Scent Of A Man…

Getty Villa
Getty Villa

The other day my daughter and I dropped in on a neighbor.

Villa Bench
Villa Bench

Just down the road is the 64-acre estate of J. Paul Getty.

Courtny had never been a guest.

Since she is departing Los Angeles, we felt that it was an opportune time to explore.

Driveway Entrance
Driveway Entrance

The impressive winding entrance leads to the former villa of the American industrialist and oil baron who founded Getty Oil.

Getty Villa
Getty Villa

In 2006 the Getty museum reopened after a decade long renovation.

The Getty museum features Roman, Greek and Etruscan antiquities.

The villa is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house. offering a peek at life in the 1st century A.D.

Main entrance
Main entrance

We parked in the new structure and walked up to the imposing entrance.

Getty Amphitheatre
Getty Amphitheater

From there, the path to the top of the property is impressive and landscaped to perfection, combining cypress and olive trees with trailing vines and using stamped concrete and wood to line the route to the cafe and the top of the amphitheater.

Getty Villa Entrance
Getty Villa Entrance

The actual museum entrance is strikingly regal.

IMG_6417

The views are what you really come for.

The art is secondary.

Getty Villa Pool
Getty Villa Pool

Unfortunately, the large oblong pool that dominates the villa remains empty due to drought restrictions, but the views are still breathtaking as are the gardens.

Mosaic, Roman Corner Panel from Bear Hunt
Mosaic, Roman Corner Panel from Bear Hunt

The current exhibit features Roman Mosaics.

IMG_6429

As we were strolling amongst the artifacts Courtny let out a gasp.

She had just passed a man who was wearing Bay Rum, the cologne my dad always wore.

We stopped and breathed in the familiar aroma.

Both of us became a little misty.

It is almost 19 years to the day that my father passed away.

Ah, the scent of a dear man.

For a fleeting moment it felt as if my dad was spending a glorious day in sunny California with his daughter and the light of his life, his beloved granddaughter, Courtny.

The type of day that touched my dad’s soul.

Rock on, Morris.

Gardens
Gardens

The Getty Villa  17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California. Open every day except Tuesday 10am-5pm. Parking is $15. Admission is free. An advance, timed-entry ticket is required to enter the site. Call (310) 440-7300 or book tickets online.

Villa Exit
Villa Exit

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3 Comments

  1. liz ketaineck says:

    Wow — glad she got this late visit in. We loved the place. I hope she’s seen the Getty Center! We’ll probably hit both again next time we’re in town.

    • The Getty Villa is always worth repeating. Yes, Courtny had been to the Getty Center which also has great outdoor visuals. Look forward to seeing again!!

  2. Cathy Newman says:

    I’ve never been! Gorgeous pics. My dad used to wear Royal Bay Rum or Royal Spice until all the bugs at The Alisal attacked him. Aren’t smell memories intense?

    Love you! Keep warm.
    xo,
    Cathy

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