3.18.25

Bike to Hermosa Beach Pier

Lavender latte at Java man

Outdoor Gym and biking on a windy day.

Spending time with Mom and Dad

 3.17.25

Spending time with Mom and Dad 

When it was about lunch time, my Dad is like…

“There is this place that makes their bagels fresh daily and big pieces of steaks together makes a spicy steak bagel sandwich.

Want to try it?”

Paul is like

“Sure, where do I go?”

He then give us the direction to go to this special restaurant…

Guess where it is?

Panera!!!

They a new menu

My Dad and Paul got Spicy steak bagel

And my mom and I got chicken Roma bagel

Each comes with free chips

And… they bake fresh everyday!

What a treat from Dad! Plus Mom’s smoothie.

Ojai Trip

 What we did in Ojai 1/26-1/28/25

History

Ojai, California, has a rich history shaped by its Indigenous heritage, Spanish influence, and transformation into a modern-day retreat known for its arts, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Early History: The Chumash People

The Ojai Valley was originally inhabited by the Chumash people, who lived in the region for thousands of years. They thrived off the land, using the Ventura River and surrounding oak trees for food and resources. The name "Ojai" is believed to come from the Chumash word Awha'y, meaning "moon."

Spanish & Mexican Era (1700s–1800s)

During the Spanish colonization of California, the Chumash were forced into missions and their population declined due to disease and displacement. In the early 19th century, under Mexican rule, the land was granted to settlers as ranchos.

American Settlement & Development (1800s–1900s)

In 1837, the land was part of Rancho Ojai, granted to Fernando Tico. After California became part of the U.S. in 1848, settlers arrived, including R.G. Surdam, who purchased the land in 1864 and attempted to establish a town.

By the late 1800s, Edward Drummond Libbey, a glass tycoon from Ohio, fell in love with the valley and played a key role in its redevelopment. In 1917, he transformed Ojai’s downtown with a Spanish Revival architectural style, including the iconic Ojai Arcade, Post Office Tower, and Libbey Park.

A Cultural & Spiritual Retreat (1900s–Present)

Ojai became a hub for artists, spiritual seekers, and wellness enthusiasts. Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti made Ojai his home in the 1920s, attracting global intellectuals. The city also gained a reputation for its hot springs, organic farming, and boutique resorts.

Today, Ojai remains a small, picturesque town known for its arts scene, wineries, hiking trails, and wellness retreats, drawing visitors looking for relaxation and inspiration.

The name "Ojai" originates from the Chumash word 'awha'y (A-HA-EE), which translates to "moon." It refers to a Chumash village named 'Awha'y that once thrived ...

1880’s dig oil Stanford brothers… oranges… 

Railroads Ventura to Ojai… 

Libby love the area. 

1916- he brought the properties and change to Spanish style town center 

Sunday (1/26/25)

Farmers Market (Mandarins)

Bart’s Books store (hide from the rain)

Magic Hour (hot tea)

Check into Capri Hotel

Libby Park (fountain)

The Arcade (1917) 

Ojai Pub (meet up with Mike and Jenny, watch football)

Pinyon (farm to table dinner)

Monday (1/27/25)

Snow in the mountains!!!

The duchess (best breakfast!)

Fig curated living (window shopping)

Ojai olive oil and vinegar tasting (Don’t miss this!) beautiful setting

Drive to Ventura

Sumo Japanese restaurant (lunch)

Walk to Ventura Pier (kinda run down pier, meet a cute boy)

Saw sunset along the water front

Ran into San Buena Ventura Mission

Agave Maria (Mexican) dinner

Tuesday (1/28/25)

Ojai coffee roasters for breakfast

Meet owner and the baby

Check out Capri Hotel

Drive up to Ojai Valley Sign for the view of Ojai Valley!!!

Stop by Libby Park to checkout the tennis court and Libby bowl (concerts)

Ojai Valley Inn

Bye Ojai!!!

2024 Recap

 Quick Recap 2024

Made new friends

Connect with old friends

Weddings

Funeral

Many trips to L.A. to see family, sunsets, pelicans, and more

Morro Bay- stayed next to the rock for the first time and meet up with Paul’s college friends for reunion.

Washington DC- catch up with Pavlina near Virginia, and went inside the Capitol unexpected…

Hawaii- did the manta Ray Night Dive bucket list except I got seasick

Highlight was hike the Kilauea ski trail where it start in the rainforest and cross the crater where you can see the steam coming out

Monterey- rediscover old areas and discovered new areas

Colorado- celebrate Molly’s wedding, explore Estes Park, Boulder, and Denver

Mexico City- we did the bucket list air balloon ride

We also eat our way through our stay including Fonda Margarita and  Handshake Speakeasy

Taiwan- we signed up for the bike tour, which turned out to be such a challenge and unforgettable experience 

We also explored Beitou, Hualien, Kaoshiung, Tainan for it’s 400 year celebration, and meet up with friends and family

Ended in L.A watching Sage

Photo of us doing wine tasting experience at the end of the year

Catalina Island with Linda and Matt

Took Catalina Express from San Pedro to Avalon... Goodbye LA for a little while!

 Arrived at Avalon!

Rented Golf Cart to go around the Island

Spotted an island fox along the way

The view above reminds me of Italy! So beautiful.

We had Mexican food

Check out Catalina Museum

Had some hot tea before heading home.

What a wonderful day!