I'm in Los Angeles this week for work, which has become a monthly pilgrimage. Once every thirty days or so I fly from coast to coast to work out of my company's LA office and spend time with my teammates in sunny CA.
During last month's visit I was able to extend the trip one day and spend some time with friends and do a little exploring. On Saturday afternoon we decided to head to the J. Paul Getty Museum to watch the sun set.
For those who may not be familiar, the J. Paul Getty Museum, better known as the Getty (like Madonna, it only requires a one word name), is one of LA's greatest treasures. It sits a top a giant hill with extraordinary views of the city. More impressive than any of the art work is the building itself and the breathtaking landscaping.
My first visit to the Getty was on a family trip to LA over ten years ago. It was my first time in the City of Angels and the museum visit was far and away my favorite part of the vacation.
Last month's Getty outing was my first time back at the museum since that very first visit.
After taking the tram up the hill, we stepped out onto the platform and this is what we saw:
The sun was just beginning to set. Our timing was perfect!
The steps to enter the museum are dotted with flower pots and sculptures.
We were brainstorming ways to take goofy pictures with this sculpture below, but as we got closer we saw a sign that said, "Do not touch." Plans foiled!
The "Boy with frog" statue garnered a lot of stares!
We walked to the back of the entrance level of the museum and this was the view:
Down below is a walking path that zig zags through the plants, flowers and trees.
I love the way the path is hidden beneath the branches.
I can't even stand how beautiful this is:
The sun seemed to make every single flower, plant and vista that much more incredible.
I took about thirty photos of the sun, but decided to only show you one. You're welcome.
What's so beautiful about the Getty's physical structure is the way it reflects the light.
Once we walked down below to the path, I couldn't help but snap these brightly rimmed succulents.
Down the center of the path runs a babbling brook.
How cute is this girl splashing in the water?
At the bottom of the path is the entrance to the garden. The very first thing you see are these statuesque trees with hot pink flowers.
The garden's focal point is a landscaped water feature. This section of the museum always reminds me of the Queen of Hearts' palace in Alice in Wonderland.
You can get closer to the water by walking down a narrow circling path. There are benches along the way that make for perfect date spots. I know it's creepy, but I had to snap this couple enjoying the view.
Everywhere you look at the Getty people are taking pictures. You can't help yourself!
The blooming flowers all around are simply gorgeous.
As the sun began to dip behind the garden, we took one last round of photos before heading upstairs.
We took the stairs up to the top floor of the museum and scooted out onto the balcony overlooking all of LA.
The sky just got more and more sensational!
It was amazing to watch the garden and the museum below turn from day to night.
Just before we headed back inside I turned around and noticed the sunset was reflecting off the glass windows and the moon had appeared above the building. I whipped my camera back out and took this shot:
Of all the photos I have shared with you on the blog, I think I might be the most proud of this one.
I was completely wowed by the Getty on my first visit a decade ago and that sense of wonder didn't diminish one bit on last month's trip. The Getty continues to be one of the most magical places on earth.
Have you ever been to the Getty? Do you share my love for this wondrous place?
