It was exactly what we needed – a Christmas party in Silicon Valley, a short trip to the ocean, and hotel breakfast in bed. In other words, we needed a break from our Berkeley day to day.
Our Christmas trip was to Monterey. We stayed at a bed and breakfast located on the historic Cannery Row, which recently made the news. Sadly, it was not in the context of the Steinbeck book of the same name, but as it happens in the United States, in the context of a murder and a shooting.
During the last century, Cannery Row was famous for its sardine factories, which later closed in the sixties and seventies. Today it is a tourist attraction, where people come to visit the famous aquarium, experience a bit of history and Steinbeck, stay at fancy hotels, eat at delicious restaurants and patronize candy and souvenir shops. Homeless people are wander there too, taking naps on adjacent hotel beaches.
I always wonder, how seaside locations are treated differently here. On Cannery Row, I noticed a quite large space with an old, empty building. It didn’t look like anyone was eager to start a new investment. It seems to me that in Europe, this ocean spot would be a hot treat for developers. Another example is the Berkeley Marina, which has a very attractive view of San Francisco. I saw many times, people parking a car there, often lighting a joint, taking a nap, instead of walking around. There is not even one decent cafe with an outdoor place.
But let’s go back to Monterey. Our visit was quite successful, although Dean forgot that St Nicolas Day is on December 6th, and not, as he thought the 9th 🙂 In the US, Santa comes in the night of December 24.
The last time we visited these beautiful surroundings, I was pregnant with Rose. I exposed a larger belly this time as well. 🙂 I am due in the end of April. I just hope my Mom gets here on time to stay with Rose!
How quickly we will get back to Monterey with the new addition, remains to be seen.
Christmas party in Sillicon Valley, hosted by very friendly couple from Germany.
First Christmas tree picture this year.
On the way we stopped at Gilmore Outlets. On the picture you can see a large variety of Christmas pajamas.
And here Rose and the sea otter at the Monterey Aquarium:) Picture taken by Dean. Tickets are expensive, so I took walks and rested at the hotel.
There were also pinguins. Feedings are to watch at fixed hours.
Now this is a room with a view!
Famous Cannery Row.
Sardines factories saw better days.
A plaque remembering the men who passed during fishing for sardines.
This bench reminds you od a scene from which movie?
Rose can do with her Dad whatever she wants!
Boy or a girl? (We already know!)
And I finish with a beautiful view from Pacific Grove.