The annual MSPA
conference was in San Diego this year. We both love San Diego and decided
to add a few days so we could visit with friends while we were there.
We flew into San Diego on Tuesday, October 16th. We were staying at the Westin in the Gaslamp area which is in the
heart of everything. We had an early flight so we knew we would not be
able to check in so instead we rented a car at the airport and decided to do a
little sightseeing before we went to the hotel.
We drove to the Hillcrest area and went to Baja Betty’s for an early lunch. Baja
Betty’s is a client of Doug’s with an authentic Mexican flair and a fun, upbeat
atmosphere. The food was great and the staff were having
fun with the customers (and each other) and it made for a fun adventure.
Later we parked our car at Horton Plaza which is next
door to the hotel, then went to check in. We got checked in and Doug
wanted to work a little, so I went to check out the pool area.
The Westin has a nice outdoor pool on the second level of
the hotel. It is secluded from the outside, and there are some shaded
areas which is always nice. They have a hot-tub also just indoors next to
the pool. The pool was heated and though we had nice weather it was
really nice to swim in a heated pool. Some places just rely on the
weather which never seems to heat up the pool enough.
That evening we went to Phil’s
BBQ for dinner which was another client of Doug’s. Known for their
great barbeque, there is always a line to get in. They were efficient and in no time we were in
and sitting at a table. The food was ready quickly, large portions and
friendly, upbeat staff that are always on the go. Afterward we met with
the general manager to discuss the account for a few minutes. They have
several locations and they are all doing well.
We turned the car in at a local location near the hotel
rather than keep it at the hotel. I wasn’t planning to use it while Doug
was working anyway and we had things planned in the evenings.
On Wednesday Doug was busy all day and I spent my time
relaxing, reading, swimming and otherwise doing the things I like to do to
relax. That evening we took a walk and had dinner at Maria’s Mexican Cocina, a local Mexican
Restaurant with several other people from the conference. Doug’s favorite
cuisine - and I enjoyed it also.
Thursday was just for me..lots of relaxing while Doug was at his conference. That evening they had an event that I was invited to also. We went to a local establishment called The Shout House which had "dueling pianos". The event was planned so we were a private party. We sat right up front. There was banquet style food, plenty of drinks and then of course the "dueling pianos". Patrons were encouraged to turn in names of songs and the piano players played them together, and also had friendly competition over who played best. After a while they split our group into teams and played a game of "name that tune". They played a few notes and everyone wrote the name of the songs. It was a lots of laughs and a good time. Later, they again were taking song choices and people were throwing money to the piano players "not" to play a request. Somewhere along the line Doug requested Brittney Spears (what was that about??) then actually got up and started dancing! Of course someone had to quickly throw up a tip to get him to stop, then someone else to get him to continue! It was hilarious and it was fun to see him relaxed and having a good time.
Friday was Doug's last day for the conference so I checked out of the hotel and waited in the area for him to get done. We had pre-arranged to have a rental car delivered to us so once he was done we rented the car and drove to Imperial Beach. Doug had grown up in the area and still had friends living nearby. We rented a room at the Sand Castle Inn across from the beach. It wasn't fancy, no pool, but it was fine for the few days we were staying. We had Thai food for dinner and the local restaurant.
During the day Saturday we took a drive and went up to La Jolla and went to the Cave Store. When you walk in it looks like a tiny little store with souvenirs, shells, agates, etc. However, there is a set of stairs that go down several feet to an underground cave. The view is awesome as you look out onto the Pacific from inside the cave. The water comes crashing in right near where you are standing. It was fun to see and feels like a hidden treasure. You wouldn’t know from the outside of the store that it was any more than a little store, not unlike all the other tourist stores.
Thursday was just for me..lots of relaxing while Doug was at his conference. That evening they had an event that I was invited to also. We went to a local establishment called The Shout House which had "dueling pianos". The event was planned so we were a private party. We sat right up front. There was banquet style food, plenty of drinks and then of course the "dueling pianos". Patrons were encouraged to turn in names of songs and the piano players played them together, and also had friendly competition over who played best. After a while they split our group into teams and played a game of "name that tune". They played a few notes and everyone wrote the name of the songs. It was a lots of laughs and a good time. Later, they again were taking song choices and people were throwing money to the piano players "not" to play a request. Somewhere along the line Doug requested Brittney Spears (what was that about??) then actually got up and started dancing! Of course someone had to quickly throw up a tip to get him to stop, then someone else to get him to continue! It was hilarious and it was fun to see him relaxed and having a good time.
Friday was Doug's last day for the conference so I checked out of the hotel and waited in the area for him to get done. We had pre-arranged to have a rental car delivered to us so once he was done we rented the car and drove to Imperial Beach. Doug had grown up in the area and still had friends living nearby. We rented a room at the Sand Castle Inn across from the beach. It wasn't fancy, no pool, but it was fine for the few days we were staying. We had Thai food for dinner and the local restaurant.
During the day Saturday we took a drive and went up to La Jolla and went to the Cave Store. When you walk in it looks like a tiny little store with souvenirs, shells, agates, etc. However, there is a set of stairs that go down several feet to an underground cave. The view is awesome as you look out onto the Pacific from inside the cave. The water comes crashing in right near where you are standing. It was fun to see and feels like a hidden treasure. You wouldn’t know from the outside of the store that it was any more than a little store, not unlike all the other tourist stores.
That evening we met up with Doug’s friends Bart and Glen
and Ian and his wife who were visiting with their daughter from England. The guys had all gone to high school
together. We met at Ye
Olde Plank Inn which is bar/restaurant right near the beach. The guys had fun reminiscing and I enjoyed
talking to and hearing about her life in England.
We flew home Sunday.
Back to the old grind, until next time.
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