I'm finally able to relax, no commitments, no deadlines, just a long plane flight and the delight of hugging the grandies at the end of it.

I'm going to have a day of "enjoyment" today as I catch the Ocean Express trolley (for the princely sum of $3 round trip) from my hotel to Manhattan Beach.

I'll pack the cases, leave them here at the Hilton and change into the "going home clothes" tonight. The plane leaves at 11.30 pm.

I really enjoyed my day of pleasure yesterday, I booked a tour of the Getty Museum. It took several hours to get there, simply because I had to transfer from the hotel bus to another one situated in the bowels of Hollywood.

The day was clear and fresh, the sun had burnt off the ever present mist here in LA. I traveled from the Grey of tired suburbia to the Glamour of Beverly Hills and the Grand of UCLA. It sat in the bus on the compulsory bright colored velvet seats and watched the changing scene unfold with great interest.

We stopped for an hour in Hollywood and I walked quietly and photographed the things that interested  me, the wonderful orange handbag from Coach, the harshness of BIG advertising, posters, paintings and color. The distinctive individuals add to the street ambiance.

One can never be in doubt that Hollywood is the home of movies.

My first view of the Getty was a surprise. Access is by a small trolley from the car park and it winds up the hill to the museum which sits atop a high Mesa. The views are spectacular. The building imposing and it's all free !!!!

There were four things I wanted to view, portraits, illuminated manuscripts, the garden and information on a past exhibition "Women of Art and Science"

I was able to adequately do it all plus other things in the allotted time.

Th garden is a delight, I hope you spend a little time and view the Gallery it shows the beauty of the landscape in this very special place.

I was able to purchase the prints I loved the most, and a book illustrated by Maria Sibylla Merian and Daughters…..take a look at the video,  art quilters will find it inspiring. You can click on the sound icon on the right hand side for a clear description.

There are spectacular views around every corner of the building, It was a wondrous day.