Speaking of Old...

Hello again, beautiful people! Enjoying our tour of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument? Hope you're not too tired of walking because there's still lots more to see. So, stay together and follow me.

Yesterday, we took a look at the historic landmark, The Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels, a building that's, like, thousands of years old. Or maybe closer to two hundred. Math really isn't my thing. Let's just say it's been around since before any of us were born and leave it at that. 'Cause however you look at it, it's old! Anyway, our adventure through history doesn't stop there because today we'll take a little stroll through yet another landmark, the Avila Adobe.

The Avila Adobe is the oldest standing house in Los Angeles... What was that? You in the red shirt. Why, yes, it really is made from adobe bricks. Built in 1818 by Don Francisco Avila... "Did he build it all by himself?" Um, probably not. But maybe he did. I wasn't there so I couldn't tell ya for sure... (sigh) Yes? No, Don wasn't his first name. It was a title befitting a guy who had a whole lotta cattle and cash. And it was here, in this adobe, that he may-or-may-not have hand-built, that Don Francisco could spend that cash entertaining his family and friends in style. Maybe not MTV Cribs style, but definitely in above-average style and comfort for the 1800's. Now, let's hold off on any more questions so we can take a quick look at the patio.

As you can see, life in the 1800's didn't include Subzero refrigerators or riding lawnmowers. But, hey, who needed that? Don Francisco had a wood-burning oven, a patio, and cattle: did someone say BBQ? You know they had some parties here. Oh, yeah. Okay, let's head inside.

The original home was much bigger than the present building, but the years and an earthquake in 1870 damaged it so severely, that it was condemned by the city. The current adobe is a restoration of seven rooms, furnished to create an example of the original home, and the life of the family that lived in it. Take a glimpse at the past, everybody.

Different, but not really. Every house has a place for the business of the household, and a place for recreation. Each contains the objects that bring peace and security to its inhabitants. And every home, no matter how simple or ornate, is a reflection of the person or family inside. The styles may change over time, but the basics never do.

Okay, get ready. 'Cause tomorrow we're heading back outside to finish our tour -- with a fiesta! Wooo-hooo! Hasta later, Blitzers!