California part 5 - Hearst Castle and the elephant seals

Back from my book group, had to have the A/C on in the car again... (yes our outside thermometer says it's 32 this afternoon)! We have heard vague rumours about the fact that there may be something called 'winter' at some point in January or February, but we're starting to think it's probably a myth. Then again, we have also heard that it's sometimes possible to wear a t-shirt on Christmas day. Whichever story may happen to be true, putting on a summer dress on the 17th of October feels like some kind of dream after 11 years in Scotland.

But let's go back to 'cold' California, where it was only in the 20s at the beginning of our stay, before we actually saw snow in the Sequoia National Park!

First of all, our visit to billionaire's William Randolph Hearst's mansion, Hearst Castle. Perched high up in the hills overlooking the Pacific, it is an amazing ensemble of several luxurious buildings. But not only do they look amazing, they also host an enormous collection of art. For instance the gigantic fireplaces in the main house's living room and dining room come from French castles! Hearst Castle was actually built around the artwork so that the rooms would fit the artwork.

The amazing Greek-style pool...

One of the guest houses:



Detailing on one of the guest houses:



No this isn't a Spanish cathedral, it is the main house...



The dining room:



The indoors swimming pool, fit for a Roman emperor...



And the coast nearby, with a beach where elephant seals come to rest and play...