Beautiful view

 

Highway 1, California, US

Just consider

What might seem ‘perfect’ for now, might not be Perfect, but is perfect by all means.

Highway 1 (part II) – Listen nature calling

(continued) Big Sur attracted writers like Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac. Nowadays this area still has a mystical radius. When leaving this buzz of creativity you’ll pass Ragged Point. A wonderful cliff with fabulous views on the ocean. It is also a resort so you might want to consider staying there for the night and enjoy the water twinkling under the stars.

From Big Sur we headed further down. We passed Hearst Castle. The palais of William Randolph Hearst. He traveled a lot through Europe and shipped his ideas and the inspiration to the United States. A Roman swimmingpool decorated with gold, antiques and gardens full of flowers.

Our trip brought us along the beautiful nature of Cambria and we ended this second day in Morro Bay. Make sure you find a place to 

stay near the harbor, opposite to the giant rock that is located in the ocean. At night you’ll hear the seals and fire house.

 The next morning we had breakfast at Sunshine Health Foods on Morro Bay Blvd. This street has some lovely little shops and coffee houses. After a big smoothie we were again set to travel further south. (to be continued).

Highway 1 (part I) – Wondering at first

Highway 1 is by far one of the most beautiful roads of the US. Stretching on the east coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Go from north to south so you’ll be driving the seaside of the road. In three nights there’s so much to experience, but if you wish to stay longer there’s enough to find for a seven day trip as well. Find yourself surrounded by the endless Pacific ocean on the right and cloud covered mountains on the left. You’ll gently drive up and down the hills and pass beautiful sites.

Already a few miles south of San Francisco the cypress trees, that grow into the direction of where the wind blows, take away your breath. Drive further down and have a stop over at Santa Cruz and later on in Monterey to watch the large colony of sealions play in the water or resting on the shores. They are fun! Between Pacific Grove and Carmel by the sea is the beautiful 17 mile drive. It is definitely worth the couple of dollar entrance fee..

Make sure you catch the afternoon sun during the trip. The way the light reflects in the water is magical. Choose a nice spot to watch sunset before you check in to one of the many motels along the road or make your tent ready on one of the campgrounds. Not all towns are nice to stay, so be pickey. Big Sur is lovely. A true artist residence, where you’ll find lots of art work, nature and liberal natured people. (to be continued)

Pushing the boundaries

Discussing with entrepeneurial family members about how to run a business, the following quote came up. Referring to all the rules that are set that put blocks on the roads. One to remember: “It is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission.”

Breakfast

My most desirable moment of the day is breakfast, early breakfast. Being in San Francisco gives me the wonderful experience of pasteries, bakeries and coffee houses opening up at 7! So there I am, just freshend up, all lively. Early in the morning during my holidays. A wonderful place to go to in North Beach is La Boulange at Columbus Avenue 543. They have delightful coffees. Not only tasteful, but also beautifully served. The atmosphere and bites are also wonderful. www.laboulangebakery.com

Ensaladilla rusa

Russische salade is een van de meest populaire tapas in Spanje, daarom mocht dit heerlijke gerechtje niet ontbreken op de tapastafel tijdens mijn verjaardagsfeest.

Kook 500 gram roodschillige en vastkokende aardappelen (geschild) in zout water gaar. Laat ze afkoelen en snijd ze in blokjes. In een schaal meng je 100 gram tonijn (in water, uit blik, uitgelekt), anderhalve eetlepel rode wijnazijn, een flinke sjalot (geraspt), een geperst teentje knoflook, beetje peterselie, een theelepel kappertjes, twee eetlepels fijngesneden augurken en een eetlepel gesneden paprika uit pot (pimiento). Doe de aardappelen erbij, 2 hardgekookte en grofgehakte eieren, 3 eetlepels gekookte doperwten en 3 eetlepels gekookte en gesneden wortelen. Voeg zout toe en laat een half uur staan. Schep dan een halve kop mayonaise door de salade, laat nog even staan en serveer op kamertemperatuur.