The Californians - 10.26.25

This was another whirlwind of a trip; two days at Disneyland, two days focused on getting one of my best friends married, and one day, today, to wrap it all up. 

We started our morning off by slowly peeling our exhausted bodies out of bed and down to the dining area for one last cooked meal from our chef. Our house mom prepared eggs, fruit, sausage, and toast for us which was delicious. Everything that our house mom did was extremely appreciated and the whole experience at the villa was wonderful! Sadly, it was time for us to gather our scattered belongings and head out. We said our goodbyes and trekked down the mountain one last time.

We were back to our original group; Alexa, Josh, Avery, and I and we had a free day to do as we pleased before our nighttime flights back home to the East Coast. We wasted no time and headed over to Old Town Temecula where we leisurely shopped around. We stopped at Mad Madeline’s Grill for some casual grub. MMG specializes in burgers, hot dogs, and other familiar dishes. We then traveled over to Old Town San Diego where we leisurely shopped around. We stopped at Cafe Coyote for some Mexican fare. I had an Original Coyote Margarita in the regular size, 16 oz, for $13.95 and the Cali Tacos (two flour tortillas topped with cheese, filled with carne asada, French fries, salsa fresca and served with a side of avocado sauce) for $19.95. I love Cafe Coyote, and I was pleased to visit again!

We finished off our free day by visiting Liberty Station in San Diego. This is a large commercial development that sprawls across the grounds of a former naval training center. It is home to stylish bars, boutiques, restaurants, and a public market filled with gourmet eateries and shops. There are also art galleries and several small museums housed in Spanish Colonial Revival buildings. Along the waterfront, NTC Park has grassy lawns and bike paths. We spent our time taking pictures at the Goff Family Pumpkin Patch which has free entry and at The Loma Club playing mini golf. We played a full 18 holes, although they offer a 9-hole option as well. The cost to play 18 holes for a group of four adults was $75.00. We had a lot of fun playing and competing against each other and it was the perfect activity to end our trip and fill the gap of time we had before heading to the San Diego Airport.

At the San Diego Airport Avery and I checked our luggage, went through security, and met Alexa and Josh at the Aspire Lounge. We enjoyed the final moments of the trip together sipping drinks and having some light snacks. We then said our goodbyes and headed on our separate flights back to the East Coast. 

Avery and I had a wonderful trip filled with adventures, new experiences, and friendships. California is always a dream destination for me as it feels like a second home. Until I see you again, all my love, California.