Quintessential Sedona …

In picture: rock formations around the city

I was in Sedona most of last week for a business trip. These are some of the pictures/moments from the week…

The unusual red colors of the earth/rocks come from the Iron oxide in a post-glacial flooding that filled all of the Verde Valley.

My first evening started with a cool glass of ‘Sangria’ which is Red wine with La Pinta pomegranate tequila, hibiscus and triple sec! I must say it is worth a try…

In picture: Chile Relleno with a side of corn tortilla, and beans topped with salsa

Dinner was Chile Relleno with vegetable picadillo, goat cheese and queso Oaxaca. Vegetable picadillo was an interesting twist to the dish! I wonder that’s why chef called it picadillo!

Many homes have adobe style, which can also be seen through out south west. House on the botton of the hill reflects the style.

Wide open spaces....

Room with a view..

Play of light on the leaves caught my eye...outside Hilton

I saw use of red rocks in the design elements though out the city, which creates a very harmonious visual effect…almost one with nature.

In picture: statue at the entrance of Sedona Hilton

There is a very big influence of Native American heritage on art.

I fell in love with this vibrant-colorful/so-full-of-mischief sculpture by a local artist. It was also so-out-of-my price-range!

Tamed...The tall one is Saguaro- an cactus found only in Arizona. It can grow several stories tall.

Play of color and light on the rocks...

The two shots were taken within minutes of each other...

At the end of the trip, we did get a chance to visit Palatki and Honanki Ruins. They are both a World Heritage site.

In picture: Palatki ruins

The people responsible for creating the ruins are the Sinagua (literally means without water) people, who lived in central Arizona between 500 AD and 1425. There are no signs of them anywhere and historians are not certain but they surmise that warfare and drought were key factors in their departure or extinction.

Site of the Ruins- taken from a distance. The dwellings were almost 20-30ft above ground, just where the tree line ends.

Luminous sunset, hinting all things must come to an end…..

Neela asman so gaya....

Fitting end to a wonderful trip..

Layalena- an Mediterranean Experience

Recently went to a party hosted by some of our Middle Eastern friends at “Layalena- Mediterranean Experience” in the city. It was a night filled with laughter, friends, good food and drinks and singing and dancing…… ahem…yes dancing ……
Star of the show- Roxana- had many-a-men drooling! :)

My attempts at creative touch…

Got to experience live band playing Lebanese, Jordanian, Iranian, and Iraqi and so forth Middle Eastern songs….. very melodious and powerful music…

Fun…friends…and laughter…..

Eating experience started with “The Sample Mezza” with Hummus, baba ganouj, falafel, labneh, m’hammara, and grape leaves............served with a side of stuffed olives and pickled cucumber and carrots

Some Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs …. I am a-veggi!

And last but not least- the most popular drink of the night – Lebanese beer- Almaza!!

Picture diary of a short trip to Southern California

"Classic Sadabhars" outside an office compound…….they somehow always remind me of home- or rather mom’s garden in India. One of the early successes that survived…:-)

Enjoyed lunch at the neighborhood Thai restaurant …………as usual ended up eating “Pad Thai with Tofu”…one of my favorite Thai dishes after Cashew Tofu.

Our comfortable bedroom in hotel suite at the Marriott … On our way to San Clemente, we stopped at this quaint charming place for lunch….

A quick trip to La Jolla Beach…..somewhat favored beaches in south California…

On our trip back from the beach we caught tail end of fireworks at Disney…..Did not have tripod for the pictures :-(

View of Ontario airport…..

Waiting for our flight….

It is an early evening flight back home…

On our way….. :-)