As Mayor of Portola Valley I had the opportunity to attend the League of
California Cities conference in Long Beach, California. While there, Lynne and
I
visited a number of the sights.
We started our sightseeing at the J. Paul Getty Center. The weather was poor
but the place is truly
spectacular. The center was constructed in the 80's on 750 acres in the
foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. One reaches the center via a 3/4 mile
long tram ride. Here you can enjoy art, dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens,
and a wonderful view.
This is the Central Garden which contains a reflecting pool and a beautiful
maze of 400 azaleas.
More than 300 plant varieties are displayed here.
Many of the buildings surround a courtyard containing a large fountain.
Plants everywhere.
Bird of Paradise is the official flower of Los Angeles.
In Long Beach harbor are the Queen Mary and the Scorpion - a Russian Foxtrot
Class Submarine. Both are must-see displays.
In 1982 the Scorpion was returning to Vladivostok from Vietnam when it ran
into a typhoon that damaged it badly. What to do? Sell it to the Americans !
Lynne proceeds through the hatch and asks, "Where is the ladies room?"
Lynne looks for ships while Ed prepares to dive...
The Queen Mary is now a hotel and tourist attraction. Its fuel efficiency was 13
feet to the gallon!
The Queen Mary carried 24 lifeboats each 36 ft long. It has 12 decks - some
meant
for walking.
While in Long Beach we stayed at the Golden Shore RV Resort, which is on the
waterfront.
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