The City That We Love- San Diego
San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate.
December 20, 2013
San Diego, California, USA
After two days on board the ship, we met some of the familiar faces from the staff and crew. Some of the crew we knew were transferred, a few were promoted, but the veteran crew, the team we call it, are still around. We feel more comfortable knowing that a few people we know are still on board.
The passengers on the other hand are a different bunch. There were a few kids and teenagers, making the ship a livelier environ and erasing the image of the cruise ship as God's window for the waiting senior citizens. There`s a man who walks with two women on each side, but he swears he is not from Salt Lake City. We see a couple smooching at the hot tub. This is something unusual when the usual average age for this kind of cruise ship are seventy years old! There were also a few that came just for the Christmas holidays and obviously, the casino on board. Today, in San Diego, our first port stop, we had additional six hundred (600) people who boarded the ship. As a requirement,everybody should attend the emergency passenger drill.
La Jolla is a hilly, seaside special community within San Diego, occupying 7 miles (11 km) of curving coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
We've been here in San Diego several times in the past and had seen and explored the city hence I didn't arrange for any tours. We took a cab and went to Horton's Plaza in search of Star bucks, not for coffee but more for the WiFi i connection. Within an hour, we were able to download our emails and made some precious phone calls.
“I love San Diego, “ I told Bert about three times while walking toward a shop. I thought he might pick-up on that and walked faster. But today was obviously a no rush day.
San Diego is California's oldest,second largest and southern most City. “It's a little bit like New York,” described Bert while crossing the pedestrian walk. “Except there is no crowd and it is more quaint,” he added. The city is walk-able and there is a trolley and a public bus service. Cabs are plentiful too and there are even pedicabs available for tourists. There is also an cheap commuter train that leaves the downtown area and it is fast and efficient. All around us were modern urban buildings in contrast with the Spanish architecture prevalent in some of the still existing old buildings.
I noticed the locals were friendlier rand the drivers were not as demonic as their counterparts in nearby Los Angeles. The place has a certain vibe with the sparkling blue ocean in the west and boulder -strewn hills in the east. Just imagine this: vintage tall ships lining up the waterfront; USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum; a Russian submarine and the USS Dolphin submarine. All of these were flanking our cruise ship plus there was a little red trolley that can take you all the way to Tijuana, Mexico.
Other surrounding attractions are the famous Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the country. The 1,074 acre park is home to numerous art galleries, botanical exhibits and fifteen (15) museums including the world famous, San Diego Zoo with more than 800 species of animals.
The Seaport Village is also not to be missed. It is full of shops, boutiques and restaurants. Here, you can wander around and shop for trinkets, and have a cold beer or margarita before heading back to the ship. It has a fun and festive environment.
The COASTER commuter train provides breathtaking coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego.
If one is looking for the Ritz and glitz, head to La Jolla which is famous for resorts catering to the rich and famous. Some of the best restaurants sit over-looking the rocky bluff to the sea.Of course, one shouldn't miss the Old City where one can dine serenaded by mariachi bands and margarita fountains lit with strings of lights.For people with kids, the Lego land is about half an hour drive from the downtown area and is geared for kids from 2 – 12 years old. If killer whales are your interest,head to Sea World, part theater, part marine life exhibition where there is a daily interactive show involving marine life and humans.
Whether one is a military buff, an animal lover, a food lover, have family with kids or just a plain tourist willing to explore and experience; San Diego has plenty to offer. For me, San Diego is spectacular anytime of the year and I wouldn't mind visiting this place again. I wish that we could stay longer but alas, we have to get back to the ship and perform another mandatory emergency drill once again!
Do they think we are that stupid?”a friend asked me while waiting for the elevator door to open. “What do you mean?” I countered. Well, we just did the emergency drill the other day and now we are going to do it again,” he added. “They have new life vest,” I reasoned. Soon after he left and chose to used the stairs instead, I muttered, “ I hope our Captain is not Italian!”
Comments
I'm enjoying these, Tita Lotty! Keep them coming! :) From Althea, on Dec 24, 2013 at 12:12 a. m.
Very interesting reading your travel reports. Thank you. I feel I am travelling with you guys. From Jever, on Dec 24, 2013 at 01:10 a. m.
Keep up the good work.....love every minute of your travel. Merry Christmas to you both. xo P From Patsy, on Dec 24, 2013 at 02:30 a. m.
I am enjoying your detailed description of your trip - I can be on your excursion vicariously. Merry Christmas to you and Bert!! From Christopher Lee, on Dec 24, 2013 at 06:46 a. m.
So happy to hear that you two are having a lot of fun on this adventure. Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas! From Harry, on Dec 24, 2013 at 07:16 a. m.
We are happy to follow your travels via this blog, but we would be a lot happier being there with you. Today is Christmas Eve and the whole family plus some friends will be here for supper. If we were with you, we wouldn't have to cook supper, but we love our family and will put thoughts of cruising aside for today and think about it again tomorrow. Merry Christmas. Big hugs, F&G From Fred & Georgette, on Dec 24, 2013 at 12:50 p. m.
Merry Christmas Bert and Charlotte!! We enjoyed our dinner last night at my house. Yassir cooked it for me...lol....how nice to just "pick up" Christmas dinner! It's all gone now....but memories remain! Kim is with Michael for a few days and we will celebrate our "girl-style-Christmas this weekend, lol. San Diego is a beautiful city and I am happy to be getting the updates as I travel along with you two. Perhaps when you return, you can show us how to do an "emergency drill" at Yassirs! Stay well and having fun!! Marcelle From Marcelle, on Dec 26, 2013 at 04:45 a. m.
I love your blog.....although I feel you wouldn't mind moving to San Diego.....no comment from Bert I gather - he just didn't get your hint. Oh well, never hurts to try again. Keep well and have fun on your adventure. From Nina, on Dec 26, 2013 at 09:19 p.m.
Ate, sinusundan ko travel blog continue mu yan. happy holidays pala. From Tonet, on Dec 27, 2013 at 12:55 p. m.
Enjoying your interesting blog! I wish we could be on the Amsterdam with you guys. Have a great trip, Charlotte and Bert! From Machiko, on Dec 29, 2013 at 10:42 a. m.