San Diego

It was a glorious clear day in San Diego with the temperature  being in the 80's.  The best part of the day was connecting with our families via Skpe and FaceTime.  The FaceTime did not work so well due to my inability to hear what was being said and my amazing digital control that always had my thumb over the web cam.  But now I know where the headphones are to be plugged into and the location of the webcam so next time should be much better.  It was so great to hear everyone's voices.  Beside our two hours on the Internet trying to catch up with all the news and emails (the ship's Internet is either down or you lose connections constantly) we did travel the town.  The morning was spent at Cabrillo National Monument, which offers a spectacular view of San Diego and the region.  The day was so clear we even could see well into Mexico.  After the monument it was off to Walmart for additional travel supplies.  We then drove to the island of Coronado.  We walked by the beach and to the hotel Del Coronado which is an outstanding hotel.  Then back to the city as we needed to be back 'home' by 4:30 or else the ship would leave for Honolulu without us.  
While ashore in San Diego, our faith in the fundamental kindness of people was renewed.  The address we had for the car rental agency was rather confusing because the entrance to the Avis office was on a cross street rather than the actual address we were given.  As we stared at our piece of paper and looked around confusedly, a young woman pushing a baby carriage approached us and asked if she could help.  Though she was also confused by the address, she did not hesitate to phone the car rental company and clarify their location for us.  We will recall her kindness fondly as our journey continues.

Cruise tip: rent a car from Avis on Kettner Blvd (entrance via Cedar) three blocks from the ship and they will drop you off at the ship when you are done, which is very handy when you are loaded down with critical ship supplies. (eg. Wine)