DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, isn't advised. John wisely used the "jet-lag defense" to convince Chris and Ursula to pick us up for dinner on Friday. Chris knows the way and is used to the high-speeds and California quirks. Besides, he justifiably feels safe high up in his ginormous Dodge truck, all tricked out for off-road travel. Then they treated us to dinner at their go-to sushi den. We haven’t had sushi since we were in Japan and John unashamedly made a pig of himself. Sumimasen!
Reflections on Balboa Park
Japanese Garden, Balboa Park
Chris had to work on Saturday so John did the driving guided by both Ursula and Gabi, who generally agreed on the route. Balboa Park is as much a part of San Diego as the Navy and the Zoo. It was spectacular on this sunny, summery festive afternoon, a day for families and couples, kids and dogs, skateboards and strollers. I really enjoy the ethnic mix of San Diego, where Asians—Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and who knows who—mixed with Anglo and Latino families, many of whom were celebrating quinceañeara with their 15-year old daughters.
Spanish Art Center
Muchos colores en el piso
Connie and Ursula caught up as we wandered around the craft stalls and museums, the churches and fountains. I felt out of place using Connie’s iPhone instead of my Canon camera but the photos turned out surprisingly well.
Ursula and Connie
Old Town San Diego Church
Later we drove into “Old Town” San Diego to meet Ursula’s sister Angela and her beau Ryan for some authentic Mexican grub. I could easily fall under the spell of San Diego—I don’t think I could afford it but if you gotta go, this is the way.
