Traveling Around the World

 

If you just looked at the pictures in this post, you might think that I took a vacation around the world this summer. However, the reality is that I just visited the not so far away city of Chino Hills in Southern California! While I've been to this city a few times before, this time I decided to go on a photo safari to take some pictures of a couple of places in the area that make for a fun getaway, not to mention some amazing Instagram pics! The first place is the stunning BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, which is a Hindu temple. I might note that for this adventure I decided to wear this colorblock J. Crew Factory dress that I would most certainly pack in my suitcase if I did journey to an actual faraway land!

 

While these photos might make it look like I traveled to India or Indonesia, this temple is only a short drive from Los Angeles. I have been here on a couple other occasions, including one where I was able to go inside of the temple, which, if possible, is even more stunning than the outside! The outside of the temple is constructed from pink sandstone and much of the inside of the temple is made up of gorgeous white marble. Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed inside because it's a place of worship but that's all the more reason to go visit to see it for yourself if you're in the area! (Just make sure you check the website to find out about the dress code and the times when the temple is open!)

 

The following photos look as if I visited the ancient Abu Simbel temples in Egypt.  Again, though, the reality is that is just a restaurant in Chino Hills! (It may have at one time been an Egyptian restaurant but it is currently vacant.) The surreal part of visiting this location is that the restaurant is located in a parking lot that is also home to Hobby Lobby and a closed Toys "R" Us store! Despite this, you could probably fool some people on Instagram into thinking that you visited Egypt with these pictures but I think it's more fun to appreciate that these unique hidden treasures can be found right in my backyard! One day I might actually venture to see a Hindu temple in another country or the real sights of Egypt but, for now, I'm pretty content with my Southern California sojourn!

 

Dress: J. Crew Factory here and similar colorblock sundress here

Shoes: Old Navy similar espadrilles here

Hat: H&M similar straw hat here

Bag: Mansur Gavriel similar round pink bag here

Earrings: similar here