hotel san josé revisited

My photography is not always that great, but I do love capturing a favorite moment nonetheless. I've been uploading way too many random pics to my facebook profile, and I added the top photo because Johnny and I love Hotel San José. There's a special tranquility within the hotel's perimeter, yet if you need a jolt of city life, you merely step outside the gate to S. Congress, try not to get hit by a car while crossing the street, do some funky shopping, and grab a cup of coffee at Jo's (and/or grab a cupcake).

These three photos take me straight back to that particular morning. The to-die-for wooden table and chairs were right outside our room. I can feel the exact chill in the air, and hear the quiet, save a few sleepy visitors stumbling around, off to find breakfast. We ordered room service - a bento box for Johnny; a pot of fragrant black tea and The New York Times for me (I packed yeast-free snacks). After Johnny finished his eggs ranchero, he hit the showers. I remained outside for as long as possible, read the paper and Jane Kenyon's poetry, sipped tea, and meandered the courtyard, snapping photos.

Our house is a lovely haven, but I can hardly wait for January 2009 ~ we spend a night at the San José every year as part of our anniversary celebration (here's a little bit about our '08 stay). Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, even if only within memories.