March 30-31
After a very long flight from Dubai we arrived in Los Angeles filled with a certain amount of trepidation about entering the USA. We had heard so many stories about others encountering difficulties. It was, however, a very easy smooth process and we were on our way to our domestic terminal before we knew it.
The flight down to San Diego was only very slightly delayed, and the flight itself was only very short so we were very soon landing there. We were met by friends at the airport who had very kindly said they would pick us up and take us to our hotel. After travelling for such a long time this was a welcome offer. Our hotel was only a very short ride and we were soon checking in. We felt quite refreshed despite the long journey and after a quick dinner, we hit the pillow for a good night’s sleep in a proper bed.
Our friends were picking us up at 10am to take us out for the day. So after an early walk to find a breakfast spot (which we shared with a rather large gull) we headed off to Coronado Island with them. We had a lovely day exploring this lovely holiday spot and enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the historic Hotel Coronado.
Later in the afternoon we were taken to a large shopping centre (owned by Westfield!) where there was a store I really wanted to check out. What a great shopping experience. Everything they say about Americans and shopping/service are true. I have never had such service anywhere!
Company at breakfast and the view looking back to our hotel
Hotel Coronado
Now this is what I call a sandcastle!
Coronado Island has some beautiful (read, expensive!) property
To keep the sea gulls at bay, the hotel employs a falconer. The eagle swoops if any come too close.
The boss whistles and she comes in to land
The hotel dates back to Victorian times
On our way back to San Diego, we stopped for photos at the USS Midway. She is too big to get in to one photo.
There is also a memorial to Bob Hope recognising his contribution to entertaining US troops
An enormous statue of a sailor farewelling ‘his girl’ dominates this parkland opposite the USS Midway.
After a very long flight from Dubai we arrived in Los Angeles filled with a certain amount of trepidation about entering the USA. We had heard so many stories about others encountering difficulties. It was, however, a very easy smooth process and we were on our way to our domestic terminal before we knew it.
The flight down to San Diego was only very slightly delayed, and the flight itself was only very short so we were very soon landing there. We were met by friends at the airport who had very kindly said they would pick us up and take us to our hotel. After travelling for such a long time this was a welcome offer. Our hotel was only a very short ride and we were soon checking in. We felt quite refreshed despite the long journey and after a quick dinner, we hit the pillow for a good night’s sleep in a proper bed.
Our friends were picking us up at 10am to take us out for the day. So after an early walk to find a breakfast spot (which we shared with a rather large gull) we headed off to Coronado Island with them. We had a lovely day exploring this lovely holiday spot and enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the historic Hotel Coronado.
Later in the afternoon we were taken to a large shopping centre (owned by Westfield!) where there was a store I really wanted to check out. What a great shopping experience. Everything they say about Americans and shopping/service are true. I have never had such service anywhere!
Company at breakfast and the view looking back to our hotel
Hotel Coronado
Now this is what I call a sandcastle!
Coronado Island has some beautiful (read, expensive!) property
To keep the sea gulls at bay, the hotel employs a falconer. The eagle swoops if any come too close.
The boss whistles and she comes in to land
The hotel dates back to Victorian times
On our way back to San Diego, we stopped for photos at the USS Midway. She is too big to get in to one photo.
There is also a memorial to Bob Hope recognising his contribution to entertaining US troops
An enormous statue of a sailor farewelling ‘his girl’ dominates this parkland opposite the USS Midway.
