California Staycation Special Edition - Monday

Let me start by expressing all thanks and gratitude to our sisters and brothers serving in the armed forces and their families on this Memorial Day.

As you may be able to tell from the title, I have taken this week off from work in order to enjoy the paradise that is my city with one of my best friends. So, this week, be prepared to slab on the sunscreen as you live vicariously reading along with our adventures. Sit back, pour yourself a margarita (unless you're getting ready to go to work, in which case simply pour for yourself a riveting cup of coffee), and prepare yourself to enjoy one of the most epic vacations yet embarked within America's Finest City.

Saturday, May 24 - 7:56pm 
I received a text message alerting me that my friend, Gillian's, flight arrived approximately a half hour earlier than expected. Like lightning, I bolted out from my house into my car, to proceed at legal speed to the airport in a safe, yet hasty fashion.

There in Terminal 2, was the friend that I had not seen since last August. This is Gill's FIRST trip out west and so I have been planning her itinerary for weeks in hopes to make this an unforgettable experience.

Our first stop on our way back to my place, was to one of the best Mexican eateries in San Diego - I gave Gill the choice of In-N-Out or Mexican (our iconic foods here) and she chose the later. When we entered JV's, I explained to her that the "hole-in-the-wall" spots are the best and JV's is no exception. After ordering herself some pollo asada tacos and sampling my horchata, Gill listened intently as I explained to her the different salsas. During this process, a gentleman approached to ask, "Are you really explaining to her salsa?"

To which I answered confidently, "Yes. She's from Jersey - straight off the plane. I wanted to show her good Mexican food."

The man replied, "Ooh, then yes, you brought her to the right place."

Indeed, Gill's first experience with Mexican food was happily enjoyed.

We chatted for hours once we settled at my place until finally, jet-lag and general travel exhaustion won the day.

Sunday, May 25th
We woke up early and immediately headed westward. Taking the scenic route, Gill and I went to OB so that I could introduce Gill to the Pacific Ocean. As we parked on Newport, a colorful, full-bodied street in the heart of one of the greatest communities in SD, I said to Gill, "Gill, meet Pacific Ocean, Pacific Ocean, this is Gill."

Completely thrilled and overwhelmed by the beauty of the beach, the gentle wakes, and the surfers, Gill and I strolled the short distance between the peer and Life Guard Tower Two for an hour.

Gill & me in front of the OB Pier

Our rumbling bellies told us that it was time to eat, so we headed to a well known corner restaurant called Shades...

Due to the late hour and the lack of photos accessible to me from this trip presently, be sure and tune in tomorrow to see what we did next on our adventure!

Your humble staycationing author,
S. Faxon