My number one goal was to see some seals- I accomplished this goal within 30 seconds of getting out of my uber. The seals are seriously everywhere, and they are brave.
This place was packed! It's one of those restaurants where you go up to the counter to order, then the staff have to find you at your table to deliver your food. It's every man for themselves when it comes to seating.
As a solo traveler, I felt a little bad taking up a full table in a busy and obviously popular restaurant, but as luck would have it, none of the single seat spots at the bar or high top table were available, and the first empty space was a table big enough for four. I guiltily sat down, and a few minutes later, when a group of three came out to the patio desperately searching, I waved them over.
"I feel bad taking this whole table for just me, if you don't mind eating with a stranger, you're welcome to sit here," I said, feeling a little awkward about it, but leaning into the California vibes.
They were grateful and decided to join me. We got into small talk, as is customary, "What brings you to San Diego?" and the like. I mentioned I was visiting from the DC area for an educator training.
"Do you teach at Wakefield high school?" Asked my tablemate.
I almost spit out my sandwich. "I don't! But that's right on the money- most of the students I teach end up there for high school!"
It turned out that my lunch companion who has been living in San Diego for years was from VA beach, but went to undergrad at George Mason University, and she had a connection to a school only a few miles from mine.
What are the odds? The more I travel, the smaller the world feels.
I enjoyed a lovely late afternoon lunch with my friends-for-the-hour, and left them to continue their enjoyment of La Jolla, as I made my way back to the hotel to watch the Oscars and prepare for a full day of learning tomorrow.