Architecture

Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA

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Today I am in San Jose and wanted to visit the famous Winchester Mystery House.

“Sarah Winchester was a grieving widow who continuously built (and built and built) onto her initially small, two-story farmhouse to appease the spirits of those killed by the guns manufactured by her husband’s firearms company.”  For the 38 years she lived there, there was continuous construction.

This 160 room stately mansion, known around the world is very bizarre with windows built into the floor, stairs leading to ceilings, doors that open onto blank walls, an obsession with the number 13 and cobweb motifs.  The home became 7 stories, however, after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake it went down to only 4.  In fact, there are many rooms that were damaged in the quake but were left untouched, which was of course quite eerie to see.  Definitely an unforgettable experience and one can only imagine what it could have been like to live there.

Architecture

Coronado Architecture

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Historical House in Coronado, CA

This beautiful home that was built in the late 1880’s is located in Coronado, Ca.  It belonged to one of my best friend’s family for about 40 years.  My good friend and I met in Preschool when I use to live on the island.  I grew up coming to this beautiful home most of my life and have always appreciated the character and the craftsmanship.  Unfortunately it has been recently sold after the passing of my friend’s father, however, I’m truly pleased it was purchased by a lovely caring family who only wants to love it and preserve it.  If only many other older homes on the island would have had similar happy endings.  Unfortunately, many older homes that were on the market were sold to developers who only were interested in the land and not the home itself.  Many homes have been torn down and replaced with new McMansions sometimes with two new homes on the same lot.  This is something that truly breaks my heart and continues today.  Even if a home is older, just like the house that use to be right next door to this one that was also built in the late 1880’s, if it doesn’t have any significance as to something important that may have happened there or belonged to a significant individual, among other things on the checklist, it cannot be protected.  The home that was next door to this one was unfortunately torn down because it didn’t have any significance to it other than just a historical property because of its age.  My goal one day is to be on the board of the HRC Historical Resource Commission in Coronado so that I can perhaps save a few homes.  We must protect and preserve old buildings for future generations.

Places

La Jolla Cove, La Jolla California

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The La Jolla Cove is definitely a must see if you come to visit San Diego, CA.  The small beach is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean.  Take a stroll along the water on the paved pathway that wraps around and with every turn you will see a more beautiful picturesque spot to take a photo or to take a seat and reflect.  You are also guaranteed to see plenty of seals, sea lions, seagulls and pelicans also enjoying the scenery.  Definitely an unforgettable destination.
Architecture

Balboa Park San Diego

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Balboa Park is one of my favorite places to visit here in San Diego, CA where I grew up and currently live.  The California Tower with its Spanish Mexican Architecture proudly stands 200 feet with its beautiful blue and gold tiled dome.  All of the California buildings throughout the park were completed in 1914 and opened in 1915 as part of the Panama-California Exposition.  I’ve always admired these beautiful buildings and would definitely say that Balboa Park is the best place in all of San Diego if you love and appreciate architecture as I do.

Architecture

San Francisco Ferry Building

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The San Francisco Ferry Building was designed in 1892 and was completed in 1898.  At its opening, it was the largest project undertaken in the city up to that time.  It is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay and is also a designated San Francisco landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.  This is also a favorite spot of mine for lunch to enjoy fresh oysters, clam chowder or fish stew with a glass of wine and your companion overlooking the Bay Bridge.  Afterwards you can walk through the marketplace and drool over all of the selection of cheeses, chocolates, homemade ice cream and fresh baked goods.  If you are a foodie who loves boutique food shops, restaurants and a weekly farmers market, then this is the place for you.
Drawings

Hand Drawn with a pencil

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This is a hand drawing I did of my in-laws home located in Turnhout, Belgium.  All I used was pencil, pen, my measuring instruments, a piece of paper all done on my drafting table.  Hand drawing is what I enjoy in which I take much time, effort and love to create.  Though the house has been recently sold, with help of this drawing it will be remembered and admired.

Travel

Hotel Estherea

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The Hotel “Estherea” is located in Amsterdam in a row of 17th century buildings on the “Single”, Amsterdam’s oldest major canal.  This boutique Hotel is definitely a favorite of mine whenever I stay in the City.  It is absolutely charming, has an elegant decor, cozy and has a very friendly and professional staff.  The Hotel is in a great location conveniently located and within walking distance to main places such as the Dam, Central Station, Museums, the Anne Frank House, theaters, shopping and cafes.  If you ever come to Amsterdam, I highly recommend that you visit the Hotel “Estherea”.
Architecture

Rathaus in Hamburg, Germany

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The Rathaus or City Hall is Hamburg’s seat of government.  It is where the Parliament and the Senate assemble.  It its also my favorite building in Hamburg, Germany which construction began in 1886 until it opened in 1897.  This city has a very special place in my heart because it is where my Father is originally from and I grew up visiting on a regular basis.  It is also a place where I lived for one year, went to school to learn the language and was an Aupair for a family.  I look forward to going back this May and enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of this fabulous city.