staycation: part II

Something about living a cloistered, self-sustained life in an old Spanish mission really appeals to me. Maybe because there would be chores like making olive oil in a stone grinder and squishing grapes in a huge brick pool. That is what I learned at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano on day two of our LA staycation. We braved the unpredictable weather, packed a picnic lunch, and headed south for a taste of Spanish colonialism. And we crossed it off our LA to do list!

 
My dad would have LOVED this koi pond. The koi were humongous.

The sun came out for a little while!


Also, how cool is this green wall? Nature's insulation. How long will it take to grow this on my house?



The mission bells are still rung for special occasions, always by a member of the Garcia Cruz family, descendants of the original bellringer Jose. They ring for the swallows' return and deaths in the family.


Then we headed to the Hidden House for a cup of Mayan hot chocolate to warm our bellies.


For dinner, the Fisherman's Restaurant for a healthy dose of seafood. Oysters Rockefeller, fisherman's chowder, bucket o' clams, tangy warm sourdough bread. The restaurant is right on the pier in San Clemente, and I'll bet the views are stunning at sunset on a day when the rain isn't coming in sideways and the wind doesn't steal your umbrella.


Staycation tres is coming soon, so stay tuned!