Because she wants to be involved in historic restoration Rebecca talked me into going with her to Hearst Castle on the central coast of California.

Hearst Castle is a very good example of the taste and behavior of mid twentieth century American nouveau rich capitalists. Hearst basically went to Europe and bought stuff he liked and had it installed at San Simeon. He acquired tapestries, fireplaces , choir lofts, ceiling, friezes and countless other things. All of them are installed in this huge, 80 or so bedroom, house. The impression it gives me is of a giant gewgaw shop.
“My Gaudy Collection”

Rebecca pointed that the antiquities that he bought were installed and are now displayed without context.

I suppose I’m slightly embarrassed that a capitalist American could take such glee in using his wealth to loot Europe.

Other great collections were made by Americans during the same period. Huntington Library, Barnes Foundation, Getty Museum, Norton Simon Museum to name a few. But none of them causes me the same discomfort as Hearst Castle.

Having said all that we had a great trip, saw the Elephant Seals and  solved many of the worlds problems.