Friday, around noon, we arrived in San Diego, a short drive from Temecula, and had (Mexican) lunch (pics below) in Old Town San Diego first before exploring the neighborhood. Old Town is the historic heart of the city, created in 1769, California’s first settlement with only a mission and a fort. Besides food, folklore, and fun, there is history in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, old buildings and exhibitions.
Afterwards we checked into our two hotels, one at Mission Bay (The Bahia Resort, where we stayed), one on Shelter Island (Kona Kai) and got ready for the baseball game of the Padres in the evening. This was a lot of fun, especially since we were sitting in a luxury suite and had full service, food and drinks, there. Before the game we had a tour through Petco Stadium and, following the reputation of San Diego of being the "craft beer capital" of the U.S., there were a couple of dozens of vendors, pouring brews from different breweries. Unfortunately, had to leave early and didn't see the Padres win anymore, also, the Gaslamp District entertainment was skipped from the itinerary and we were driven "home" around 9 pm.
Next morning: Hotel del Coronado, "The Del", for a tour and a great breakfast. This rare wooden Victorian beach resort is considered one of the "Grande Dame" in the hotel business. When it opened in 1888, it was the single largest resort hotel in the world and has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities through the years. Also, it was featured in numerous movies and books.
On to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, now in bright sunshine, and, packed on a weekend! It's a gigantic, state-of-the-art zoo,cooperating with Safari Park. It was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that and natural animal habitats. We were on a trolley tour first, including "feeding the giraffes" and behind-the-scene at the elephants, and explored on our own afterwards. What not many people know, is the role of the zoo as a botanical garden at the same time. Took pictures of a couple of the beautiful flowers and shrubs.
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Back at the waterfront we climbed on the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy, commissioned a week after the end of World War II. It was the largest ship in the world until 1955, and was active in the Vietnam War and served as the Persian Gulf flagship in 1991's Operation Desert Storm. Decommissioned in 1992, the ship is a museum now, huge and impressive, not only on the deck with all the planes and great views towards San Diego's skyline, but, also, underground, the "city at sea", with offices, hospital, canteens, etc.
The last evening of the group tour was spent on the Hornblower Yacht on a dining cruise. Three hours, three meal courses, good views, dance and entertainment. A lot to watch and see. Back at the hotel late.
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