On the road again...
After spending plenty of time at work, I needed a vacation. So did the paternal units. We decided to solve this problem by exploring San Diego. Once again, we hit the road. I did make the paternal unit drive, though.
I was the only one who had visited the Gaslamp Quarter before, so I was the official guide. To be honest, I was a bit worried about how the parentals would view the area, but they seemed to like it. The hotel was ready for us, so we settled in for a bit before going exploring.
You go on ahead
We arrived at lunch time, so we stopped by the Tin Fish for a meal. The fish and fries tasted crispy, spiced, and amazing. The maternal unit commandeered my cole slaw (which, considering the fact that I do not like vinegared cabbage, was rather thoughtful).
So good
Parting shot
After eating so much fried food, we wanted to walk some of it off. We conquered the deceptive steps of the civic center and took a look at the harbor. Thanks to the beautiful weather, a number of boats filled the water, including expensive yachts, fast jet skis, and elegant sailboats, including a cute little red one.
So pretty...
Back toward the civic center, we had fun with angles and architecture.
Whee!
Seeking popcorn, our trio of explorers found themselves outside the Padre's Stadium and found a game taking place. True, the teams consisted of high schoolers, but seeing a game in an official stadium was still fun.
Take me out to the baaalllll gaaaaaaaammmme!!!
Crunch Time was just around the corner, and the kettle corn remains some of the best I have ever tasted.
Where's Jerome?
There he is!
As life-long lovers of all things chocolate, we also stopped by a Ghirardelli's chocolate store. Free samples of caramel enchanted me, but the maternal unit discovered a lovely chocolate and sea salt square.
How much for a pound of mosasaur?
Unfortunately, we got malled immediately afterward.
Capitalism, ho!
The statement is only a partial joke. Unfortunately, the paternal unit got caught by an enthusiastic salesman who promptly electrocuted the *expletive* out of his shoulders with an electronic massage device. After our escape, we trekked toward the Old Spaghetti Factory. The mismatched decor was as inviting as I remembered.
Who's a handsome extinct reptile?
We stuffed ourselves on chicken, bread, tea, soda, and pasta. Isn't that right, Mr. Disembodied Hand?
Heh heh
Eager to find more, we walked toward the chocolate shop, where I discovered the best hat ever.
Two salesmen guarding the most amazing hats in existence
After so much food, we immediately realized we needed more. An elegant concoction of hot fudge, whipped cream, vanilla, and bananas squashed any possibility of hunger pangs.
Yummy!
After a rough night's sleep (every noisy person in San Diego must have decided to stop outside the hotel), we went to the zoo. The bears enjoyed the overcast weather, so we watched their antics. We saw...
After my previous experiences at the zoo, the parentals decided to experience the Backstage Tour and the Giraffe Feeding. We arrived very early to make sure we could do both.
You I shall feed
Actually, I got to feed the big male, Silver. He liked his biscuit a lot (the trainer even gave us a few extra biscuits, further proving San Diego has the best staff in the world).
The red thing is the biscuit (his tongue is black)
The Backstage pass was as awesome as I remembered, but with a few different creatures, such as a pair of servals.
I think he wants a biscuit, too
The rhino trainer also provided extra information, such as the truth behind horns, the use of canine teeth, and rhino wrinkles.
Hey Doug!
We were not allowed to interact with the next few animals, but they were still really cool to look at.
They have the exact same expression
Through the power of nutmeg, the trainers also induced a noble wolf to act not-so noble.
Cutie
We explored the rest of the zoo, taking extra time to find the hippos (the maternal unit's favorite) and avoiding the monkeys (shudder).
The zoo closed, but our trip was not quite over. We headed toward Carlsbad, where flowers drape the hillsides like flags.
The hill is covered with ranunculus
Eventually, we reached our destination, a land of pickles...
Not one of these started life as a cucumber
...and sausage.
None of these are hot dogs
We were at Tip Top Meats, the amazing German restaurant. None of us could finish our meals, despite noble efforts. It was great.
The conquest
It was a great vacation with laid-back, enriching adventure and two really cool people.
Until next time, peace out, mah ninjas!
