to my family, little miss Sydney Jane, in person for the first time!
Chatting with Syd
Syd meeting Totoro
Being back in the Bay Area was also special because the Open Shutters Iraq exhibition I helped to organize in Berkeley finally came together! The week of events featuring photography and films by Iraqi women stimulated a lot of conversation in the community. My hope is that this will only lead to more opportunities for storytellers around the world to engage international audiences of all ages.
Open Shutters Iraq: a photography exhibition
With my dream team of builder/designers who helped make the exhibition at the Berkeley International House possible.
