Blue Boy, Pink Lady and the unexpected. A rich and curious travel moment – mix of art, beauty, controversy and delight.

Summer has a way of collecting moments – art we chase, gardens we wander, meals we did not expect. On a recent trip, we went in search of color, controversy, and some how ended the day with the best burger that had a side of colorful roasted cauliflower. Todays color capture is Yellow.

It started with Blue Boy and Pink Lady – two vivid paintings that belonged together – long gazes at each other for perpetuity. We arrived eager to see them and as time allowed – the Huntington collection, knowing enough to appreciate their pop art presence, not quite enough to predict how the surrounding story would land.

Because there is a story. Pinky had been replaced. the original , a beloved fixture in the great hall – is moved to the entry hall., as if there had been silent disagreement and she walked out! controversial as the contemporary replacement contextually did not fit in the great hall. I am sure Mrs. Huntington stare could be felt by the curator during the exchange and as it is shown looking at her husband in the main entrance. To use Aunty’ s expression – Yowzers!

From there the day softened into beauty. The Chinese garden invited stillness – curved archways and bridges. Koi beneath the surface and rock pathways to slow ones step. And the Huntington rose garden, framed with lavender, color took over in a different register: Delicate, layered, fragrant. You loose time among roses. You want to.

We did not go looking for a really great burger. It found us.

It arrived with our fan fare. A simple plate, dark patty, golden bun. Besides it, roasted cauliflower- perfect with a bit of char. tender din the center and the star of the plate.. The burger? Rich, earthy spiced in a way that resisted identification and artistically presented. After all the surprise, delight and speculation, the day ended not with clarity, but with delight.

Travel does that. It throws unexpected contrasts – art and argument, gardens and really good burgers, traditions and invention. You follow the color of yellow today and if you are lucky – it leads somewhere delicious.