52 LWers visited Getty Villa, a landmark cultural center

SUNSHINE CLUB

Members of the Sunshine Club enjoyed a pleasant bus trip to the Getty Villa in Malibu, organized by club president Anna Derby. A total of 52 members participated in the trip, which included a picnic lunch and docent tours of the landmark.

Philanthropist J. Paul Getty left this cultural legacy of art and Mediterranean civilizations. He built an exact copy of an Italian villa buried in the city of Herculean under lava from Mt. Vesuvius and featured many of the artifacts found there, including statues of Roman and Greek gods and goddesses, pottery and jewelry.

Trip-goers were able to walk through grape arbors and gardens with fig trees and full of the sweet aroma of lavender and rosemary.

“My favorite was the many water lily ponds and fountains,” said Fara Jean MacCartney.

Even with the docent tours, people had time to walk around to take in the sights.

People enjoyed the spacious picnic area, where everyone was able be together outside in the spectacular weather.

“It was just an ideal day,” said Linda Johnson. “We had time to explore on our own or take a tour with a guide. Something for everyone. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in history and art.”

People praised the bus transportation there, even though there was heavy traffic. Face masks were provided to people on the bus to promote safety.

“I enjoyed the wonderful bus trip as our driver drove so well in the heavy traffic both ways,” said Eileen Kotecki.

“It was great to have a clean bus with the bathroom built in. The beautiful long oceanside ride made me very happy to begin with,” said YeuHee Lee.

“I really enjoyed the day because this was my first time there, lovely weather, and lunch was great,” added Maria Marin.