I Spy....Nature's Beauty

photos taken 2/2014 in San Diego at the Little Italy Farmer's Market

I Spy...La Pensione Hotel

When I took the hubs to San Diego last month we stayed at La Pensione Hotel in Little Italy. It was very different from the places we stay when we travel with all the kids! Loved having the coffee shop in the courtyard outside the hotel. And that my fave art store, Blick's, was a 2 minute walk. Not to mention that fabulous Farmer's Market just below our hotel window Saturday morning. Fond memories for both of us.

photos taken 2/2014. Little Italy in San Diego.

I Spy...Downtown San Diego

photos from Feb. 2014. walking from hotel in Little Italy to downtown parking lot. San Diego





 

I Spy...Pacific Coast Sunset

photos taken 2/2014 @ Cardiff State Beach (north of San Diego)

I Spy....San Diego's Little Italy

 I always visit the San Diego Dick Blick's Art Store when we travel through Southern California, and I always say "we should spend some time walking around", but we never do. Well, we did this trip.

 



There were lots and lots of restaurants and places to sit and people watch. Did you see that light fixture 2 pictures back? Loved it!

 

That view down the hill to the ocean....is it any wonder this city has stolen my heart?

 

And we found the best coffee shop that makes blended drinks using gelato. Yep, I said gelato. And it had the cutest courtyard to sit in and sip your creamy drink. And dream about returning to Little Italy with just your hubby and stay in the cute hotel attached to the courtyard.

 

Great way to deliver pizza while navigating the city streets.

 

Signs of Fall.

 

Normally I don't get so wordy for my "I Spy" posts, but I had to add a few details this time. Hope you didn't mind.....

 

photos taken Oct. 2013

Little Italy, San Diego

Beach House Recap

Pros:
      -beautifully decorated (colors, textures)
      -gorgeous wood floors
      -enclosed private yard great for dogs (even though we did not bring ours)
      -only 2 1/2 blocks from beach
      -3 bedroom/2 bath = plenty of room for everyone

Cons:
      -furniture not as comfortable as last beach rental
      -not as fully stocked with supplies
      -too much space meant everyone retreated  to their own room rather than gathering together
      -too far from beach psychologically (did not feel like a beach house)
      -tall fence around entire house made it feel closed in, like a fortress
      -outdoor seating not comfortable and in sun all day
      -wood floors are noisy!
      -no sense of privacy with the layout
      -bar located directly behind the house makes for noisy weekend nights
      -sharing parking with neighbor is not always ideal


Take home message:
       -we need to be closer to the beach and have access to comfortable outdoor seating
       -we need less space to encourage togetherness (especially since our kids are teenagers)
       -don't get sucked in by the decor....pretty is not always better
       -must paint a wall that brilliant blue color in a future house!

Do you rent houses when you travel? Do you have any tips/secrets to share? This was only our 2nd vacation rental, so I'm sure we still have lots to learn! Do share....

I Spy...La Jolla Walk

  

  

photos taken Oct. 2013
while walking through the beach house rental neighborhood