Mornings here in OB typically begin with fog. This might disappoint some but not me; I love the break from the usually omnipresent sun, at least for a few early hours. By the time we all got up and at ‘em yesterday though, the sun had mostly burned through and a long walk was in order.
Armed with stroller and pocketbook, we ventured down Newport Avenue in search of an authentic Mexican breakfast which we found at Margarita’s, then walked it off by looking into the many funky shops and heading to the end of the pier.
My breakfast consisted of a plump cheese-filled Chile Relleno with refried beans, Spanish rice, and fried eggs, complete with a side of steaming hot homemade tortillas. Yum. Pint snacked on chips and salsa (he loves spicy food) while Robert and Jessica wimped out with strawberries, French toast, and whipped cream. What a waste of a really good Mexican restaurant. I could eat there every day while I am here in my quest to satiate my gringo desires, that is if I want to gain a million and one pounds. Speaking of, next it was time to work off our meal.
At “Wings,” we purchased the requisite touristy t-shirts for Pint. At three for $10, how could we not? Jessica then scoured a vintage vinyl store for a rare Pink Floyd album before I tempted her away, lured by a shop advertising spaghetti strap tops, five for $10. I liked the direction the prices were headed but of course once inside, the tune changed. The clothes got cuter and more expensive, though not ridiculously so, and I treated myself to a puffy sleeved embroidered top and Jess to an olive green cropped cardigan which she paired with one of the cheaper $2 tops. Newly styled, we were ready to move on.
The pier was full of unsuccessful fishermen stalked by seagulls in search of nibbles of bait. The birds fascinated a certain Pint-sized Vacationer we know and love who commanded them to fly. I was waiting to hear my pretties but no luck. After all, these are seagulls, not monkeys and Pint, though he can be difficult at times, is no wicked witch. I hope. We watched the surfers below, the gleaming ocean, and the crowded beach beyond before deciding we had walked and shopped enough and it was time to head back to our home away from home.
Although placed perfectly for the ocean view, I did not take into account how steep the walk would be to get back to said home. The mountain, okay hill, felt steeper still since I was pushing a 30 plus pound child in a stroller. My flip flops were inadequate for the incline; my feet slipped out of them and I had no grip. By the time I got halfway up, I was barefoot on my tip toes, huffing and puffing, struggling to make it the last two blocks home. Note to self: You are way out of shape. Do something about it. Midway along, I saw a neighbor watering her front lawn who commented to me on what a great workout I was getting. After murdering her with a fatal look, I finally made it home. I swear, if I lived here full-time, my arse would still be big but not fat and its well-worked muscles would lift it around mid-back. Hmmm… maybe I should stay a wee bit longer.
Despite sore muscles, I plan on repeating the walk today. We’re heading to the sand for free beach play until Hunky Husband comes home from work (his plane arrived last night) and we head to his family’s house so that the Amazing Matt and I can soundly trounce him and his mom in Pinochle. I hope. Those two have been known to get a bit competitive. I’m hiding the knives as soon as we get there.
Reminds me of the people in flip-flops at the beach Saturday, climbing the rocks around the tidepools in the flimsy things. I couldn't imagine how they kept from slipping out of them and cutting their feet on the shells and barnacles! I don't do flip-flogs (besides, to me they are still THONGS, and if I wore them I'd probably slip up and call them that); I hate things between my toes and footwear that doesn't stay on when I run. I USED to run a lot . . . now my arse is also in need of more exercise . . . .
Posted by: Michelle | July 16, 2007 at 09:09 AM
IIII goooot tooooo driiiiiive!
Michelle: I love flip flops... if I'm actually wearing shoes for a change, I wear them. People who go to the tidepools with shoes on are crazy... why would you wear shoes? At least wear water shoes or something... There are no everyday shoes out there that have as much traction as your own feet... you are waaaay more likely to slip and fall.. unless you are wearing climbing shoes or something.
Posted by: Jess | July 18, 2007 at 11:00 AM