The group arrived at 6:00am on a brisk, cold Colorado
morning. With pillows, sleeping bags and sunscreen (the necessities) in tow, we
checked-in at DIA with child-like anticipation for the warm weather that
awaited us. Each of us running on just a few hours of sleep, we still greeted
the many fellow Regis students in DIA that were heading out to different parts of the
country for Spring Break.
The many sights of the flight kept most of us awake during
the 2 and a half hours from Denver to San Diego. I have never flown West so I
was in for such a treat. The Rocky Mountains were absolutely breathtaking with
the fresh powder glistening white and the thick snow clouds resembling fluffy
marshmallows. To my surprise we flew over
the Grand Canyon. Even from the airplane window the terrain is majestic in all
it’s wonder.
Touch down in San Deigo, everyone giddy at the sight of palm trees. Stepping into the terminal
and feeling the warmth as the sliding doors opened and closed for all of the outgoing and incoming travelers.
Our minds and our stomachs were all set on our next adventure, In & Out
Burger. If people overheard our group talking they might have wondered
why we kept saying “animal style”.
I am sure they were wondering what non-sense this group from Regis
University was saying. I am sure
they were thinking, “must be tourists”. And we lived that up in all it’s glory.
Of course we took pictures at In & Out Burger and gauked over the low
prices and yummy tastes of the burgers and fries. Most of us ordered “animal
style” which is off the “secret” menu. .” We ordered, most of us saying "I would like a
number 1, animal style”. I don’t
know what “animal style” is but it was quite tasty.
We loaded into our car, the first team building task,
fitting 7 people and luggage into a mini van, which I have to say is by far the
nicest mini-van I have ever seen. The fun part is that it has a blue light
lining the ceiling, similar to the inside of a limo.
We headed towards the church to meet J.C. As we got closer
and closer to the church the students started to realize just how close we were
going to be to the ocean. We arrived and met John Jay (it took me a few days to remember his name). They gave a quick tour of the very nice and peaceful Lutheran
church that we would be staying in with access to a full kitchen, indoor
basketball court, a quaint little courtyard and the indoor and outdoor showers.
The students walked to the beach as Alicia and I set out on a shopping trip.
After we bought food for the week including requests such as flaming hot
cheetos, twizzlers, lunchables and enough caffeine to keep us up and awake,
Alicia and I made it back and walked down to the beach to meet the group.
While it was beautiful and warm, there was also a presence of a cool
wind. There were lots of people, some surfing, some building sandcastles, the sounds
of two guys playing paddle board, many tan individuals, dogs, babies and a lot
of sand (everywhere). Two of the
most interesting things while people watching were two guys sitting up on rocks playing the guitar on
the beach and a very skinny male doing back flips and aerobics as if he was at gymnastics practice.
We got back to the church. Had a little free time. Some
journaled or called loved ones. Others took cat naps. We had decided previously
to make our own pizzas for dinner. We met to start the preparation and it was
amazing to watch the group that had only been together for less than a day,
work together with such ease and productivitiy. The pizza was actually quite good.
We then made our way to Belmont Park, an ocean side
amusement park. We all rode the large roller coaster with preconceived notions
that it would be boring but to all of our surprise it was a lot of fun jammed
into a small little package. Some rode other rides or played laser tag. Then
ice-cream and a walk to the beach.
It was an early night everyone ready for the zoo the next day. I was just hoping that
we all didn't burn to a crisp in this California sunshine! No worries, multiple bottle of sunscreen and aloe were on hand!
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