The Cali Itch - San Diego

Aug 23

The waves toppled and pushed us each time we entered—almost warning us of their power. It wasn’t until our goggles were tight and our bodies became parallel with the sandy ocean floor that the power turned into a gentle caress. Each wave lifted and passed through us as we swam through schools of fish and above sharks, guitarfish, and stingrays.

If we weren’t dancing with the waves or hiking sand dunes, we were exploring historic districts and seaside piers. As each cloudy morning became a sunny afternoon, we noticed the bustle of the city increase and the chatter of a California town come to life.

We ate tacos daily, worked out in the sunshine—where the ocean breeze created a mild 75 degrees, a sweet relief from the Oklahoma heat. By the end of our week-long adventure, we were Zillow-searching for places to rent, imagining how our dog would love the sandy beaches, and saving paddleboards on Amazon.

Each adventure we take reminds us why travel is so important. Whether abroad or in our home country, we learn something new each time—we find beauty in unexpected places and meet people with different views.

My wallet may be empty, but my heart is full.