California dreaming

My husband and I have finally found a place to live in our new hometown of San Diego! Sadly, this is not the view from our window, though we are keeping that dream alive for future moves:

"San Diego Waterfront" (photo by Flickr user Justin Brown) — “San Diego Waterfront” (photo by Flickr user Justin Brown)

We have been running around town doing all the boring-but-necessary errands required when you move across the country to a brand new city, like hooking up our gas and electricity, finding an internet service provider, checking out all the grocery stores for deals on our go-to menu items, and moving our stuff out of the storage unit that now seems ridiculously far away.

Fun times, but I can’t complain, because it’s California, baby! We are finally out of Tex-ass, that barren wasteland of civilization and culture, and we’re ready to start fresh, meet new people, engage with our community, and generally live the life we’ve been wanting ever since we moved to Austin with the mistaken notion that it was an oasis within the state of such backward thinkers as George Bush – 1 and 2 – and Rick “Governor Goodhair” Perry.

Glad to be rid of ya, Texas. For the record: I pissed on the state on our way out. This was partially due to its lack of signage regarding rest areas, but I like to think of it as payback. I look forward to never having to enter the state again. Seeing the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign was the happiest moment of my life. At least until we hit the “Welcome to California” sign!

So, San Diegans, what’s awesome in this city? I’d love to get your thoughts and recommendations.

2 Comments

Rebecca

August 27, 2013 at 5:02 PM

It looks like you have been in San Diego for about three months now. I love this city and there is so much to do here. I have an annual pass to the zoo so that I can walk around there for exercise and see the animals while I get my workout. I visit Balboa Park almost daily. On Tuesdays, several museums are free (they rotate which ones will be free). Viewing the seals at La Jolla is fun. Walking the waterfront in Coronado is fantastic but you probably already know that because it looks like your picture was taken there. Lefty’s in Mission Hills has the best Chicago style deep dish pizza in town. The Mission, Hash House – A-Go-Go, Richard Walkers, and the Tractor Room are all places you should eat breakfast at least once. If you like Lebanese food there is a little place in North Park called Mama’s Bakery that is authentic and so yummy. Seaport Village is a good place to walk and look at tourists. There is an active writing community here that is welcoming and easy to get involved in. There is a midnight bike ride (hundreds of people participate) on the last Friday of the month that starts at Balboa Park. The board walk between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach is the best one for a little exercise while viewing the tourists and ocean. There is a great restaurant on the beach in Pacific Beach called JRDN – so yummy. There are regular poetry readings at a coffee shop called, “Rebecca’s” in South Park. If you want any other suggestions or have any questions about the city, feel free to e-mail me. I love it here and am always willing to share my secrets!

Laura Roberts

August 31, 2013 at 9:37 AM

Wow, thanks for all these awesome suggestions, Rebecca! My husband and I have been up to La Jolla to check out the views, but haven’t seen any seals yet (must’ve been the wrong time of day), and we’ve been sampling some of the food in our neighborhood. I haven’t checked out any of the coffee shops yet, though, so I will have to give Rebecca’s a try. I’ve also heard good things about Lestat’s, including their open mic – have you ever been?

Rebecca

August 27, 2013 at 5:02 PM

It looks like you have been in San Diego for about three months now. I love this city and there is so much to do here. I have an annual pass to the zoo so that I can walk around there for exercise and see the animals while I get my workout. I visit Balboa Park almost daily. On Tuesdays, several museums are free (they rotate which ones will be free). Viewing the seals at La Jolla is fun. Walking the waterfront in Coronado is fantastic but you probably already know that because it looks like your picture was taken there. Lefty’s in Mission Hills has the best Chicago style deep dish pizza in town. The Mission, Hash House – A-Go-Go, Richard Walkers, and the Tractor Room are all places you should eat breakfast at least once. If you like Lebanese food there is a little place in North Park called Mama’s Bakery that is authentic and so yummy. Seaport Village is a good place to walk and look at tourists. There is an active writing community here that is welcoming and easy to get involved in. There is a midnight bike ride (hundreds of people participate) on the last Friday of the month that starts at Balboa Park. The board walk between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach is the best one for a little exercise while viewing the tourists and ocean. There is a great restaurant on the beach in Pacific Beach called JRDN – so yummy. There are regular poetry readings at a coffee shop called, “Rebecca’s” in South Park. If you want any other suggestions or have any questions about the city, feel free to e-mail me. I love it here and am always willing to share my secrets!
Laura Roberts

August 31, 2013 at 9:37 AM

Wow, thanks for all these awesome suggestions, Rebecca! My husband and I have been up to La Jolla to check out the views, but haven’t seen any seals yet (must’ve been the wrong time of day), and we’ve been sampling some of the food in our neighborhood. I haven’t checked out any of the coffee shops yet, though, so I will have to give Rebecca’s a try. I’ve also heard good things about Lestat’s, including their open mic – have you ever been?