San Diego delights!

San Diego, finally a place I had been to and Erich had not. Again only a flying visit lined up but a very exciting one. 

It was a later arrival this time, so we quickly left our bags at our hotel and headed out for some dinner. After walking and checking out some of the gas lamp quarter we headed into a Brewery/ sports bar. Buger and beer night for Erich and for me I discovered my new favourite cocktail. So much so I cannot remember what I ate… Check out the cucumber bliss and my favourite flavour is elderflower all included in the St Germain liquer 

  
A great start to our stay in San Diego, we stayed and talked to the bar manager for some time before stumbling back to our hotel to ensure a good nights sleep because tomorrow was an exciting day. 

Tickets booked about 10 months in advance it was a day at San Diego zoo. Having jumped off the bus too early with excitement, we had to be told by the bus driver to get back on. One of my favourite places ever, I was luckyenough to be taken here by my parents as part of my 30th birthday holiday. My favourite animal being the Koala, I had located them on the map and run to the enclosure as soon as the gates opened, only to my dismay to find them not there. A new “outback” was being built for the fuzzy friends and they were in a small temporary enclosure at the other end of the park. 

 NOT THIS TIME!  Outback was fully open.   As soon as the gates opened we were there.  Again to see these beautiful little furry friends was wonderful and we spent some good time there chatting to the keepers and watching the quite livly stars (livly for koalas anyway). 
  
Promising to be back to visit several times during the day we went off to jump the zoo bus and make the tour of the park. 

There was a new baby giraffe, baby panda and a full show on with singing apes and an old momma orang-utan. 

  We walked for miles and was literally being kicked out the door at closing we could have spent days here not just a day and look forward to going back again one day

  

We headed into the gas lamp quarter again in the evening and found a place called “the melting pot”. Famous for its fondue we thought we would give it a try and compare to the Swiss equivalent. As we entered we waited for a table and had another wonderful cocktail whilst checking out the very confusing menu. Several courses, several types of fondue and dishes we had no idea. Having been shown to our table we asked for guidance from our lovely waitress Malory. 

She explained… To start we both pick a type of cheese fondue. This is served in front of you with bread and potatoes. You both then picked a salad of your choice (which was huge by the way). You both then agreed on a “bouillon fondue” which you also pick 3 options each of fish, meal, Vegies or pasta to go in. One of mine was an entire salmon fillet and Erichs a steak! So at near explosion, for desert you both then decide on which chocolate fondue to share which comes with a big plate selection of deserts, fruits, nuts and marshmallows to dip in. It was a taste sensation but on the edge of bursting we were beaten and only managed a fraction

   
 
Our waitress was lovely and we told her of our adventures and travels and she made us a decorated plate to send us with luck on our way. Really a lovely evening but we could not move 

   
    
 
I had found an amazing sounding cocktail bar online, El Dorodos which was en route back to our hotel so we somehow crawled there and checked out the menu.  You would never even notice this place if you didn’t know it was there.  I challenged the waiter to make me something with elderflower and Erich picked something fancy sounding. This bar was probably one of the coolest and unique bars I’ve ever been too and the DJ was mixing David Bowie songs in the background to pay tribute the the legend which had sadly just passed away. We drank a toast to him and enjoy his music genius in the great atmosphere and surroundings 

   
   
 Awesome place and awesome night. 

Our last day in San Diego we wanted to see the gas lamp quarter during the day and head down to the harbour for a walk. 

   
    
 
A little shopping, and a great place to people watch and see the world go by. wd ended by watching a boat regatta and seeing the sun set. 

   
 
We were off to the airport again that evening but had a wonderful relaxed day and were both excited for our next and final destination. New York baby!!!

San Francisco

So another destination Erich had already been to and a new one for me. We made the mistake in that we could not really sleep on the flight and then got to our hotel at 7am. As the hotel was fully booked we had to take a quick nap in the lounge before leaving our bags and heading out for a great breakfast recommended by the hotel receptionist “Mo’s”. Erich had the biggest pile of scrambled eggs and potatoes I’ve ever seen and the constant refills of coffee were welcomed by us both. 

We literally rolled out of Mo’s and headed down through china town and out to the main shopping area. A little trip to Macy’s and around before heading back to the hotel to freshen up and a nap. 

Feeling revived we headed out for a night on the town. Coming across our first place “Pinkies cocktail bar”. We both though a nice cocktail would be a good start to the night. We headed in and asked the bar keeper what cocktails they did, the answer being “none”, whilst also not looking too happy he had to break his concentration with the football on the tv. We ordered a couple of drinks and sat to watch a little of the game. No idea after breakfast how we could ever feel hungry again we wondered up the street checking menus only to find an Italian called Mona Lisa where a waited stuck his head out the window and told us to come in. I think we were the only non Italians in the place. Wow the food was delicious, homely massive portions and good wine, we soon felt very comfortable and stuffed yet again. Feeling very full and happy we headed out into the night to continue our adventures. We ended up in a bar/nightclub this time with cocktails and enjoyed the rest of our evening there before heading home for the night. 

   
 
Our night was not what we had hoped for to catch up on some sleep. Some bad neighbours and then some very sad news about my Grandma left us upset and tired.    We had a full on day ahead of us starting with a Segway tour, so looking forward to the distraction we headed out. 

The Segway tour was an advanced tour with very strict requirements, so much we had to tell a little white lie how many times Erich had done a Segway tour. As a natural we had no worries about him and I had already done about 8 tours before. We turned up to be given the overly procortious safety video, tips, tests, sign your life away, American cover your backside for everything talk. With only 3 others on the tour who had all been on a Segway many times we headed out. We had great fun and was a great tour. It also included the world famous “Lombard street” one of the steepest and crookidest streets going. We got extra special tips how to take this on. I headed off in the lead with Erich behind and the Canadian lady behind him. Unfortunately she lost control, headed over the top of her Segway and tried to take Erich with her in the process. Erich almost taken out had to also jump off his Segway and I found myself helping him back on and guiding us back to the bottom safely. Bruise ego but luckily the lady was ok, we all carried on, only for her to hit the curb again later on but with less damage this time. Erich and I were on a roll by the, one legged, slalom Segway riders, and certificates to prove it, awesome! Photo bombed by our Segway guide…

  
We were back at the office and a little gutted it was over. Not wanting the fun to end we headed to pier 45 on fisherman’s wharf to the musee machanique. A place full of old fashioned slot machines, pinball, fortune telling machines, air hockey. Back to the youth and at only 25 cents a play, we were quickly changing some dollars and challenging each other to mini bowls, basket ball, shooting and air hockey which I whipped Erich!  Somehow the photo is deleted from my phone! So much fun, I so wish we could keep some of these games, there not made the same anymore. 

Our energy gone we headed off to a restaurant recommendation of the Segway guide on the next pier. Scoma’s was not the cheapest restaurant but did some fantastic fish dishes. Standing at the door in our hiking gear we didn’t think they would let us in, the waiters in white dinner jackets and black dickie bows, the guests not far from the same. We are so glad they did let us in, with fantastic “lazy mans cioppino ” and wine it was a fantastic meal. 

We stumbled out of the restaurant after nearly 3 hours by which it had gone dark and headed for a tram ride. A small queue and then we got our place. These trams are amazing climbing and dropping the hilly streets of San Fran like a tame Big Dipper ripe. Having spotted a free spot outside at the back next to the driver we stood and could hand out the back of the tram. This was such a treat and my highlight of San Fransisco. 

  
  
Conveniently the tram ride stopped very near Macy’s again and it was sale time. Shopping at its best and we (or I should I say) reserved a number Of items to try the next morning. A slow walk back to the hotel we decided to head for a nightcap on the bar and watch the end of a very exciting football game, Pittsburg v’s Cincinnati. Our neighbour girlfriend at the bar was so excited she was almost crawling over the bar to shout at the tv screen. A great end to the night, but I think we were more excited to know a bed awaited us upstairs. Shattered!

After a good nights sleep we were eager to go. Our last day in San Francisco as we only had a flying visit this time. I could not leave without picking up the bargain beautiful leather boots I had reserved the day before and having gotten tourist discount also managed to stumble across a lovey new handbag and leather lap top bag to match. You can imagine Erich face by now. I knew our weight restriction with flying was over and had doubled overnight since our last flight and this gave Erich a small heart attack and night sweats. It’s scary when you walk in Macy’s and the staff shout you good morning by you name rembwringvwho you are!

Calming him down we headed for a last wood oven pizza lunch. The pizza was almost bigger than our table and struggling to eat it all we thought we would do what we saw in Hawaii. When people have too much food they get a doggy bag to take home but on the way give it to a homeless person.  So we thought the same and gave half our our enormous vegi supreme to a polite gentleman round the corner. 

We enjoyed a last leisurely walk back before heading off to the airport again. San Francisco was great but onwards and upwards, San Diego next!!!

Our last days in Hawaii

We had decided to split our Big Island adventure into two halves. After Hilo we were heading over to the Kona side for our last few days. 

Again we had a very fun adventurous drive wth sunning views and beautiful stops along the way including the Akaka falls and sacred Waipio valley

   
 

We had a apartment in Kona which would be our base for the last few days on the island. Upon arrival we were welcomed by local fruits and chocolates left by our hosts and a wonderful apartment. We headed out to test the local beers at Humpys bar and do a little local shopping and exploring.   That evening the sunset was stunning and we sat on the sea wall and enjoyed a beautiful end to the day

  
Next morning we were up and out early to find a highly recommended snorkle point called “two steps” at Honayna Bay in south Kona. This is literally two steps from the lava edge which go direct into the sea. Erich had to head off on his own whilst I watch from the shore this day thanks to an nice insect sting I had received. Still I could see so much from the shore and watching Erichs excitement and feedback on all the different kind of fish and sea creatures was brilliant. 

  
Right next to “Two steps”. Was the Pu’uhonua o Honanua Historic park.   This was once the home of Royal grounds and a sacred area for the Hawaiian people. It’s a beautiful area to walk around and we even more of a thrill to see more sea turtles in the wake and on the little lava rock pools. 

  
A place for peace and reflection I could have spent hours here, Erich too as he wondered off exploring the rock pools and finding more turtles and amazing fish. The turtles had quite an influence and as a result decided to purchase a piece of local artwork from artist Alex Gupton which he would personalise and send to our home in Switzerland. A lovely reminder of our Honu experiences

  
We made it back for a cocktail and see the sun set. Whilst not as spectacular as the previous evening it was still stunning and a little sad to know we only had one more left to see on these beautiful islands

  

For our evening we had booked a table at our local Lava Java with a wonderful table looking out to the sea, romantic candles and a acoustic singer in the background. With our bring your own wine it was a very enjoyable and relaxed evening.  It was going to be very hard to leave this paradise in a few days time. 

The next morning we decided to take a nice scenic hour drive north to a little artsy town called Hawi. A beautiful little place which we could not leave without buying a little something to contribute to our art collection. We then continued a little further on to the Polulu valley. When you see pictures of Hawaii, this is the place. Quite a steep hike down to the valley bottom to the sea and then a real challenge coming back up on the slippy dry dirt track that was very steep and in sweltering heat. Still was amazing. 

   
 
When returning to the car (which I had pretty much abondoned at the side of the road and half in a bush) did we only notice the giant spiders nests of “happy face spiders”. I know why they were so happy, they were huge!!!

  
We quickly headed off to find a local cafe and a well rewarded giant ice cream for Erich and some mango juice for the driver. Again a dash back for set set and a totally touristy evening meal at the Bubba Gump restaurant. Well you have to try it once and we were actually pleasantly surprised, especially the cocktails!!!

   
   
Our last morning we had to go shopping, facing only colder weather countries ahead of us and no warm clothes, where better to go shopping than Hawaii. Stood in the department store trying on layers and fillers whist over 35 degrees outside we got some strange looks and stares as well as the shop assistant checking we “were OK”. After explaining we had New York ahead of us she quickly understand and was only too glad we were clearing out all their winter gear which was lucky for us all in the sale. Shopping complete and suitcases full we said goodbye to our beautiful temporary home and headed to Kona airport with very heavy hearts. Still we could get a nice meal and some drinks in the first class lounge at the airport to take our minds of things…

… Or could we. Let me set the scene. Kona airport has no roof, well majority. There is one secirity scanner just outside and one conveyorbelt to take the bags. The seats are purely benches, one small newspaper shop and one gift shop. One tiny bar which serves food with a warning on the door not enough seats. So no business class lounge. Still we got a couple of beers and I bought a pack of cards to while away the time. An hour later the bar maid barred us from playing cards (having watched us for half an hour) stating its like gambling. So the wait got longer and we went to pick a spot on a bench to continue the hand. The smallest airport I’ve ever seen!!!

So Hawaii was amazing, I really cannot use words to give it justice. We both absolutely loved it and said we will be back one day. Really we were spoilt, but our adventures did not stop there… Next stop America mainland. San Francisco here we come!!!