California Diary Part I: San Diego
As reported, I went to California for fifteen days in late July. Here's what happened:
I started out by flying into San Diego on Saturday, July 15. My cousin Becky, her husband Andy and their three-year-old daughter H picked me up at the airport and we went straight to the waterfront to get delicious food at Carnitas Snack Shack. Becky had taken me to their original location on my original trip here in 2015, and I'm pleased to say that this one was just as delicious.
After that we caught a ferry ride to Coronado. This was a very pleasant ride with a great view of the harbor. Unfortunately, we'd forgotten to refill the meter, so almost as soon as we got off the ferry we had to take it back. We opted to drive over the bridge to Coronado. We then got ice cream at Mootime and then walked along the Pacific near the Hotel del Coronado. H had a great time, and I think we all did too!
On Sunday, July 16, we went to Petco Park. I had been before, but her three-year-old daughter had never been to a game before. H was a big fan of the bouncy park and the food, and she even watched some baseball for a bit. I myself watched perhaps as much as 5 innings of baseball (the Padres won). I had some super delicious nachos. The day was accounted a success by all of us.
On Monday, July 17, everyone else had real life to get to, so I picked up my rental car and headed to the San Diego Safari Park. I'm pretty sure this is the best zoo I have ever been to. It's gigantic. I was there pretty much all day and just barely saw all of it, and I passed several places where they are expanding it out (coming soon: an Australian habitat). The existing parts were pretty neat, particularly this giant open area with dozens (hundreds?) of African quadrupeds in a reasonably natural environment. You can't walk out there, but there is a tram ride around the entire area which gives great views of rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, ostriches, and a wide assortment of other animals. I happily took the ride twice. I strongly recommend the zoo to anyone who likes animals, or even just really good walks!
When everyone was back from their work and errands, we went and picked up sushi and had a pleasant meal at the house. The next morning I headed north for Los Angeles.
Photos from my California trip are here. The first 49 photos were taken at the San Diego Safari Park. I didn't take pictures anywhere else in San Diego even though I had my phone for some of it. I really should have taken one of H at least!
I started out by flying into San Diego on Saturday, July 15. My cousin Becky, her husband Andy and their three-year-old daughter H picked me up at the airport and we went straight to the waterfront to get delicious food at Carnitas Snack Shack. Becky had taken me to their original location on my original trip here in 2015, and I'm pleased to say that this one was just as delicious.
After that we caught a ferry ride to Coronado. This was a very pleasant ride with a great view of the harbor. Unfortunately, we'd forgotten to refill the meter, so almost as soon as we got off the ferry we had to take it back. We opted to drive over the bridge to Coronado. We then got ice cream at Mootime and then walked along the Pacific near the Hotel del Coronado. H had a great time, and I think we all did too!
On Sunday, July 16, we went to Petco Park. I had been before, but her three-year-old daughter had never been to a game before. H was a big fan of the bouncy park and the food, and she even watched some baseball for a bit. I myself watched perhaps as much as 5 innings of baseball (the Padres won). I had some super delicious nachos. The day was accounted a success by all of us.
On Monday, July 17, everyone else had real life to get to, so I picked up my rental car and headed to the San Diego Safari Park. I'm pretty sure this is the best zoo I have ever been to. It's gigantic. I was there pretty much all day and just barely saw all of it, and I passed several places where they are expanding it out (coming soon: an Australian habitat). The existing parts were pretty neat, particularly this giant open area with dozens (hundreds?) of African quadrupeds in a reasonably natural environment. You can't walk out there, but there is a tram ride around the entire area which gives great views of rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, ostriches, and a wide assortment of other animals. I happily took the ride twice. I strongly recommend the zoo to anyone who likes animals, or even just really good walks!
When everyone was back from their work and errands, we went and picked up sushi and had a pleasant meal at the house. The next morning I headed north for Los Angeles.
Photos from my California trip are here. The first 49 photos were taken at the San Diego Safari Park. I didn't take pictures anywhere else in San Diego even though I had my phone for some of it. I really should have taken one of H at least!