California Love

I put together the memories of recent weeks in a lucky seven California list:

 * On Nov. 10 our Big Day took place. The ceremony was secular, but to our request , charming officiant read the piece of biblical Hymn of Love. The Best man, lovely bridesmaids and an adorable flower girl all did a fantastic job. The party lasted until late evening hours. Everyone received favor boxes, filled with almonds and folk designed magnets, brought straight from Poland by my sister.  Cake cutting, surprise slideshow for guests and tossing the bouquet to Single Ladies song will remain for long in my memory.

* We really wanted to show our guests the Mission San Juan Capistrano, started by the Spanish Franciscans in the eighteenth century. It is famous for the “miracle of the swallows''. Every year they come back from Argentina exactly on St Joseph Day, which falls in mid-March. Even in California, November is a cold month for them, so we only saw their nests. Luckily, mystical chapel, extremely high and thin palm trees and beautiful gardens await visitors throughout the whole year.

* Newport Beach, where we all stayed is famous for its spacious and very clean beach (alcohol and dogs are not allowed on it). One of the brave guests took a refreshing swim in the Ocean. Cycling, extraordinary sunsets, burgers and hot dogs barbecue hosted by my father-in- law and rehearsal dinner in a buffet type Japanese restaurant– were our local attractions.

* In California, it's hard not be tempted by solid shopping. It seems to me that most of the stores in this beautiful state are bigger than elsewhere. When we were looking for clothes substitute for lost baggage, we found an enormous branch of national chain Forever 21. Abundant selection and concrete discounts immediately put everyone in a good mood.  It is no wonder that apparently tourists come to California just for shopping, to continue it later in Las Vegas.

*A little bit of culture. Although time was in value, we were able to see the Getty Villa (and some also the Hollywood Museum), founded in the last century by an oil tycoon.  After the ancient art exhibits and after walking around the impressive outdoor pool, we went for a drink on the beautiful Santa Monica Promenade. Another cultural itinerary highlight was a movie ''About Time” in an elegant theater, where the waiters deliver drinks and snacks to the screening room . .

* Happy Birthday Martha - a moving inscription read below our bowling score at the Irvine Lanes, where we went for my mother's birthday.  It was great fun, and the after party was continued with wedding cake leftovers and a tasty pizza. Dean received a higher mark than that those playing at the same time local league. #proudwifemoment

* For the final lucky seven, let me go back to wedding. As it is a tradition, my dad spoke during the round of the newlyweds families toast. He wisely referred to the Polish poet Zbignew Herbert - "be faithful and go" to the line of American poet Walt Whitman  ‘’The Song of the Open Road ''. After two weeks our Californian voyage come to an end, but I'm sure, the coming ones will be, also for you Dear readers, similarly great:)

H.xx