Just like a mother who checks out the school and the bathrooms on the first day of Kindergarten before she leaves her child there, I found I loved these two cities and decided it was safe to leave Kathryn here by this beautiful seaside town (as if I had a choice!!) It definitely passed all of the "mother tests."... especially the biggest test: "Could I live here for a month in the winter months? Oh, yeah!
Even though on this day Kathryn stated, "I am so tired of driving," as she got in the car, she still wanted to show me more sites. She had been the driver for three-fourths of this trip while I was the "Happy Passenger." Actually, she used her I-Phone to navigate us through the hills and valleys of it all as well as directions through the cities, and I paid for the gas!!!!! AND the cowboy hats!!!
We drove through Encinitas and Del Mar, past Torrey Pines Golf Course, known to be Tiger Woods' favorite course. Every curve brought yet another stunning view of the ocean with people swimming, people surfing. I was especially impressed with the fact that in some places alongside the ocean, and sometimes on a cliff above the ocean, were campgrounds! Yes, campgrounds like you see in Minnesota with picnic tables and RV's and tents, except these had an ocean view! Unbelievable!!!
We also stopped along the way for lunch at a restaurant called Ki's which was directly across from the ocean. As we parked next to a Jaguar Convertible, I wondered if when these people left the restaurant would they worry about making a knick in the side door of OUR Chevy Cobalt!!! We shared a plate of 3 fish tacos that was the best I've ever tasted. All seating was on the second floor with the door open to the patio and sea breezes blowing in. It was Thursday afternoon... garbage day in Minnesota... but lunch by the sea in California!!
By 2 pm I was back at the hotel and Kathryn went back to her home, hopefully for some much needed rest. Evening dinner was to be with Jordan, a mutual friend of Kathryn and Whitney's who requested to meet me also! We chose a Greek restaurant and Kathryn picked me up after she picked him up. Who I expected to meet was "Just Jordan", a young friend. Who I saw when I met him was an engaging, bright young man who looked me directly in my eyes (he had nice brown eyes!), shook my hand, adjusted the car seat so I'd be comfortable, then got in the back seat and asked how my day was! Wow!!! Someone who showed genuine interest to a woman with gray hair!!
As we got out of the car I asked him how long he had lived in California. As it turns out, he's a former Marine who served 5 years in the Intelligence Division and had done 3 tours of duty in Iraq!! Such an honor to meet someone like him! We three had an engaging and fascinating conversation on everything from religion and politics (yes, it was civil!) to family, food and travel. It was especially fascinating for me to hear his comments about my working in the American Embassy in Vienna, Austria and the Marines who get the duty of guarding the embassies around the world. A great night with fantastic people to finish off a memorable trip!!!
LESSON FOR THE DAY: Even when you're tired and exhausted, good food and good company will always energize you!!!
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