Elegant and sunny, San Diego is
truly a city with something for everyone. It
was where the IAI (International Association of Identification) California
Regional Conference was held this year. Tagged along with Wu-Liang, this trip essentially
gave me the chance to loosen.
6 May 2012
Gami Sushi, Catamaran Resort, and Green Flash
We stopped by Julie Kenyon’s house on our way to try out my
dream pointe shoe ‘D3O’. After almost one whole hour of fitting, Julie gave up
on me. Either my left foot is not twisted enough for the shoe or the shoe is
not meant for me, period. Too bad for a dream not coming true!
At least we awarded ourselves with a good sushi place named
Gami Sushi and then rushed down to San Diego for an elegant seafood feast at
Green Flash. Yummy!
Catamaran Resort sits by the Mission Bay. The property is
huge, the people are friendly, and the center garden/jungle with the birds is
really wonderful to wander and explore. It is like a mini zoo with ducks,
coy fish, parrots, and other birds and animals roaming free within the resort. It
was so peaceful and unique. And you know what; our tower building room is
with beautiful ocean view!
7 May 2012
Sea World
Both of us
recalled our last visit to this theme park was over 20 years ago. Therefore, we
definitely would like to visit it again. We bought tickets ahead of this trip for
much cheaper price and we didn't have to wait long in line to get in. We went
early for every show so to get good seats but suffered from sun burn while
waiting. The Shamu show was about 25 minutes long and it wasn't as good as I thought it would
be. Next the
dolphin show (which including birds flying and acrobats), was much better with
varieties than the Shamu show. The sea lion show was funny and cute, but
a disaster because one main role refused to follow orders. In between the
shows, we saw aquariums, shark exhibit, sea turtles, penguins, etc.
We got on one
ride which got us all wet and dried off in no time under such harsh sun. By the way, we skipped lunch due to
tight schedule. Should pack some snacks next time.
Animals are
great and good little mix of other fun stuff for kids but this place is not for couples.
We rewarded ourselves with another big seafood dinner at
Nicks at the Beach before retiring.
8 May 2012
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach
At last, we tried out Tandem Bike to fulfill our curiosity. Boy,
it was not an easy task! Taking two people to work hand in hand (or feet in
feet) for this chore, and still the bike was too heavy to maneuver. We figured
the bike material must play a big role. Once is enough! Strolling along both
bay shores was a paradise though, if only I knew the sunburn afterwards. I
really admire those bold surfers!
9 May 2012
Balboa Park
Finally, I have a whole day to myself. Deciding to visit Balboa Park
again because it’s a must see when visiting San Diego! Balboa Park has it all:
Education, fun and beautiful surroundings! This time, visiting the gardens
in the park and exploring nice quiet places were my main goal, e.g., botanical
garden, Japanese garden, rose garden, desert garden, etc.
There are lots of museums to cater to every taste, if you don’t mind
walking.
10 May 2012
Safari Park
Both of us were excited since we’ve never been there. And
this date happened to be their 40th birthday! Besides, it
feels good to give your money to an organization that is doing the right thing
by animals... rehabilitating and helping species to survive against the odds. It’s
a far more beautiful land, spacious and free place than Sea World. Unfortunately,
bears and lions were out for retreat. The warning goes that you may not see as
many animals as in the Zoo though.
11 May 2012
Sternwheeler Dinner Cruise
Here comes the Conference finale: a dinner cruise on the
sternwheeler William D. Evans. It was like stepping into the 19th century
when majestic paddleboats plied the waterways with their cargoes of colorful
passengers and their goods. We cruised aboard one of America’s most unique gathering
sites, nostalgic creations from one of our nation’s most gracious moments. Gorgeous
and elegant!
12 May 2012
Maritime
Museum and Coronado Island
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to the world's
oldest sailing vessel that still sails - "The Star of India". It
was a great example of an immigrant ship. In addition, there are the ship
from Master and Commander (a Russel Crowe flick), a Russian submarine, an
American submarine, and the art display of Paul Gaugin. We even got on the
boat ‘Pilot’ for a 45 minutes cruise of the San Diego Bay.
Coronado Island is a small island town in the San Diego Bay,
connected to the city of San Diego by the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. This is a
beautiful community that is kept in pristine condition. We also took the chance
to stroll around Hotel Del Coronado to satisfy Wu-Liang’s urge.
Yes, this trip gave us plenty of beaches, sunshine and the
consequence of severe sunburn. Next time, be sure to put on sun scream every
couple of hours and wear big rim hats. Other than that, it did provide me a
sense of relaxation. Until next time….
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