"Mission" Trip

Disneyland and Hollywood are two main things which I associate with LA. This year though, because my husband and I got a terrible cold while tavelling there, we skipped the major attractions of LA and went to a quiet place instead 

Mission San Juan Capistrano. 

Citrus plants grow nicely in Capistrano

 Situated in Orange County, southern part of LA, it was built by the Spanish church around 1763 to introduce Christianity to Native Americans and to extend colonialism. Dual missions huh. 

The gardens are beautiful. The variety of plans are native to California. Palms, citruses, bougenvilles, cacti, etc.

There were old bells hanging in ancient walls

In the spring time, the swallows are coming from Argentina to nest in the wall here. Leon Rene, the music composer wrote about it in his song : 

When the Swallows come back to Capistrano. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUSC37bLuuU

Instead of swallows, we found hummingbirds and bees

can you see the hummingbird's shadow?

So we took pictures in every nook and cranny. 

The kids love the fountain and kois.

There are some displays and short movies inside the building as well. 

It was a nice weather when we visited. Not too hot nor cold. The air was fresh. The greens were soothing for our eyes. Nice relaxing visit for two sick travellers and three bored kids.

The first sick traveller

He did look congested here, my hubby

Wish to move it inside my house. My succulents are nothing compared to it

so christmasey huh

I found this single maple leaf inside a brick hole in the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Made me remember the single plastic bag and leaves scene in the movie the American Dream. No tight connection whatsoever. Just found it unique.