My amazing dad turned 60 this January, so to celebrate, he and my stepmom flew my sister, myself and our partners out to California to spend a few days with them in the sun. We were experiencing a major cold snap at home, so it was a much needed break, and we were really looking forward to getting there. I’m not one to complain, but we ended up missing a full day of our vacation due to flight related issues, ask me about it in person and I’ll tell you all about Air Canada’s 15-step plan to ruin my sanity.
The good stuff: We left the airport and got a cab to get some supplies around town, chatted a bunch with our driver and heard about his incredible life. He shared memories of his time in the Marines, told the story of his purple heart, and even showed us a photo of him with Chuck Norris he had laminated. The next day after wandering through some stores, we spent some time at the beach, feeling the warm wind, smelling the salty air, wishing we didn’t live where snow happens. We spent time exploring Little Italy and wandering through some shops. We ate delicious food at a restaurant called Rovino wearing matching t-shirts with my dad’s face on them. A commercial plane flew over my head that was so close I felt like I could touch it. Balboa Park was absolutely my favorite spot. We spent time among the trees, checked out the many exhibits, ate homemade sandwiches and drank beer on a patio. We packed a lot in, and even with it being such a hectic and short trip, I went home feeling more relaxed and with some incredible new memories with my family.
These little cabins were on top of the dock, we definitely want to stay in one of these next time.
This tree is at the entrance to Balboa Park, my jaw hit the ground when we saw it!
If it’s still there, hit up the Post Secret exhibit in the Museum of Man when you go to Balboa Park. They even had a space where you could sit and create your own postcard to send. My sister and I took part, and it was quite the experience.
The Botanical Building - made in 1915, this is one of the most popular spots and I can see why.
Cheers!
- Paige