February 26, 2019

3 Weeks, 7 Cities, 6 Countries, 5 Currencies

No time was wasted getting 2019 travels underway. We had a whirlwind few weeks with a a trip to San Diego and beyond the border to Tijuana. Followed by a European adventure that includes London, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Frankfurt. We came away with fun memories, and I can start my very own currency exchange with dollars, pesos, pounds, euros and kronas.

Needless to say there is much to share. Let's begin with San Diego.

The trip was impromptu. It went sort of like this.

Me: Tacos sound good.
Frank: Tijuana?
Me: Ok!

I snagged a cheap flight on Spirit and booked a good deal on a hotel via Hotwire. And just like that sunny skies, sea breezes and tacos were on tap! Frank's aunt and uncle were coincidentally in San Diego, they were flying home to Chicago the next day; after a week's stay at their place in San Felipe. So, they picked us up from the airport and we caught up over beers at Stone Brewing inside Liberty Station. Both the beer and the company were great. Before we parted ways they dropped us at our hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The location was great and the accommodations were comfortable.





From sun up to sun down, we hit all of our favorite haunts: La Puerta, Con Pane Bakery, El Indio and the Cuban Cigar Factory. Plus, they have opened Salt & Straw in Little Italy so we also made two trips there for ice cream. The coffee bourbon was love at first taste months ago at the Los Angeles Arts District location. All the flavors are really outstanding. I've been a fan since first trying it in Portland, but now, it's an addiction.



Limes and the like have taken over the city. You could literally trip over them there are so many. We use the electric scooter to commute between the Gas Lamp and Little Italy. If I said I wasn't terrified, I'd be a liar. It's not my favorite way to get around, but it got the job done.

4 comments:

KathyinNY said...

That is awesome! Sounds like 2019 is turning out to be an adventurous one. Still snowing in upstate NY. Grrr...

Jay said...

Good for you guys! The way the news is reported, I'd be afraid to venture into Mexico for fear of being kidnapped or worse just for being an American citizen. I'd be interested in hearing your perspective on how Americans are received in Mexico. Looking forward to your future posts!

Jay said...

Kathy, if it makes you feel any better (doubt it!), we're getting 4-6 or more inches tomorrow. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!

Kellee said...

Frank traveled to upstate NY last week and got caught in a Blizzard. I hope warmth finds you soon!

The media has always put a negative spin on traveling to Mexico. They really seem to dial it in and run every bit of bad press right around the heaviest travel times like spring break or after Christmas through the new year. I've been going for 14 years to tourist cities, those off the beaten path and driven hundreds of miles in Baja and Riviera Maya all without issue. Sure danger is lurking just like any major city in the US. And if you go looking for trouble you will probably find it, but overall we have found nothing but welcoming, kind, hospitable people in our travels all over Mexico. It is my favorite place to travel without question and I hope to live there one day.