Day 12: Ironing with the Fishes

I couldn't decide what to call this blog.  It was either Ironing with the Fishes, or A Proper American Breakfast.

Stage 2, the Monterey bit of my sabbatical, is getting better and better :)

I woke up determined (more determined then yesterday) to get out and about.  So after a breakfast of tasteless waffle and an apple, I took myself on a misery tour of the area.  I had a couple of hours to spare before heading to the offices of El Camino Real and decided I'd try to get to the beach and circle the area.

I headed south towards Laguna Grande and Robert's lake, which are both close to the beach.  Seeing signs for the freeway, I detoured several times and although passed each of them, could never get close to either.  The beach seemed like a distant dream.

So I turned around and went North, heading up Monterey Road and around into a nice looking estate.  Suburbs I guess they call them here.  It all seemed rather new.  After getting lost in suburbia, I found myself on top of a sandy covered hill, deep in mist.  "How far had I driven?" I wondered, realising that it was about 15mins to 11am, the time(ish) I was meant to be seeing Brian.  I headed down hill and northwest, figuring that was probably the right direction seeing as I'd been going around in a circle.  Next thing I know I'd outside the offices with 10mins to spare.

I went in to a loverly welcome from Jo Ann and Mary Beth. I instantly knew that I was going to enjoy the next few days, as much like the Ranch staff, they were warm and friendly.  The office seemed so tranquil, with a chapel inside where I believe the meetings will take place, and a nice looking garden out the back.  Brian welcomed me, took me through the next few days agenda, and the out for lunch!

Being driven around gave me such a different view of the area.  Brian took me to the beach, and then pointed out a few places to eat before taking me to a diner.  Such a good atmosphere.  Brian described like a pub where people eat, and I could totally see what he meant.  We had a nice chat about diocesan life whilst I tucked into a proper american breakfast.  I wasn't sure what to get, so Brian made the suggestion, and wow did it beat me!  Scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausages and biscuit in gravy.  I think Dad would love the biscuit in gravy.  The white gravy sauce had a pepper kick to it.

Feeling much better with life, having chatted and met new friends, I took myself off to Monterey.  I drove casually around the area, before parking up and touring around a bit.  Slowly but steadily I headed for the Aquarium.  Everyone said how cool it was, but they never said HOW COOL IT WAS!!!!  I've never seen anything like it.  The tanks are huge, and you can get in close to all the fish and ocean creatures.  My first face to face was with a Giant Octopus, and I mean GIANT!  Then I just walked around slowly taking it all in.  In some places I just sat and watched the giant tanks.  All in all I think I spent over three hours there (I also ate).  Getting back out of Monterey was a pain.

I found out from Brian that there was a big car rally, exhibition, auction going on this week.  That explains why the hotels were so booked up, and the number of cars going around.  It seemed that I'd decided to leave the aquarium just as everyone else in the area wanted to move about as well.  The slow traffic did give me time to see some really really nice cars though.  I wish I was able to take some pictures whilst driving, but decided against it.

So I got back to the hotel and ironed some shirts for tomorrow and thursday.  I know!  I ironed!  And Kerry isn't even in the same country!  At least I hope I've ironed them correctly.  I don't want to embarrass myself tomorrow.  I'm meeting Bishop Mary and then attending Finance Committee.  Looking forward to it :)

Its now 7pm, and I'm kinda beat.  Part of me is thinking of heading to the beach... Part of me is wondering what all the sirens are outside.  Part of me isn't thinking at all, and thats probably the part I like best.