Hey everyone!
Here is my first blog post from Sunny California! San Diego has been amazing so far, between the sunny skies, great view from the apartment and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time, it has been a great week.
A recap of the highlights:
Monday began with saying goodbye to Washington, D.C. for two months. I'll miss everyone there, and I will be back shortly. The cab came and got me around 10:00 a.m. and took me to DCA. I'm always surprised flying out of there, no wait to check in, and fly right through check in. After sitting in the terminal for about an hour and a half I got on the plane to O'Hare. Flight was fairly uneventful. I was disappointed that the government associate did not think that I would want a window seat, or at least a row that was not over the wing. Neither happened so the only view I had was to look up and down the isle.
After landing at O'Hare without a problem, I walk to the next plane. Can anyone guess what happened there? Anyone that has traveled through this airport know, DELAY. Now I was happy it was only a thirty minute delay, BUT still added time to the trip. AT this point I thought I would get some food but nothing sounded appetizing, I figured there would be something available on the plane. Of coarse, nothing except for a drink. Seriously flying across the country, tack on a few extra bucks on the ticket and just give everyone food. Not that hard.
I have to also say that anyone who is thinking that they will take their young child on a plane. DON'T. They have to sit there, not go anywhere, and don't like the change in pressure. LEAVE THEM HOME.
After landing at the airport, getting the bags and car, getting to the hotel was easy, checked in and got to the room. After sitting I realized I had not eaten and did not have food. I was too tired to go anywhere and just gave up. It bothered me the next morning to see that there was a McDonald's right across the street and food just everywhere.
Checking into the base was another issue. Apparently no one told me/my home base that we needed to do some other work that my internship didn't tell us. So I finally got in and started to learn the system that I would be helping convert (why I'm out here in the first place).
Friday (post work)
This was the first time I felt I could go out and enjoy myself a little without having to worry about work, sleep, workouts, etc. So I went to where co-worker (Christin) suggested. A restaurant in Olde Town called "Olde Town Mexican Cafe". I went here to try the recommended margaritas. Christin was correct, great margaritas. Anyone who is in the San Diego area should check this out. order an 1800 margarita. Just delicious, a little strong on the tequila but grand marnier makes it very smooth. I also got Chicken Fajitas, which were also delicious with about half a green bell pepper, some red and yellow peppers, onions, guacamole, and re-fried beans. Very tasty and filling.
Saturday (pictures here http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hYL7bWZ7phw )
After having a good (wait great it's included so it is great) complementary, I went and got my ticket on base then drive to the ship. Parking right next to the ship was $10 for 10 hours! Seriously how could you be parking anywhere else!
I walked around the ship for 4 hours seeing a bunch of planes, areas of a ship, and listening to some interesting people with great insight to the intricacies of the ship. Follow the link to check out the pictures that I took.
After walking around the ship and checking out the flight deck, I realized that I only had breakfast before I went to the ship. I decided that I'd better go get dinner, so after getting a few things at the gift shop I headed to a place that was visible from the ship. The place is called "The Fish Market". This place had some of the best views, right on the water, and great food.
The meals I've had here have been at a bar since it is just me no need to waste a booth or table. I'm a fan though, I get the food really fast, and random conversations. I ordered Spicy Tuna Sushi which was good (especially with all the wasabi I added to it) for an appetizer. For dinner I ordered rainbow trout with steamed rice and vegetables. All very good, especially with the home brew Pale Ale.
Sorry for this being so long but I wanted to get the whole week out. I'm gonna most likely head to a beach or do some other site seeing tomorrow so I'll try to just blog about tomorrow in one blog.
Later
