Three years ago, I had my first chance to visit San Diego - it was my first trip to Cali ever, so I
was super excited - but quickly overwhelmed. Having made San Diego, the home of the Exploration Channel in The Veritas Codex series I’d done tons of research, but there’s nothing like being there in person.
Traffic, crowds and the hustle and bustle of the pacific coast was not unexpected. But there were a few things that surprised me.
I did not expect the weather to be so cool. It was mid-September and high temps were in the 70s. I thought California temps always stayed in the 80-90s. Boy! Was I wrong. It was beautiful but I had to go buy a hoodie. (I always bring my daughter a hoodie when I travel, so I had to buy one anyway.)
The number of homeless surprised me. It shouldn’t have. With the economy what it is (even pre-pandemic), I’ve noticed it more even close to home. Anywhere with a temperate climate is going to be more prone to it than somewhere like Minnesota. Even Hawaii has homelessness to address.
The airport was kind of small. I mean, I grew up in a city where the two biggest airports are named after guys who died in plane crashes. (Whose bright idea was that??) I know a thing or two about small airports, but the Will Rogers World Airport has undergone a renaissance and is finally living up to its name. The fact that we flew out on 9/11 was a bit unnerving but they had a lovely tribute to the victims by the one security gate that led into the one small terminal - did I miss something? Was that all there is? (I’ll find out.)
Lastly, I was surprised at much I would look forward to going back. Next month, I’ll be packing my bags and heading to the Pacific Coast and I’m really pretty stoked. Last time, I was there for work, so I didn’t have much time to explore and enjoy. This trip I’ve worked a couple extra days into the journey to #explore and find a little #adventure.
Traffic, crowds and the hustle and bustle of the pacific coast was not unexpected. But there were a few Tthings that surprised me.
