CaDiva got some of her own back when the Diner had unisex bathrooms. How terribly Californian. In case you haven't read about our visit to Armstrong Grove, CaDiva went into the men's room thinking it was unisex. And if you haven't read it, why haven't you?
We had to drive through the park twice before we found a nice parking garage. It opened right onto the concourse that lay between the aquarium and the tea garden. We walked past an amphitheater where a small band was practicing some performance that involved a lot of arm movements that looked a lot like a Third Reich salute.
A friendly parking attendant gave CaDiva directions to the aquarium. Unbeknown to HRH and I, he warned her to go to the aquarium before the Tea Garden because it was so expensive, we would be disappointed if we were too tired to see it all. He was right, but while it costly, they did give AAA discount. Another opportunity to stand in front of a green screen for a snap shot. We wandered a bit but soon discovered we wanted the lower level. I think I liked the upside down jelly fish and the sand dollars best.. They had a little display of the contents of a shark's stomach.
We were wondering if Rae ever found a new license plate. But doesn't it amaze you the Spam was still not opened? I guess the Barbies were too filling. We weren't able to get around to the big display to watch the lecture on the under seascape. But we still saw some beautiful fish. Then we worked our way through the African wildlife display to see the penguins. Yes, there are African penguins. They look a lot like regular penguins except their tuxedo jackets are short sleeved.
We were thinking about an exit, but stopped first for an expensive drink in the well appointed cafeteria. The cost was pretty comparable to the meal we ate at the Smithsonian this summer, but that is another story. The fact that they sold wine was a little surprising considering San Francisco is not even in Sonoma County. As we left, they offered us the photo taken in front of the green screen. HRH would have taken it but I didn't like it and the little sales clerk was seriously dense. So we passed. I know I know...but it wasn't actually shopping so the girl trip rules weren't shattered.
The Japanese Tea Garden was very pretty. They didn't give AAA discount but, not for the first time, HRH, CaDiva and I were asked if we were triplets. It is more fun to answer that than when they ask if I am CaDiva's mother. Don't get me started on that one.
HRH was seriously taken with the bamboo.
We walked and walked, every few turns there would be a small alcove set back from the path where you could pause and just enjoy the green and stone and sky. It wasn't quiet like Armstrong Grove but still very soothing. All the literature said the artistry of the landscape is planned to the most minute detail, including the size and color of individual stones.
We even found another penny squisher. And a gift shop. Given that HRH is getting heavy duty chopstick skills, I'm sorry we didn't buy a set. Or some of the soup spoons. But we flew out so we couldn't get all the little souvenirs we would have picked up if we drove.
As it was, we slowly wandered back to the car, enjoying the day and realizing vacation was wrapping up. But tomorrow was whale watching, so it wasn't over yet. HRH curled up with her tunes in the back of the car and CaDiva behind the wheel, as it had been since we landed, we went looking for dinner. We pulled off the interstate near Gilroy and found a little restaurant where CaDiva could get her waffle. I suspect she only travels for the complimentary Belgian waffles and the free shampoo. She doesn't use the shampoo, she brings it home for HRH. What can I say, they are cheap dates.
Now, it was growing dark and we were headed into the Monterey mountains, so guess what? CaDiva was tired of driving. Don't ask me how I always ended up driving in the mountains at night. I'm from a PRAIRIE. We don't do mountains. But coming out of California, through Tennessee, into Colorado...I always get the mountains. HRH pointed out it may have been dark but at least it wasn't raining. She is so helpful.
We got into Monterey later than we planned, after the late start that morning. But it was all worth it when we got to our room. Another Embassy Suites, this one in Seaside, and it didn't disappoint.
We had two full rooms, all set up properly this time, and a FULL Balcony, which HRH claimed as her own. Especially when she noticed that it looked right out onto the bay. Well, she does have the crown and all.
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