I love Monterey!

It’s true I loved my visit, (besides a migraine that developed soon after arrival) which happened to be right after spray dates, which I did not know about, and I did have other negative health reactions. I’m still angry about this. Can you imagine, California government hurting its own people for a moth that hasn’t damaged one crop.

Below was my take when I’d first arrived in Monterey in November 2007. If future spray dates are canceled, I highly recommend Monterey and Santa Cruz, otherwise, check spray dates, and go at your own risk. If you’re sensitive at all, I wouldn’t go if they plan to spray within 90 days of your stay. As of this writing, the spray stays in the air up to 30 days, and they’re talking about making it last longer.

The Monterey Peninsula is #1 for clean air in California but did you know it’s one of the cleanest counties in the United States?

Despite a few environmental problems, mostly from an army base, it’s overall an environmental winner.

I could breathe very easily here. Air goes down smoothly.

Approaching Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, I passed the beautiful Monterey Peninsula Community College tucked under trees, lucky students.

I once spent three months applying for college teaching positions. As a result, I interviewed at UC Santa Barbara but you need to be rich in order to teach there.

I enjoyed unexpectedly seeing this college, and my urge to teach rose again. I guest lectured several times in the Feature Story writing class at Cal State Fullerton, and loved it.

Will the welcome you to Monterey committee come to order?

Geese.

This was my Welcome to Monterey image, which put a big smile on my face, especially after that long drive up the 101.

Next I was greeted by a view of Monterey Bay, and beyond Seaside, a nearby community. 

I couldn’t wait to check into my hotel, grab my camera to get the best light of the soon to be setting sun, and soak in Monterey.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at 400 Cannery Row is in the heart of colorful Monterey and offers a European look and soul. It’s the only luxury resort on Monterey Bay and its elegant European architecture reminded me of Italy.

Charming.

The Monterey Plaza & Spa is in walking distance to the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, old sardine canning factories, which are now updated to accommodate jewelry, clothing, tourist shops, Starbucks, and fine and casual restaurants.

And it’s where I enjoyed a wonderful 24 hour reprieve from normal life.

I drove up to The Monterey Plaza’s wide entrance, and, no kidding, around seven wholesome-looking young men greeted me, Colgate white smiles.

Doors opened.

My trunk popped. 

“How may I assist you?” echoed into the driveway chamber.

I turned my head, unsure who to turn to first.

Him, him, or okay, him.

My car–poof!–vanished, my bags rolled into the European elegant well-lit entrance, and I followed, cameras and tripod in tow.

I’ve become a serious amateur photographer.

My room overlooked the Monterey Bay, and despite the fact it was inviting to hang out–a big comfy bed, bathtub, and relaxing view with the faint sounds of seal lions reminding me I’m far from Los Angeles–I had to get outside for the last of the sunlight.

Picture time!

I headed out from the multi-tiered European hotel with wow! panoramic views, and stopped for a photo in front of their dolphin fountain. A woman from Bulgaria told me she’s a great photographer.  For half pictures.

Let’s try again!

  

Tomorrow I’ll share more of Monterey, including the Aquarium and Monarch Butterfly sanctuary in nearby Pacific Grove.