Another first today! Yesterday it was wandering the canals of Venice, and today it’s stepping into the world of the Getty Villa—a place that feels as though time folds in on itself. Perched above the Pacific, this museum is more than just a collection of art and antiquities. It’s an experience, one that blends history, architecture, and California sunshine into something unforgettable.
Whenever I come back to Los Angeles, I feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement. Living here once upon a time was a very different chapter of my life. Back then, the city often felt overwhelming—endless traffic, constant motion, and the sense that life was always happening faster than I could keep up with. But visiting LA now, even for a short stay, feels like meeting an old friend under new circumstances. There’s no pressure, no daily grind, just the joy of rediscovery.
And perhaps that’s why this trip feels so special. We only have a handful of days here, which means we make the most of every moment. There’s an urgency in knowing time is short, but also a sweetness. Each stop becomes a memory in the making. Yesterday it was the charming waterways of Venice, where the light bounced off pastel homes and the air smelled faintly of the ocean. Today, it’s the Getty Villa, a museum that feels like a portal to another world.
The Allure of the Getty Villa
Walking into the Getty Villa, I was struck immediately by its atmosphere. Modeled after a first-century Roman country house, the villa is both grand and intimate, with gardens, fountains, and courtyards that invite you to linger. It’s the kind of place where you half expect to turn a corner and stumble into a mythological story—a goddess stepping out of a fountain, or an ancient philosopher pausing mid-thought in the gardens.
The art inside is extraordinary, of course. Ancient sculptures, mosaics, and relics sit quietly in their galleries, whispering stories of civilizations long past. But for me, the true magic of the Getty Villa is the way it makes you feel. It’s not just about what you’re looking at—it’s about the sunlight filtering through the columns, the breeze carrying hints of salt air from the nearby Pacific, and the realization that history can feel alive when placed in such a setting.
Visiting Versus Living in LA
I think part of the reason I love Los Angeles more as a visitor is because I can now see it with fresh eyes. Back when I lived here, the details were easy to overlook. Life was busy, and I was always rushing to the next thing. But now, when I return, I notice the small charms—the glow of the afternoon light, the mix of cultures and styles, the way the city is framed by both mountains and ocean.
It’s a reminder that sometimes we have to step away from a place to truly appreciate it. And when we return, it’s no longer about surviving the daily routine—it’s about savoring the beauty that’s been there all along.
The Seduction of the City
There’s no denying LA’s seductive pull. The warmth, the endless blue skies, the way you can find a new adventure around every corner—it’s hard not to be drawn in. One moment you’re tucked away in a museum surrounded by ancient artifacts, and the next you’re standing on a cliffside watching the waves crash below. It’s a city of contrasts, and that’s what makes it so endlessly fascinating.
Visiting the Getty Villa reminded me of why so many people fall in love with this city. It’s not just the obvious landmarks or the glamour—it’s the way ordinary days can feel extraordinary when framed by this light, this energy, this sense of possibility.
Cherishing the Moments
What I love most about this trip is how intentional it feels. Every stop becomes a choice, every visit an adventure. It’s different than living here, when time felt abundant and places could be “saved for later.” Now, with only a few days, there’s no postponing. And in that, there’s a lesson: to approach everyday life, no matter where we are, with the same sense of appreciation and urgency.
So, today it was the Getty Villa. Tomorrow, who knows? Maybe another first, maybe a return to an old favorite. Either way, these moments are becoming the fabric of this trip—woven together with sunshine, good company, and the joy of discovery.
I hope your week has been kind to you so far, and that you’ve found a little beauty in your own days, too. Thank you, as always, for being here and for sharing in these journeys with me.
