DAY TRIPPING

Imagine for a minute we are in the Roman country side -- instead of Malibu.

We've been invited to a villa, located on a sixty-four acre property.

We'll stroll the villa's Herb Garden, which is planted with Mediterranean species.

Most have been in cultivation since ancient times.

Since it's a hot day, let's cool off in the shady entry courtyard (called the Inner Peristyle.)
It’s surrounded by square marble basins and bronze statues of women who have come to draw water from a stream.


Ah, that was relaxing. Now, let's explore the Outer Peristyle.

Are you up to walking the length of the large reflecting pool?


The covered walkways (called peristyles by the Romans) that surround the pool stretch from the villa...

to the Aegean (okay, it’s really the Pacific Ocean, but the view is spectacular!)


Did you notice the inside of the peristyles? They are painted with faux windows, columns and 3-d architectural features that you would swear are real.

Now let's head to The East Garden.

Although the flowers are lovely and the bronze civet heads that adorn the fountain at the center of the space are pretty amazing…

the mosaic-and-shell fountain is the garden’s star attraction.

Okay, I think it's time for a cold drink and an afternoon nap.

Do you think there are any spare guest rooms at the Getty Villa?


FYI:
Designed on the plans of Julius Caesar's father-in-law's country house, the newly restored Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is open to the public for free if you take public transportation. Arrive by car and it will cost you eight bucks. For more info go to www.getty.edu/visit/