Monterey, Carmel-by-the-sea
I got to know Monterey through a Jazz station I used to listen to many years ago. Since then, I have always wanted to visit in person. We drove there from San Francisco along Route 1. It was an easy and relaxing drive. There are some view points and beaches to stop at on the way.
I will always remember the drive into town. The Bed & Breakfast place we reserved was pretty hidden from the main road. Somehow I drove pass by it. As I backed into the street it is located, I was pulled over by local police for backing up in the middle of intersection (Duh!) The police office asked me for my driver license and was really amused by it. Apparently he has never seen a PA license before and he really likes the reflections you can see on the license under the light. He was nice enough to let us go with a warning. I would never know that PA driver license could save the day! For the rest of the first day there, we went to check out Cannery Row and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is not as big as the one in Atlanta but I really enjoyed my visit there. Plenty of interactivity and opportunities to touch various sea creatures!
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| ocean view from the aquarium |
In Monterey, you can get local artichoke and calamari. We ordered those for dinner one night. They were delicious.
The next morning, we went on the 17-mile drive along Pebble beach. It's the site of golf's some most prestigious tournaments, including U.S. Open. It's a good place to do house-watch and daydream. :)
Afterwards, we visited the historical Carmel Mission. It was such a peaceful and holy place. Many were involved in its restoration and you can certainly see the authenticity that it carries out.
We stopped by Casanova for lunch. It's one of the best French and Italian rustic cuisine I have had, without mentioning the unique deco of the restaurant.
After lunch, we continued our drive down south to visit Big Sur. It was a perfect day for this kind of drive. To this day, I still remember the contrast of deep blue ocean and green grass. As the road winds the cliffs, you cannot really speed up but slow down and enjoy being there. Many times I just wanted to sit on the bench by the road and look out for as long as I can. The view can truly take away all the stress from you and elevate you to an another state of mind.
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| I envy the cows there |
It's been more than a year since my visit. I long to go back, away from this noisy city and the crowd. If I could choose where I want to be during last days of my life, it would be there.
Recently I have been thinking about the priorities we all (have to) set as an adult. Some work hard for their careers. Some save money so they can afford the house they want. Some want to settle down and have a family that they can go back to. I am sure there isn't any wrong answer here, as long as you know what you want and what's going to make you happy. I know I want many things but I am not sure if I can let go of opportunities to visit new places and experience the unknown before I get older. Sure, it will be nice to have a house that you can call your home. But you will need to live a few years of your life just so you can maintain your house and pay it off. Sure, it will be nice to retire early. But you won't be as physically capable as you could be when you were in your 20s or 30s.
If I were ask you if you have any regret on how you have spent your life if tomorrow was the last day of your life, what would you say?
