Aryeh’s Christmas Visit to SoCal

Aryeh reached out to me about visiting SoCal over Christmas break.  Sure!  I will be between Costa Rica trips so why not?  Aryeh’s first Casa De Randy visit was during Christmas break 2022 so he knew what he was getting into.

This visit would be mostly repeats of the 2022 visit.  Not a problem since it was all great!

The weather did not cooperate as much.  We had some rain and other rain-ish days as well as King Tides.  King Tides are big swings from high and low tides accompanied by extremely large waves.

Monster waves at Swami's

We found a surf opportunity early on.  At least we thought it was an opportunity.  Aryeh brought a 5/4 wetsuit typically used for Canadian surfing (c-o-l-d) but might be a bit overkill for local conditions.  I gave my Rust board to Aryeh and I took the Mango Takayama.  Turns out, Aryeh overheated and got sick, then crashed and burned.  I found that the waves were too much for me; I couldn’t even get through the crashing break.  So we licked our wounds and damaged pride on shore and said that at least we tried.

Surf conditions ramped up considerably so we shelved any ideas of surfing for Aryeh’s trip.

So that freed up time for other things.  Our time was spent repeating some of the good experiences:  Encinitas Meditation Garden, tide pool investigation at low tide, walks about Del Mar, Encinitas, and Solana Beach, Pho, Sushi, Pizza Port, and a pint or two at Culture Solana Beach.  All good times.

Fresh made pasta.  Yum.

New this time with Aryeh was hiking Torry Pines during a dry spell.  The good part of hiking TP after rain is that the normally heavy dew/foggy air is cleared out, giving clear ocean views.  We could see the Coronado Islands (in Mexico), and Catalina Island (off the LA coast).

We went to Balboa Park and walked around.  Highlights were overlooking the Japanese Friendship Garden, lunch at Panama 66 (always great!), and then going into the Timken Art Museum.  I always go in there, to see the Rembrandt’s Saint Bartholomew painting.  So beautiful.  So tragic.  But, a bonus is that Aryeh found a painting, The Piazzetta at Venice, that he wrote about in a college paper.

Aryeh with 'The Piazzetta at Venice'

So, with all the hiking, surfing, biking, walking, etc. that comes with an Aryeh visit, I have to say the best is with dinner preparation and conversations at Casa De Randy.  At any dinner, there will be 2+ hours of significant and meaningful conversations.

Great dinner.  Great conversation.

I treasure these times.

Great Friend.

More pics from Aryeh's Christmas 2023 visit.

Costa Rica December 2023

Saturday, November 25: Journey to LAX via San Diego

It all started on a crisp Saturday morning, November 25th. My first destination: the San Diego airport, to get an auto rental and later get to LAX. I boarded the Coaster in Solana Beach and rode to Old Town; I then hopped onto the San Diego Breeze (free shuttle) to the airport. Then I boarded yet another free shuttle to the auto rental building.  Success.  I drove the auto rental home and killed time until departure.  My Alaska Air flight was scheduled just before midnight, departing from LAX. The drive to LAX was smooth, a simple 6 pm departure with minimal traffic.

However, the plot took an unexpected turn when, an hour into the flight, the pilot's announcement crackled through the cabin speakers. A mechanical issue with a persistent warning light forced us to turn back to LAX. Once we landed chaos ensued, we were promised of departure at 3 AM and then 3:30 AM. A flight attendant's reluctance led to a canceled flight, and we were rescheduled for 8 AM with a fresh crew.

Amid the uncertainty, I texted Sergio, my shuttle driver, updating him on the delays. Alaska provided some compensation for meals, promising further discussions on punitive payments. The 8 AM flight went smoothly, except for a space-invading seatmate. Fortunately, Sergio had his team ready at the airport, ensuring a painless drive from Liberia to Nosara. After dropping off luggage at my Airbnb (The Surf Shack), I had dinner at Ten Pies and a provisioning stop at the Mercado to round off the adventurous Saturday.

Airbnb from Tatiana

After a tiring day, I slept like a very exhausted baby.

Sunday, November 26: Settling into Nosara

I felt the travel fatigue on Sunday.  And the day started with the looming threat of rain. Despite this, I managed to pick up my surfboards from Nosara Surf Shop. A conversation with Ryan, the owner, hinted at changes in board storage, urging me to explore alternatives.

Later, a memorable sunset with Rob at the beach, followed by dinner at La Brasa, marked the day. The decision to savor the view with an additional drink at the beach proved worthwhile.

Monday, November 27: Surfing and Steak

The day began with plans to surf with Rob, but noodly-arm exhaustion set in quickly. A solitary attempt resulted in a thrilling ride, but it was a one-and-done affair. Rob extended a dinner invitation, showcasing his culinary skills with steak, fries, and salad. A nightcap at El Chivo rounded off an enjoyable evening.

Tuesday, November 28: Waves, Ceviche, and Good Company

The day started with another attempt at surfing, meeting fellow expat surfers Maggie and Terry. Frustrated by the waves, our plans shifted to lunch at Rob's, featuring ceviche and homemade focaccia.

Lunch @ Rob's on the veranda

Saturday, December 9: Arrival of Alyssa

Alyssa's arrival brought unexpected shuttle challenges, eventually sorted out for a smooth transition to Nosara. Surfing, dining, and shared expenses characterized our time together, with discussions ranging from career choices to travels and friendships.

Introducing Alyssa to Trits!

My favorite pic from our morning walk

As Alyssa embraces independence and I seek to balance surfing, our time in Nosara becomes a dynamic blend of adventure, camaraderie, and self-reflection. The unpredictability of life's twists and turns mirrors the waves we navigate on the serene shores of Nosara.

Velma, making a CR sunset perfect with a cross-step

Alyssa and I departed on Saturday, December 16, but at different times and destinations.

More Costa Rica December 2023 pics!