The Alleys of Hollister: Swope Alley

I feel like doing another theme. So, for the next seven days: The Little Details in Downtown Hollister.

Does it look like a little building up on a ledge to you?

You'll find this little detail on the building at the corner of Swope Alley and San Benito Street.

Ahem. Today is day 115 for posting a photo consecutively on Take 25 to Hollister. Uh-huh. Those of you who have been following Take 25 via Facebook know that I'm attempting to post a daily photo for a year. As for the rest of you, dear readers, well, now you know. I have no reason for doing so other than because I can.

Stained Glass Art at St. Benedict Church

St. Benedict Church on Fairview Road is a beautiful structure, both in and out. Check out the stained glass work on its doors. Do you recognize the image on this part of St. Benedict's door?

Dragons in Hollister

You'll find these two red dragons over the doorway to Cheung Sheng, the Chinese restaurant at the corner of Sixth and East Streets.

The dragon is "a symbol of power, strength, and good luck" in China, among other things, according to this Wikipedia article. As for the color red? To many Chinese people, this color symbolizes good luck, wealth, and prosperity. The dragon is also one of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. 2012 is the year of the dragon.

Roaaaaaaar. Hmm, do dragons roar?

Perceptions

Suppose you were taking the photo above. Are you looking east or west, north or south?

I know the right answer, but, still I think I'm looking south.

Someone else I know thinks he's looking east, even though he knows the right answer.

Funny how our brains work.

Mountains Everywhere You Look

We are surrounded by mountains. No kidding, you say. Yep, no kidding. When I was a kid growing up in Hollister, I thought the Diablo range, which I could see from by back yard, were just high hills. I didn't even realize the Gabilans just to the south of town were even mountains. That was just the way to go to get to Cienega Road

Ever since I moved back here several years ago, I notice the mountains every day. From any point in this town, there they are. They are spectacular!