2007 / 2008
California has become a regular stop for me during my business travels. During 2007 and 2008 I have lost count as to when and how many times I've visited California.
My primary California destinations are:
Several visits in 2006
2006 took me to California several more times. During these visits I was able to visit the Air Force One exhibit at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. What they have done for the exhibit is nothing short of amazing. The library is now absolutely huge. The exhibit chronicles the President's travels during his term in office as well as his numerous foreign policy accomplishments.
During the year I visited Newport Beach, California while I was doing some work for the local police department. This was an uneventful visit but one that I enjoyed very much. How can one NOT relax when staying at a nice resort in Newport Beach? (even if it was a work trip!)
I also made several visits to the San Francisco Bay area. It appears that I'll be going to Northern California more now. My company's headquarters is in Dublin (near San Jose) and I have regularly scheduled activities there. I still like Southern California better, but there are a lot of unique aspects to the Bay Area as well. I took time to see an Oakland A's game. I went to visit the Winchester House in San Jose. Later this year I will be going to see the NASCAR race in Sonoma. (Unless my business trip is cancelled.)
Lastly: I was able to visit Oakland, California in late 2005 and several times again in 2006. During the last visit I was performing some work for the Oakland Police Department. Oakland is a neat city. This was the first time that I had experienced a major city with a full size passenger train that drives down the middle of the road. Note: This wasn't a tram-car or a trolley, but a big full size AMTRAK train. Be careful when crossing the road. :-)
August / September 2005
Work again took me to California. This time I went to Simi Valley, just north of Los Angeles. Southern California is absolutely beautiful. Simi Valley itself is breathtaking. The only thing I don't like about the area is the extremely high cost of living.
I visited a total of two times over a 3 week period. During the first visit I was able to make my way down to Anaheim again but this time I ventured to see a baseball game. The Angels were playing the Boston Red Socks. As a New York Yankees fan I basically love any team that's playing against Boston, especially when the division championship was so close. It was a spectacular game to a sellout crowd. Angels Stadium is beautiful. I can't think of when I've had a better time at a ballgame. Side note: Why are the Angels now calling themselves the "Los Angeles Angels"? Anaheim is a beautiful city, certainly far nicer than Los Angeles. Also: Most people actually know where Anaheim is! They should have been proud of calling themselves the Anaheim Angels. They aren't even in Los Angeles County. (Anaheim is in Orange County.)
During my second visit I finally had a chance to see the Reagan Presidential Library. I had talked with Mom about this back in March and I was disappointed that I was unable to go. The visit was much more emotional than I had expected. In fact, I had an overwhelming wave of emotion come over me even as I walked into the building. I guess part of the reason is that Ronald Reagan was my president. He was the leader of our country during my most formative years. His policies heavily influenced my interest in politics as well as my political worldview. I guess I really feel like I knew the man even though we never met. Seeing his grave was particularly difficult. I know that Mom was there with me on this visit. When I got home I finally found my long lost videos of Ronald Regan's funeral. (I hadn't the stomach to watch them earlier and then I lost them!) Mom had taped these for me .... I think I can watch them now.
As for the library itself, it was beautiful. Take one walk into the backyard and look over the valley and you know why this location was chosen. The view is absolutely stunning. I can't think of a better resting place for a man of his stature. The library is well worth the visit. I plan on going back again as the Airforce One exhibit opens in December. Fortunately for me I have another business trip to the Simi Valley scheduled for the early part of next year. <smile>
Update - March 2005
I spent 4 days in California for a consulting assignment in Anaheim. During that time I was able to visit Newport Beach, LA and Hollywood. I stayed at a hotel nearly across the street from Angel's stadium in Anaheim.
As with my previous trip I really enjoyed my trip to California. I could easily see myself living there if not for the high-cost of living and politics that are much more liberal than I am used to. It truly is a beautiful state.
Highlights: Seeing the Pacific Ocean; seeing a movie in Mann's Chinese Theatre. All the while I got to talk to my mom on the telephone and share my experiences with her. My mom passed away very shortly after this trip and I miss her dearly. I am glad that she was able to share this experience with me.
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Original posting about California:
A corporate training seminar afforded me the opportunity to visit the mythical California. Thanks to Hollywood's entertainment empire I've seen and heard more about California than any other part of the world.
I can now say that Hollywood's portrayal of California does not do their own state justice.
My trip planted me in Palm Springs for a week in 1998. Palm Springs is a desert oasis located east of Los Angeles. Since I had arrived in the middle of the night I had to drive from the airport to my hotel during darkness. It wasn't until the next morning that I was able to appreciate the beauty of where I was. I fell in love with the area. The treeless mountains surrounded the towns of Palm Springs and Palm Desert and formed the Coachella valley. These mountains provided a picturesque background to anything you were to look at.
The people of California seemed to have a different, more relaxed attitude about life than those of us from back east. (Especially those of us raised in the NY/NJ metro area!)
I enjoyed my trip to California. I'm sure I'll return again someday soon "dude".