2012 San Mateo, CA - Revisited

Back in 2012, I was given the good fortune of being assigned for training for our work in the USA. I was working in San Mateo, it's a not-so-often-heard place that I haven't heard from any Hollywood movie. It's located around 20 miles south of San Francisco. Unlike the crowded 'Frisco though, it's actually very peaceful and quiet. It is by far among the best surprises I ever had. The town is very upscale and folks are friendly. This is one of the few places that I'll definitely remember. 

I got a good chance to take evening walks and a nice camera at the time. Here are some of the pictures I've taken around town. There are a lot of parks here, this one in particular is in the residential area. 

Other than my long exposure shots, I also got a good chance to shoot the moon while testing my then-new lens, the Samyang 500mm f/8. It's a decent lens, to say the least.

The bulk of my shots are here in my old storage: PHOTOBUCKET

Until then, don't let getting lost scare you from going out to wander! :)

Monday Memories: Strolls Around Saratoga

Exactly two years ago today, that was when I was spending my final days in San Mateo before I was going to fly back to Manila. Needless to say, I miss the place.

Artificial stream. This is the view I remember most in the Saratoga area.

On afternoons when we got back after work I used to go out and took strolls around Saratoga Square. It's a lovely place. There's a wide park with playgrounds and there's even a pool. The houses are lovely and I felt like I was in relative safety. I simply love the neighborhood overall.

Simple rules to help folks stay out of trouble.

Pick up after your pooch!

I would've wanted to play here but I didn't want folks calling the Park Management nor the cops on me.

Overall, a beautiful place! Just look at that sky and the nicely made houses.

These arch things are a nice touch.

Here's another view of the artificial stream.

If I face the opposite direction from the image above, this is what I'd see.

Extra wide stepping stones are a nice touch.

Tired from all that walking? You can sit here.

Frog statues. Personally I'd rather see a Squirtle.

Up close I don't find them cute.

There's also this. Not cute either.

Big brother watching me.

By nightfall, the grounds become empty.

Maybe it's just me, but I find empty swings unsettling.

Empty slides feel kinda lonely too.

The rest of the images can be viewed here:

Until then, let's get lost and wander! :)

Monday Memories: Strolls Around Saratoga

Exactly two years ago today, that was when I was spending my final days in San Mateo before I was going to fly back to Manila. Needless to say, I miss the place.

Artificial stream. This is the view I remember most in the Saratoga area.

On afternoons when we got back after work I used to go out and took strolls around Saratoga Square. It's a lovely place. There's a wide park with playgrounds and there's even a pool. The houses are lovely and I felt like I was in relative safety. I simply love the neighborhood overall.

Simple rules to help folks stay out of trouble.

Pick up after your pooch!

I would've wanted to play here but I didn't want folks calling the Park Management nor the cops on me.

Overall, a beautiful place! Just look at that sky and the nicely made houses.

These arch things are a nice touch.

Here's another view of the artificial stream.

If I face the opposite direction from the image above, this is what I'd see.

Extra wide stepping stones are a nice touch.

Tired from all that walking? You can sit here.

Frog statues. Personally I'd rather see a Squirtle.

Up close I don't find them cute.

There's also this. Not cute either.

Big brother watching me.

By nightfall, the grounds become empty.

Maybe it's just me, but I find empty swings unsettling.

Empty slides feel kinda lonely too.

The rest of the images can be viewed here:

Until then, let's get lost and wander! :)