CHRIS GHANDOUR | BLOG

Today I confess that I have been here dozens times but failed to share! Many times I posted on Instagram and Twitter but today you all have the benefit of competing in taking stunning sunset photos from this very spot. -Proof is below-- You can almost do a 360 at this open area. Take 120th Street west from 157 Avenue and the road ends at a farm. Just park on the pavement and no one will bother you. There is a private field or agricultural land. From here you can see open skies. Small planes landing and taking off at Tamiami and large planes flying north of you from Miami International. The most important part is you can see amazing sky and clouds with beautiful colors. You can thank me later, but I appreciate if you follow on Instagram cghandour Have a great rest of week :)

Thanks to five people I discovered this wonderful site near Montclair NJ. As I was traveling on Upper Mountain Road I noticed NYC skyline in the background. I wanted an unobstructed view and I asked two young men who directed me to Loyd Ave. As I arrived there I saw three other young men and they told me that the best view was from Eagle Rock Reservation, so there I went. The map showed Highlawn Pavilion a private restaurant and banquet on top of a beautiful hill, however as I walked down the sidewalk I discovered this beautiful 911 Memorial with an eagle statute, a wall listing all the names of the victims of the tragedy and two pillars one with a fireman’s helmet 343 and one with a policeman’s hat. In the background the skyline of the entire New York City. I wanted to cry. The American flag and NJ State flag were just to the west and few people were standing, families were present, all I can say it was a somber moment with an outstanding view. I had to leave to pickup up a friend but I will return and take night shots. Parking can be little tough, so plan on walking. Below is a map link and I strongly recommend every American to check this place if you are near the area. Here are few photos, make sure to bring a good telephoto lens. God bless America! (Special thanks for the young men who directed me to this location. Please follow me and I will follow you back) 

 http://www.highlawn.com/mapsdirections.html

This is why Chipotle Rocks!

This place has so many cool areas to take pictures but most importantly the food court, design and furniture shops, even Gear Coop indoor climbing and supplies. There is coffee, cheese, wine, even real olive trees! Multiple dining courts and different color walls. The eco friendly design indoors and outdoors is magical and impressive. Make sure to visit Cisco Furniture - check their 1930's Carousel and "Made in LA" products; Surfas Culinary District, HD Buttercup to name a few, of course, coffee at Portola and Taco Maria! Wait, one more thing: they host a Farmers Market on Saturdays. The Mix - South Coast Collection is located in Costa Mesa at 3303 Hyland Avenue, near Harbor and Sunflower. Please check some photos taken with my VSCOcam and the link for the stores. 

Here is a list of the stores http://www.southcoastcollection.com/stores