As you know we flew to California last Thursday and flew back yesterday, arriving at home at 1 this morning. It was the antithesis of slowtravel! Having said that we had an amazing time!
We picked up out car at SFO and headed down the coast. Our first stop was Gilroy where we had lunch at the always wonderful In-N-Out Burgers.
It was sunny and 57 so we sat out on the patio to eat lunch. The native Californians looked at us as if we were nuts. They were wearing hats and gloves (although we did see a few brave souls in shorts).
As you can see from this picture, we did some damage to the bank account at the outlet malls. We arrived in Paso Robles just after 7:30. We were wiped!
We were so tired that we skipped the festivities at the house. Instead we dropped by a well-reviewed Mexican restaurant and feasted on the one food we always have to get when we're in California. As usual we commiserated about the dearth of quality Mexican food in our area.
On Saturday we visited four wineries.
We also had a tour at an olive oil farm.
That night we joined close to 50 other slow travelers at the house rented by a group. The food, wine, and company was all wonderful. At about 9:30 we were fading fast and we had a big day on Sunday so we headed back to the motel. My goodness, the first to leave a party. I am so embarrassed.
On Sunday we left Paso Robles at 9 and headed north to San Franciso, arriving at 11:30. Our plan was to visit some of our favourite haunts before heading back down the peninsula to our hotel for the night.
We shopped in the Ferry Terminal Market and drooled over the wonderful things we would like to have at home.
Lunch was at the Slanted Door where I had an unfortunate encounter (for her) with a silly woman. In the midst of knocking back 4 drinks (not that anyone was counting) she started blathering about how George W Bush would be remembered as the greatest American President. I was unable to control myself. Entertainment ensued.
Leaving the market we made our way to Union Square where we shopped in many of our favourite shops. Finally we faded so we headed to our hotel, checked in, and promptly had a nap.
Upon waking we became the two Americans not to watch the Superbowl. Instead we headed to Pacifica where we had dinner reservations at a restaurant called Barolo. People looked at us funny when we said we were having dinner in Pacifica. Well, even though folks said it was impossible we can attest to the fact that it is possible to have an amazing meal in Pacifica.
Back at the hotel we packed, and faded to black.
Yesterday morning we discovered to our dismay that our flight to JFK had been canceled. After calling about we discovered that we had been booked on a later flight from SFO to Atlanta and then on to Buffalo.
The connection in Atlanta was very tight. After running from Terminal B to E we arrived just after the doors were closed. We were allowed on the plane and collapsed in our seats.
The stewardess took pity on Paul and was concerned about his beet red flush. After downing a bottle of water he seemed to recover. Me, the fat, out of shape one didn't break a sweat.
After an uneventful flight we arrived in Buffalo. Sadly our luggage didn't. The good folks at Delta declared that they would deliver it to us within 24 hours. We doubted that.
Leaving the airport we drove to the border. I had a wee bit of custom's rage with a customs officer who clearly had allowed a grade 5 education and a uniform go to his head. After driving home on deserted, rain slicked roads, we arrived at about 1 am. Tired, but satisfied (although not as happy as we had been had we known if our luggage would arrive).
Just before 10 this morning our luggage showed up, the only thin g that broke was a Styrofoam wine carrier! Our purchases were intact and ready to be enjoyed.
Our first trip of 08 is over. Next up? Savannah in April!
Well, well, well.....you guys are at it again. Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. Glad to hear it! But so sad to hear you didn't pay attention to the Super Bowl...but neither did I! LOL
Posted by: Rose | February 05, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Oh how I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall during your conversation at the Slanted Door!
Posted by: girasoli | February 05, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Rose - it is safe to say that a very good time was had by the two of us. It really made us want to go back to California again for an extended visit - hmmmm - fall 2009?
Posted by: Jerry | February 05, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I' m jealous of the mexican food.
Angie
Posted by: angie - alias tuscanartist | February 06, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Angie - I feel your pain. At least I can generally buy the ingredients around here. I brought back a bag of corn husks to make tamales. These are my trip treats! LOL
Griasoli - it was an event to be sure. She was so smug listing all of the wonderful things GW had done for the world. I was almost ill.
Posted by: Jerry | February 06, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Jerry, I never did get a chance to meet you. Maybe in Savannah? Where did you have the Mexican food? Senor Sanchos? It looks delicious!
Posted by: softdrink | February 06, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Jill - there were so many people we never got a chance to chat with. ARGH I don't imagine that we will have enough time in Savannah either! Hopefully we can at least say hi! *smile*
Posted by: Jerry | February 07, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Sorry Jill - I missed this.
The restaurant was Papi's. Address: 840 13th St Ste C, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: (805) 239-3720 We found it listed on tripadvisor and a few positive comments on chowhound. It was a hole in the wall. You ordered, the food was prepared, and you picked it up.
It reminded us of a place we enjoyed a few years ago in Guernville. It wasn't gourmet but it was good!
Posted by: Jerry | February 07, 2008 at 09:50 AM