Getty

Many years ago, driving through Los Angeles, we spotted a great white structure that took up a whole hillside and looked so inviting. We saw a sign and promised ourselves that one day we would make time and visit. Today was finally the day.

The weight of one going up is mitigated by the pull of one going simultaneously down. (funicular)

Edie took this picture and I distinctly recall looking at her with excitement and joy on my mind.

We started with a walking tour of the grounds.

All the plants are selected for their color and shape

I love these plants, formed by 2 inch steel rebar.

The rocks and water volume are tuned for a specific sound.

The curved wall reverberates the waterfall sounds

The outside hints at the beauty to be found inside

Self portrait of a young laughing Rembrandt

Untold rooms full of furniture and artifacts

We left worn out and promised ourselves we’d come back.

J. Paul Getty was, I believe, an odd fellow. Made his money in oil. Speaking a fair bit of Arabic went a long way to obtaining highly lucrative oil leases in Saudi Arabia. He was notoriously cheap with his family and lovers. He found art to be the most worthwhile thing and left museums valued at 7.1 billion in assets and a trust fund of over 7 additional billion.