THE SAN DIEGO ZOO


On one of the random days we had off from work together, Kendrah and I headed to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. I haven't been to a zoo since.....well....ever, now that I think of it. And no, I've decided the farm-animal barn at the Western Fair doesn't count.

It was a great afternoon and we ended up getting season passes -which also covers the Wildlife Park. Think: African Lion Safari, except bigger. And better. And with more animals :)

The giraffes were my favourite. Their height and slender legs took my breath away

EXPLORING THE CITY

Kendrah and I are excellent travel partners. When we first got here, we didn't have a map, or a home (we were still living in the motel at this point) but we were totally game for exploring the city. Especially since we knew that to get back to the motel, all we'd have to do was to follow the airplanes.

I'm serious.

They landed about a 1/2 mile away, even though it sounded like they were landing on the roof.

And did I mention the motel was sandwiched between a busy street and an even busier train track? Why the engineers felt the need to blast the whistle every time they passed behind the building is beyond me. But they did. Didn't exactly make for a restful night, that's for sure.

Alright, enough about the friggin motel. A sketch-bag place like that only deserves so much room on the page.

We set about exploring the area around San Diego, as well as the city itself. It's huge -about 1 million people, but it's a city of "bedroom communities" as per the tourist brochures -I'm not making this shit up, that is actually how they describe the city. AKA full of suburbs. That makes it pretty easy to explore the downtown area -not really that big, considering the size of the city, as well as the pier/marina that surrounds the city.

The city skyline, from across the bay on Coronado Island

The USS Midway

One of the cruise ships that docks along the harbor

MISSION BEACH

This place is about a 15 min drive from downtown, where we were staying at the time. It's huge and popular, especially with tourists in the summer. There is also a fairly large boardwalk with lots of surf shops, and even some carnival rides. We found out later that this beach is entirely man-made, with imported sand from god-knows-where. Pretty impressive :)


LA JOLLA

Just north of the city is the town of La Jolla. It's cute and tiny and totally caters to an outdoor lifestyle. We took a drive there to take a look at their beaches and caves (where we are going kayaking tomorrow!) and some of the restaurants and shops, just off the beach. We'll also be trying the snorkeling, which is said to be amazing. I'll keep you posted.

OUR APARTMENT

So, we moved into La Mirage in San Diego only a week behind our original schedule. Good thing, otherwise we wouldn't have got to stay at the stellar Motel 6 by the airport. Full of transient workers and drunk Midwestern families, coupled with the 100 or so jets roaring over the place on their way to the airport -it was an experience not to be missed.

For those of you who are a little slow on the uptake, I'm being sarcastic.

Very, very sarcastic.

Anyway, the grounds are gorgeous and the place is a bit like Melrose Place, for anyone who has seen that show. There are 6 rec pools, 5 hot tubs, a lap pool, tennis courts, a volleyball pit, outdoor BBQs and a fully-stocked gym. Plus, our apartment is huge. In fact, it's more like a townhouse -2 floors, 3 bathrooms, fireplace, etc...approx. 1200 square feet. Not too shabby, I'd say.

Thought I'd post some pictures so you get an idea of the kind of place we lucked out with this time.

They are all low-rise buildings -either 2 or 4 stories usually

The main pools -they're open year-round and consist of one large and one small pool, plus 2 hot tubs at either end of the complex

The main living area

My bedroom

The view from my room

THE APOLOGY

Forgive me for not updating this blog sooner....I know, it's been about a month and a half, but with the trip home and then moving, and.....etc etc etc. For those of you who actually take the time to browse through my writings and pictures....thanks for the constant reminders that I've been slacking! So, to satiate the legions of fans (or the one who just keeps logging on...) here are some of the latest pictures and adventures. More to follow, at a regular pace, I promise!

JENNY AND CLAYTON'S WEDDING

On Aug 26, 2006, Jenny and Clayton said "I do" in front of about a billion people...at least, that's what it felt like when I had to give my speech later that night. Note to anyone else getting married in the near future: try to have the speeches before dinner. Otherwise the maid-of-honor -who is usually a reluctant speech-giver from the beginning- will spend the entire meal trying to keep from upchucking her dinner as she battles the nerves and the feelings of impending doom that batter her. Alright, enough of my moaning. I survived the speech and was lucky enough to be a part of a fantastic day and an even better party, later that night.

The wedding party, minus the Best Man. Well....somebody had to take the picture, didn't they? Thanks Matt!

The flower girl and ring bearer -both Jenny's cousins

Marco and Joanne

The First Dance

Yes, I realize it's a little blurry and less than stellar. But, by then dinner was long over and the liquor was freely pouring, and, finally being done my speech, I was indulging just a little. Okay...a lot....

Sorry these ones are so tiny -they are some of the ones taken by the wedding photographer, but I've included them because they are some of my favourites. Get out your magnifying glass and take a look -it's totally worth it!