Heya folks - we're back in town.
We had a great time in Southern California (aka Northern Mexico)
A fair bit of excitement this time - almost none of the drama caused by us!
Day 1 - Shopping
Arrived late the night before, but we are keen to get rolling. Barb found a "little" farmers market for us to go visit. There might have been fewer people at Disneyland, but we found some great deals. The local vendors were very accomodating and even let Barb use one of their vehicles as a change room. They are so nice....to her!
Day 2 - Universal Studios
Great time here - did the tram ride to check out King Kong's breath. Ironically, ours must have been worse, as this exhibit burned down a few days after we left.
Two fires here in 20 years. We've been here twice - coincidence?
On our trip home on the Autobhan, we were nearly part of a high speed collision. A SUV travelling just belown Mach3 veered around us, tires squealing, then slammed into the meridian. It was a bit surreal, but it certainly woke us up. No one appeared hurt, and we went home to change our underwear.
Day 3 - Rodeo Drive (read - More Shopping)
We cruised the strip, it was nice. Then we went down to the Santa Monica pier - check the roller coaster and beach out. These folks sure have gouging down to an art form. Next time - you get to pay to breath the ocean air!
Day 4 - Disneyland
Yay - the happiest place on Earth! More walking, some eating. We were able to walk onto just about every ride we wanted, very little waiting. Highly recommend this, as waiting in line sucks(just like back at home!)
Day 5 - Beach Day
Since we booked a few different VRBO's for this trip, we had to shuffle around a bit. The first place we had was a studio apartment, 300 yards from Huntington Beach. It was fantastic, with a tiny kitchen and a nice rooftop patio. The second place we stayed was a 2bedroom house, with a FANTASTIC kitchen.
While we were waiting to switch units, we cruised down to Newport Beach (on the Balboa peninsula) Wow. an incredibly scenic place. We rented some bikes and cruised the strip. It was great - but maybe a bit too much sun.
Day 6 - California Adventure
Disney's Cali adventure - was nice, but much more focused on rides. Where Dland has entertainment for you while you are in line, and attractions that arent a ride - Cali Adventure is all about the rides. Get in, get out. Much like a certain middle brothers sex life.
Also, if you were a single rider you could bypass the line by going in through the exit. ( No - this wasnt only for the San Francisco ride...). Since Barb doesnt enjoy roller coasters - this worked great for me. Except the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - which even Michael would probably like.
You can do Cali Adventure in a day, easily
Day 7 - Disneyland - part II
Got to the park a bit later today (probably because we got home late the night before). Cruised around the park again.
Got to ride a Segway - yes, they are as much fun to ride as they are to look at.
After the fireworks we figured that we had time to maybe do another ride. I opted for space mountain - and got one ride in. Still lined up at 11:30 at night.
Barb did three consecutive rides on Big Thunder Mountain. She is such an adrenaline junkie. So were the 5 year olds on the ride with her.
Day 8 - la Jolla
Swapped apartments again today. We got to meet up with Diana Lynn in San Clemente. She looks great, her son Brandon seems to be doing FANTASTIC.
San Clemente is gorgeous. Our new apartment - not so much.
Day 9 - Resting
Didnt do much - cruised around La Jolla, checked out the beaches.
Day 10 - Shopping and Hot Air Balloon riding
Yes - we found an outlet center that you could see the Mexican border from. Got some great deals, and then scooted back home to change for our anniversary present.
We went North to Del Mar, to join in on a group hot air balloon ride.
These folks did NOT instill alot of confidence into us.
We were directed to meet "Denny" behind the Burger King in Del Mar at 5:30. We met "Jamie" there, but he didnt know if we were flying with his group, or with another team.
at 6:15 - we finally establish that we are supposed to be with him, and the other 2 couples that were just as confused as we were.
We drive to the launch site, and we wait in the van while this "crack" ground crew go to open the locked gates. Since they use vice grips instead of a key - we werent overly surprised to see "trespassing" on the waiver. Meh - you only live once, and Barb didnt feel like this was the day she was going to die. Not sure why I went...
They inflated the balloon, and eventually we were off. It was FANTASTIC. We managed to make it up to 1 mile, apparently a fair bit higher than they normally fly. The ride was about an hour, and we enjoyed it immensely.
The landing - not as much fun.
The pilot kept letting us know that it was a good landing, and skilled balloon pilots would agree with him. The people in the basket - maybe not so much. Bounce, bounce, drag....
Day 11 - More shopping and Tijuana!
We thought it would be good to scoot across the border since we were so close.
The stories that you have heard about TJ are true - it was every bit as dirty/smelly/pushy as we had heard. Little kids selling gum, vendors politely "suggesting" that you should enter their shop and sample their wares.
We got to see some action (no - not a Donkey show).
As we crossed a street, I looked back and saw a man being chased by armed police. Armed with automatic rifles, that is. He was right beside me before i realized what was going on. Then they chased him down another alley. Probably 20 cops after this guy, all of them in full gear and weapons drawn. No idea what he did, but it was probably wasnt insider trading - or maybe they were just filming an episode of COPS in Mexico.
Day 12 - slow cruise home
Had a nice leisurely breakfast, got packed, and then took the coastal drive to LAX.
Gotta say, YVR was the MOST confusing place in the whole visit. But we did get a nice tour of the airport - landing on one side, walking to the other to board our connector, then walking to the other side of the airport to get on the same plane that we had gotten off.
So, aside from high speed crashes, police altercations and substandard balloon crews - we had a FANTASTIC vacation.
Cant wait to get back to Huntington Beach. The bitches there were awesome....er, i mean beaches.
We'll post more pics over the next few days...
more pics/less words = happier you!
The area that we ballooned over was MONEY! I had to hold Barb down to keep her from jumping out to do some prospecting!
I think Barb is making fun of my ears here...pretty sure mine are still bigger.
Even the bugs love her sweet rack!
Not a buckle bunny to be found anywhere!
Here is Barb on her favourite ride. Thunder Mountain Railroad (alleged) Rollercoaster. It is so scary, I was only able to take a dozen pics while we were riding it!
And this is how the prostitutes got to California. Er, I mean this is McDonalds in DisneyLand.
Victoria has Orcas, Vancouver has Grizzlies - Tijuana has cows...
If you cant find it in TJ - they dont make it anywhere.
Yeah - I took a "few" pics while we were on the balloon ride - if you like/need more sunset pics - give me a shout!
This one was nice - but it made alot of funny noises and had some strange smells...
I think Barb is making fun of my ears here...pretty sure mine are still bigger.
Even the bugs love her sweet rack!
Not a buckle bunny to be found anywhere!
Here is Barb on her favourite ride. Thunder Mountain Railroad (alleged) Rollercoaster. It is so scary, I was only able to take a dozen pics while we were riding it!
And this is how the prostitutes got to California. Er, I mean this is McDonalds in DisneyLand.
Ahh, to be 6 and able to stand outside and enjoy the rain...
Such focus and determination. These circles are pretty rough stuff. 
And.....done. Pretty sure she had more than enough fun. Next time it will be better weather, the nice officer told me so.
One of the best parts of the trip was getting to see a live Penn & Teller show. They are hilarious, entertaining and even educational. Watch for Penn on this seasons "Dancing with the Stars". He's 6'6" (which partially explains why we look like midgets. That and the fact that we arent very tall) - and if you get a chance to see them live - take it. You wont be disappointed!
Such a beautiful girl - she was so good for the whole event.
