JoBeebs' Shared Adventure: San Diego

We arrived here Wednesday afternoon and were instantly caught off guard. As we stepped out onto the curb at Lindbergh Field airport, we could barely keep our eyes open in the light of the afternoon sun. We spent the rest of Wednesday laughing with Melissa and Kevin, good friends that Jo met when she lived here a few years back. Their hospitality was warm and generous and we both agreed that we began to truly feel like we were on vacation as we sat on a rooftop deck overlooking La Jolla Cove eating fish tacos and mahi mahi. Thursday started with breakfast at the Naked Café in Encinidas. The small restaurant was adorned with artwork that I interpreted as auspicious signs for our upcoming journey: Pictures of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu diety that followers pray to before embarking on a new venture; as well as a beautiful sea turtle, which for me has become synonymous with a dear departed teacher.

Since Thursday afternoon we have been hanging with The Hartmans: parents, Mary and Dave, brother, T-Money, sister-in-law, J-Style and their beautiful daughter, and two fantastic sons. Since arriving at their new home across from the beach on Coronado Island we have been relaxing in the warm glow of family. The kids seemingly have an endless energy reserve and it has been a delight playing in the backyard and on the beach. Last night was filled with the laughter that seems to abound when you combine Hartmans, Bibros and Pictionary or Celebrity!

It seems almost decadent that we have two more days here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the comfort of familiar faces. Monday morning we will fly up to San Francisco where we will catch our flight to Vietnam. We are excited for what lies ahead – yet the prospect of a couple more days here in Southern California has us feeling that we are exactly where we are meant to be.