Road Trip Day 2: Destination San Diego

Woke up next to my 3 year old niece, Elisa, this morning. Last night she and I shared a futon where she unconsciously slapped, kicked and head butted me. For a tiny little girl, she sure is strong. Today is my older sister's birthday. Happy Birthday Diep! She got to be Queen for the day and decided how to spend our Sunday. Since the weather was nice out (typical San Diego weather) we started off at San Diego Hillcrest Farmer's Market. I find myself here every Sunday when I am in town; and I am never disappointed in my decision. It is a small farmer's market, but there are plenty of assorted vendors. From organic farmers, florist, and grain-fed bovine to self proclaimed artists and foodies; this market has it all. The market occupies the parking lot of the local DMV. Parking is always full, but because of the market's size, cars leave as much as they enter. I've never had to wait longer than a few minutes for a car to leave. And people here are extremely nice.

My sister and her kids like to sample the fruits and dipping sauces. I enjoy the vegetable stands and often talk to the organic farmers about their process. Today, I was on the hunt for mini cucumber zucchinis. I was trying to stock up for the long road trip home tomorrow. In the middle of the market is an tiny area where small bands would perform to the young crowd. Children tend to gather here as if sitting around for story time. Music is as subtle and subdued as the patrons of the market. My sister and her kids stop for a short song.

After walking around the farmers, we made our way to the food vendors. My sister decided to settle for East African food, my brother-in-law had a panini, and I settled for chicken and beef empanadas. Food never fails here at Hillcrest Farmer's Market.

After our lunch we headed out to Scripps Park at La Jolla Shores. The weather was nice today and my sister wanted to have a relaxing day with the family. Parking was not as nice or relaxing. After circling Coast Boulevard, we finally found parking on a hill that scared my sister. But with Oliver's great parallel parking skills, we were in good hands. Before heading to the park, we stopped in for coffee and ice cream. Lynn and Oliver can't go on a day without coffee so we stopped into Living Room Coffeehouse and Lounge. I love dessert and was craving ice cream so we crossed the street to Gelateria for gelato. On the way over Lynn and I detoured into a boutique where I bought a shirt. I am into chiffon shirts right now. They are light and easy to pack. With all this traveling, I have invested in cheap jet setting clothes. This boutique looked like what is inside my head. The colors, the clothes, the art, the decor/furniture, and the accessories. I really liked the boutique.

Oliver and Elisa walked over to the gelato shop while Lynn, Penny and I shopped in the store. After I made my purchase, we headed down to the Gelateria. The Gelateria had a variety of flavors; among them were interesting fruit flavors like guava and grape. They also had combination flavors like banana toffee and mocha pecan.
Elisa had raspberry flavor while Lynn and I opted for Salty Caramel. It was delicious! Elisa enjoyed hers so much she finished it and licked off the leftovers that dripped down her arms. Oh how I enjoy watching the kids engulf themselves in the wonderful world of sweets. I laugh so hard when Elisa and Penny attack their ice creams with huge bites. The way they don't notice the ice cream is melting down their hands and arms also cracks me up. Why do they not notice it? Because they are enjoying the taste. You know a kid likes the food if it gets all over their face without them knowing it.

After our snacks, we headed out to the park and laid out a blanket. Us adults kicked off our shoes while the two kids chased after the seagulls. The park had an open grass lawn with a few scattered trees for shade. A pedestrian sidewalk bordered the park and led down the cliff to tide pools and caves. There are a few drop down points for visitors to venture down the cliff.

Lifeguards patrol in red trucks along the border of the cliff. Surfers can be seen in the far distance; not that many today. The Maverick Competition is happening in Santa Cruz this weekend, maybe that is why there aren't as many surfers here. That and maybe because it is late in the afternoon. Waves were high today; I wonder if it is the same up in Santa Cruz.

Elisa was complaining of the smell and wanted to leave. Lynn wanted to walk along the cliff before we headed home. We gathered the blanket and headed onto the pedestrian sidewalk that bordered the park and the cliff. I stopped and pointed out the large group of seals laying out on the rocks below. A large group gathered close for spectators to take pictures of. Another herd of seals laid out on a smaller rock closer to the tide pools. Elisa took notice and forgot about the smell.

Such a beautiful day out today. I hope people here got the chance to step outside today. Even if they are unable to escape to the beach, just sitting on the porch or pulling out your lawn chair is enough to enjoy this delightful Sunday.

We got home in the late afternoon and I took a nap. We had a long day in the sun and I had enough Sun vitamins to last me a while. Oliver took Lynn out for her birthday dinner while I babysat the kids. That is it for today's adventure. I forgot to say Happy New Year! Forgot my last blog was in December. Sorry about that!