Day 64 - Los Angeles, California
Eight o'clock we were cleared to leave the ship. Fifteen minutes later we were "just sittin' on the dock of the bay. Wastin' time". Unbelievable!
Past experiences indicated departure would take about ninety minutes. We had to leave the room on deck seven, catch an elevator to deck two, scan the sea pass card leaving the ship, navigate the terminal to customs, clear customs, turn in our passports to Royal Caribbean and locate a place to be picked up. Each step typically has waiting lines. Today no lines, we simply fast tracked everything.
Friends Juan and Carlos were picking us up. No Royal Caribbean excursion for us today, Juan had something special planned. The Sunday morning air was cool but pleasant and LA traffic was non-existent. In no time we reached our destination north east of the city, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.
Founded in 1771, the complex is home to California's fourth historic mission. We spent hours enjoying the church, gardens and museum. It was very picturesque and offered a glimpse into early mission life in southern California. I could have spent the day, but the 3:00 PM all aboard time was quickly approaching, so it was time to head back.
What is a visit to California without stopping at In-N-Out Burger? We discovered one on the way back and from the lengthy lines, figured everyone in the city had too. It was definitely worth the wait and would gladly do it again.
We were back to port with time to spare. We had a great time with longtime family friend Juan and his brother-in-law Carlos. During the day Carlos and I discussed his childhood in Guatemala and the lasting impact Spanish Colonization has on family culture yet today. I hope to meet up with my new friend Carlos again someday soon.
This morning the customs officer welcomed us home. It felt good to be back in the States if even just for a few hours. It was now time to head back on the ship with warm hearts and a suitcase full of Amazon packages. Home is where you find your friends and thank you Anna, Carlos and Juan for being our friends, spending time with us and helping resupply our world cruise journey.
Friends Juan and Carlos were picking us up. No Royal Caribbean excursion for us today, Juan had something special planned. The Sunday morning air was cool but pleasant and LA traffic was non-existent. In no time we reached our destination north east of the city, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.
Founded in 1771, the complex is home to California's fourth historic mission. We spent hours enjoying the church, gardens and museum. It was very picturesque and offered a glimpse into early mission life in southern California. I could have spent the day, but the 3:00 PM all aboard time was quickly approaching, so it was time to head back.
What is a visit to California without stopping at In-N-Out Burger? We discovered one on the way back and from the lengthy lines, figured everyone in the city had too. It was definitely worth the wait and would gladly do it again.
We were back to port with time to spare. We had a great time with longtime family friend Juan and his brother-in-law Carlos. During the day Carlos and I discussed his childhood in Guatemala and the lasting impact Spanish Colonization has on family culture yet today. I hope to meet up with my new friend Carlos again someday soon.
This morning the customs officer welcomed us home. It felt good to be back in the States if even just for a few hours. It was now time to head back on the ship with warm hearts and a suitcase full of Amazon packages. Home is where you find your friends and thank you Anna, Carlos and Juan for being our friends, spending time with us and helping resupply our world cruise journey.
Comments
Post a Comment