A Castle of Dreams

I live in Europe. Castles? Puh! I’ve seen them all! I’ve been to some of the world’s most beautiful and historic castles. What castle does America have to offer that could ever compare to those I’ve already seen? That was what I thought when Hearst Castle popped up in a suggested itinerary. But since I was en route to San Francisco, might as well drop by and check it out. I’ve always been an inquisitive traveller. Even if you think you’ve seen it all - there’s always more to see! So, I made up my mind. I went to Hearst Castle, albeit  without much excitement.

     
After procuring tickets in the main building near the estate’s entrance, I rode a bus up the hill and through the property. A lively commentary played all the way up, sharing the key points of the castle’s history. It told the story from way back to the Gold Rush of America. From a man’s dream to a son’s strategic investment up to the completion of the castle. The vastness of the parkland was mind-boggling. Back in the days there were all kinds of exotic animals roaming the estate, like camels, ostriches, kangaroos, and even giraffes! Now, zebras could still be seen grazing in the ranch. 

    
So you can imagine my interest mounting as the bus rode higher and higher. Add to that the lush landscape and the fresh wind from the ocean below; I wasn’t so skeptical anymore. Then I got off the bus and beheld the castle grounds — I was enthralled!

    
Now, if you’ve read my previous post of feeling the world (Blogpost: Go Feel the World), well this was one of those moments were I just forgot all those other castles I’ve seen and just looked at everything with new eyes. And I felt it. I felt the castle. I felt the history. I felt everything! I saw a man’s dream turn into reality and an architect’s vision realized. I felt the love and determination that formed the foundations. I just felt it. 

     
It wasn’t a European medieval castle, it was more like a cross between a castle and a  mansion. Hearst Castle had every modern luxury. From cavernous rooms, to indoor swimming pools, even a private cinema, Hearst Castle had it all — and that was already decades before! The guesthouses are lovely bougainvillea-covered buildings. I was particularly fond of them! But those flowers! The flowers made the place come alive; a medley of colors that adorned the property and turned everything fresh and inviting. 

     
Enough said. I highly recommend you visit Hearst Castle. Take a short trip back in time to a world of billionaires and socialites. Where celebrities, tycoons and politicians mingled. Where extravagance is commonplace and summer days are seemingly eternal. But most importantly, take a trip to a place that reminded me that even the wildest dreams can come true. 

Thank you for reading!

Luxury Redefined

When I think of the French Riviera I associate it with anchored yachts, elegant people, and excessive luxury. It’s a world of flaunted wealth and hidden scandals, of gaiety and intrigue set in the backdrop of pebbled shores, blue waters, and a sun-kissed sky. My curiosity was piqued. With all that in mind, I wondered...what had Nice to offer to a simple traveler? 

          
It turned out that Nice is more than just a stop for the famously rich to soak in the sun. The old town center was a charming mix of twisting roads and colorful houses. A wonderful combination of European charm and Mediterranean flare. I even got to experience the luxury that the Côte d’Azur is so famous for. Now, I didn’t drive down the coast in a Lamborghini. And I didn’t party on a yacht. But I did walk along the Promenade des Anglais in the late afternoon sun. I did take a refreshing dip in the ocean and then I did get to watch the sun turn the sky in the softest pastel shades. As I sat there in quiet contentment I thought to myself: I did get a taste of luxury after all.

Thanks for reading!