Mai Tai's And Good Friends... Not A Bad Day!

Health restored, I arrived in San diego ready for action. The first order was to make official the drive from the East Coast to West Coast... by dipping my tootsies in the Pacific Ocean. I spent the afternoon at Mission Beach eating weird California burritos and cruising the boardwalk before taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. Even with a few screechy kids and several unfortunate beachwear choices threatening to distract it was a pleasant and relaxing afternoon.

In recent weeks I'd become painfully aware that my cross country jaunt was woefully deficient with regards to Mai Tai consumption. A circumstance rectified that very evening at Bali Hai. San Diego's premier establishment for Polynesian cuisine and tropical drinks. This blog focuses a great deal on gluttony and off the beaten path adventure. The most rewarding experiences however have been the reconnecting with friends. My Facebook buddies may recall that earlier this year I traveled to Istanbul to visit my friends Shawn and Sevgi. They met at a dog park in NYC, fell in love, got married, and moved to Sevgi's native Turkey. They invited all their friends to visit... and perhaps were stunned when one actually turned up. They recently returned to the States and settled in San Diego. Our schedules had conflicts but they were gracious enough to meet me at Bali Hai for dinner. I got there early, ordered a sorely needed Mai Tai, and enjoyed panoramic views of the bay and downtown San Diego... at night it is a lovely sight to behold. During dinner they reminded me why I'd become so fond of them in the first place. Shawn is quick witted, caring, and fiercely loyal to his friends. Sevgi has a natural sweetness and warmth that can be rather disarming. I was happy to hear that San Diego has thus far been kind to their fortunes. The city is lucky to have them...



While every night is Saturday for this seasoned traveler, the employed segment of the population have schedules to maintain. This was Wednesday night and Shawn had to work the following day. We said our goodbyes... they headed home and I went in search of live music. A short drive from Bali Hai I hit a club where local rockabilly trio Rip Carson and the Carcinogenics were holding court. They played a great mix of originals and inspired cover tunes. An ideal end to a terrific day.