Speaking of ALHAMBRA-isms...

Living in this place of Alhambra is quite cool.  It has some wonderful features, not the least of which is amazing weather in any given season.  The foliage and flowers are vibrant in every season.  Given its early beginnings of Spanish heritage, archways are a characteristic around Alhambra.  It is home to many railways systems, and so incoming roads over the decades have revised their routes to accommodate roads going over the top of railways, rather than having to wait for long trains to pass and stopping traffic for miles.  There are pots of plants on overpasses and climbing plants along highway walls, and they are lovely to pass.  Here are some photos to help tell the story of many "isms" in Alhambra...

This is a painted mural along a busy highway section on Mission Road.  It depicts the archway and railways that typify early Alhambra.  Wish it still looked like this! 

                                                                              

 Foliage can be found growing along highways, roads, and walks, even in the most crowded and used areas.  Continual sunshine does that for plants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Colors are deep reds.

                   

   Alhambra is now predominately Chinese, around 85%.  This is the look on buildings and signs around town.  You would think I would learn Chinese with all the opportunity.  NOPE!  Very hard!

And speaking of Asian culture, when I stepped into Alhambra, I entered a whole new world of assorted hats and umbrellas of every size, type, and color.  Unlike many Americans, Asians prefer to deflect the sun as much as possible.

Here's a fun irony.  This is the name of a supermarket.  Heh heh.

And I will never forget the sites along our 6 a.m. walks.  The homes, all different sizes, types, styles, are all meticulously kept.  It's actually quite a nice area, and feels super eclectic.  There are hobbit gates leading to backyards that beckon, and trees that look like they come straight out of Dr Suess.  The vines that grow up around front porches are magnificent, while stately homes with pillars make you feel like you are seeing George Banks' beloved home in "Father of The Bride."

Check out the truffula tree from Dr Suess! 

This is a home that is often used on movie sets.  Easy to see why.

Then we have our beloved Alhambra church, which houses both the English ward and Chinese branch.  It's a vintage church, built in the 1930's, with magnificent features, beloved by its members.  We look towards the front where the podium is and a beautiful stained glass, reminiscent of Weston Ward's depiction of the Savior standing at "the door."

 And toward the back, where we see overhead windows for "cry room" areas, also used as classrooms.  The ceiling beams are quite amazing, and something not often seen in churches.

A cool music stand, which I would guess supports many years of many layers of paint, but still has such character.

 And one of many "Hobbit" doors, another fun example of character seen in this old building, and one of those types of features we don't see in many LDS buildings anymore.  There are winding stairways and an old kitchen much like  the Denver West building.  It's a terribly inefficient, impractical and charming building, one beloved by its members and the community alike.

Alhambra-isms a pretty cool place to live, all in all.