San Diego Sadness - Final Days

So once again I find myself playing catch-up updating you all on my whereabouts over the past 3 days – Barbra has once again kept me entertained showing me the sights & introducing me to her friends on Coronado Island – When you’re on the island you can’t leave…

My last post was 5^th July, that evening Barbra and I headed to the local community park in Coronado for their weekly summer event aptly named Concert in the Park.

The concert is attended by hundreds of locals mainly families who can enjoy a good glass of red wine, food and listen to some music in the main rotunda.

Many of Barbra’s friends had decided to head out to the concert so with Georgia, Dave, Molly, Bobby-Lynn and Tara it was a good night – once again we were the last to leave.

After the concert Dave & Georgia headed home with their kids. Not content to let the time (9.30pm Sunday evening) get in the way of another successful night of drinking the remaining group headed firstly to the local Irish waterhole Mc P’s then on to the world famous and all class Hotel Del. It was approaching 1am when the barman informed us that it was time to head home –which we did eventually after four LITs…..

6^th July

At around 9am I fell out of bed ready for another full day of action with Barbra. She was excited to get me into her car as today was going to be mostly us hitting the local retail discount stores.

The stores are all located in the same area and comprises all the high end retail stores but thankfully not their normal prices – everything was on sale. It was pretty cool even though we did have to drive pretty much to the Mexico border.

Barbra and I had seen only maybe 30% of the stores when I looked at my watch and noticed it was pushing 1pm – time for lunch. Barbra suggested we head to one of her favourite vegan restaurants in Ocean Beach (People’s Market) about 20 minutes drive north of Mexico and 15 minutes south of Coronado.

Barbra seized on the opportunity to explore my keenness to try anything and I soon found myself in front of the Wheatgrass station juicing grass – it was surprisingly good and may not be my last…. Hold the gargle.

Barbra’s boyfriend Abraham (Abe) was nearby so he joined us for lunch we decided on just trying a selection of all the great looking food in the display with two Katchoobah juices to accompany.

After lunch Abe kindly offered to show me around his local neighbourhood Mission Beach so after dropping the bags off at Coronado, Barbra and her good friend Tara drove me back to Mission Beach – the 15 minute drive was pleasant even though the music selection (Meatloaf) may’ve not been the best – but the comment of the day from Tara: “You just can’t drop it to meatloaf” really made the journey.

Abe lives pretty close to the beach and famous 6 flags roller coaster, and was waiting with 2 mountain bikes when we arrived. I said goodbye to Barbra and Tara and rode off with Abe along the beach – searching for a good bar to have a drink….

Unfortunately my laminated Qld Driver’s License didn’t suffice so that didn’t work out so well.

Thinking on his feet though, Abe took me a little further along the beach to the Mission Beach Pier

and then on to Mount Soledat which is the highest point in San Diego. It offers great views of the area and is a memorial to fallen soldiers of past & present wars.

At around 6pm Abe and I headed off in his Jeep Wrangler to the local Vietnamese Restaurant for some dinner with Barbra, Georgia, Dave, their children Anthony & Elliana, Molly and Bobby-Lynn. It was again a great evening enjoyed by all. As my last full day in America, I said my goodbyes to Georgia & Dave and headed back to Coronado.

7^th July

Well, the day had sadly arrived…. flying home later today from Los Angeles – my 4 week vacation had come to an end.

In my traditional fashion I had failed to find a suitable & more so reasonably priced flight from San Diego to Los Angeles (a 40 minute flight) prices started at $525 US… Not wanting me to pay that amount, Barbra offered to drive (with Abe) the usual 2 ½ hours north to LAX. I was really reluctant given the distance plus today was the funeral of Michael Jackson which was being held in LA and traffic had been reported as being hectic… But like always she won out in the end.

So with the plan to leave around 3pm, (allowing 5 hours to get to LAX) I still had a few hours left in Coronado – so I decided to do what any red blooded Aussie male would do… and headed back to the Bikram Yoga Studio one last time with Linda.

Thankfully the 90 minute session went quickly and it was good to say goodbye to Leslie the instructor.

By the time Linda and I got back around 11am, I had to scramble to finish packing and then after saying my goodbyes Barbra and I were off to pick up Abe and then on to LAX.

Barbra still had one item not ticked on her own “Things to do” list the one missing was eat at In & Out Burger… it’s a Californian specific fast food outlet and can I say after inhaling the following: Double double Cheese burger (Double Cheese & meat) Fries (Animal Style – served with 1000 Island Dressing, American cheese and fried onion) and Vanilla Shake – it was well worth the 35km run I’ll need to do to work it off.

Back in the car and 80 miles in front of us Abe took over the driving and took full advantage of the car pool lane passing hundreds of cars stuck in the notorious LA traffic. We were making great time – better than expected.

We arrived at LAX a little past 6.30pm so I decided it would be a good idea to drop the bags and check-in (before the rush) then get back in the car to see some of the final sights of LA.

After a short wait check-in was completed and I was back in the car heading to the famous Santa Monica Pier about 20 minutes north. The pier was full of tourists enjoying the setting sun and amusement park. It was a really nice walk and I was glad to still be able to spend time with Barbra and Abe rather than be sitting in the waiting lounge at LAX.

Pushing 7.30pm and with time still on my side (flight leaving at 10.30pm) Abe and Barbra decided to also show me Venice Beach which was only 2-3 miles from Santa Monica. Venice Beach is full of characters and chiselled bodies so while there I thought it best to visit the Muscle Gym and work my magic on the rings…

Burning up quite an appetite Barbra suggested I try a fish taco and with Abe’s local knowledge of Venice Beach & LA it wasn’t long and we were ordering.

The 25 minute drive back to LAX was sombre as Barbra and I both began to realise that this was the last time for a while that we would be hanging out together.

I arrived back at LAX around 9pm and headed straight to the plane and waited patiently for the boarding call.

The plane was packed – especially given the fact that there were about 100 school children flying to NZ for a skiing expedition – they were all sitting in my immediate area but thankfully even though the plane was relatively full – no one sat next to me so I had 3 seats all to myself pulling up the armrests I made a makeshift bed - suitable for a 5 ft 8 human... shame i'm 6ft 3 (MacGyver would've been proud) and slept 80% of the way to Auckland to ensure I was alert for my connecting flight to Brisbane.

I am now home and have unpacked my luggage and now find myself battling jet lag and separation anxiety from my family & new long term friends my 4 week journey is over.

Before I signoff though I need to say a few thankyou’s.......

Firstly, thankyou to all the members of family that provided me with a place to stay during my travels (Jim & Linda / Tom & Jan, Tommy & Theo and Morgan & Kathy), Jordan & Barbra, thanks to you both for your time in New York & San Diego (respectively) I will look back fondly on those 5/7 days we had together - they really were a shitload of fun and life altering.

To those that gave up their time to show me around your beautiful cities, Dave & Georgia, Tommy and of course Barbra I cannot thank you guys enough – all I can say is should/when you’re in my neck of the woods I’ll try my best to return the favour.

To the close friends I have made across the country Molly, Abe, Bobby-Lynn, Tara, Bear, the Puerto Rican Gang member in New York, Jen, Frank and others I may’ve missed. I look forward to seeing you again some time soon – thankyou for your company (mostly while we were drinking).

Finally to those that have been reading my first attempt at a blog – thankyou. I hope I was able to provide you with some laughter as well as an update to my movements as I travelled across America and back again. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

James x

Travelling through sundrenched San Diego

It's been a while, but I have finally found the time to reacquaint myself with my laptop and update everyone on the past few days. Barbra has kept me so active making sure I see as much of this great Island as possible before I fly out on Tuesday.














Today is Sunday the 5th July Barbra has started her new job today and I am slowly coming down off my high that is Independence Day - it's hard to not get carried away with the amount of festivities on offer here in Coronado.....

From all the people I have spoken to they have all said Coronado is the place to celebrate 4th July - and given the last three days, it appears I wasn't the only foreigner here. People have been slowly heading over the Bay Bridge since Thursday and securing their parking space all over Coronado - the population has grown by 400%!

So I hear you ask.... What have I been up to? Well.

Wednesday 1st July

Leaving the house at around 1pm it wasn't long before we all arrived at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The Museum is a grand 4 storey building overlooking Balboa Park. The Bodyworlds 2 exhibition was one that we had all wanted to see - as it involves the display of real human bodies showing the muscle, bone and vein structure - it was really fascinating.


After wandering through the two level exhibition for close to 2 hours we headed back to Coronado Island for a late lunch at a fantastic Mexican restaurant "Miguels"- We ordered and when the Margareta's arrived, the laughter and conversation continued filling the room.

With the time now quickly approaching 5pm, we headed back to the family home to allow a quick shower & change of clothes - It was Happy Hour so I had to be fast.



Barbra and I walked down the beach esplanade towards Hotel Del pasting the main Life Guard tower on Coronado Beach to see if her good friend Damon was working - he was and invited us up the 3 flights of stairs to enjoy some great vistas of Hotel Del, the Beach and beyond.



Moving on and after a short drink at one of the local bars, Barbra and I headed to the San Diego Yacht Club to catchup with some of her previous workmates and friends. The beer garden was packed with many family's enjoying the perfect weather and upcoming 4th July celebrations.

The hours passed with ease and I soon noticed it was beyond 9pm as everyone starting to pack away their belongings.

Not one to head back early - Barbra called Georgia (her Aunt) and we all headed to (yet another) local bar where we all listened to good music, shot some pool and drank the night away....


At around 3am the barman called last drinks and before we knew it we were walking the endless Orange Avenue towards an institution with local Coronadians (after the bars have closed) - it's called Night & Day Diner essentially you can order pretty much anything.... two selections I tried were the Cheeseburger Deluxe with an... egg? and the deep fried zucchini? what the? - it's great hang over food......















Thursday 2nd July

With the good intention of going to my second class of Bikram Yoga (I mean why wouldn't you?) unfortunately not likely to occur - given my sleep in (9.30am), Jim and I headed out for a well deserved game of golf at one of his local courses Bonita Golf Club.








On the way, Jim and I stopped in at his warehouse/office for Active Signs. He showed me around the different types of screen printing types and completed signs. After about half an hour we were back in the car driving the short distance to the course.

The course has been in San Diego for over 50 years and is quite open in parts with a little water so it can be a little challenging - especially when your cousin Jim smuggles in enough Crown Royal, Bohemia beers and cigars to keep you well hydrated for the 4 hour round. Final score James 91 - Jim 93.



After our round we headed to the 19th hole for some refreshments mostly Gin and Bourbon and started the 15 minute drive back to Coronado with Jethro Tull playing in the car.

Getting home around 5pm, I quickly got changed and headed out down to the Coronado Jetty for a nice dinner at Il Fornaio one of Coronado's better Italian restaurants with one of Barbra's closest friends.

Friday 3rd July

Waking on the later side of 10am I was glad to see that I had at least had some decent rest as today was once again filled. It was going to be Barbra's 10 year High School reunion I chance to see all her old school friends as well as see her boyfriend Abraham - so naturally she was excited - even more so than usual.







The reunion wasn't scheduled until early evening around 6pm so after getting dressed and eating some breakfast (including a side serving of carrot/orange juice) Barbra and I headed off to one of Coronado's beaches to catchup with Georgia, husband Dave their two children Anthony and Elliana and Barbra's Bikram Yoga buddy & close friend Molly and her daughter Coral.


Dave had brought his surf boards so we both headed out after setting up the tents and chairs. The surf wasn't all that big but it was still enjoyable to be surfing with family (& a friendly seal) in California.

At around 4-5 pm we all finally packed up our belongings and headed back - Barbra had left a little earlier (to prepare for the reunion) so I was dropped off at Jim & Linda's house thankfully saving me the mile and a half walk.

Moments later, Barbra's boyfriend Abraham (Abe) arrived so after some quick introductions I headed to the shower to get ready and head out to dinner with Molly, Dave and Georgia before joining Barbra at her reunion a little later in the evening.

Riding our bikes through Coronado toward the main streets, we/I decided on Sushi and upon our arrival Dave promptly ordered "Saki Bombs" for those who may not be familiar, half a glass of beer with a shot of Saki drop it into the beer and drink. After about 6/7 (unable to remember) Saki Bombs and a great meal, we "gingerly" headed over to Barbra's reunion.

The reunion was a lot of fun (it may've been the open bar - I'm not sure) with Barbra and Abe thoroughly enjoying themselves. Barbra introduced me to several of her friends and we all continued on at the reunion well into the night.



It was a great evening.

Saturday 4th July - Independence Day (Not to be confused with the movie starring Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones).

Happy 4th July!!! was the call as I rolled out of bed a little earlier this time (around 8am). Barbra was already ready with her Dr. Seuss (Cat in the Hat) hat... which she refused to take off for the whole day!!
















Before heading off to the the highly anticipated Coronado Parade, Jim, Linda, Barbra and I walked the 5 or so blocks to Georgia and Dave's house to partake in a "few" Bloody Mary's - Georgia even made sure Barbra and I had one or two for the parade - hidden in a cleverly disguised take away coffee cup - thank you Starbucks.

The main street (Orange Avenue) of Coronado was covered with people by the time we wandered up. We all found a open space and watched the parade go by. As Coronado is home to one of the larger naval bases in America, the parade has a strong community/military flavour with jets and helicopters circling above.




At around 1pm the four of us headed over to a restaurant named Tent City for a late brunch - it is called Tent City because when the Hotel Del was being constructed in the mid to late 1800's all the workers lived nearby in tents... hence the name. Anyway after several drinks and being in the sun throughout the day Barbra and I were happy to head home.

On the way home Jim decided to pick up some refreshments for our BBQ which he would prepare. Jim is a real whiz on the BBQ so I was secretly looking forward to the lunch. Georgia and her children Anthony and Elliana arrived with the smell of hamburgers filling the house.















After lunch I decided it wise to have a siesta - I woke around 6pm and started to get ready to watch the fireworks from the local golf course. As I was getting ready, Barbra received a call from her friend Molly who invited us both to watch the fireworks on one of the boats at the local yacht club - a great vantage point so I agreed (Barbra had decided to spend time with her boyfriend Abe who was at nearby Mission Beach celebrating his 1st 4th July as an American citizen).




The fireworks were spectacular and they were synchronized with music so the crowds of people were really enjoying the spectacle which seemed to go on for quite a while.



Riding home on Jim's bike around 12.30am I was sound asleep in minutes - my first 4th July experience was over but my memories would last forever.

James.