Our day of being tourists...
I love seeing our town through the eyes of first time visitors. This week has been a great reintroduction to Temecula.
 |
| MMS is the sister school to Nakayama Jr. High, in Daisen. A visit is a must. Both my boys are alumni and I spent many a volunteer hour here. It was wonderful to be back! |
 |
| My family loves thrift stores and we wanted to introduce the Japanese to this American tradition. When you shop at Goodwill, you are supporting job training and placement programs for people with disabilities and other disadvantages. Goodwill stores feature gently used and new items that are bargains for smart shoppers (I bought a really cute dress for $7.99). |
 |
| We were invited on to the Pechanga Reservation. A big treat for me was to see Rancho del Paisano. This was where mystery writer, Erle Stanley Gardner, made his home from 1937 through his passing in 1970. Gardner is best known for writing Perry Mason novels, the basis for the Perry Mason television show. I have known about this amazing place since I moved here and I am so happy I finally got to see it, firsthand. |
 |
| I was extremely excited to be a tree hugger. To the Pechanga people, the land and the Great Oak that stands upon it carry meaning that transcends physical presence. The Great Oak has come to embody the identity and character of the Pechanga Band: strength, wisdom, longevity and determination. |
 |
| The Great Oak is the largest natural-growing, indigenous coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ) wi'aashal tree in the United States and is estimated to be anywhere from 850 to 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest oak trees in the world. The tree has been used by countless generations as a gathering place. The Great Oak area, Wi'aasha, is home to numerous culturally sensitive, historical and archaeological sites, including tribal interment sites from time immemorial. |
 |
| We were given an informative tour and history lesson by Raymond Basquez Jr., of the Cultural Resources Department. He shared with us the story of creation as we all sat, spellbound, in a sweatlodge. |
 |
| The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians (Payomkawichum-the Western People as they prefer) has called the Temecula valley home for more than 10,000 years. What an interesting afternoon of learning and friendship! |
Lori, my friend and City employee, and I delighted in showing the Daisen guests the sites we have known well. We were both impressed by the rich and interesting history of the Pechanga people. We learned a great deal and had an extremely fun day!
1 comments:
Wow! I didn't realize that there is so much to do on the reservation. How fun! That tree is amazing, as are the buildings.
The Sister City group must have been tired...what a day!
***
Post a Comment