The Start of Contiki
Trip Start
Sep 26, 2009
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Trip End
Oct 13, 2009
San Diego, California, United States
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
We headed to San Diego which was about 2 hours drive along the coast. Went past Camp Pendalton and a Nuclear Power Plant that was used in a movie and it is nicknamed Dolly Parton. On arrival in San Diego we went to the port and had a cruise around looking at all the sights and military stuff as there is a lot of it around the San Diego area.
After the cruise we went for a drive around the Gaslamp district then were dropped off at Hortons Mall for a few hours to have lunch and shop. Quite a big mall and confusing as there were 1/2 levels and things like that.
In the afternoon we went to Coronado which was across the bay from San Diego - nice city very pretty and very expensive housing. Has this really old hotel called Hotel Del Coronado which is rumoured to be haunted. Went for a drive through Admirals Row and then headed to Old Town as the Contiki tour doesnt go to Mexico anymore due to the unrest and things. Old Town is very Mexican and we went for a walk and then stopped at Fred's to have some Margaritas.
Checked in at the hotel then had some free time before we headed out into town. Went to a place called Dicks for tea - it is a restaurant like no other. The restaurant was going under so the owner told the staff to take over and do what they like so they are rude and throw things at you and give you hats with rude stuff on - very very funny. We had 3 long tables and everyone was chucking paper towels at everyone and the staff were doing the same. To take the order they just yelled at people. Dinner was served in buckets - very funny meal.
Went out to a pub in town after tea and it had bull riding - and no I didnt do it lol. Only stayed for a few hours then went back to the hotel to have a earlyish night.
The next day we headed to Sea World. We had the choice between this or the Zoo but I wanted to see Shamu. Spent most of the day there - went to the Shamu show at 1pm which was really good. Sea World is nothing like I expected as I thought be more animals and things but it was good. It was very hot so after lunch Karina and I went to the water ride and got soaked but it called us down. Went on the tower that had awesome views of everything then just before we had to meet the coach we went on the Atlantis ride. Part water ride part roller coaster. It was fun - lots of screaming but fun.
After we were picked up Blake (tour manager) took us all to Mission Beach so we could have a few hours wandering and swimming. We went for a walk and brought giant icecreams then we lay on the beach sunning for a bit. Went for a swim and the water was so cold but was nice after used to it. Mission Beach was nice - had a very old roller coaster there - looks like could break anytime.
Got back to the hotel and was tired. Went to a local restaurant for dinner then back to the hotel for bed. Tomorrow we had the longest drive yet - about 7 hours - off to Scottsdale, Phoenix.
