The burrito

Okay, I have to admit I am getting a lot of questions about traveling right now and, while I hadn’t planned on covering any of those issues, I’ve changed my mind.

But first…the burrito? It was every bit as good as during high school – that rare moment when the anticipation and the reality match up.

Plane travel is the subject of enormous discussion on the travel sites I lurk and post on and, as is always the case with chat rooms, the more I read the less I understand. But SeaTac was fine. There were minimal security lines and everyone was masked. Likewise, on our Alaska flight, every single person was wearing a mask – even the children. Boarding was done in small groups, none of the typical jostling and crowding evident. There was a single beverage service – choose from water or a can of Diet/Regular Coke – and you got a bag of snack mix. It was kind of nice – there were very few announcements about trash service, more beverage service, headset offers, credit card offers – and I found it made the flight much more relaxing to have the squawk box silent.

San Diego has absolutely nailed COVID-19 adaptations. The stores here are open and masks are required. And, much to my surprise given the news stories I see, people are wearing them. At Fashion Valley Mall yesterday, each store had hand sanitizer everywhere – numerous bottles spread out – cash registers, near jeans displays, entry doors. I sample them all like it’s a Costco, just instead of ravioli or crab dip, it’s a tour of the varying alcohol smells of the proffered samples.

Likewise, the restaurants are open and are really creative and diligent with their plans – all require masks until you get to your table. Tables are spaced out, some places have made little plexi-glass private worlds and silverware arrives when you sit down, tidily bagged and sealed.

So how is it to travel now? It’s okay! It’s an adaptation of previous travel but it’s workable and it’s a really good trial run for our future hopeful travels.

And on to more important things. Yesterday we toured the Air and Space Museum and I was struck by this actual flight attendant uniform for PSA airlines from the 70s. I know the picture quality is bad but look at that outfit!!!

San Diego is beautiful. I feel a little foolish about leaving back in 1989 even though I love Washington state. It’s greener and more colorful than I recall. (See below) We’re off to do a bit of touring. I’ve got my typical detailed itinerary sketched out and Ron, true to form, refuses to look at it. We’re headed to La Jolla, where we’ve got a private reservation to tour a map museum.