We made the 100 mile drive down from Carmel to Cambria mainly to see this amazing place, Hearst Castle (second biggest tourist attraction other than Disneyland)
We've had mum and dad here for a couple of weeks. We haven't had them to stay with us since Eddie was born in Honolulu in May 2007 albeit we made it to Hong Kong in March of this year to see them. That was a short soiree but they came out to see our new abode in San Francisco to make sure we hadn't made a complete mess of things, uprooting ourselves from Japan and all that.
Little Sur Inn (right in front of the ocean) where we stayed for a night in Cambria, CA
Dad was really pleased with our house remarking that he felt really comfortable with our place - light filled, warm and "really good feng sui" as he went about moving our two ornamental elephants to the front door steps to protect our wealth. I felt like telling him that being in California and having light and warmth are kind of symptoms of life here but I understood what he meant. Some homes are just dark and dingy...
After 2 weeks of serious home cooking (they were in heaven as an enormous Chinese supermarket is only 5 minutes drive away and Chinatown 30 minutes away by train and foot) and a whirlwind tour of Carmel and Cambria over Thanksgiving, they left this afternoon with tears in their eyes. Each time they leave, Dad says, "I don't know when we'll be back next" implying his time is up on this mortal coil every time we see him and then we see them both 6 months later. It's true they're getting on a bit but they're about as healthy and mobile as anyone could expect for pensioners in their early 70's.
Anyway, we had a wonderful time in Carmel, exploring the interesting and quaint little shops in the pristine town, did the 17 mile drive after breakfast the following morning before tearing down to Cambria down route 1 to see Hearst Castle yesterday morning. In retrospect, it was a bit too much driving for 3 days, about 450 miles and 2 inns. We should've just hung out in Carmel and did more sightseeing around there. There is plenty to see.
For some reason, these last 2 weeks have flown by and I'm lamenting the fact that I didn't hang out with them more. I think probably because I was pretty busy at work (for once!) and normally, they've stayed for 3-4 weeks in the past. Also, with my own challenges of being a parent and a husband, loyalties get divided. When I said that I'd try to get the family back to the UK in the summer to see the family, Dad said not to, to wait 3-4 years when the kids are older. Then he said no, it's up to you but just don't spend all your time with your mates. Oh well, you can't win.
The house seems strangely empty and sadly quiet with them gone. There's nothing like bringing home from home. We've got truckloads of goodies such as snack bars, Chinese dried seafood, etc. and enough PG tips for the Boston tea party from the UK anyway. I don't know how they can fit that much food into their luggage! You should see what they're taking back to the UK from San Francisco!! I just hope there are no agriculture and fisheries inspectors on duty as they breeze through customs.
Until the next time......

Dad, Charlie, Eddie & Mum in the Wayside Inn in Carmel, CA
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