It is a truth universally acknowledged in my own life that I am not a fan of The City. I generally abhor the insanity of the hustle and bustle and crave a future far away from all that entails Urban Life. My youth, and adulthood so far, have been constituted in suburbia, and my all too brief encounters with small towns and country-adjacent living are what have charmed me most.
However, San Diego has long been the exception. Since my first visit in 2019, I have very much enjoyed all that it has offered to me, and I have always looked forward to making its acquaintance again and again. Then, New York was also actually rather kind to me, and I cannot wait to walk the streets there in the future. (All of this bodes well for what I know will be a love affair with London—the city I have looked forward to visiting since I was 9 years old.)
You might think the general trend here is going to end up with me saying that I absolutely adore city life and am enchanted with them generally: not so. I can certainly appreciate and make merry when I’m anywhere, so long as I’m with people I love, but The City remains a thing I do not care for. In any case, San Diego, this is a photo-style love letter to you. Darling city of California, I long to see you again.
all the late-night, beachside, car-ride reading
Slipping into the incredible world of Sinegard, the Rooster Province, Chuluu Korikh, etc was amazing. It was just what I needed as Summer was approaching its midpoint, and I think I was still sitting around 9 books behind schedule as I mentioned when discussing fabulous reads from 2023 so far. I absolutely devoured The Poppy War as well as The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Anne of Avonlea. I can’t stress just how good it felt to really enjoy reading, as well as reading a new series deep into the night.
Also, my title mentions basketball, and I’m just now realising I don’t have any photos from being at UCSD for most of our first two days there, oopsie. (I think I have a lot of Lockets, but those don’t save like Bereals haha.) My youngest cousin E had a tournament there, so we left at 4 am to make it in time for his first game at lunchtime. It was really fun to watch the boys play again as I obviously hadn’t since my brother’s closing games of his senior season.
Really enjoyed being seaside at San Diego again—it’s so much warmer, which is delightful, though I must say I have a huge soft spot for the cool [more often, cold haha] of the central coast. The sea itself actually was reminiscent of Pismo which was a surprise because it’s always been much warmer in my experience.
old town
We actually stayed in Old Town this year, and not the hotel circle as usual. This was super nice as we were within walking distance of favourite eating spots and all the cute little shops.
little italy <3 !!!
My new favourite area of the city!! This is the first place I want to go to the next time I’m in SD. The little Italian restaurant we went to was DIVINE, and as the weather was stunning, we ate outdoors. To go to the bathroom, we had to trip up some narrow stairs and go all the way up and back, and I just loved how cosy the indoor seating looked. Gelato was up next, and I need it again please and thank you.
strolling to seaport village
After our delectable dinner and gelato in Little Italy, we elected to walk off the absolutely stunning-delicious-scrumptious-must go back again meal. I absolutely loved coming into Seaport Village from this direction, and getting to stop and stare at all the gorgeous boats, ships, even yachts, was so much fun.
Also, can we take a moment for the prow of this ship??? I love it.
all the cafe-hopping
Better Buzz, Hermosa Surf, & Barefoot Coffee <3
fin
I was so happy to walk the streets of San Diego once again; it had been a long two years since! Thankfully, we tried some new things (I feel like we stuck to the same three things the last two times we went haha), and I was able to add some new favourite places to my list. If for some reason I ever find myself living or staying long-term in SD, I will already have places to haunt!