Well actually I was in Orange County, but Orange in Orange County just doesn’t have the same effect. AndI never fancied myself as an orange so I’ll keep the title.

Took a mini-vacation from my vacation to visit old friends and offer support where needed.  Was able to get a great deal on a plane ticket on JetBlue so off to Long Beach I went, bags packed, with clothes for a variety of weather patterns (you never know with SoCal weather) and gifts.  From the airport, the first stop was lunch at a familiar setting, Gerry’s Grill.  Can never say no to a plate of Bangus Sisig.  After filling up on Pinoy classics, we were off to the Santa Ana Courthouse to watch my first ever trial, well in this case, it was just a hearing in the middle of the trial.  After a couple of hours it was time to do what I do best—shop!  And shop I did, I bought 1 pair of shoes. Hmm Marshall’s, Loehmann’s and DSW and all I could find was 1 pair of shoes? I must be losing my touch!

The next day was a free day so we had a yummy Mexican lunch at Javier’s.  Those shrimp tacos were really, really good!!! And, then we were off to do more shopping.  We were supposed to do some sightseeing by the beach but it was too cold and foggy so we decided to go to an island instead, Fashion Island, for some more shopping.  And again, I was a really good girl and only bought a cup of coffee and some madelines.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME????

That night, we met up with an old friend from high school and enjoyed an evening of laughter and reminiscing and catching up at Orange Hill, a hilltop restaurant with firepits on the patio that kept us warm and where they let us smoke.  One of the few places around that still did that.  Shared a cheesecake and a cappuccino crème brulee, yummy! We closed the place down and even had to ask them not to turn off the lights so we could take more pictures hehe.

Saturday meant a drive to the Carlsbad outlets for even more shopping.  Not that I minded all the mall visits, I had yet to visit any mall in SFO.  We walked around and tried some stuff but all I got was a bottle of perfume for my mother.  One pasalubong checked off the list.  Whoohoo!  Then it was time for some sightseeing at Old Town San Diego.  Walked around and took photos amidst the old buildings.  It was quite fascinating to see how old town Americana used to look.   As always, I put on my brave face and let go of my dignity and posed for lots of my signature photos.  Like this one….

After dinner at McDonald’s (no road trip is complete without a fast food stop), we headed home to rest up for the next day.

Sunday meant brunch at Manhattan Beach.  We ate at The Strand which gave us a great view of the beach while savoring mouth watering brunch specials.  I had the Chicken sausage frittata which was really good and which made me want to try to make one again (the last time wasn’t quite so successful) Walked a bit around town and had some yoghurt at the Manhattan Beach Creamery and coffee at Peet’s.  Then it was off for more shopping.  I am proud of myself for only buying a few things at H&M.  hmmm am I growing up and actually learning to budget?

Monday meant going back to the courthouse for the trial.  Was only able to stay for a couple of hours because we had to take my friend’s car to the shop.  Then it was time for dinner at CPK where I was able to spend some quality time with my friend, her husband and their super adorable 4 year old.  When we got home, we hung out a little more then it was time to pack because sadly, my mini-vacay in a vacay was ending the next day.

Got a mid-afternoon flight so we were able to meet up with the girls at the courthouse for a goodbye lunch at the cafeteria and then it was time for the airport.  I must say, the Long Beach airport is one of the prettiest ones I’ve seen.  They have a garden inside with benches and palm trees.  Really nice place to wait for your flight.  So different from NAIA hahaha!  And then I was on board my JetBlue flight back to San Francisco. 

So glad I was able to hang out with my friends, and so sorry that I couldn’t stay longer. 

That’s all for now…bow.