San Diego

Our stay in San Diego was a bit disappointing.

It started well enough with an enjoyable bus trip from Anaheim. There was lots to watch on the way and the two and a half hours passed quite quickly.

We were booked into the Sheraton Hotel. I had found 40% off through Expedia so was looking forward to some luxury at a good price!!! Big mistake. The first person we dealt with was a very surly and unwelcoming receptionist. There was no way she was cracking a smile for us!! We had originally booked for two nights but changed our plans while in LA so rang and booked a third night. This poor dumb chick had real trouble booking us in cause she wanted to do it as two separate bookings (separate credit cards and all!!!).

We finally got into our room to find our promised view was almost totally blocked with palm trees ... great. Then the tv remote did not work. The rudest maintenance man ever, came to replace it (such charming staff). We decided to avoid all further encounters with staff unless it was life or death!!

We caught the local bus into town for a look around and enjoyed a yummy lunch at a beaut Irish pub. Followed that with a very long walk through the Gaslamp District and the Horton Shopping Centre where Russ had a much needed 'marine style buzz cut' done by a very nice young person. Problem was that neither of us was really sure which gender the young person belonged to!!!!

Once back in our room, we discovered the problem with San Diego. You really, really need a car to get anywhere. The three main tourist attractions we were interested in were the Zoo, Sea World and the Wildlife Safari. Each of these is a long way out of the city, in three different directions and with no direct public or tourist transport available. Unbelievable!!!!

The second day we were there, the hotel was celebrating its 40th anniversary with a big party with barbecue, bands and entertainment. As guests we were invited, so we went along at lunchtime for the barbecue. Nice to be invited except that when we got the we were expected to PAY for our lunch (not my kind of party invitation!!!!!). We had a quick lunch and listened to the band playing for a while, ate some birthday cake and met a few interesting people. After that had a quiet afternoon catching up with washing, emails and ther bits and pieces.

Next morning we went in separate directions. There was a huge maritime museum which included the USS Midway which Russ wanted to explore. I was going to do a land/sea tour to check out some seals. We took the tourist bus which dropped Russ off first and then I got off at the Seaport stop. I wandered around to the Duck Tours where the 'gentleman' told me I had to get the tickets elsewhere. He said it was one block behind where we were, so I set off. When I arrived at the spot he told me, there was nothing there. I walked several blocks in each direction and still could not find the ticket office. I was pretty ticked off, so I decided to give up.

I walked back to the Seaport Village and wandered around for a couple of hours. It was just delightful. I watched a clever man balancing rocks. Checked out all the shops (and picked up a couple of absolute treasures). Took heaps of photos, listened to a very good Frank Sinatra type singer, had a delicious icy lemon drink and generally had a good time. It was very relaxing and such a pretty place.

Went back to the appointed place to meet up with Russ. He too had had a wonderful time. He explored the Midway from top to bottom, also took heaps of photos. The Midway was the biggest ship in the world in 1950. A post-war aircraft carrier complete with planes and helicopters on the deck which were also able to be explored. There were dioramas, photos, a tour of the crow's nest, the officers quarters, flight simulators ands everything a pilot's son could wish to see. He had such a great time and is still talking about things he saw.

We returned to the hotel and had a nice dinner in the bar. Very casual but great food.

Next morning we packed up early and I cannot say I was sad to leave the hotel. I think we would have had a better time in San Diego at a different hotel and also with a car. Nevertheless, we saw some great things and had some downtime to rest up after Anaheim!