Food: Yummy Maki Yummy Box, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 25

July 12, 2012 -- It's the second to the last night in San Diego.  I've chosen to lay low, get my final load of laundry done before flying home (a suitcase full of dirty clothes is not a good thing) and get some sushi.  I called Enrique, he comes out to dinner every night and he's NOT on per diem, and we went to Yummy Maki Yummy Box.  I found this little hole in the wall last time in La Jolla and I make sure I stop by for Rainbow and California rolls all the time.  Enrique didn't know about the place and he lives in La Jolla!  Not to sound like a broken record, but I needed to come here one last time.  Now, I head to bed and await my last night downtown ...

Food: The Spot, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 24

July 11, 2012 -- The days are winding down ... sadly.  Knowing that the last night in San Diego will in the Gaslamp District, I needed to go to La Jolla Cove one last time and check on my seals.  But before checking up on my flippered friends, I called Enrique and we went down Prospect St. to The Spot.  I've been to The Spot a few times and it's a reasonably priced, sports bar-like restaurant.  I had a nice meal and a ridiculous slab of five layer chocolate cake.  Enrique once again picked a wonderful dessert -- he's never seen a flambe he didn't like! -- then we left to check up on the seals.

I love downtown La Jolla, Prospect Street with all the eclectic shops and boutiques, the perfect sunny weather, palm trees, and exquisite views.  We strolled along the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, taking in the rolling waves ...

 until we came up to the Cove's main attraction -- the seals!

Though it was my last time here on this trip, I won't be my last time ever.  I fell in love with La Jolla and the next time I come I'll be bringing the family.  Bye for now seals, take care and watch out for Great Whites!

Lodging: Residence Inn, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 22

July 9, 2012 -- The end is near!  I checked out of the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the last time this morning and after work I checked in to my home-away-from-home, the Residence Inn in La Jolla.  I really do enjoy staying here; it's quiet, central to everything in the San Diego area, next to the La Jolla YMCA, and not as noisy as being downtown.  Don't get me wrong, being in the Gaslamp District has its advantages, but when you realize that most people at the hotel are on vacation and you need to get up at 5:15 AM to get ready for work, it makes for a difficult combination.

Sadly, this is my last week in San Diego, so I need to see my spots one last time before I go.  I called Enrique, who lives in La Jolla, and we went to the Rock Bottom restaurant to catch the Home Run Derby at the 2012 MLB All-Star game.  I frequented this place many times since it's walking distance from my hotel.  They serve a great spicy shrimp and chicken jambalaya, which I had to have, and washed it down with some local brews.  The Home Run Derby was entertaining, but we made it an early evening; 5:15 AM comes pretty quick!!!

Food: Restaurants and Bars, San Diego, Day 12

June 29, 2012 -- Enter Enrique!  And where else would we be, along the Pacific Beach boardwalk and Crystal Pier?  The Pacific Beach Shore Club of course!  Pacificos and appetizers at happy hour while watching the sun sink into the ocean can't be a bad thing, right?

Well, how does sushi sound?  Since they don't serve that at the PB Shore Club, me and Enrique made the short drive to La Jolla.

One of my favorite places on Prospect St. is Sushi on the Rock, and what better dish than a Rainbow Roll.

Sadly, Enrique needed more excitement ...

Travel: La Jolla, San Diego, Day 5

June 22, 2012 -- If you ever visit San Diego, you MUST make a trip to La Jolla.  I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful it is over here.  Prospect St., which I equate to America's Cup Blvd/Thames St. in Newport, RI, is lined with boutiques, shops, bars, and restaurants.  And yes, it is expensive.  Some of the high end restaurants have breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with fantastic sunsets practically every night.

AP and I had lunch at the Prospect Bar and Grill.  The food and drinks were fine, as you can see, but the view even better.

I'll be heading back to La Jolla again later in the week and will be sure to visit the La Jolla 

Cove, where my seals bask in the sun on huge rocks.  I make sure I check up on them every time I'm here!

Food: Sushi Restaurants, San Diego, Day 2

Just to let  you know, I love sushi!  And after a long work day and workout all I wanted to do was get home, eat, and watch the NBA Finals.  In the shopping plaza a mile away from my hotel is a little hole in the wall called Yummy Maki Yummy Box.  Yeah, the name is a little funny but the sushi is awesome.  I got an order of Rainbow and California rolls to go and had them while I watched the game.  I wish I had taken a photo to post, but I was too hungry!  Give this place a try if you're in the area.  They'll even deliver.

I also frequent the Tajima Japanese Restaurant for lunch often when I'm at work.  Being around the corner from my company, it's an ideal place to get my sushi fix.  I'll be sure to take some pictures when I'm there again, which will be soon.  Another place you need to visit if you like sushi and you're in the area.

Fitness: La Jolla YMCA, San Diego, Day 2

June 19, 2012 -- Being a fitness buff, there's no way I'm going to spend my month in San Diego eating, drinking, and sitting in a lab all day for work!  I can't come back home to my wife 20 pounds heavier and with a pooch belly!  Not going to happen!  Fortunately for me, the La Jolla YMCA is literally two minutes from the Residence Inn.  Better yet, since I'm a Newport County YMCA member in Rhode Island, I can take advantage of their reciprocal program to go to the LA Jolla Y for free.  Well, actually the first 14 visits per year are free and only $5 a visit after that.  I still haven't reached my limit, so it's a win-win situation so far!

The facility is more than adequate, a better than average YMCA.  I still like the one in Newport better, but I'm splitting hairs at this point.  The fitness center and free weight rooms are away from the children's areas.  Let me tell you, people in California have their kids in everything, and I'm dodging their Y Summer Camp every day.  The kids are fine, but I have to tell you I'm amazed at how many old people go to the Y.  I'm not talking 60 year olds, I'm talking ELDERLY!  Remember, I have to change and shower in the men's locker room, so you can imagine the sights I'm seeing!  Where are the young(er) people?  I guess I'll have to serve as eye candy for the old ladies, whatever.  Anyway, I'm able to do double workouts without having to worry about waiting for machines, treadmills, bikes, etc.  If you have to travel like me and you're a YMCA member, take advantage of the reciprocal program; it'll save you some cash and keep you fit at the same time.

Lodging: Residence Inn in La Jolla, San Diego, Day 1

June 18, 2012 -- I'm a Marriott Rewards member, so I have a vested interest in taking advantage of staying at Marriotts while on travel any time I can (hey, they bumped me up to Gold level after my last trip!)  When in San Diego, if I can't book a stay in the Gaslamp District I like to stay at the Residence Inn in La Jolla.  The hotel isn't one that has a ton of amenities, but it acts more like and apartment and when I'm in town for a month it more than fits the bill.  AP hates the place, but that's just him. I personally like being close to La Jolla, rubbing elbows with the rich people!  I'm settled in, went to Ralph's to stock up on some groceries (fruit and Coca-Cola!) and chilled out from my long day.  Tomorrow I'll start my work and workout routine (6AM at work, the La Jolla YMCA afterwards), so I'm off to bed now.