So, we spent a few days in Palm Springs last week. . . .
I’d been there before, but it had been ages, so I forgot about all the mountains with nothing on them. Nothing but rocks–so unusual. Not sure I could get used to that. . .I need more green. In town, there are flowers and green grass, but the minute you leave the city limits, it’s dry, dusty and brown.
There was bougainvillea everywhere:
I shot this while waiting for my husband to check us into the hotel.
This was in the outdoor breakfast room. It was heavenly to eat outside again.
The weather was pretty much perfect: dry, mid-80s with a breeze. One day it was 90F, but that didn’t bother us. After living on the humid East Coast, this was easy.
Palm Canyon Drive is kind of the main drag in Palm Springs. Lots of colorful shops and restaurants.
At night, the place really came alive. People everywhere, spilling out of restaurants. A great party atmosphere every night, warm enough to walk around without a sweater or jacket. There was no way I’d use flash or a tripod there, so took these less-than-stellar shots with my iPhone:
The skies really were this azure color at night.
The Plaza Theatre is home to the Palm Springs Follies. Vaudeville is not our thing, so we passed on that.
I love this old lantern next to the bougainvillea, the white stucco and wooden door.
How great is this old Caddie with the license plate “Buttah”?
Finally, a statue of Marilyn Monroe:
I thought “Forever Marilyn” was permanently moored in Chicago, but evidently she’s touring the country. Did you know the sculptor is Johnson & Johnson heir Seward Johnson, age 80? Here are the specs:
Materials: Bronze and stainless steel
Height: 26 feet tall, 17 ft. wide, 18 ft. deep
Weight: 34,300 lbs.
Marilyn was discovered at a racquet club in Palm Springs and had a bungalow there.
On Tuesday, Joshua Tree National Park.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
I bet Marilyn needs a huge tour bus to get around the country!
I always love the bougainvillea. So beautiful. We don’t see it much around these parts.
I think I read that the sculpture came in four parts. But thirty-four thousand pounds!
I once bought a small bougainvillea plant and kept it on the deck in Virginia years ago. It didn’t like the weather there at all. 🙂
I see you had a great time.
I couldn’t live in such stony surroundings either. I need more vegetation.
Is this year the anniversary of her death or was it last year?
The website for the sculpture said the 50th anniversary of her death is in August.
Ah, I thought so. And good evening to you. 🙂
And good morning to you. 🙂 I was just on TBM’s blog and read that you speak 7 languages! So impressive, Caroline.
I always enjoy the sorbet/pastel colors in many of your street scene photographs. Keep ’em coming!
Thanks so much!
It has been over 20 years since I’ve been to Palm Springs. Thanks for the memories.
You’re so welcome.
Wonderful array, Carole. Driving over that mountain range and coming down into Palm Springs is a permanent memory. As you say, all that barren stone seen from high up dotted with patches of the lushest greens until you are in it and can’t see the mountains for the (palm) trees!
It is truly an oasis. I was surprised by how small the town is, though. Thought it would have grown more in 10 years.
It’s like being on vacation, looking at these photos!
Glad to hear it!