Travels with George and Marta

Last Monday, I had a day to spend on my own in San Diego. My flight did not leave until 4:30 so I had an opportunity to explore. Where to go? G really wanted me to go to Balboa Park.

I left my studio and headed to breakfast. I thought about trying the Hash House but after reading all the warning of the large portions, I decided to go to the Crest Cafe which was also in the Hillcrest area near the park. I had a standard American breakfast of eggs, potatoes and sausage with some wonderful orange juice. Perfect to get me going.

It was a short drive from the restaurant to the entrance to Balboa Park. Named for the Spanish Explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, it is one of the largest urban cultural parks in America. Monday is a slow day at the park since most of the museums are closed so I was able to drive over the Cabrillo Bridge and up Prado Drive to the center and park. It was wonderful driving through the East and West Gateways into the center of the park.

This area of the park was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. This fair was to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal and highlight San Diego as the first American port on the Pacific side of the canal. The buildings are in the Spanish Revival style highlighting much of California history. I loved walking the long arched walkways and peaking into the different alcoves and gardens near the center. It was a highly successful park with over 3.6 million visitors over 2 years.

Today the buildings house several outstanding museums. I did not get a chance to visit any of the museums but more the reason to return. But I did thoroughly enjoy exploring it on an Spring day without the crowds.

Here are some of the beautiful building. (Come back next week to see the botanical wonders of the park)

You can not grow up in California without learning about Junipero Serra and the Spanish Missions. I learned about the different explorers who touched California in the 4th grade. Many countries came to California looking exploit the riches of the area. Sir Francis Drake and the Golden Hind potentially explored Point Reyes in Northern California. Bering explored similar areas for the Russians.

But it was the Spanish that were successful at colonizing the West Coast of the New World. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo touch down in what is now San Diego in September 28 1542 and claimed it for Spain. It was not until the late 1700’s that Spain sent missionaries to the New World to establish settlements. Junipero Serra founded the first church in California at San Diego on July 16, 1769. It was later moved inland to the current site in 1774 to be closer to water.

I have been fascinated by these men who decided to leave their homeland for unknown lands. We visited Spain in 1985 and toured the area of Extremadura. How similar the land with golden rolling hills dotted with trees. I’ve often wondered what they thought when they traveled inland in California and found areas that reminded them of Spain.

The first mission founded was in San Diego. I finally got a chance to visit it during the Slow Travel get together. Here are some photos of the beautiful small first mission of California.