It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

1977, standing in a long line with my brothers in Dale City (Woodbridge, VA), simply unheard of it at the time, to see some movie called Star Wars, and from the get go, we were mesmerized. Why, not because of the incredible special effects, but by a spectacular story line with unforgettable characters, a plot perfectly played out and why certain films capture our imaginations forever and become classics. Though, even back then, I could not stand Princess Leia's hair do. As I matured, I fell out of love with Luke and moved on to Hans....

And here before your eyes is a 150 lb chocolate replica of R2D2 at the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose.  I kid you not.

Another Star Wars chocolate delight created character  in the lobby of the Fairmont, San Jose.  Always, a treat to visit this hotel during the holidays.

Smell the dark chocolate.  It took over 150 hours to create this wonder, weighing in at 200 lbs.

Oh, Dr. Seuss, you bring tears to my eyes.  Concocted of 170 lbs. of white chocolate and icing.  This was in the bar at The Fountain at the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose.  No one was in sight.  I considered sitting at the bar, and saying to no one in particular, "Yes, I'd like a cocktail.  Do pull up a chair, and join me."  And I have a soft spot if you're a fireman or The Boyfriend ....

Seen in the lobby at the Fairmont, San Jose.  Lovely.

Concocted of gingerbread.  Magnificant.

One last parting shot from The Fairmont, San Jose.  Sweet.  My neighborhood has also decorated its lawns, dazzling effects, makes me have hope for our world, to bring joy and peace to all of us.  Do come to downtown San Jose for a visit.  And I have yet to tackle Christmas in the Park.

The University

After I returned the bike to the bike shop and thawed out,  The Boyfriend showed me Princeton University.  Wow, it was spectacular.  I wish I had allocated more time and I wish I had come a few weeks earlier to see the beauty of fall foliage. 

It was like being in England.  Nothing like my campus.

Wow again.

Could have been used for a movie set.

Once in awhile,  I insert a photo that includes The Boyfriend, so you know he truly exists.

The museum, showing an exhibit of Cezanne.  I could have spent hours here.  Much like Stanford's Cantor Museum, it is free and worth a visit.

Alas, my visit came to an end.  Monday morning, The BF put me on the Princeton Dinky and then I continued on the big train to Newark Airport and back home.  We don't always know what life has in store for us.  Who knew that I'd one day go to Princeton.  It was magical.  Thank you Mr. Boyfriend.

Weekend Sightseeing

Time for sightseeing in Princeton.  Where, I ask you, are the firemen.... oh but wait, I have The BF to be an object of my affection.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, The Boyfriend and I went on 30 mile rides (Pennington and other areas) and then he showed me the sights.  He's used to biking hard and fast through the various townships while I wanted to soak up everything at a slower pace.  We saw live deer.  We saw dead deer.  Sunday's ride was a bit miserable because of the low 40s temperature.  My feet and hands were not happy.

Meanwhile, off the bike, he showed me Einstein's house, occupied by someone so we only viewed the exterior. Neato peato.

This is Nassau Hall, an impressive building, a campus and national landmark.  I loved all the architecture as I always do when on the East Coast.  The sense of history, you know.

We also drove through New Hope and Lambertville, two towns that reminded me of Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.  I wish I had taken photos showcasing their charm.  Above is the Delaware and Raritan Canal in Lambertville.  We had a swell time at the The Alchemist & Barrister, a pub in downtown Princeton.  Good food, good atmosphere.  Sunday saved for visiting the university and next blog entry.