Road Trippin' With The Niemeyers: San Diego, California 2013

Us at Hotel del Coronado

Happy Birthday, Cyndi!

So our vacation officially began yesterday, when Chad and I were able to join our good friends, Cyndi and Evan in Seattle to celebrate Cyndi’s birthday. We ate a delicious dinner at Buca di Beppo, surrounded by giggling girls in prom dresses, and then we went to The Key Arena to see The Muse. Now, there are those who insist that the band is called simply, “Muse,” and I believe that’s what’s printed on their tapes, but personally, I prefer “The Muse.” I’m really hoping they change it before they become well known. Anyway, The Muse was fantastic. Sure, our seats were closer to the Space Needle then the actual stage, but the music was excellent - from what I heard. I spent most of the time trying to pin point the exact location of the pot smoke, and missed about a third of the concert. It was a perfect night with our friends, and Cyndi had a great birthday. And I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you that she is now 42 years old. That’s twice the legal drinking age, you know… And six years older than me. And I love her.

Chad and I spent the night at a Best Western near Sea-Tac so we could catch an early flight to San Diego. We got 4 hours of sleep and were showered, dressed, and on the shuttle by 5:00. We noticed that going through airport security at Sea-Tac is very similar to what it was like for the Jews to be processed into the concentration camps – only worse! And I don’t think the security employees were as nice as the Nazis, either.

By 10:00 AM we had landed, got our Ford Fiesta rental car, and were driving over the Coronado Bridge under beautiful blue skies and palm trees. We ate lunch on the sidewalk at Rhinoceros Café. I had a chicken ceasar salad, and Chad had a turkey club. After lunch, and once we had our fill of people-watching, we walked over to Hotel del Coronado and spent time walking up and down the beach. The sand felt so good on our feet, and the sun felt so good on our faces. We roamed the hotel grounds aimlessly, taking pictures until we had our fill and felt ready to leave.

Me, right before I threw a rock and knocked that paddle boarder off his board

We drove straight to Sunset Cliffs to see Steffi and Alex. We haven’t seen them in over a year, and as we got closer to their house, I got more and more excited to see them. When we arrived, we were greeted at the gate by their pygmy goats, Lola and Petunia. As happy as I was to see my friends, I nearly died when I met the goats. They pooped when they met me. I think that’s a sign that I am loved and welcomed by them.

After catching up with our sweet friends, and getting a tour of their newest remodel project, we headed to South Park, to attend the grand opening of the new location of Eclipse Chocolate, a café owned by Steffi’s friend, Will. We got a tour of the café, and then ordered some goodies. Chad and I shared a very delectable salted caramel drinking chocolate, and enjoyed lots of samples. Okay, here I am going to act like a proud mother: I feel it’s important to note that a few years ago, when Will opened the first Eclipse Chocolate café, he commissioned Steffi to build the tables and display cases. So tonight, we got to sit at her tables, and peruse her display cases, and watched a hundred other people do the same, and I had a moment where I was very, very proud of my talented friend.

Alex, Steffi, and Chad at Eclipse Chocolate

We drove to Point Loma for dinner at Tender Greens, a farm to table restaurant that put to shame every single salad I have ever tasted. I had a Chinese chicken salad, Chad and Alex had grilled chicken cobbs, and Steffi had lamb something or other. I took a bite of her lamb and for some reason, my mind went straight to Petunia and Lola, and sometimes I wonder why I’m not a vegetarian. I have to shove those adorable faces out of my mind when I cram that delicious meat in my face.

Once back at Casa de Dear-God-This-House-Is-Rad (I named their house for them, I’m having signs made and everything) we hung out in the kitchen with the goats. Let me repeat that for my own enjoyment: we hung out in the kitchen with the goats!!! I love these fat babies! They head butt each other and stand on two feet at the counter waiting for treats, and whenever Steffi speaks, they both just freeze and look at her. I think Chad is buying me pygmy goats. Don’t tell him – he hasn’t realized it yet…