Paineiras...

On a Sunday afternoon, after a nice lunch we decided to take a walk around our neighborhood. Watch the houses, the people, get to know this place a little better.

For my surprise, I saw a Paineira that was in bloom and I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Then I remembered when I got here and realized that Paineira trees (that's their name in Brazil) are very common here in L.A. By the time, for me, was a nice welcome seeing a Brazilian tree around here. It made me feel more at home.

The Paineira Tree Flower

The empties water jugs waiting for the "Water Guy"...

I love the old cars, specially with two-tone painting

El Grito!!!

September the 16th. is the Independence Day of Mexico and they have a beautiful tradition "El Grito" where the president on the September 15th. night, screams to the Mexican People "Viva Mexico!"



We decided to go on a weekend to Olvera Street, here in Downtown L.A. It's supposed to be where this City was founded. A place where the Mexican traditions are everywhere, is almost like to be in some "Zocalo" in any City in Mexico.



Here I add some photos of this amazing Street.

Such a rich culture with so many different aspects...

A remaining of truly colonial architecture constructive system.

More photos....Hwy 78

I'm adding this pictures because I finished scanning some more pictures of the Sep roll.

Escondido

A couple weeks ago, I decided to make a nice weekend ride. The opportunity came when we decided to visit some relatives at Escondido. I planned my route on a longer way on one way and a faster way back. I did a total of 280 mi.

My first route was through minor highways to get to know better all this region. 160 mi. 6h. I started at the PCH heading South from L.A. to San Juan Capistrano. Nice ride through the beaches although the traffic was a little bit annoying. From Capistrano I took the 74 Hwy, called Ortega Hwy, heading east across the mountains to the lake Elsinore. Most scenic part of the trip. From there I head south via streets to Temecula, small town known for some vineyards. Stopped at the little old town that has a weekend buzz with lots of HD.

From there I took the a road to Pala inside Indian reservations and then the S66 through a Valley to Escondido. This last part from Temecula to Escondido was very interesting to see the Indian reservations. Without the big suburbs residential areas you can get a better idea of the geography of California and the nature. Apart of two big Casinos I saw some really small ones close to what could be described as a Ghost Small Town. Seen some Hawks following you on the roads was an amazing experience.

My way back was only on the Fwy because I have only a couples of hours to come back.

Unfortunately roll on my camera was near the end and I had the chance to take just a couple of photos all at the Ortega hwy. Here are two and later when I have the time to scan one more I'll post it.

74 Ortega Hwy, California

Lake Elsinore View

The beaultiful Apollonia

1st photo

Film: 35mm Ilford Delta iso 100

camera: Nikon F50 with orange filter

Developed and printed at Swan photolab. (machine developed)

Subject: Vespa GT 200 on Parking lot at L.A. Downtown.

1st Post

This is my first and introdutory post. I decided to create my own blog after seen a couple. I think it's a good way to share my experiences with the world. It is a not a diary, but a tool where I can publish my photos and my rides with my Vespa.
The photos idea started when I decided to go back to black and white photography from back Architecture School days.
When I realized that my sister in law has a SLR film camera and the equipment to build a dark room, I decided to start again with photography. For me as an Architect, taking photos is a chance to see the details; buildings, streets, landscapes, people, life.
So, until now I went for the camera, bought a orange filter, a roll and started shooting. I still have to prepare the dark room. So the first film I send to a laboratory to be developed and printed, to see how was my skill after all these years. The result was not bad, although lab printing is not the same as yourself. On the next post I'll upload some. Now I started my second roll and I hope that when I finish it, I'll have the dark room ready.

Peace!