Meet Professor Emeritus Architect, Sandra Lakeman, of Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo, California, a young at heart single senior who has chased the light across the ocean from the shores of California to Italy.  For twenty years she has proved seniors can travel, have fun and entertain a profession of choice while making the career work into a travel advantage.  Her exhibits recently shown at Cal Poly of “Natural Light and the Italian Piazza” display a keen awareness of how light plays upon our ability to view natural surroundings as well as bring out the best of architectural design.  Her photographs capture timelessness, immortality, and the continuity of life giving over the perception of being there within the place itself.  During our interview, as we continued to observe and dichotomize Professor Lakeman’s photographs of the Italian Piazza, namely Sienna, I discovered Sandra had over the course of the 20 years collected these enthralling photographs on journeys alone.  Having given past major exhibits in Sienna, Italy, with written accolades from Sienna’s mayor Maurizio Cenni, Sandra once again has proven how seniors continue to lead in their communities as visionaries and mentors for the next generation.  Professor Lakeman’s exhibit has since traversed several major metropolitan cities in the United States and will continue even after retirement.  As long as there are students of light and photography, architecture, civilization, and culture her work goes on.  She has written a book detailing the many photographs and subjects of the Italian Piazza and can be purchased at her website www.sandralakeman.com. 

“I have been an example that women can travel around the world and alone if you maintain a sense of awareness about yourself.”  She related an incident of traveling in Italy and having a rental car break down on a dark lonely country roadside.  “I had nothing else to do but walk toward the lights in the distance.”  Soon a solitary driver stopped to offer her a ride to his home, after sizing him up, Professor Lakeman decided she could take this chance.  The “home” turned out to be filled with a wonderful wife and children, an inviting hearth and cozy fire with good Italian food for her enjoyment while the farmer went to find help in repairing her car.  While this daring behavior is not a recommendation, providence was on Sandra’s side that day.   

Senior and single, yes, boring, no!  Professor Lakeman took me through San Luis Obispo’s fun places for tourists and vacationers to experience!  San Luis Obispo, California is considered the central coast of California.  Most tourism comes from within the state, however, when an out-of-state guest such as me happens upon the scene, it’s a delight to get to return back and tell where the great places to travel can be found.  This area of California is very reasonably priced in hotel rates making it a favorite place to “land” and take day trips out of.  I stayed at La Cuesta Inn a beautifully appointed three diamond hotel with a deluxe continental breakfast daily and daily afternoon tea, coffee, and cookies.  A private outdoor pool was ground level and spa.  My room supported a mini refrigerator, other amenities included satellite television and unlimited internet use!  La Cuesta is within walking distance to shopping, movies, restaurants, art galleries, the Farmer’s Market, and the Mission.   Across the street I saw the famed Apple Farm Restaurant with a group of red hat ladies heading out to board a chartered tour bus!  I wonder where they were going.  I hope the bus driver doesn’t realize he’s been overcome by a lawless group of red hats – oops, too late!  I saw a red hat get in the driver’s seat!

Professor Lakeman introduced me to the Madonna Inn, an architectural happy place where all seniors are sure to want to visit.  The food is good; the ambience is two-fold.  At the bar with pink bar stools and pink vinyl booths juxtaposed between chrome, sparkling stem ware, and painted murals the laughter is loud.  Less than fifty feet away through a ornately carved wooden doorway, one enters the steak house, a veritable pink lounge with softly dimmed chandeliers, white clothed tables laden with silver and stemmed ware shimmering in the soft golden glow cast by thousands of tiny lights hanging from a colossal tree of light centered in the room.  Off to one side soft strains of music beckon me as I begin to see the saxophone player, a pianist, and a stately couple showing their moves to some blues across a smooth dance floor.  This place is fun indeed.  The inn hosts 108 uniquely dressed rooms.  For more information and to preview each room for reservations go to info@madonnainn.com.

San Luis Obispo is host to a dozen golf courses throughout the county.  Golfers will find a course suitable to their style and abilities.  All courses are within a thirty minute drive from San Luis Obispo.  Since there is an availability of courses, tee times are almost a sure guarantee.  Prices are reasonable with weekday fees ranging from $7 up to around $65 with many including the cart.  For a listing of courses check out www.sanluisobispocounty.com.   Other exciting day trips for the senior include going to Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Oceano Beach, or consider taking a drive up through Paso Robles for a wine tasting tour and seeing the vast vineyards.  Visit Paso Robles at www.pasowine.com for festival and wine touring information.  The Hearst Castle tour is another day trip about an hours drive from San Luis Obispo out on highway one.  The tour is extremely historical and entertaining.  If you go early enough in the morning you can drive up to Vista Point and see the elephant seals swimming and lounging in their favorite spot!  San Luis Obispo, I not only found a new friend, Professor Sandra Lakeman, and her extraordinary photography of light and insight.  I found a traveling senior who knows where the fun places are and taught this traveler a few new lessons on how to keep having fun as the years go by!  Happy Traveling!