One is Irvine Regional Park; a small regional park in Orange County nestled in a little, unexpected corner of suburbia. It has a traditional park feel with grass and picnic benches, however offers so much more. Not only does it have a zoo, which holds many injured and interesting native Californian animals, but it’s a great place to seek out wildlife along the trails. I personally like to cross the river, which is sometimes no more than a dry riverbed with some brilliant, smooth river stones, and hike up to the look out that looks over the entire park. Sometimes I’ll see Red Tailed Hawks or small sparrows, but my favorite part is the smell of the sage. I love having that natural and beautiful smell on my clothes, it reminds me of something wonderful; it reminds me of home. It reminds me of peace and harmony. Who knew that in the middle of suburbia you could find such a place?
Another interesting, yet less visited by me personally is the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Up until recently I cannot remember the last time I was at the Queen Mary. I remember a time when I was very little visiting the Queen Mary and the Spruce Goose with my grandfather and cousin. I remember being in awe of such tremendous structures as this big ship and big airplane, but what I remember the most was the ice-cream afterward. What can I say? I was young. This time around though, I went with my Pop, my Pop’s girlfriend, my brother and his girlfriend. It was my Pop’s Valentines gift to all of us. The big build up was the ghosts on the ship. There are said to be a number of them including a little girl on our floor.
After arriving we had drinks followed by dinner on the ship. The dining experience was a dinner and a show; a somewhat corny yet entertaining group of singers. It wasn’t bad; it was just a one-time only experience. They were quite amusing with singing their versions of popular Broadway show songs. After dinner music in the bar called to me and became quick (short-time) friends with the friends of the band and the band; Jennifer Keith Quartet. They played some great jazz and swing that kept my toe tapping until one o’clock in the morning! By the time I headed to bed, I was the only one of our group that had stayed awake. I thought that if anyone were going to see the ghost of the girl that drowned in the swimming pool on our floor, it would be me… I could lie and said I did, but I didn’t… maybe Pop got some photos of ghosts by taking pictures around corners. I told him that he should have brought some night vision goggles. Ha.
The next day I groggily got out of bed at 10am to get ready for Sunday brunch on the ship. By the look of the spread of the food, I was happy that we had given ourselves two hours to eat. It was exactly like eating on a cruise ship! Stuff yourself until you can’t move; that’s the name of the game at buffets like this one. It was all very yummy, but I could hardly stand another bite when I forced myself to have a cup of chocolate mousse. I’m a sucker for chocolate mousse. All in all it was a good experience. Thanks Pop.
Being on the classic Queen Mary for a night was truly like taking a step back in time to the 20’s and 30’s. It was delightful.
Often we neglect to see what is in our own backyard, or to see what adventures there are to be had in a nearby neighborhood. I say, why not? Get to know your neighborhood! Get to know what special things you’re missing right out your front door! I know that it’s easier said than done in Southern California, but there’s got to be a gem or two where anyone lives, right?
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