This week was very busy with rehearsals in Santa Barbara, culminating in two concerts this weekend. Happily, Steven was able to come stay the weekend with me in SB and we had a lovely time. I was there to play 2nd oboe on Handel’s oratorio “Israel in Egypt” by the SB Master Chorale, but in between we had fun sightseeing in the area.

We drove up on Saturday after lunchtime and spent a couple of hours at the Camarillo Outlets. We continued up the 101 as the sun was setting:

We checked into our hotel and had dinner in downtown Santa Barbara. Steven attended the concert Saturday night, and then we had dessert following the concert!

Sunday morning we had breakfast at Andersen’s Danish Restaurant and Bakery, which was just adorable. Every breakfast came with a “surprise” – they picked a couple of amazing pastries to go with your meal!

We visited the Santa Barbara Courthouse, built in 1929 in a Spanish/Moorish style.

We went to the top of the clock tower and had a panoramic view of the city and beaches!

The Santa Barbara Mission is in the center of this picture:

View of the ocean and mountains:

Then we went down to the beach and walked up Stearns Wharf. It was a perfect day, clear and cool, and we enjoyed looking at the ocean and sail boats from the pier.

Then we walked up and down the beach looking at an art fair. We had fish for lunch on the beach and went back into town so I could get ready to perform the second concert. We were glad to get back home Sunday evening and reunite with Apollo!