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Published: November 6th 2007
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Ah California
This about sums it up, Ocean beach. Surfs up! One thing I've never been very happy about is the fact my older brother was born in the US and I got Wales (not to mention the fact I'm ginger too!). But hey, I’m not bitter but at least it means visiting is a lot more exciting than getting the tube to west London.
Time to add another state to my collection, a visit to California and my first visit to the west coast. Another first on this holiday too, travelling with children, not mine I’d hasten to add, but my nephew and niece (5 and 2 respectively). Oh boy, it’s a long, long flight to LA…
But before my sister complains, I would like to point out they are both very well behaved and delightful company. And of course, 10 hours of sitting next to you nephew pretending to fly the plane has some advantages, the stewardesses thought he was very cute and told us we could visit the Captain. A rarity these days and of course we had to wait until landing, but it was cool. It’s amazing how small the cockpit of a 777 is, the Captain and Co-pilot looked very snug. I just hope those
Kinda cool to see the signs
even though we didn't actually stay there 10 hours of brain-washing my nephew in to being a pilot weren’t wasted, just think of the free flights…
A quick shuttle flight next and we came in to land in San Diego. One of the most fun landings I’ve had for a long time, you fly in right over the city following a hill down to the runway. Great fun as the airport is right in the centre of town so you are really close to the buildings. At this point I’d decided I liked the place already (you might spot a certain aeronautical theme starting).
Big brother met us at the airport and once we picked up our magic van we headed off to the Layfayette hotel. Known for the fact that Johnny Weismuller of Tarzen fame designed the swimming pool, it had the look of the Rat Pack but luckily not the smell. I was in the ‘Rhonda Fleming’ room. Star of ‘Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood’. No, I had no idea who she was either, but a dog called Won Ton Ton, genius.
The next morning didn’t go quite so well, firstly it was RAINING, yes RAINING in California. Secondly,
Guess what?
Scaffolding AGAIN! This time at LAX. I bear the ancient Curse of the Scaffold on my travels. and probably the worst thing that could happen, my sister’s hair-straighteners didn’t work, ARGHH! Once I’d recovered from the shock we visited an aquarium for the morning to hide from the rain. I got the feeling the Sarcastic Fringehead fish I saw was laughing at me. And after we’d managed to drag ourselves away from the most exciting thing there, these tables where you make water mazes, we headed down the road to La Jolla on the coast to see the sea lions. Then on into the old town in San Diego, a bit wild-west looking and quite quaint. But the Mexican food is rather good.
The sun had now decided to show its face, so all was forgiven as we drove across the Coronado Bay Bridge to Coronado Island (you don’t say). The island is home to an Airbase and a famous hotel on the beach, star of many a movie.
The next day we visited Disneyland, reported to be the ‘Happiest place on Earth’. And how could I disagree. It was a bit smaller than I expected, but after a rough start on a scary Pinocchio ride which made the kids cry (or was it my
Mi Casa, su casa
House in the old stylee in the old town part of San Diego, quite Mexican in style I think. sister?) we moved on to a Disney classic, the Smallest World ride. This has been around since the 1960’s and comprises of a boat journey through a myriad of singing animatronic dolls representing the different nations (stereotypes) of the world. Each tunefully singing the Smallest World song in helium fuelled voice. I think it’s actually a secret military weapon designed to brainwash all who enter.
Time to move on the big girls rides. The Indiana Jones ride was brilliant and the Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean were pretty good too. Disneyland was fun, however I didn’t actually see Mickey Mouse.
The following day we took a drive inland to a shopping centre on a Reservation and then on to a town called Julian, famous for all American apple pie. As we drove through the dry, brown landscape from Julian, down through Ramona and back to San Diego. My brother pointed out how 4 years previously all was burnt to a crisp. You could still see the blackened tree trunks.
Next it was time to visit the thing which swung it for me when deciding to visit San Diego. The USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier,
Some like it hot
Well, Marlyin did in the film. The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado beach where the film was set. which is now a museum. I’d always wanted to go on one and was rather excited at the chance. It was really amazing to walk around and there were so many planes to sit in! We even had a go on a fighter simulator and of course I was a natural, I must think of a Top Gun style nick-name.
Later that day we visited my brother’s friend north in Carlsbad for dinner in her rather nice house complete with pet dog, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and even an outside kitchen. Makes my flat feel a little small on reflection, in fact it would probably fit in the pool. Thanks again Carolyn!
Then the excitement started the very next day. We woke to reports of Wild Fires outside the city. The places we’d driven through two days before were on fire again. I’d just like to point out it wasn’t me. The news was constant and The Governator (Arnie) declared State of Emergency. I’ve never been in one before and it was almost quite exciting. Luckily downtown San Diego was pretty safe although the smoke and refugees entered the city from the east.
Finally a trip to Seaworld,
Where's the Hoff?
Probably drunk and singing to his German fans these days. one of San Diego’s more famous attractions. Home of Shamu, the killer whale show. Which is now a bit touchy-feely telling us we must ‘believe’. Changed apparently from a few years ago as one of the whales lived up to it’s name and got fed up with jumping through hoops and attacked a trainer. You would have thought the name would have been a hint…
The best show was the seals and sea lion show. With a performing otter too, who thinks to train an otter?
Ah well, the end of the trip, San Diego is lovely and I will be going back, bad luck brother, but thanks for the being a good host.
And on that note, I'd just like to end with a song:
it's a world of laughter, a world or tears
its a world of hopes, its a world of fear
theres so much that we share
that its time we're aware
its a small world after all
CHORUS:
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world
There is
just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small small world
repeat until the sun has died and the universe has expanded fully.
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Miranda
non-member comment
Oh you do make me laugh - loved the comment about the Walt Disney statue - I will never see him in the same light again. So when are you coming to the Great White North?