A Life, Lived

Happy Hallowe'en!

It has been quite an eventful Hallowe'en.

The house was decorated.

The treats ready to go . . .

The pot of chili (that I have made every year since my second year of university when my friend Laura dragged me to her home for Hallowe'en and her parents served chili) bubbled on the stove.

The pumpkins were carved and lit . . .

 

We had 117 kids stop on by.

The most popular costume of the night? Spiderman.

The scariest costume of the night - Sarah Palin - I screamed really loudly for that one.

I hope that you all had a great time!

Malted Milk Ice Cream

The Sunday Slow Scoopers attempted this ice cream last Saturday. Cindy from Alaska selected it as 'her' recipe and I figured that someone with a natural freezer on hand would know her ice cream. I had a hunt finding malted milk powder - not being American or 50 (but FABULOUS) I had no recollection of a Malted Milk no could I locate the requisitepowder. Finally I discovered some this summer and I snapped it up so I could be ready when the time arose.

Sadly, it was not to be. Palma scheduled her annual desert blow out for Malted Milk Ice Cream week. GASP I had a tough decision to make but in the end the desert with food, fun, dear friends, and frivolity won out.

Imagine.

However, when we returned it was time for another ice cream (even though the bloody snow is falling). I made this and Paul was able to sample a scoop prior to heading out to visit his sister for a few days.

The verdict?

According to Paul this is the best ice cream so far! It is incredible. If you can locate the malted milk powder give it a churn.

Malted Milk Ice Cream

The recipe calls for malt powder which is usually found in the ice cream aisle of your supermarket. But sometimes it’s stocked alongside chocolate drink mixes like Ovaltine, which isn’t the same thing and shouldn’t be used here. Most common brands of malt powder are Carnation and Horlicks.

1 cup (250 ml) half-and-half
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup (90 g) malt powder
6 large egg yolks
2 cups (350 g) malted milk balls, coarsely chopped

Warm the half-and-half with the sugar in a medium saucepan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla, and malt powder. Set a mesh strainer on top.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.

Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a wooden or heatproof plastic spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula.

Pour the custard through the strainer and whisk it into the malted milk mixture. Stir until cool over an ice bath.

Chill mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As you remove the ice cream from the machine, fold in the chopped malted milk balls.

I Have a Secret

This secret is earth shattering.

No, not that I don't like the taste of turnip or I really want to see those folk who talk on their cellphones whilst driving plundge into a ditch. This is a biggie.

Paul and/or I have super powers.

Yes, we do.

We can't leap a building with a single jump nor can we sail through the air propelled only by our spirit and a mysterious cape. We can, however,  single handedly control currencies.

I told you that this is big. Nations ought to crumble (or at least tremble a tad).

Exhibit 1

Prior to our first trip to Europe the Canadian dollar rose against the Euro. We arrive in Rome and within minutes it starts to fall. In fact it fell faster than Britney Spears after an all-night drinking binge. Upon our return to Canada it soared again to near record heights. Hmmm

Exhibit 2

This year, whilst we were in Italy, the dollar dropped about 10 cents against the euro. Guess what happened upon our return? Just guess. I bet you got it . . . Just think about all of the additional purchases that could have been made! The inhumanity of it all.

Exhibit 3

During the run up to our recent trip to the US the Canadian dollar suffered its biggest drop against the US dollar since the 1950s. When we were in San Diego and Palm Desert the bloodbath continued. Today after our return guess what happened? You guessed, the largest one day increase for the Canadian dollar.

I don't know about you but I think that this super power requires some more testing. Perhaps the Candian government, instead of wasting $ 300 million on an election that has changed little, should have Paul and I travel to other nations to test the theory.

I am quite willing to make that sacrifice for scientific experimentation and the health of the nation.

Home . . . and Random Thoughts About Travel

It was foggy when we woke in San Diego yesterday. We loaded up the rental car and returned to the airport. It was hard to believe that we had only been in California for six days yet we had been to the desert and back. In fact, we had put about 500 miles on the car.

It was a smooth return home. We had no trouble checking in and making our connection in Charlotte. Our bags made it to Buffalo and we hardly had to wait at all for them. We managed to find our car in the airport parking lot! YEAH

The drive back to Canada was uneventful. The wait at customs non-existent and the agent didn't seem to care what we had with us. I noticed that she was wearing gloves - the impending arrival of winter is upon us - hard to imagine that 24 hours ago we were sweltering in the 98 degree heat of the desert.

When we got home the cats were thrilled to see us. We said 'hey' back to them. After unloading the car we were famished so we heated up some leftovers from the freezer and chowed down.

Thank goodness I took today off of work. It has been a day of unpacking, putting things away, laundry, grocery shopping, yard work, putting out the Hallowe'en decorations . . . Dear lord, now I know why I am so bloody tired!

---

Now . . . Some Random Thoughts About Travel in 2008

I hated everything about United Airlines. I hated that they made me pay $ 60 to check my luggage. We can't bring liquids on the plane so when you then check the luggage you have to pay to do that as well. That sucks. I hated that the seats were so tight you were unable to move. I hated that the airline attendants were surly and snarly - I guess working for that airline does that to you. Never again will I travel with United!

I hate that you have to pay for everything. I have never been enamored of airline food so I won't miss it one bit but a diet coke would be nice. Imagine having to fork over $ 2.00 for a can! Next thing you know they'll be charging you for the washroom or the bloody oxygen.

Why is it I always attract odd people when I travel? Just once I'd like a peaceful flight. There were two three folks en route to Buffalo that I could have done without:

The first was on the plane from San Diego. A young lady who was rather chatty. I could have handled this. I was more annoyed by her tantrum when the stewardess asked her to stow her purse (we were in the emergency aisle). It was placed 2 feet directly in front of her. She needed to hold it. If I were the stewardess I would have made her exit the plane. The other thing that annoyed me was the fact that she constantly held a large blue stuffed bunny. She had a disconcerting way of rubbing the said bunny over her face. Later we saw her eating dinner in Charlotte . . . the bunny was sitting at her table eating with her . . . She was probably about 25 and other than this odd behaviour seemed quite together.

The second odd character was in the waiting areain Charlotte. She was loud. She was obnoxious. She rattled on about how today was the first day she wasn't drunk in a week. Did I say she was loud? She was shushed by numerous folks but never took the hint. ARGH Paul and I were thrilled that she was seated far away from us when we boarded the plane.

The third woman I felt sorry for. She was across the aisle from us on the plane to Buffalo. She was in considerable distress. She was wearing a hospital bracelet and had an bandage from an IV on her left hand. She spent most of the flight rubbing her right arm and complaining about how much it hurt. She quietly wept throughout much of the flight. This was disconcerting to put it mildly! Her husband ignored her - he should be forced to watch the plane safety video 2450 times as his penance.

I head something fascinating from the stewardess. Apparently US Airlines is removing all of the video equipment from their airplanes in an effort to reduce gas consumption.

There you have it - now we will be paying an excessive price, have to pay more to check luggage, buy a drink, be seated near annoying folks, and not be entertained at all. Modern airline travel gets less and less palatable every day.

Next time I'll take the bus.

After the Party

(no pics today - Paul is still asleep and I don't want to bother him while searching for the necessary cables)

I woke early the morning after, moved gingerly for fear that I might have 'heavy head' and was thrilled to discover that I was in good shape (just tired). No one else was up at yet so it was a perfect opportunity to blog, download some pics, and relax.

Later when everyone started to get up we sat outside in the sun and revisited the party. It was nice to not have to rush off for breakfast - Palma had made the reservations for 10:30. Shannon popped by and we enjoyed an early morning posecco prior to heading to Keedy's.

Keedy's is a Palm Desert institution. Opened in 1957, this spot has been serving up breakfast for 51 years - there are few diners that can boast of such longevity. We arrived a bit late and the rest of the group was already there. After ordering we enjoyed the mellow 'post-party' mood.

Soon after eating people started to rush off - some were heading home, some hiking in the desert, and those who were staying in Palm Desert headed back to Palma's for an afternoon of swimming and leftovers. Lots of hugs were exchanged as folks went their separate ways.

Paul and I were heading back to San Diego - our flight is Monday morning. Of course, we had a stop or two along the way. The first being the huge outlet mall to the west of Palm Springs where we did some damage on the Visa. The second stop was in Temucula at In-n-Out burgers for a snack that would tide us over until dinner.

We were staying in Ocean Beach so we arrived at our destination, got settled, and relaxed for a bit. We had had plans to wander San Diego a bit but we were both tired and more than happy to just chill.

Our dinner reservations were for 7 at a well-known San Diego restaurant called Kemo Sabe. Located in Hillcrest, this restaurant features a fusion of asian and south-west flavours. This proved to be an interesting and delicious mix! The atmosphere, food, drink, and service was all wonderful. The restaurant has to get highest marks for the food presentation which was both fun and beautiful.

After dinner we headed back to Ocean and sleep . . . tomorrow will be a long day of travel back to the Canadian cold. :-( 

What a party!

There are likely many heavy heads in Palm Desert this morning after the third annual Desert GTG (get together for the uninitiated).

Yesterday's party was a blast. It is 7:30 here in Palm Desert and the house is asleep. I have already had a fight with my on-line banking folks, made coffee, downloaded the 123 pics from the party, and now it is time to blog. Not bad for someone who didn't get to sleep until 1:30! Eeeeekkk

The folks who had traveled from all over the US for the party had a lovely day yesterday exploring the desert or lounging by the pool. Sandi, Paul, Brad, and I worked. Palma had lists for us and we busily checked things off.

First was a delicious breakfast (a treat considering that on the day of last year's party we had to resort to sneaking party food from the fridge for sustenance). Palma said that making breakfast set her schedule off but as with everything she did there was a lot of love in the gesture.

The kitchen help (AKA Sandi, Paul, and Jerry) all had matching Italia crocs which matched Palma's Italian shoes . . .

 

Sandi had purchased some crocs at the Dollar General and painted them to match Palma's favourite shoes. We all had a bout of silliness induced laughter (or maybe it was the wine).

When the guests started to arrive the food was ready. Palma didn't have a sit down dinner this year, prefering to go with a 'Heavy Buffet', this meant that food was coming out of the kitchen non-stop for the next five hours! The buffet was very heavy and now, sadly, we are too!

Happily she had some REAL kitchen help to assist with this. The guy on the left used to be Frank Sinatra's bartender - I bet he has some stories to tell!

Palma had set food in the dining room, kitchen, great room, and outside. It was great the way folks just wandered around chatting, laughing, nibbling, and sipping wine. I did notice thought that the largest group hung out near the wine. I'm not coming to any conclusions about that behaviour . . . just an observation!

I took hundreds of food photos but this wireless signal I've managed to 'borrow' isn't strong so they'll be loaded later.

Dessert deserves particular mention. Palma had made a four-layer caramel cake that was drizzled with caramel topping and toffee bits. She served this with sea salted caramel gelato she had been making for the last month. WOW

You'll see from the pic below that some folks had difficulty keeping their forks off of other people's plates!

Later Sandi and Paul vanished. I went searching for them and they were in the kitchen doing their best scullery maid imitation. I took pity on them and joined in. Paul has declared that his goal for next year is to convince Palma to use disposable wine glasses! It was a treat washing Palma's ceramic platters - each one likely costing as much as our last flight to Italy. OUCH

Sandi was so stressed by all of this that she required one of our famous martinis.

Bill, if you see this you might want to think about a 12-step program. Just saying . . . .

Brad soon declared that he was tapped out. The remaining partiers got hint and took their leave. Of course Palma wasn't done. We sat in the great room chatting, laughing, and decompressing. We tried to call Gail in Italy but she must have been overserved when she left the number for us because it wouldn't work.

Finally we were nodding of. Palma could have gone all night but the rest of us, without coffee coursing through our veins, were done! This picture really shows the extent of the exhaustion . . .

The Road to Palm Desert

(No photo huntin' today - we're too busy partying in Palm Desert)

It was depressing to wake up this morning knowing that we were soon to leave San Diego; it had been a wonderful time. Both Paul and I have declared that this is a city to which we must return. It goes on the list!

After packing and loading up the car we headed back down to Ocean Beach where we grabbed some snacks at Azucar, the Cuban bakery that Shannon raves about. We took our snacks to the pier - the longest pier on the west coast. We watched the surfers catching a wave and the elderly folks fishing for today's dinner. At the end of the pier we ate our stash from the bakery. After tasting these treats I can see why Shannon frequents this spot on a regular basis.

Back in the car we headed up to Palm Desert. There were two possible routes - the fast route or the scenic route. Clearly we took the scenic one. Our route took us high up in the mountains over Palm Desert. It was dry and desolate there but at the same time beautiful in a haunting sort of way. As we started down the other side there was a scenic vista where we pulled oveer and got a stunning view of the valley below - an urban oasis in the midst of the desert.

I noticed that I had a message on the cell phone. I couldn't get a signal but I knew that it was Palma wondering where we were.  We raced down the mountain (literally, I don't think I needed my foot on the gas pedal once during the descent). Once in Palm Desert we had no trouble locating Palma and Brad's house.

It was great to be back - we had fun catching up with Brad, Palma, and Sandi. No sooner had we brought our luggage in when Palma was handing food our way. Ahhh, the life! Sandi and Palma were busy with the party prep  . . .

After lunch we did a few things to get ready for today's big party. Paul enjoyed a swim in the pool. Wine was drunk. Laughter flowed. I knew immediately that it would be a stellar weekend.

Later Brad, Paul, and I popped out to the wine store. We stocked up on some great wines that we can't get at home - our prerequisite for wine purchases when we are on vacation.

When we got back to the house Terry, Kathy, and Colleen had arrived. Prosecco was being drunk and the laughter could be heard from the street. This was our sort of action so we immediately joined in with the fun. That prosecco sure goes down well. . . .

We were shocked when we looked at our watches - it was getting late and we were meeting up with a group of the sowtravel gang for dinner at a restaurant called Amici. We quickly showered, dressed, and were out the door.

The restaurant had located our group in a private room at the back of the restaurant. We met Jane and Ken who were already there. Soon we were joined by Marcia, Dave, Kathy, Terry, Colleen, and Kathy. Lots of hugs and laughter were exchanged as we all caught up with one another.

Palma had arranged for a two course set menu. There were three appetizers to select from and about five mains. I had a delicious asparagus and grilled artichoke salad with a citrus dressing to start with. It was a wonderful beginning to my meal. For my main course I ordered veal medallions which were served with mushrooms and artichokes on top - YUM The restaurant gave us a great deal on vino which made for a wonderful evening.

After we left the restaurant we headed off for gelato - imagine a gelato spot in Palm Desert. It was delicious. We sat outside and chatted - when you closed your eyes you could almost imagine that you were in a palazzo in Italy enjoying gelato with a group of wonderful friends.

Today the party . . .

Friends, Fun,and Food in San Diego!

It was another gorgeous day in San Diego – the sun was glistening on the water, the gulls were darting bout, and in the distance boats laden with fishermen were chugging off to their ‘secret’ fishing spots. Man, I could stay here for a long time!

Breakfast today was at a spot called the Hash House A Go Go in the trendy area of Hillcrest. Billed as a spot for twisted farm food, the hash house has a loyal following in the area. So loyal that the opened a second one in Vegas. We had no difficulties finding it and happily didn’t have to face a two hour wait for a table that is common on the weekend. Both Paul and I decided to start with a Mimosa – nothing like starting the morning off with some champagne!

Our breakfast were huge – in fact, Paul’s was brought to the table on a huge plate as large as my turkey platter back home. The food was excellent but there was no way anyone could eat it all – I guess you might if you were working out on the farm all day – but as a lumpy tourist from Canada it just wasn’t happening. Next time we are in San Diego we will take advantage of their shared meal policy and split a meal (or take the leftovers home).

After breakfast we drove to what is billed as Old Town. Dedicated to the early days of San Diego, this State Park recreates San Diego as it was from 1821 to 1872. The problem was that this era spanned the Mexican settlement when the town was the informal capital of Spanish California as well as the period after the Stars and Stripes was hoisted over the plaza. The result is that the Park seems somewhat schizophrenic. We enjoyed walking around looking at the displays and recreated buildings. As our time here progressed the park filled with school groups acting just as school groups do back home.

We had no trouble meeting up with Jane, Ken, and Colleen as planned. Jane showed us some of her favourite shopping haunts where we were able to find some unique things to bring home. Of course, the sales clerk had just returned from Italy when she found out that she was faced with five Italy lovers she had lots of questions and comments. Of course, we weremore than happy to oblige!

After shopping we headed over to a Mexican restaurant where we indulged in our love of Mexican food AND margaritas. It was here where Paul re-learned the important lesson about American Iced Tea as compared to the liquid refreshment served at home. We had a great lunch – once again the combination of good food and better company was amazing. How can you go wrong with the slowtravel crowd?

Paul and I headed off to Balboa park after lunch. This park is the largest urban park in the US – I guess we have now visited the top three (Golden Gate Park, Central Park, and now Balboa). In addition to the urban oasis which the people of San Diego clearly love, the park is also home to the city’s largest collections of museums and galleries, all of them housed in buildings built for the World’s Fair or the Pan Pacific exposition. We passed on the museums but enjoyed walking around the parking looking at the gardens which were stunning.

After spending some time in the park we headed back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap! It couldn’t have been the late night the evening before – it must have been the jet lag, it could only have been the jet lag . .  .

We had dinner reservations at a restaurant called Urban Solace in North Park. I had read about it in the San Diego magazine where it was listed as one of the city’s best restaurants. Reservations in and, we travelled to North Park where were prepared to be amazed with the chef’s take on comfort food – and amazed we were!

We both started off with martinis which we sipped while we enjoyed our appetizer of a warmed Sonoma goat cheese and butternut squash dip. This was served with slices of toasted baguette and house made flatbread with cornmeal. Delicious.

For our main courses we both ordered two of their most popular items - Paul ordered the famous burger (to which he added avocado) and I ordered the equally popular Duckaroni (macaroni and cheese with duck confit). Both of the mains were incredible. It was easy to see why this spot is so popular – I wouldn’t try eating here without a reservation. We were full but decided we should at least split a dessert. We ordered the ‘Not so Red’ Velvet Cake with a cream cheese frosting and cocoa nib sprinkles. For two guys who were full we devoured this moist and chocolatey treat in record time.

Back at the hotel we fell into bed, full both of food but also of appreciation for San Diego. Tomorrow we head to Palm Desert but we were able to touch enough f San Diego to know that we want to return!

National Monument, Coronado, Cruising the Harbour, and Fun at the Vine!

We woke early to the sound of gulls and waves. It was far too early to be up while on vacation but we were still on east coast time. Luckily I was able to roll over and get another few hours of sleep prior to crawling out of bed.

Once it seemed time to head out we walked to the little beach café near the hotel and ordered a quick and hearty breakfast of breakfast burritos. The weather has warmed up considerably from yesterday. There is a light fog on the water but I doubt it will remain for long.

While walking back to the hotel we saw a sign for the ‘Sunset Cliffs Viewing Area’. We now had our first stop of the day! It was a short drive before we parked the car and walked around looking at the spectacular view. I watched people walking and jogging along the path and tried to imagine how amazing it would be to wake up to this each and every day.

Our next stop was the Cabrillo National Monument. This area, on the tip of Point Loma, is dedicated to the first European explorer who sailed into the San Diego Harbour and started the ball rolling. From the viewing area you had an amazing view of the city, Coronado Island and even down to Mexico. This park also has one of the original light houses preserved so we wandered around there for a bit.

Leaving the park it was time to test Paul’s navigational skills here in San Diego. We headed over to Coronado Island without any trouble at all – an A+ for Paul+. It was an experience driving over the huge Coronado Bridge to the island. Paul had been on the island as a child when he and his mother visited the area and he wanted to return to see what had changed. It was soon clear that with a historical hotel like this not much was different.

We parked the car near the famous hotel and wandered the beach. Of course it wasn’t long before Paul was attacked by a rogue wave – obviously the ocean remembered him and wandered to renew the acquaintance.

Once Paul had dried off a bit (and used the foot shower to wash the sand from his feet) we went into the hotel itself. Opened in 1888 this hotel has long been a playground for the rich and famous. It looked to be full of wealthy Republicans. ARGH There are lots of shops in the hotel so we wandered about doing some shopping before heading back to the car and returning to San Diego itself.

Once again Paul’s navigational skills were top notch. Who needs a bloody GPS with him in the car? We parked near the Midway museum and wandered the Embarcadero. Our harbour cruise was scheduled to depart at 1:45 so we had just enough time to grab a quick lunch from a tourist trap café (the beer was amazing!   ) before we lined up for the boat.

There was a rather odd man who insisted on chatting with us and bursting into laughter midway through his sentences. We spent the next two hours avoiding him – a challenge, even on a boat as large as this one.

The first half of the cruise was of the south harbour – we passed under the bridge, around Coronado Island, and were able to see the naval shipyards – it is amazing how large these are. The second half of the cruise was of the north harbour where we saw the Maritime Museum, a number of yacht clubs (AKA playgrounds for the wealthy, well-heeled San Diegan), the sea lions who had taken over the mooring docks near the live bait suppliers (smart things those sea lions), and the air base on our return. It was a wonderful day for being out on the water where the breeze took the edge off of the hot sun.

When we returned to the dock it was time to head back to the hotel. We had about two hours before we were to meet some slowtravel pals for dinner at Shannon’s favourite spot in Ocean Beach – The Vine. Just enough time to shower, blog, and sit on the terrace overlooking the ocean watching the sun go down over the ocean. Ahhhh

Finding the Vine was easy, finding parking wasn’t. However, once again some perseverance paid off and we managed to find a spot that didn’t require walking for 12 blocks! The Vine was busy when we arrived but we had no trouble spotting Shannon and Colleen who were already at the bar enjoying the wine. We moved to a table and sipped a wonderful Pinot from Oregon while we waited for Gloria and Alex. This was the first of three amazing wines we were to enjoy – the other two were brought by Colleen and Shannon.

Once Gloria and Alex arrived we were soon ready to order. The Vine has a great ‘small plates’ menu – just what you want to enjoy when sipping fabulous wine. We had cheese, olives, and some of the amazing pate (made from Shannon’s own recipe) to start. All three ‘dishes’ were a perfect thing to share with friends and wine. Next up were the mains – I ordered the Vine’s famous pork chop which was incredible. We waited a bit before dessert – we were full so we just ordered one of everything and shared!

It had been a wonderful meal – the wine, food, and company were all amazing. I know that wine bars are a bit of a Californian cliché but this was a perfect evening. The dynamic amongst good wine and fine food is a powerful one – a place dedicated to this dynamic can only rock – and it did!

Paul was complaining of a ‘heavy head’ when we were getting ready for bit. We tried to recall how many glasses we had drunk but we couldn’t. Oh oh this does not bode well . . . .

The Trip West

We made it!

I have to get one things out of the way though – I hate United Airlines. There I feel better now. No leg room, having to pay for ALL checked bags ($ 55), stewards that clearly failed steward training, planes that other airlines have long retired still pressed into service . . . . It is officially the worst airline I have been on in recent years.

Enough negativity. I’m on vacation and all is great with the world (except for the dropping dollar which has Paul in a frenzy  . . . but I did say no negativity didn’t I?)

We had no trouble getting to San Diego. The crossing at the US border in Niagara Falls was a snap. Check in (except for the baggage card) was easy. Security was a breeze. No problems with the flights or layovers. We even scored a jumble bag of Garrett’s pop corn (one of Oprah’s favourite very good things) in Chicago.

Once in San Diego we had a bit of a waste for our luggage but eventually our bags shot onto the carousel and we were on our way. The shuttle took us to the rental car area where I once again appreciated my emerald status with National Rental Car – I love their service – no paperwork, just select the car we want and head on our way.

We had little difficulty finding the hotel which was about 10 minutes from the airport. Shannon had reminded me that I might qualify for a discount – I asked and I did. YEAH Our room was large and had huge windows overlooking the ocean. I immediately opened one and listed to the sounds of the waves crashing up on the shore. I could stay here for a LONG time.

As we were getting settled my phone rang – it was Shannon making our plans for the evening. We agreed to meet her at the South Beach Bar and Grill. This place has been written up in all of the big foodie magazines as having the best fish tacos in the US – clearly this was a spot for Paul and I!

We hopped back into the car and headed out. Parking was scarce but with some perseverance we were successful. Shannon and Colleen had managed to secure a small table where we enjoyed drinks and the South Beaches’ famous fried clam strips. This place was hopping! There was a huge crowd made up of an eclectic group of surfers, hippies, yuppie types, tourists, and us. It was clear that our table was far too small for actually eating dinner at. Shannon went on the prowl and managed to secure a larger table for us.

I ordered three tacos – lobster, fried wahoo and shrimp with rice and beans. The tacos were perfect – soft flour tortillas, lots of fish, cheese, fresh salsa, cabbage, and cilantro. We were in heaven. Never having had a fish taco before I was shocked with how great they were – I have missed some great eating!

I was shocked at how inexpensive everything was. The bill came for $ 78 with a bottle of wine, two margaritas, a daiquiri, apps and dinner. I thought it was a steal! Shhhhh – don’t tell anyone because the prices will go up.

As we were getting ready to leave we noticed that the fog had rolled in – a typical southern Californian evening on the beach.

Back at the hotel we crashed and fell asleep listening to the sound of waves crashing up onto the shore. It had been a super first day in California!