I think I'll take a step back and start with first arriving in California. A little backstory. Carmel, is a place, I'd only dreamed about. So, for my 50th birthday my family surprised me with a trip. Not just any trip, the trip to my dream destination! More than I could've imagined. Being a business owner, it's hard to get away from the store to take a little R&R time. They even helped with scheduling, so that was one less thing on my mind as I set out to fulfill what had always been a daydream.
I took off from the Philadelphia airport very early in the morning, hoping to enjoy a full day when I arrived. As if this couldn't get any more ideal, the song "California Dreamin' came on un-expectantly on my headphones just as the plane was traveling down the runway and lifted off. It was official, I was on my way...I arrived in Monterey to an on and off drizzly day with quite a chill in the air. Occasionally, the sun would peek out. I'd wondered for a brief moment, if all the anticipation I had build up in my mind would be less than I had expected. But, I was in California after all, so all was good and I was going to make the best of it.
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I arrived at my hotel, Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, where I was graciously greeted by the staff. Everything was welcoming, the atmosphere, the fragrance in the air and especially the sitting area with large glass windows and fireplace. Getting quickly settled in my room, I looked out the window to view part of Cannery Row. I'd decided to briefly visit the sitting area and take a quick rest next to the fire and take in the wonder of the day. By then, I was ready to get started again taking in the sights, even though it had already been quite a long day and a three hour time difference. Guess where I found myself visiting first? After all, a Nestle Toll House cookie and a cup of coffee can help jet lag, right?
I then walked to the nearby town of Pacific Grove, which had beautiful
views of the ocean.
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 | Cannery Row is the waterfront street, also the setting of John Steinbeck's famous novel , |  |
Next, I headed down Cannery Row towards historic Fisherman's Wharf. I walked along the many seafood restaurants and souvenir shops linings its boards.
 |   Artists and photographers took the opportunity to capture the scenery |
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After a full afternoon of exploring Monterey, I headed back to the oasis of my hotel. I had a great dinner overlooking the water and watching seagulls swoop onto the surrounding dock hoping to catch tourists crumbs. The melody of a solo guitarist topped off the mood of the evening as I savored each bite of my delicious cuisine.
My husband must have informed them I was there for my 50th birthday, because, what a delight for them to bring me a |  |
After dinner I found myself beckoned back to the warmth of the hearthside flames warming not only my body, but my soul. The past fifteen years had become reality.
The next morning, I awoke to a great breakfast overlooking the water again. Plenty glorious sunshine today! Then with bags packed, I was ready to begin my next journey to my destination, Carmel, CA
Enjoy the photo gallery below:
Enjoy the photo gallery below:
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