Despite the fact that “May Gray” was in full effect shortly after my arrival in San Diego last week, I didn’t let it stop me from spending the majority of my stay outdoors in places like the park and the beach. Outdoor dining (and drinking) was the way to go- and after using an abundance of caution with my SPF- I’m happy to report that only a couple of small spots I’d missed in my quest for coverage got a little pink/red during the few times the sun made an appearance.
I got back into Massachusetts a few hours ago following an overnight/”red eye” direct flight I caught last night with the sole purpose of sleeping the entire way so that I could just start my day as normal after touching down. I have today off from work, so I’ll be visiting my mom for a belated Mother’s Day celebration and an afternoon filled with good food and some self-care…
… Which was what my trip to San Diego was pretty much about, too! Other than visiting with a few of my long-time friends, some of whom I was able to see once or twice during the pandemic in outdoor, socially distanced settings- so finally getting to walk beside them, sit across from them and actually hug them was definitely a treat.
The past few days were spent in places like Old Town, getting tacos at Tuetano Taqueria (a place my friend Eric introduced me to when I was in town last Fall,) or Balboa Park- where I got my steps in while I checked out a Cannibalism exhibit at the Museum of Us (and then ate a veggie-filled salad at Panama 66 since eating meat wasn’t high on my list of priorities.)
There were stops in Ocean Beach for window shopping and lattes at Newbreak Coffee & Café, and a visit to Normal Heights where I met up with my friend Dan for sushi and ramen at Nozaru Ramen Bar and the strongest whiskey sour I’ve ever had right next door at The Ould Sod. No, really- it was the strongest one I’ve ever had.
And yesterday, before bringing my car and my suitcase to the airport- I made one final stop at one my favorite restaurants in Downtown San Diego (and one of the first places one of my friends brought me to eat during my earliest visit there ages ago!) which I intend to dedicate a full and proper write-up to a little later on this week.
I’m so grateful for this trip, and for my friends out in San Diego- their time, generosity and eagerness to show me a good time and introduce me to some new (and return to some beloved) places while I was there. I can’t wait to see them all again.
But for now, I’m off to get reacclimated to the East Coast time zone and weather- and spend some quality time with my mom and my dog!
‘Til next time!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 