I can hardly believe that I arrived on the west coast - over 3500 miles from Virginia and I did it!  Santa Barbara is more beautiful than I imagined.  I’ve been to many areas of California, and this is my first time in Santa Barbara.  The art, the restaurants, the night life, the beach, the ocean, the pier, the beauty of this Meditteranean-like coastal area is incredible and I would love to stay here longer.  I know I’ll return because there is a draw here - a feeling that you belong and there’s so much to discover.  The Santa Barbara Mission was a highlight, as were most of the other missions I visited on this journey.  The architecture is what I am drawn to as a photographer and I’m so happy that I had the opportunity to visit this one as it was probably the largest one I’ve ever visited - a must see stop when you’re in the area.

My favorite restaurant was Olio de Limone for Italian (of course) and another night spot that I enjoyed was Buenos Aires for some Tango dancing and such a romantic setting (even as a single visitor - it spoke romance).