I went to Santa Cruz for the first time in 5 years today. Let me just say… Hwy 17 is EEEEVVVVIIIILLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! (Well… California driving in general is evil — it’s like someone decided to suspend all traffic rules temporarily for my visit to the state!) Downtown Santa Cruz is also an *interesting* place to drive.
We had lunch at Pizza-My-Heart and then went up to campus to meet with Cindy, my advisor from my undergrad days. We ended up connecting at her class lecture (Medieval Europe) and had some chill time afterwards at the Taqueria.
(OK… so I didn’t shave my head — I did cut my hair short though, or at least shorter than it has been for awhile.Â? The last time Cindy saw me, my hair was down to my waist and braided.)
When we got home, my dad had the firepit set up for s’mores so we had those.Â? :)Â? You gotta love parents who make them with Ghiradelli chocolate!
We head down to the depths of Hell SoCal tomorrow and then to Vegas and Salt Lake City.Â? I’m going to be sad to leave San Jose, especially my parents’ cats who are now thugs instead of kittens.Â? Speaking of them, I need to steal Jethro after I fold laundry — he is a very good bed tabby.
I grew up in SoCal and mostly don’t miss it. I went back to SoCal about a year ago…and it only seemed to get worse. Santa Cruz is nice though…and I think most would say that it isn’t SoCal. I especially have fond memories of the board walk and the shops.
Glad that you were able to reconnect with friends. I hope you enjoy your time there, Jen.