One Day in LA

Ah... The city of Angels ..Watch this space for my one day trip to Los Angeles

San Diego Autumn In The Sun

I highly suspect that one of the reasons San Diego is called “America’s finest city” is because of the fine people there. In contrast to my previous trips to other states, I hardly saw anyone obese on the streets. Granted, I was only there for a brief period. But throughout it all, I witnessed an outdoorsy culture where people are just happy to walk, jog or stroll down the beach under the Californian sun that stays warm well into the cold months.

A fellow journalist commented that the San Diego-ians strike to her as esoteric people. Though I couldn’t confirm it, I suspect its temperate climate, beautiful coastlines and rich Mexican history has made its citizens fairly different from the rest of the country.

Given its historic roots with Mexico, it’s no surprise that San Diego is famous for Mexican food. Though I did find that slightly ironic, given that San Diego was wrangled away from Mexico by the Americans just before the Californian Gold Rush in mid 19th century. But I suppose with the exhaustive gastronomy affairs you available there, American food has somewhat lost its footing in its own home land.

Hell, Mexican cuisine probably helps with the perennial drought problem California faces. Who needs water when you can down tequila? 

I had a lovely experience at a Mexican fusion restaurant in Balboa Park that’s been around for decades. Sipping sangria with a plate of tender steak taco accompanied by two lovely people was a nice introduction to restaurant El Prado. Its patio overlooks a clearing that houses lush greeneries used often for weddings. As I sat there exchanging travel stories with a South African journalist and a fellow Californian with the sun in my face, the day seems perfect. How I wish I could do this more often.



The park itself is also impressive. Spanning many acres, you can find a variety of museums including a Shakespearean inspired theatre called Old Globe. One of the interesting attractions was the United Nation houses. It basically comprises of little cottages that each represents different countries under United Nations. On the weekends, one house (or country) will host a cultural event for the public. Unfortunately, there was no cottage for Malaysia. Ah, well…we may be small but we make up in spirit.

The beaches and coastlines make for perfect surfing grounds. The beaches in Del Mar where the rich (and possibly famous) people live and play look like something out of a vacation catalogue. Houses there are in the millions. Oh, and mid range houses are anything between 500,000 to 2 million. Needless to say, houses in Del Mar are above 2 million. America’s finest city means you either pay through your teeth or make it your retirement destination.

Speaking of beaches, I fell in love with Coronado hotel, founded in 1888 (I like anything vintage) which sits happily by the beach. Taking the ferry to Coronado, the place itself also looks like out of the book American suburbia. I can see myself playing happy house here with the love of my life.




But back to the charming hotel. I dare say, it is the most beautiful hotel I have encountered. The white wood against the white sandy beach below a setting sun is just pure pleasantness. See, the thing with me is that I am a happy person. When I want serenity, I don’t need quiet secluded places in the middle of nowhere. And Coronado is perfect. It has the calmness of the ocean but is still surrounded by the vibrancy of the town. To top it off, there was a wedding when I was there, and it just gave me more of that happiness feeling as my feet sinks into the soft sand.

Oh, and one of the funniest films ive seen starring Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe was filmed at the hotel, called "Some like it hot" which gave the place the old school feel I love. I swear I have an old soul sometimes. :)