The Last Bookstore

Located in downtown L.A. on the corner of South Spring St., you can find this wonderful bookstore. The novelty of actually shopping for a book in a store is becoming something rare as I, like so many, have begun buying more novels online or in ebook form, because of price and convenience.  

So when I found out about the Last Bookstore, I knew I had to make a trip to check it out. The place is the perfect haven for a book lover, it's eclectic and artistic in design, with corners and shelves stacked in ways regular stores would never imagine. The purpose is always to lead the costumer/viewer back to the store's main product which of course is books.

 Now with books being the most important facet of the store, the place is filled with books in both new and used condition. The book selection is great, especially the classics, which is genre I'm always on the hunt for when visiting the store. So I have to keep a budget in mind or I'll end up buying a shelf's worth. 

But honestly my one of my favorite parts about the store is the way the books are set up. Yes, the store is in categories like any other book store, but the place also has sections where it's arranged by color  or in a unique pattern. Plus the book tunnel is always fun to go through on the second floor, even if you've been there 5 times before. Oh and there's unique trinkets here and there just to surprise you when you look about. The best part about the setup is they seem to change, probably based on the worker's whims, but it makes going to the store a unique experience every time you venture inside. 

Vault on first floor holding 1st Edition novels 

The Labyrinth, on the 2nd floor, definitely fun to wander through.

2nd floor vault which holds the Horror genre

This is the famous book tunnel and it is just as fascinating in person as it is in pictures.

These are the unique color patterns the books are sometimes shelved in, especially on the 2nd floor.

Just shelves after shelves of books to love.

Mission Mission

What is a "Mission Mission"?

It's simply me trying to see every Franciscan mission in California.

California is home to 21 Spanish missions founded by Franciscan Father, Junipero Serra. All 21 missions were built from 1769 at the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala till the Mission San Francisco Solano which was built in 1823, their purpose was both to colonize and proselytize New Spain that would later become the great state of California. Each mission was built about a days journey in between one another up the coast housing and providing for its new tenants.

Of course as a Mexican American, historian and SoCal girl, I really should have found my interest for the missions way sooner in life. But I'm completely making up for lost time. Out of the 21 missions I've visited 14 as of now and the last 7 will be done by next year.

My interest in the missions was peaked by accident after a day in San Juan Capistrano, and seeing that beautiful mission is sure to send anyone on a quest for more.

With every mission visited I become more and more aware of certain facets of architecture, culture, religion and the history of my state. Most people think Hollywood when they hear California but really each city and county offers a whole other world to explore than just what "Hollywood" offers. I love how much a city still builds and models itself around a mission which becomes their focal point of culture, architecture and tourism.

 Below are my photos from my time at the Mission San Diego de Alcala, which is the first mission built in California.

The glorious bells of a mission is essential.

Statue of Father Junipero Serra

Long hallways are a beautiful feature found at every mission

Beautiful arches are a feature to look forward to seeing.

 

First flag, Bell, picture of the original mission.

View of the chapel

Rear of the chapel, choir section.

Effigies of Saints 

Original chapel, which indigenous patrons helped build. 

Classic Fountain feature always found in the center of the courtyard area of a mission.