Allen & Linda USA 2012: San Luis Obispo to LAX 30th Oct-5th Nov 2012

San Luis Obispo to LAX 30th Oct-5th Nov 2012

It all seems surreal, no home on our back, just the two of us in a rental car but we were determined to make the most of the last few days. With our never say die enthusiasm we powered towards Santa Barbara.

We couldn’t go to Santa Barbara and not stay at The Beach House again. It is the best accommodation in town and the owners were delighted to see us and even gave us the same room as before.

Wednesday 31^st October – HALLOWEEN in Anaheim, LA!!

Stopped at Santa Monica and I decided to have my hair cut.

Found a crazy Hair Salon where everyone was dressed in freaky Halloween costumes. The lovely Laura picked the short straw and had the unenviable job of making me look good. I explained I wanted something special as I was meeting my son the next day and I hadn’t seen him in 10 months. She immediately burst into tears and said she couldn’t cope with that story but she was keen to transform me into a hot mumma.

Not sure if she succeeded but we had a great time and she hugged and kissed me before waving goodbye.

Thursday 1^st November – D-DAY, D-DAY, D-DAY, D-DAY!!!!

I was so excited at the prospect of seeing Daniel again I could hardly contain myself. We drove to Worldmark Mission Valley, San Diego and checked into the Resort. Then there was a knock at the door and one hot mumma went weak at the knees. Daniel looked fantastic and as always he couldn’t sit still for a minute. “Mum and Dad I’m taking you to SeaWorld.” Awesome!

The place was mind blowing. With only a few minutes to spare we rushed to the Shamu Stadium to watch the Killer Whale Show.

We quickly sat down
and noticed the sign “soak zone” next to our seats. We were still trying to work it out when the first whales made their mighty entrance and we got absolutely drenched!!
My new hairstyle was history.

I love dolphins and it has always been my ambition to pat one. Say no more, I got to play with a group of these gorgeous, fun loving, babies. They smiled, splashed, squeaked and loved the interaction with the crowd.

Went on the Wild Arctic simulated ride, we didn’t exactly go anywhere but nearly froze to death as the icy wind blew down on us. After that we checked out the polar bears, whales and some handsome looking walruses. Fancy waking up next to that guy!! Yikes

You name it, we saw it. By late afternoon we were all fished out but we’d had a ball.

Later that evening Daniel and Susie (a friend from Elandess) had dinner with us. Loved every minute of our time together.

The next morning we explored the Old Town San Diego. Walked around the spectacular cultural centre called Balboa Park. This incredible place has 1200 acres of beautiful gardens, 15 museums, exquisite architecture, shops, restaurants and a world class theatre.

At 11am we collected Daniel from a friend’s house near La Jolla. He was starving so we decided to have an early lunch and found ourselves back in the Old Town.

As we walked around things started to look familiar and we somehow ended up outside “La Pinata” the same Mexican Restaurant that the three of us discovered in 2010. The waitress was in national costume and beckoned us in. We sat in the sunny courtyard and talked and laughed. The food was magic.

The day just kept getting better. Our next surprise was a VIP tour of the luxury yacht Elandess.

Daniel took us on board and we met some of the crew. The boat was sheer opulence and to think Dan has the cheek to call it work! All the rooms were elegantly decorated and very stylish. The tour was an amazing experience and now we can visualise where Daniel lives and works.

Even got to sit in the speed boat and dream. Not bad son!

The old enemy time was racing away. We drove Daniel to the Avis Car Hire at San Diego Airport. He was hiring a van to drive to Mexico for the weekend. He kindly invited us to join him and his surfing mates but unfortunately we had to decline. I think it was for the best. Bye Dan, please remember to write! Love you.

Saturday 3^rd November – I spent most of the day at Macy’s while Allen opted for a relaxing massage. We agreed to meet for lunch and I was shocked to find Allen had chosen the Tilted Kilt Sports Bar…..this was the nearest thing to a Scottish Hooters!!!!

Pretty, voluptuous bar staff dressed in mini kilts and tartan push-up bras. TV screens all around the restaurant were belting out various footy games!! Not being able to hear a single word we were saying we decided to just enjoy the scenery. Allen bought a Tilted Kilt Calendar and he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

Now for a complete change of pace. We arrived at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala.

This was the first Franciscan Mission founded in 1769. The church and gardens had a beautiful peaceful ambiance. Little grottos were dotted around the grounds giving the whole place a sacred atmosphere.

The mission bells were very important to the mission’s daily life. There were 5 bells here and they were rung at the start of work, mealtimes and to advise of births and funerals!

The following day we went to Hotel del Coronado.

This hotel is supposedly haunted and is the oldest and largest all wooden building left in California. We stopped for drinks and nibbles but could not afford to eat there….hey it’s the end of our holiday, what can you expect!