During Spring Break, my family and I decided to head to Southern California. We braved the LA traffic to spend a day at the Getty Center. Tim and I spent one of our very first dates at the MoMA in LA about 23 years ago, and it was time for a little reprisal of sorts.

The day was beautiful, and we were happy for a break from the Laguna Beach fog. I was very interested in the controversial gardens designed by artist Robert Irwin. We had never seen the museum and we went to every single gallery to take in the Van Gogh, Degas, Titian, Monet, as well as the current exhibits which included a fantastic display of Chinese Photography. 

 By now, everyone is familiar with the breathtaking architecture of the Center by Richard Meier, but seeing it in person is another thing altogether. The combination of structure and landscape was stunning. As much as I admired and appreciated all the glorious art inside, the exterior spaces were just spectacular.

There was a little mystery we had great fun with along the way. We came upon what appeared to be an umbrella that was left behind by a careless visitor to the museum (see above). We had stopped for a coffee at a stand in the courtyard, and found it hanging from a tree. Best to leave it there so when the visitor remembered it, they would find it again. We continued on our way.

 But it seemed that this forlorn umbrella had picked us as its new family. We found it hanging from a railing as we overlooked the city. How did it get here?

 We moved on to see the gardens that were part of the design by Richard Meier's team...

 We felt like we were in a village clinging to the side of a mountain....

 ....as we made our way down to the Central Garden, the area designed by Robert Irwin. We traversed the cobbled stream bed......

 ....and wound our way down to the story book bougainvillea arbors....

 ....and on around the pool we strolled, taking in the garden sights and the beautiful day...

 ...when we came across our little friend. It seems that it had seen the Red Balloon and was playing the same game...

 Well....we played along. New friends are not to be taken for granted.

We saw each other again....

 ...but it was getting late. We walked back to the tram to go back to our car....

 Our friend decided to wave goodbye as we boarded the tram and left.....

I hope you have a chance to visit the Getty Center the next time you are in Southern California. Plan to make a day of it....there is so much to see, ...... and shade is provided for free whenever you need it.