While living in Bangalore, a quick trip to a friend’s home set in the tea plantations of Conoor (Tamil Nadu) was one of our favorite weekend getaways.
(1) At dusk: tea plantations and mountains of Conoor (2) From our friend’s home – a view of the morning clouds settled in the valley
I grew up in a beautiful, rural area just north of New York City and still hold a love for the countryside. I am fond of summer and the opportunities to escape from city life, enjoying more peaceful places and natural surroundings.
Last month’s weekend getaway was Malibu, California, where we joined friends at a quiet retreat in the canyon and on the beach. I used to live in the area and still love that moment when I reach the crest of a hill and can see the vast Pacific Ocean stretched out before me.
Morning at Point Dume Beach, Malibu
Things to do in Malibu…
In addition to going to the beach, hiking canyon trails, horseback riding, driving along the famed Pacific Coast Highway, sighting celebrities, and shopping – there’s always the Getty Villa, an educational center and museum housing the J. Paul Getty Trust’s extensive collection of antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.
The Villa and its grounds are spectacular – inspired by some of the most beautiful and refined homes of ancient Italy, it creates the perfect setting to display the antiquities.
From my iPhone…
At the Getty Villa: (1) The Outer Peristyle and reflecting pool (2) My favorite fresco (3) A marble sculpture of the Roman goddess of love, Venus – surprised while bathing (4) Upper section of a vibrantly colored fountain in the East Garden
For more information: http://www.getty.edu/visit/
If you’re in the mood for amazing fish tacos – head to the Reel Inn, a favorite shack-style eatery in Malibu, filled with a mix of surfers, locals and visitors.
http://www.reelinnmalibu.com
Or, if you insist on more of “a scene” (albeit casual) that includes the option of dining on the beach – spend an afternoon at the Paradise Cove Restaurant and Private Beach. http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com
P.S. – This is where Malibu-resident and celebrity Pamela Anderson likes to bring her sons for beach-n-eat outings.
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Posted by : Edith Barker at 01:34 AM
Edith Barker & Pollyana Patel quickly became friends after meeting in Bangalore, India. Edith has a dual career in psychotherapy and fashion public relations; Pollyana is an image consultant, model, and the brand ambassador for Ritu & Rochana. They currently have two projects in development under Barker & Patel, and have agreed to join the FashionFad team to share their travels, experiences and musings.
