I caught up with hard mike briefly the other night. The new love of my life is Michael (he's my handbag). I can imagine hard mike and my companion NyQuil won't get on so well...
Lol; love the ring story. I think it even qualifies to be an "Official Story", ala meat delivery, flava-ice etc. RESULT! Good job with the surfing lesson, sounds like you did pretty well considering it was your first lesson. The boys from Home and Away would be proud of you.
Ah: That would explain why I didn't get a reply to my maternal "Thinking of you and hoping you're ok" text when the tsunami threat occured :P Hook yourself up with an iPhone 5 when you get back, or better yet get one from duty free. How is the weather there now?
Only an hour in Santa Barbara?! So not enough-that magnificent city deserves at least a few days to really get the job done and see and explore everything it has to offer. I guarantee you will fall in love every single time you try something new there. I have never stopped going there ever since I went to school there 10 years ago. Hiking, downtown, shopping, restaurants and so much more-hard to get bored. The South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com) is elegant and well worth the vacation time.
Personally, the drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara can be torment (I've done it several times) but with the right music and people it can be quite enjoyable and very pretty! Both cities are a lot of fun. San Francisco, the culture, the night life, the people, all of it is amazing and beautiful in every way but Santa Barbara is a great escape on the beach with great food, wine, and the spanish culture is great. If you've never been, it's honestly one of the best towns in California. I recently discovered a great hotel to stay at in Santa Barbara actually-the South Coast Inn (www.santa-barbara-hotel.com). Fine in every way and elegance at the upmost.
The two best cities! I love SF and Santa Barbara especially. Great cities and both have very different things to offer you when visiting. The urban and large city with an art scene that will blow your mind. As well, the clubs and music scene is good too. Santa Barbara's beach and upbeat demeanor is something very special and hard to find. Natural beauty and worth every penny spent. Personally I go for the small time vibe any day but sometimes places like SF are where it's at! If you ever find yourself back in the Santa Barbara area you should really check out the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Inexpensive and one of the best budget friendly hotels in town.
When is it not raining in SF? It is always raining in SF so I bet going to Santa Barbara was a refreshing change for you! Love that city-so much fun! Though San Francisco is a great city with an exceptional night life and things to do all day long-Santa Barbara has an at home appeal and is very beautiful.. Much warmer and the beaches are legendary. I'd pick SB over anything any day. Can't wait to go back this summer! Gonna do some hiking and hopefully some surfing. I'll be staying at the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Right out of the way making for a very cozy atmosphere.
So you didn't end up making it to Venice and SM? What a shame - maybe next time! I LOVE Pinkberry - I went into the one on Sunset Bl (near Ralphs) most nights and got a salted caramel yoghurt....an unlikely combo I know, but surprisingly tasty. It's cool knowing you've been in the same areas that I have, probably took the same bus back from The Grove to Hollywood as well....metro 217 I think....on Fairfax. Ahhh...memories.
Candy flossed flavored ice cream? That sounds very interesting. Santa Barbara is a great place, you will definitely enjoy your time there. Make sure to spend time at the beach (duh) and strolling along downtown State Street. If you are traveling on a budget, don't get locked into paying $500+ a night at some of the hotels, opt for a more budget-friendly option like The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com) on State. I go to SB quite often and love it, have fun!
Yeah, I've heard all about downtown LA which is why I never ventured there - I just didn't want to say anything to you prior in case it seemed like I was trying to spoil the party as it were...which I'm definitely not. Go to Hollywood babe, that place will see you right!
Geoff
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Emigration to a warmer climate
Sigh...