Around Town
25 Jul 2012
I’ve been snapping a lot of quick pictures these past few weeks as Eric and I have been out and about, and I wanted to compile them into some kind of miniature treasury of Pasadena in the summer. So, here goes. Norma’s Tacos is just about the cutest little place I’ve ever seen. We stumbled upon it on a Sunday afternoon walk, and I was utterly charmed. I love restaurants that used to be other things, and gas stations pretty much top the list. They were closed when we stopped by, but I want to go back and try their nopales tacos.
They have so lovingly restored the gas pumps that I was expecting Humbert Humbert to pull up in the old Haze jalopy any minute.
In other cute restaurant news, this little place called Ginger opened in an old convenience store across the street from a park I frequent. I haven’t been inside yet, but I saw some pictures, and it looks adorable in there.
While this picture is totally grainy, I am so glad I took it. It’s taken from the parking garage where we left the car when we went to buy my new computer. It started raining on us on the way back (such a rarity around here!), and then Eric noticed that the sunset was just incredible, full of rich purples and pinks. The air was so muggy and thick, you’d think the sky was just melting, color by color.
I might have laughed at you a year ago if you’d told me that my main use for the iPhone would be to take pictures of beautiful colors I see in the course of my daily life, but it is, in fact, really good for that. This shade of green is so gorgeous to me.
Nothing like an antique clock to complete the ensemble.
This last picture is from the Athenaeum, where we went last night for a reception honoring this big project Eric is working on. We wondered if there would be enough food to make it dinner…and then we ate our weight in cheese. Really, really good cheese. Going to the Ath always feels special (it’s a Caltech club they built so that Einstein would have a suitable place to wine and dine), and I’d like to think I’m capturing it bit by bit. I only take a few pictures each time I go, but I hope they’ll add up to a record of the magnificent place it is and to the handful of special occasions I’ve celebrated there.
Jul 25, 2012 @ 06:24:51
I love the way the numbers seem to randomly rotate as they go around the face of the clock. I also love that you find delight in a battered green door. I also love you.
Dad
Jul 25, 2012 @ 08:20:17
I love that about the clock too! And I love you! 🙂
Jul 25, 2012 @ 09:16:59
Your town looks adorable, and it’s so great that you’re documenting it with the fabulous photos! I love the colors and sunsets and little things that you appreciate.
When Jacob and I were in Chicago recently, we visited a delicious taco place that used to be a gas station. The coincidence makes me want to come down and try Norma’s, and more important: see you!
Jul 25, 2012 @ 22:28:37
Thank you! It has been really fun to slowly discover all its hidden treasures:) It would be so awesome to have you here for a visit–just let me know when you’re heading down!
Jul 25, 2012 @ 16:43:54
I thoroughly enjoyed your photographic wanderings. And I envy you being in a place where you can actually go for a walk this time of year. Thanks to your post, I feel like I’m seeing the sites with you.
Jul 25, 2012 @ 22:29:25
Well, it was a hot walk, but we had frozen yogurt to sustain us! We have a lot of new places we want to take you next time you come. Eric just went to a brewery in Eagle Rock that he says you will really like!
Jul 27, 2012 @ 10:15:41
I love these photos! Really beautiful. Your town is too cute, I love California!
Jul 29, 2012 @ 22:03:49
Thank you so much! We are still working on feeling at home here, but I like these little gems I find from time to time.