"Where the Surf Meets the Turf"

Although my main priority and focus have been centered on the fundraising campaign that will help me travel from California to Turkey (keep reading to find out more), it's important that any peace builder find a way to relieve a little stress. This weekend has been all about re-centering my zen and having a good time.

Saturday morning, my boyfriend Devin and I set out to go "where the surf meets the turf down at ol' Del Mar." We went to the Del Mar Fair (most of you should be realizing that I'm a traditionalist with names. I recognize that most people call it the San Diego County Fair, but that takes too long to say). And for those of you who are unfamiliar with Del Mar, allow Bing Crosby to tell you a bit about the famous grounds:

The fair is among the biggest parties on the west coast and it lasts throughout June until the horse races start in July. Every year is a new theme and this year is Beatlemania.

Devin and I walked around the grounds, sampling the delectable fair food - fried zucchini, bacon wrapped jalapenos, a mile long hot dog and a loaded cinnamon bun. Unlike most fair goers, we avoided the corn as neither of us care for the edible gold.

Nothing against the vendor - corn just isn't our style

 We strolled through the shops and tried to catch a few shows. While we were unable to see too much of the pig racing, we were able to catch the Turkey Stampede. 

It was a bit weirder than it sounds, but it was entertaining to watch turkeys chase after and hitch-hike in a toy truck with feed in its trunk.

From there we walked to the bee exhibit to see what was abuzz.

Just beyond that was the horse ring where I bonded with the ponies and Devin showed off his rodeo skills.

After that we rode the ferris wheel and enjoyed the sights of the fairground on the sea.

It was a beautiful and exhausting day. After being couch-ridden all week, it was delightful to be out in the sun, but boy was I ready for a good, long sleep. 

Yesterday was all about being with my sisters and watching the US v. Portugal match, which we all know the results of, so I won't waste time there.

Today, it was back to the ol' peacebuilding grindstone, which I'm happy to bear. If you haven't yet heard, I'm going to Turkey as a citizen diplomat, but I am in dire need of your help. Please go to my fundraising website to see how you can contribute to peace.

Only 8 days left! Please jump on this peacebuilding train to help out your humble author!

-S. Faxon