17. Last day

And so I wake on my last day.  I think about this hotel, there really is somehting odd going on.  A room for two people with 1 each of two different types of tea bag, 1 pack of decaf coffee and two of regular coffee.  No in room safe and the only place I have been where everyone is rude and half of them can't understand me!!!

I finish packing and grab a shuttle to the train station where I travel to Santa Ana Depot.  The reason for Santa Ana is that they have a baggage check there and I can leave my bag for the day.  My intention was to leave the bag and catch a bus (I had it all checked out on line) to the area that Varia told me about and from there go to a shopping center to catch the bus back to the station.

Santa Ana Depot was gorgeous.
A very Mexican looking building with all signs in Spanish and some of the people didn't speak English.

There was no info desk and it took me some time to figure out where the bus was to leave from.  I wait and I wait for a bus and eventually find the timetable which tells me the busses only run prior to 10am (and return in the afternoon).

OK change of plan - I wait in the cab queue and eventually a can comes along, complete with non English speaking turban headed Sikh who didn't know where the major shopping center of the region was.  Eventually we arrive and I realise quickly that to get to where Varia told me it was going to be a hard task so I just hang out in yet another sterile center where I wander in and out of dozens of shops looking for that special something in the form of a simple pair of black wedge heeled sandals in leather.  No way, not even in designer stores (of which there were many).

what did I buy.  A grilled cheese sandwich at Boudins, an ice cream at Haagen daas and a horrible cookie from Mrs Fields.  I well at least I didn't spend a fortune.

Bored I check the timetable for the return bus and determine from the diagram where the bus stop is.  Well I find the exact location shown on the map and not a bus stop to be seen.  I search and I ask to no avail and end up ringing for a cab.  It took ages and I feared by this stage that I would miss my train. Evenutally, a lovely driver comes complete with cab and spirits me off through the back blocks to get me to the station in time to collect my bag, cross the tracks and catch my train to LA Union Station.

From there I transfer to the LAX shuttle and am soon safely deposited in front of Terminal 2 where I check in and go airside to the dumpiest airport lounge I have ever been in.  Food was rubbish so I go to the concourse where I had the amazing choice of eating at Burger King's Us\S equivalent, a bakery, a burger joint or Wolfgang Pucks Bistro for a pizza.  the burger seemed the lesser of two evils and as I still had the hankering for a piece of meat I dined, again, on a crappy burger.

Yay soon we board and i'm on my way. Home ward bound on my first ever cattle class flight on Air New Zealand.  Fortunately there were only two of us in a bank of three seats so it want anywhere near as bad as I expected and after an uneventful flight I land in good old NZ.

I'm glad I went, enjoyed San Diego and Monterey, loved spending time with the cousins but the highlights were the wedding and meeting the two little adorable girls Abby and Dorothy.  Dorothy's smile will stay with me for a long time.

16. Its a tough life

After a bad night suffering from the most unbelievable indigestion and having to listen to an arrogant bunch downstairs around the pool till about 2:30am (I paid extra for the privilege of having a pool view but can only see the pool if I look straight down as if committing suicide and as an extra get the noise from the pool) I slept until 9:00am.

Not wanting to have another day of shopping centers and being so far away from anything I wanted to do I spent the rest of the morning hanging out in my room, googling, reading and sleeping. eventually I wander down to the pool and immerse myself in the warm bubbling water of the spa.  The bubbles enveloped me and sent me into a calm space that I really needed to be in.  From there a dip in the cold pool bought me back to life before I plonked myself on a deck chair where I sat for some time reading my book.  Its a tough life.

Eventually hunger got the better of me and I indulged in a divine Ahi tuna salad, very very yum. The barman where I sat eating was the friendliest person I had struck at the hotel and chatting to him was a pleasant respite from the grumpiness of everyone else.

Soon it was time to go back to reality and get dressed ready to go meet my nephew and his lady.  I hadn't seen Alexis in 30 years and was really looking forward to it.

I wander downstairs and as I look in the direction of a wee mini parked outside the hotel I see my brothers profile and know that Alexis was there, in that car.  Tap Tap on the window and there he is.  Just as handsome as he is in the photos and on the other side of the car I meet his lovely lady Varia; so so beautiful.

We had a lovely evening, dining on super sushi and then they took me for an espresso IN A CUP.  Before we bade our goodbyes Varia gave me some details about a nice shopping area that I could go to the next day when I had hours to kill before my flight.  Yay.

What a lovely end to a lovely day.xx

15. Goodbye san diego

I was ready with bags packed in time to go downstairs and join the walking tour of the Gas Lamp Quarter.  A complimentary tour organised by the hotel and a lovely touch.  The tour wasn't great but nevertheless interesting to have some points of interest explained. and it filled in an hour.  I admire the brass statue at teh front of the hotel and next I am having my photo taken with the man reading his magazine and pointing out the way into the hotel.

Still hanging out for pancakes for breakfast I go in search but the closest I could get was a sticky bun and a coffee (in paper cup).  A bombolina would have worked but this bun didn't.

I check out and walk, with new suitcase, to the train station where I board an AMTRAK train towards Irvine.  What a lovely train and a great trip.  We go through seaside towns of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.  Oh I could live in either - just gorgeous.

And then I get to Irvine and one step closer to seeing my nephew.  Through some very barren countryside and past sterile looking homes a cab takes me to the Double Tree Hilton -Spectrum, my hotel for the next two nights, where I confront the first rude person I have faced in my trip - the hotel receptionist.  It seemed to be a theme through the place because other than one barman everyone there was the same.  The hotel lacked any of the character of the Sofia Hotel and was sterile, marbled and cold.  I sit at the bar with a coke for an hour while waiting for my room to be ready and as soon as I get the key go and drop my stuff in the room.  Odd, first hotel I have been in for years with no room safe.  And yet notices everywhere warning you not to leave anything valuable in the room, to be careful opening the door to strangers etc.  So armed with my valuables (passport and phone)  I grab a shuttle to the shopping centre I have heard so much about - Irvine Spectrum Centre.

Oh so Pretty - I am impressed when I arrive.  Didn't last long as I found a repeat of the plastic chain shops as I had seen in the city.  I did find a nail salon where I managed to get my gel nail polish removed and winced as I watched the attendant scrape my nails to get rid of the horrid polish.  Ugh.  Sitting through the nail torture I watch the goings on in the salon - 14 chairs, all full, 2 attendants per chair, one on nails and one on feet, extra chairs for those just having a mani.  And all these people are paying for the privilege of having someone scrape their nails and ply them with chemicals that are likely to destroy their nail health.  One treatment and I can already feel the deterioration in mine.  

I wandered for a few hours and hungry by this stage go searching for food.  Here I struck the same situation as I did in San Diego where many restaurants were also bars and somehow I feel very uncomfortable eating alone in such places but I was desperate for meat and then stumbled across Rubies Diner.  Packed to the gunnels I thought that it can't be all bad with this many customers and so I settle in for a burger.  WRONG WRONG WRONG.  My tasteless burger ended up giving me the worst indigestion of my life, my first experience while travelling of an upset stomach (and I have eaten weird food in all sorts of places).  Shit - literally

Glad to be back at the hotel I call it a night and crawl into a lovely comfy enveloping bed.

14. Public transport day

I wake to the throb of my feet but not to be held back I set off looking for somewhere to have some pancakes for breakfast.  I soon gave up on that idea when my feet gave up.  So I wander ed to the train station and boarded the blue line with the intention of going as far as the Mexican Border.  I had intended going over the border but the people that I had met at the social event warned me that it could take me hours to get back into the US again, so I decided to forgo that trip. But going close on the train I may get a glimpse of Mexico.

As the train goes further and further south I felt more and more uncomfortable.  Seems sleaze boards the train down here so well short of the border I get off, change platforms and head back towards the city.  The scenery was uninspiring and reminded me of the area around Folsom but perhaps not quite so "manicured".

Not unhappy to get going back towards the city I decided to go exploring.  Originally I had planned on going to the zoo thinking that the wildlife park was part of the zoo.  I find that they are two different places and having read about both decided against the wildlife park which would pale in comparison with the real thing in Africa and also in Australia. The zoo alone wasn't of interest so the idea of exploring the suburbs seemed like fun.

As I sat gazing out the window a couple with young child board.  they sat across the aisle from me. She with no front teeth and he with buck teeth.  An interesting mix.  Their wee girl Heaven came and attached to me and we got chatting.  She told me she was three so i showed her how to count to three on her fingers.  Wow, great excitement.  We became great friends and she wanted to get off the train with me when I left.  Too cute.

My first stop, La Mesa, where supposedly a village atmosphere would greet me.  I searched and did not find and so boarded the train again and got off next at the Hazard Centre which seemed as though once upon a time it would have been a rather pretty shopping centre.  not now but I did try a Joes Crab Shack crab cake wand although not overly impressed filled my stomach for a while.

Another stretched faced lady boarded the train just as I was hopping on again to go to my next stop, the Old Town, where I caught the no 30 bus.  My trip took me along the seaside suburbs and although the route did not follow the shoreline I could tell that this was a beautiful area.  La Jolla (pronounced La Hoy-ee-ya) was indescribably stunning.  White cliffs bordering on a white sand beach, beautiful homes, what looked like lovely boutique shops.  Gorgeous.  My feet did not allow me to get off and go exploring and so i stayed on the bus until it passed through the University area and stopped at the University City Transport Hub - another huge mall.

I returned to the city on an express bus passing a number of areas occupied by homeless people. There seems to be a disproportionate number of mentally challenged (or stoned) people i this city and a disproportionate number of areas where homeless people just hang out, their possessions piled high in shopping trolleys with many bearing religious icons or praying in the street.  It doesn't seem to do them any good but I guess it is great that despite their situation they still have a belief in something.  Sad because it is such a beautiful city.

One thing that has impressed me since I arrived in the US was how polite people are.  No pushing, no shoving, orderly queues, no road rage, polite service; really impressive.  Sometimes i almost got the idea that people were apologetic because they seemed scared that you might retaliate.  Who knows the reason but I liked it.

After another great meal at Tender Greens I return to the hotel and watch TV.  Interesting that the news presenter tells us that today was the record low daytime high at 70 or  21 degrees today. I thought it was lovely.

12. Bye Cozy Oaks

With a tear in my eye I pack my bags again (and manage to easily fit everything, plus an empty bag, into my new suitcase! Brilliant).  Carolyn and Dorothy are ready and waiting and we pile into the car for the easy ride to the airport.

Sadly, I say goodbye to them both as they leave me at the airport.  I loved every minute of this part of my trip.  Carolyn and I had been communicating by facebook and email for months and when I finally met her when I arrived in Monterey it was as though I had known her all my life.  Thank you all for making me feel so special and welcome.

My flight to LA was, as I like it, totally uneventful.  The most notable aspect was the face of the hostess.  She looked remarkably like the many other stretch faced ladies I had seen on my visit.  A few too many sessions under the knife with an extra dose of collagen lips to go with it.  Stupid!

After a tasteless hamburger I board my flight for San diego; again totally uneventful but this time without the stretched face hostess, but with a hostess that spoke with such a twang I couldn't understand a word she said.  Oh well she probably cant understand me either.

My shuttle awaits when I arrive in San Diego and takes me to Sofia Hotel, chosen because of its location close to everything but also because my Mom is a Sophia so I figured it had to be pretty good.  And it was better than good.  A grand old building, used to be the Pickwick Hotel but recently restored and now one of the Historic Hotels of the World.

Super service, olde world charm and a delightful room.  No view but the view would have meant street noise and where I was I couldn't hear a thing.  The bathroom configuration was a little odd with a shower and toilet in one alcove and then the hand basin tucked into another alcove.  But it worked and I loved it.

Settled in, I go for a wander round the Gas Lamp area.  Not sure what I expected but I didn't expect a few streets full of bars and restaurants (which were also bars) but that's OK because it was really cool and throbbing with people. On the way back to the hotel I wander through the inner city mall.  The Horton Centre.  I was excited to see shops and kept thinking of what everyone told me that the US is a great place for cheap shopping.  Bitterly disappointed because nor did I find anything that was super cheap but didn't find anything that I would consider buying.  Great I save money.

I pass by Dobson's bar.  Note to self.  You have to go and eat there (I didn't get there but at least took a pic.)

Nearing the hotel I find a 711 and always eager to check out the junk food I venture inside.  Kettle Corn.  Oh my!  OK end of being careful with my food.  Corn bought, Coke bought I head back to the hotel.  As I wander I note the number of tobacconist shops there are.  Seems weird when in NZ we can't even have a packet of cigarettes on display and here they have shops that promote all sorts of smoking stuff.

I have a short amount of time to swallow the corn, wash it down with the coke and go to my pre-arranged event.  Before I left home I had arranged to attend an event with some people I didn't actually know but had been in touch with them through a social club to which I belong at home.  We met in a bar in the Gas Lamp Quarter and enjoyed a couple of hours chatting with lovely people while sipping on a great wine and nibbling on some yummm spare ribs.  A lovely lady that I was sat next to walked with me to the hotel and showed me where to catch trains etc (very close to Sofia Hotel) and we agreed to try and catch up before I left.  She was recently widowed so I quickly remembered the one spare copy of my book that I had with me and told her I would get it for her.

We bade goodbye and I retired to my room.  Sleeping came easy until I overheated and then tried the aircon.  Bad move.  I'd rather be hot than listen to the tank like noise that came from within. Still I go back to bed and click I fall asleep again.  Real fast.

13. Woohoo I love San Diego

I wake eagerly looking forward to a coffee.  Carolyn had spoiled me and made me a great brew each morning and although I had managed without my morning brew in San Francisco today I needed a fix.  I plug in the machine and make my brew, take a sip and proceed to tip it down the loo.  Gross.  Never mind I noticed a Peet's downstairs so I'll go there.  At least it's not Starbucks that everyone seems to think make a proper coffee (I think not).  Showered and dressed I head off for the day with Peets being my first stop.  Even though I hate getting coffee in a paper cup I bit the bullet and ordered - they don't do proper cups.  I later found out that one of the reasons for the disposable cups is that there is no tax on "to go" coffee and that's why its all sold "to go".  Armed with espresso in paper cup I head for the train station.

I buy my day trip ticket and take a sip of the hot dark brown liquid in the large size paper cup.  It was the only taste I had for it was so burned and putrid that it ended up in the rubbish tin, paper cup and all.  Bugger.

My plan was to go to Fashion Valley and work my way back towards the city so armed with my train pass I hop on and enjoy a neat ride through beautiful suburbs until I get to fashion Valley.  As the name suggests this was a large outdoor mall with many fashion shops.  As I had found at the mall the day before I found nothing that begged to be bought but did have a great fish taco meal at a restaurant chain.  Sat in the sun and nibbled on three different seafood tacos, each with a different salsa and unique flavour.  Nothing like the "Mexican" sauces we get at home. Tomatilla was my favourite but both of the others were divine.

Next stop I get off at Old Town.  This I loved.  Just what I imagined a Mexican town would be like and at last I found things I wanted to buy.  Too much in fact and I couldn't decide.  Beautiful Mexican inspired pottery, superb olive oils, great art; everything.  Oh I will find more later on so I didn't buy a thing.  Epic FAIL.  I regret every moment of being strong and not spending for I have come home to NZ with not one souvenir of this country.

I board the train again and this time get off at the Little Italy stop where I wandered round the Italian neighbourhood and wished that I was hungry enough to have another meal.  I did, though, find the most adorable little handbag shop which I went into three times trying to convince myself that I needed another handbag.    But I resist and board the train again.

This I time I get off close to Santa Fe Station and wander down to the water front where I see beautiful old ships, lovely restaurants, a huge statue of a sailor embracing a nurse and lots of people.  

It was along the Embarcadero that I bought my ticket for the Coronado ferry and soon board for the short journey across the harbour.  We pass the USS Midway, the aircraft carrier that is now a Museum.  My god it is HUGE.

Reaching the other side I enquire about transport to find that the shuttle bus round the island had just left so I decide to walk.  It was a lovely walk, and it was very hot so close to Hotel del Coronado I needed to rest and stopped at a Mexican restaurant for lunch.  My last Mexican feast was so good I decided it had to be Mexican again.  Oh boy so wrong.  My Quesadilla oozed fat, lacked taste and both the beans and rice tasteless. Oh well.


A caramel and sea salt gelato as I walked along the street took the horrible taste out of my mouth and kept me going until I reached the hotel.

And it was worth the walk.  This hotel has been home to many celebrities and 2013 was it's 125th birthday.  What a beautiful sight.  A stunning victorian building sprawling along a beautiful white sand beach, crowded with people, the waves rippling on the shore.  Truly magical.  I don't normally like five star hotels as they all feel the same but this was different and quite indescribable. And then a jet flys over.  It ruined it all.

I manage to get the shuttle back to the ferry and again cross the harbour from where I wander the waterfront taking in the statue again and then moving on to Seaport Village and the Convention Centre.

I stop at Tender Greens which, despite being a restaurant chain, was a neat place where you could get any manner of salads accompanied (or otherwise) by grilled meat or chicken.  No sodas just freshly squeezed lemon and mint drink, no junk just good healthy stuff and cheap.  I loved my meal and made a note to go back the next day.

And so 11 hours after I left this morning I weave my way back to the hotel, tend to my bleeding and swollen feet and crawl into bed.

An awesome day.

11. Tuesday

Another great start to the day with feeding Dorothy my first job. So easy for as soon as she had swallowed one mouthful her wee mouth opened ready for the next.

Tom and Evelyn then took me to the Naval School where they were staying.  As we were going up the steps we find a cell phone and take it to the lost property office.  Lost property office closed Evelyn starts looking to see if she can find the owner when the phone rings.  We were joined a few minutes later by a very appreciative woman who took her phone and spirited off.

Lunch was next and we made our way to a vast dining room where we had a yum lunch.  My lamb shanks we melt in the mouth, good homely food.

We then had a wander around the grounds and the building.  What a magnificent place.  The tiling reminded me very much of the Moorish tiling of Morocco except that it was not mosaic like Morocco but painted in enamel; still very beautiful.

A wander round Monterey's Cannery Row was next and reminded me of what I had expected to see in San Francisco's cannery; quaint shops, fun people, touristy but that's what you expect.  Loved it

Evelyn had some shopping to do for Carolyn so we hit the Supermarket round about the time that I remembered that I had promised Brandon some NZ wine.  We go in search and Tom asked me what to look for.  My mind went blank and all I could think of was Oyster Bay.  I turn around and then, as if by order, were two bottles of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc staring me in the face.  The only NZ wines they had and they were staring me in the face.  Fate.

We get home and are soon joined by Joy, a friend of Carolyn's and also Dorothy's occupational therapist??   What an interesting lady; she spoke of may things but intrigued me in her  explanation of how autism presents and its comparison with other mind affecting illnesses.  She sparked something in me that makes me think that is a field I would love to learn more about.  Mmmm maybe some study is in order.

Tom and Evelyn were heading off the next day, to drive to Springerville, Arizona and deliver something to Sonia and then make their way home to Silverdale in Washington State.  And so we bid our goodbyes.  I have so loved catching up with them both again.  It was as though it was yesterday that I last saw them.  It wont be 34 years before I see them again.  I want to stay in touch and hopefully catch them again soon.

As they were leaving Tom dropped Brandon and I off where we met Carolyn and Joy who had gone to collect fish for dinner.  A nice walk home and Carolyn cooked a meal to die for.  Pan fried Halibut with a salsa of mango, red onion, cilantro all wrapped in lettuce leaves like a taco (without the taco shell).  Perfect, flavoursome, light and YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Dinner over we then sat for some time watching Dorothy drink, for the first time, water from a sipper cup.  More, more, more.  Another milestone for this wee pet this week.  I feel she has changed so much in the few days I have been here.  It is nothing short of amazing.  I will remember that smiling face for a very long time.

My last night here in Pacific Grove.  I feel as though I have known these people all my life, so much at home and so warm and friendly.  I have many reasons to return to this part of the world.

Thank you lovelies. xx

10. Big Sur

Today I had a relaxing start and then watched Dorothy to give Carolyn a chance to do a few things. I took her for a walk in the stroller and before long I had a sleeping baby on my hands.  Such a beautifully placid wee thing, no fuss, no crying, just big smiles and occasionally a whimper.

Carolyn prepared food for Dorothy while I watched.  So carefully planned with balanced, healthy, fresh organic ingredients belnded to just the right consistency.  Wow, what a lucky wee girl.  Carolyn had tried to feed Dorothy solids for a while without success and yesterday Dorothy turned the corner and started taking the yumm looking food.  Today was no different and she quickly finished the bowl that was prepared for her, even letting me feed her.  Wow, little girl you are a star.

Tom and Evelyn arrive and we leave on a drive to Big Sur.  Admiring the beautiful scenery along the way  we soon arrive in Carmel where we stop for lunch. Dorothy sits happily in her high chair and joins in with the diners, even carefully checking out the menu.

Fed (crab cake to die for) and watered we continue the drive to Big Sur.  By now the fog had set in so our views were limited but I could tell that it would be stunning on a fine day.

Arriving in Big Sur we check out the views, wander the gorgeous shop, where Carolyn made some purchases and I bought Dorothy a wooden duck on a stick that waddles as you push it along. Dorothy is going to have to hold tightly onto this as I can see one adult eyeing it eagerly.

We have a wander and then head homewards again just in time to have a great BBQ dinner that Brandon prepared.  He can cook BBQ at my place anytime.

8. Wedding Day

Our day started slowly. I'd had a great sleep on the blow up bed and woke refreshed and ready to go.  Time for wedding "stuff" and Carolyn, Sonia, Abby and I go to the hairdressers where we spend the morning watching one another have their hair done.

I get back to Carolyn's and find a suitcase sitting on my bed.  darling cousin Tom felt bad about the state of my suitcase and bought me a new one.  And a very nice new one too, with extra pockets and storage places and also complies with size requirements for some of the public transport that I fond myself on when travelling.  Perfect.  Thanks Tom.

We are all dressed and ready and then we see the two little ones. Abby and Dorothy in their flower girl dresses.  Oh oh oh.  Too adorable for words.  Tom had made a little white carriage and the intention was that Dorothy was going to ride in it, but can't see that happening some how.

Everyone looked so stunning; the guys in their suits and the women all beautiful in their best.

Soon I am standing in the church watching the wedding party arrive and a beautiful bride walking down the aisle on the arm of her father.  Nikki looked so gorgeous, as did the bridesmaids as they too walked down that same aisle.

Dorothy was getting restless so I had the fun of walking her back and forth round the church.  She gets more restless, My forearm vibrates violently, gets very warm and a distinct smell comes from Dorothy's bum.  Her anxiety subsides and she is back to her bubbly self.  Perfect timing.

A beautiful service and then time for refreshments in the hall next door to the church.  Nikki's awesome friends had done all the work for the wedding and everything was beautiful.  The Bride and Groom arrive and have their first dance as husband and wife.  The looks on their faces was so telling of how they felt for each other.  Just lovely.

I met up with people that I had met when I was first in the US and also met their spouses and children.  It was such a lovely wedding, with lovely people; I was so pleased to be there and honoured to have been included.

And so the big day is over and we all go home to relax.  Carolyn takes us for a scenic drive on the way home and shows me the beautiful water fronts of Monterey and Pacific Grove.  What a beautiful area.  So unlike the character-less flat and boring area where I had been, this was full of colour, beautiful typography, character and stunning scenery.

Carolyn, Brandon and I got things ready for breakfast the next day when some of the relatives are coming to join us and then hit the sack.  What a lovely day.

4. San Francisco I am back!

Another lovely, but late start to the day, sitting in the back yard watching squirrels. Cute as cute.

My bags packed we soon set off on a two hour drive  to the city of Vallejo, very close to where we used to live.    Sadly I didnt get to see much of the township but certainly the port area had been done beautifully and from there I will take the ferry to my beloved San Francisco. The city I had dreamed of returning to for years.

And so I bid my farewells and goodbyes to Tina and Gary and board on the next stage of my journey.  A great trip, quite quick but passing under one of the bay bridges, and The Bay Bridges ahead with  the Golden Gate to the side, Alcatraz just passed.  Awesome, I'm back.   ........

My heavy luggage cursed many a time I eventually find a cab outside the Hilton.  On the way I passed  a young lady collecting signatures in support of same sex marriage.  I tell her I'm a kiwi. Excitement all round. We are the trend setters, the ones they all want their countries to follow. Good old NZ.

My two bags, extra heavy, one filled with gifts and the other containing a few clothes, but nevertheless heavy and painful.  The ribs giving me grief I had to keep stopping and saying to myself "I can do this",  " I can do this".  Eventually I find a cab who whisks me off into the distance and delivers me to Da Vinci Villas, chosen for it's proximity, on Van Ness, to a number of things I wanted to check out.  From the outside it looks like a three story rather skungy motel, but if the reception is anything to go by, it should be OK.

And more than OK with a lovely room, fluffy pillows, tiny balcony overlooking the pool, neat bathroom, in room safe.  Lovely, lovely.

Time for a rest and then a short walk takes me one street over to Polk St where I get to wander past a number of restaurants, small and quaint shops and watch people for a while.

And so here I am, SonTam in tummy, a bag of popcorn too; I have relaxed, been for a walk and even watched TV.  Found my bearings and found a map.  Tomorrow I hit those streets.

9. Pacific Grove

Our day started with a superb breakfast that Carolyn and Brandon had prepared; egg casserole (divine), blueberry scones (pronounced sk-own not skon like we do in NZ), smoked salmon with a dressing to die for, fresh brewed coffee and the company of some of the family relatives.  What a great start.

Most people headed away on their road back home or to the next destination and Tom, Evelyn, Sonia, Abby and I all went to check out the famous Monterey Aquarium.  It didn't get this reputation for nothing.  I was transfixed by the most beautiful jelly fish that looked as though they were floating on a cloud, oblivious to the rest of the world; some resplendent in colour and others mainly translucent but with the most intricate patterns that looked as though they had been etched by hand.  The seahorses were equally as beautiful and difficult to find as they blended in so well with nature.  WOW.

A quick Carl's Jnr lunch had we head home to say our goodbyes to Sonia and Abby who were driving home to Arizona.  I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to meet them both and know that we will miss them.

Back home we all head off for a walk along the beach, a beautiful beach and close to home.  Our walk leads us across a golf course which I find out later is the Spanish Bay course, part of the ever famous Pebble Bay Resort and Golf Course complexes.  The Inn is truly gorgeous and we sit around an outdoor open fire pit enjoying fine food and a drink.

Soon we hear the sound of a Scottish piper in the distance.  The haunting sound gets closer and the piper appears on a knoll just across from where we sit.  He plays traditional scottish misic for a while and then just as serenely as he arrived he slowly turned and moved away through the dunes and grasses.  What a sublime experience.

We walk back home and I move into Carolyn and Brandon's holiday let, where Sonia and Abby had been staying until now.  A gorgeous self contained apartment, beautifully decorated with all of lifes luxuries at my fingertips.  As much as I loved staying in their home with Carolyn and Brandon I was conscious of the fact that they needed their space so this way that could be achieved and I could still be close.  Next time I come back here it will be as a paying guest though.

We spend part of the rest of the evening sharing videos and photos of the wedding before we got to see Dorothy having her first bath where she sat  by herself in the bath.  So many milestones since I arrived.

Another lovely day.

7. It started off rubbish

Early start was the plan so I could get the rental and cruise down to Santa Cruz, check it out and be in Monterey by about 2pm leaving plenty of time to get organised for the wedding rehearsal.  As they say "the best laid plans".  I was all packed and just had to check out catch a cab about 10 blocks, collect the car and away I'd go.

Easier said than done.. After waiting 30 minutes for a pre-ordered cab, I grabbed a limo and went to the rental place.  The queue was down the street but I figured it wouldn't take that long.  WRONG,, WRONG,, WRONG. 2.5 hours later I was at the front of the queue collecting the keys to the car. I could have taken a shuttle and been there by now.

Anyway, seems like Santa Cruz is out, so straight to Monterey, an easy drive, except I missed the airport turnoff and ended up ringing my cousin, who was at the airport waiting for me.  He turned around, came found me and wow there he was, cousin Tom, 34 years later and hadn't changed.  I followed Tom to the airport where I dropped the car off and went back to his hotel where Evelyn, Tom's wife, was waiting.  She hadn't changed either and looked just as beautiful as she did then. Evelyn was our saviour when we had lived in the US and had taken us everywhere and really looked after us.

After a quick bite to eat we go to the church where the wedding rehearsal was being held.  That is when I met Dorothy for the first time.  So gorgeous I wanted to gobble her up.  And as a bonus it was there I met the rest of the family.  Dorothy's mom Carolyn, her Dad Brandon, her gorgeous wee niece Abby with her mom Sonia, the bride to be, my cousin Nikki and groom Ewald and my cousin Eric, Abby's father.  Wow what a great group. I knew I was going to have a great time here..

Dinner after the rehearsal was fun and gave me the chance to catch up with others, but it was once we got home that I got to enjoy the company of my cousins and the two gorgeous wee girls.  I've waited a long time to be here and so pleased that I have arrived.

6. Fine food and sore feet

Sometimes I get some really stupid ideas.  Today was no different and I set off uphill by foot.  The good thing about my hour long walk was that I did heaps of people watching and saw things I haven't seen before.  The end of my walk was at Union Square where breakfast came in the form of an espresso (in paper cup) with a yummm cinamon bun from Boudins.  My feet were sore from yesterday and this mornings walk didn't help. But so I walk on, checking out Bloomingdale's and Macy's as I go.  Fortunately I'm not in. shopping mood.

Sick of walking I grab a bus and go for a ride through the Golden Gate Park and then through Haight Ashbury where to the music of San Francisco wear some flowers in your hair I was transported back to the 70's.  The Hippies of old have been replaced by homeless people but the smell of marijuana in the air was still the same.  Maybe that's why I had such a great afternoon.   I had booked the bus before I left and it seemed like a great deal and although the tours themselves were really informative the idea of hop-on, hop-off was lost because some of the loops were not regular enough to be able to stop off and explore and then catch the connecting bus.  But I did rest my feet and got to have a chuckle at one of the signs on board!

Continuing back to Union Square I then wandered through China Town unbelieving of the number of shops all selling the same Chinese junk for stupid prices.


Enough, and Im hungry.  As I get to Embarcadero I see in front of me the Waterfront Restaurant. Yes that's me.  Good move.  A perfectly grilled piece of swordfish with a crab mash on the side was divine.  My choice of wine, and Estancia Pinot Grigio from the Napa Valley was perfect.  Tick, tick, tick.

Again I return to Fisherrmans Wharf, smell the crabs and bread, smell and hear the sealions and carry on walking.


Ice Cream at Pier 39 was my next delicacy and then I walk off to check out the Americas Cup base at Marina Green.  An hour later I get there to find it was just closing.  I checked the site last night and no mention of a 5:30pm close.  But there was no buzz, no people.  After the hype we had in NZ it seems so sad.

And so I walk, this time to my hotel in Van Ness.  I start wrapping my clothes, bit by bit, in plastic so keep the cat pee smell out and pack my bag.  And then its time.

Months ago I found out about Helmand Palace, an Afghani Restaurant virtually next door to my hotel.  Tonight I had my first ever Afghani meal.  Koufta Pallow, meatballs cooked in tomato with peas and beans atop spiced baked long grain rice.  Yummmmmmm.  Well worth waiting for.

And so now I sit on my bed writing my last post from San Francisco.  Tomorrow I get to meet the family I haven't met and the ones I haven't seen for 40 years.  I cant wait.......

5. My old Haunts

Waking after a great sleep in an amazing bed with fluffy pillows, crisp sheets and a down duvet like my one at home I am ready to go.  The hotel restaurant has queues outside so rather than make a perc coffee in my room I set off in search of a good espresso. It turned into a long day.

I walk as far as Fisherman's Wharf mentally checking off the places I am going to return to. Fishermans Wharf smelled just the same.  No 9 Fisherman's Grotto is where we ate our very first meal on US soil those many years ago. The crabs in the sidewalk pots were still cooking so no chance at that time for my crab breakfast but I did pick up a seeded sourdough  baguette from Boudins and, yes, it tasted as good as I remembered.

The store was bulging at the seams so rather then wait in a queue for a coffee I take my bread and start walking (the coffee only comes in paper cups which is why I wasnt too fussed).  Nibbling my way to Pier 39 I feel carried along by the throngs of people, all aimlessly wandering, like me.  The Fisherman's Wharf area is California's second biggest tourist attractions after Disneyland and I'm sure today had drawn a good number of  those tourists.

Pier 39 was fun, full of quaint shops, food outlets and people eager to be involved. I didn't venture into any of the amusement areas but there's so much to see something had to get missed.  One shop I checked out was a clothing store for pets.  Back home I struggle to find clothes for Archie. Here I have already seen dozens of stores that sell clothing for pets.  All sorts, all prices and all breeds of dog.  Nothing for cats though.

Continuing on along the Embarcadero I spend some time in the ferry building ogling at the food and checking out the stores.  Just as well I have full suitcases as I could feel a shopping spree coming on. mmmm

Backtracking, for it was now noon and the Americas Cup Village was officially open to the public, I go to explore.  Having been in Auckland when the cup was there I expected a similar thrill.  How totally disappointing. A few entertaining areas, a huge store, lots of staff and very few visitors. Literally the staff outnumbered the visitors by about three to one.  No excitement, no fan fare, no people, no nothing.  Tomorrow I will check out the village which hopefully will be more inspiring.

By the time I get back to Fisherman's Wharf the crab were ready and I take big breaths taking in that freshly cooked crab smell that I remembered so well.

Still in search for that coffee (in a cup) I keep walking and eventually find myself hopping on a hop-on bus taking me across the bridge. We pass my beloved Palace of Fine Arts.  Such a stunning building; I love it. I was going to get off the bus and walk the bridge and hop-on again at the other side but by the time we got there the wind had picked up and the ribs were giving me a bit of grief so I stayed in my seat and enjoyed the ride.

I eventually hop off the bus at Sausolito and so pleased I had.  It was one place I don't think I went to last time but had always wanted to go there. A delightful seaside village atmosphere with quaint shops and lovely restaurants.  It took me ages to decide what I wanted to eat and eventually settled at a Mexican Place.  Good choice; my ceviche divine and the corona quenched my thirst like nothing else.

The return trip took us through the Presidio and back to the Cannery which I was eager to explore. Maybe my memory is not the best as I am sure I remember hundreds of quaint shops.  I couldn't find them today.  Not to be disappointed I move on to Ghiradelli Square, again, a place that I remember having many quaint hops.  Again I didn't find them, but did find the chocolate shop. Too many choices but I got some samplers and off I set.

I had intended going on to Union Square but by this time it was quite cool, my legs were sore and my stomach eager for sustenance and so I head back to da Vinci Villas. I am greeted by the cat pee smell from my suitcase as I open the door. Ugh.

First I go in search of air sanitzer, suitcases or rubbish bags.  I found the first and carry on wandering along Polk where I find a beauty salon that sells hair decorations.  5 clips later I am desperate for food and set off back to the Thai Place. I went to last night.  A pretty good Larb but terrible Penang Curry later and armed with air santizser I return to my room to tackle the cat pee smell.  It can only have come from one place and it wasn't there when I left home.  Spray can emptied on my suitcase I am ready to hit the sack and hopefully another good sleep.

3. Aunty Katy and her favourite place

Day two dawns and we sit in the most divine back yard and watch the birds and the squirrels while having our breakfast. An oasis in amongst a rather nondescript city.

Our first stop today is to go visit my Aunt Katy, my late father's sister-in-law, the lady we stayed with when we lived here.  Katy has aged (she is 96) got shorter, just like the rest of us but she was so lovely.  Sharp as a pin and so eager to hear about everyone; I'm surprised she remembered them all. It was so cute, she had told everyone about her niece from NZ visiting. Tina and I stayed and had lunch with Katy and then sadly we bid Katy goodbye.

I am amazed by the huge distances we travel to go "just down the road".  Wide lovely roads that go on forever through a landscape totally devoid of character or colour, flat as the eye can see and only interrupted by a few pines or eucalyptus trees and the beige house roofs that top the beige houses.

Tina wanted to take me to her favourite place; Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border about two hours drive from Folsom.  When we lived here we would go regularly with Katy and my late Uncle Louie; the attraction being the casinos on the Nevada side of the township. The lake is very similar to Lake Taupo with pine trees growing  down to the waters edge. By summer it attracts people to the beaches and in winter to the ski slopes (as well as the casinos which are an attraction all year round). I had previously only spent time in the township, a beautiful quaint place with small homely Casinos lining the streets.  Of course that has  all changed and it is now a busy place with tall glass buildings and the usual modern facelessness.  We didn't stay in the village but drove on about another hour to some tiny beaches round the lake. Like Taupo the water is too cold for swimming but we sat on a park bench and watched the people before we headed home again.

We made the most of one of the park benches and rested our feet for a few minutes before heading off on a walk. Gary counted three similar benches and had wanted to try them all but alas no time for that.

Dinner was at a tourist restaurant on the way home where we filled our bellies and had a laugh.

We get home to the news that the Royal Prince had arrived.  Bed called and another day closed.

2. California I'm back

As I sit on my hotel room bed in San Francisco eating a superb SonTam from nearby Polk St I reflect on the days since I wrote the initial post.

Severely bruised ribs from a serious fall were hampering my efforts to lift suitcases and I was contemplating how I was going to manage leaving home with two suitcases that would have been difficult to lift at the best of times.  Blessed nephew Mike promised to come to the rescue.

Two days before my scheduled departure we were treated to a good wake up call in the form of a decent earthquake and reminded us all that we lived on top of a major fault.  The morning I was due to leave there were more. They subside and I leave for Auckland.  It seems the gods celebrated my departure for not long after I arrived in Auckland the lower north island was the centre of another severe quake.    Do I go back to Wellington where I could help in my civil defense volunteer role and check on family, or do I continue on as usual?  Reassurances received I board and set off for the U S of A.

My upgrade confirmed I spend the next 12 hours stretched out being pampered.  At the odd stage during the night when we hit turbulence I was awoken to the thought that it was an earthquake. Then I realised where I was.

Immigration a breeze, I am through by 12:30pm and register my US SIM.  As agreed  I txt my cousin to let her know I had arrived.  I had planned on catching public transport to Folsom where my cousin lived but was assured that it was going to take me too long (2-3 hours) and so they would come and get me. As they say "the best laid plans"; 2 hours later they arrive and I see my cousin for the first time in 34 years. Great excitement.  My parents and I stayed with cousin Tina's parents when we were in Napa in 1970 but we didn't see too much of one another then as she was away at school.

Eager to show me round San Francisco Tina and her husband Gary take me along the waterfront past some of my old haunts and fighting the horrific traffic (baseball games, school holidays and lovely weather all contributing) we eventually arrive at a seafood restaurant where we could see the boats bringing in the fish.  It was like walking into an NZ restaurant 30 years ago, a real time warp, with menu selections to match.  Weird, quaint but nice.  Scoma's is reputedly one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco but neither my cousin Tina's well overcooked prawns, or my overcooked and not nicely presented fish gave that impression.  More like a Fisherman's Table type meal.

Fed and watered we hit the road again and once again strike traffic jams.  About 6 pm we arrive at American Canyon where we used to live.  While we were living here we met an amazing family who had treated us so well and provided us with a huge amount of support during our visit.  We had lost touch and three of the four family members had now sadly passed away; but here I was visiting the sole family survivor.  Seeing Deme again was a highlight.  We both looked vastly different but she was just like her beautiful mother, warm, embracing and so beautiful. Sadly, no time for a long visit but so pleased to have seen this lovely lady again; and so we travel on.

Folsom was a city I hadnt previously visited so I was looking forward to checking it out but alas it was well dark by the time we arrived.  Armed with takeaway pizza we arrived at Tina and Gary's where I meet their three cats.  Too late and too tired to take much in by this time it was about 10pm I call it a day and off to bed.

1. A Dotty Idea

In January 2012 I fell in love again.  This time it was extra special for at that time a wee girl named Dorothy was born to my cousin's daughter in the US.  Dorothy is a magic baby and has captured my heart.  Right from the start I said "I am coming to meet her"; one of those things you say but don't necessarily do.

Then a few months later my cousin's other daughter got engaged.  Ha! Now I have another excuse to go and meet all the family members I haven't yet met AND to go to the wedding AND to meet Dorothy.

Three more sleeps to go and then I will be disembarking in San Francisco and going to see a cousin and my Aunty close to Sacramento.

From there back to San Francisco to support MY TEAM emirates NZ and re-visit some of the places I had come to love when we lived in the Napa Valley in 1970 (ish). A bridge walk is on the plan as is making the most of the local restaurant scene.

A few days there before I go further south to Monterey not only for the wedding but to spend some time with my cousin's children that I have never met and of course meet Dorothy and her wee cousin Abby.

The next stop in San Diego, only because I have never been and always wanted to go, mainly to see the world famous zoo and to do a Segway trip around the seaside area.  Maybe a trip to Tijuana might be on the cards before I head north again as far as Irvine, Orange County, to hopefully meet up with my nephew that I haven't seen for at least 30 years.  Barely time to shop and then I'll be winging my way home again.

So no exploring this time, a sedate family holiday,  and I can't wait.