Eating Like A Boss

In a sub-conscious protest to my day of being chained to my laptop, I planned on doing as much as possible the next day.

Energy came in the form of scrambled eggs and plain pancakes. The M&M pancakes were a one-off treat. If I’d known, I would have packed more down. I didn’t hang about, grabbed my things and headed straight out.

The hostel was brilliantly located next to a bus link. Transport, like so many other things, is incredibly cheap in San Diego. I paid $5 for a day pass as I knew I’d be stopping and starting a lot.

Firstly, I thought I’d get the boring stuff out of the way. I needed a mobile phone. My international SIM card was useless as my phone did not pick up any signal. A girl in the dorm recommended getting an AT&T prepaid mobile as the signal is really good.* I found directions to the nearest outlet and added it to the collection. I was taking no risks and wrote down step-by-step directions to each place I wanted to visit. I did not want to cut my day short because I didn’t have a clue where I was. As a back-up, I took my notebook with me. It is quite heavy to carry but I had a lot of ground to cover and knew that with a Starbucks on every corner, I could pick up free wifi and get directions instantly if need be.

With all my preparations you’d think I’d be fine right? Ha, when are things ever that easy? I could not for the life of me find this stupid AT&T outlet. I found three other shops that sold mobiles but none of them had prepaid mobiles.

After walking around aimlessly for around half an hour (it felt like 2 hours in the searing heat) and asking directions from a few dodgy passers-by, I gave up. 

What a weird name to call a street

I remembered seeing a Target store further back. I annoyingly turned back on myself and trekked across to the store. It was right by the stop I got off at but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

A perky store-assistant pounced on me straight away. Normally I shake them off instantly as I always prefer finding things on my own without someone hovering over me. This time it made things easier. I had a couple of other things that I needed and she took me to each item. Within minutes I had what I wanted and was eager to get back on a bus to my next stop. I headed across to Old Town to visit the historic park.

As you have probably guessed, Old Town is an old town. To be precise, it’s a replica of how San Diego was in the 1800s (specifically 1821 to 1872 as written in the leaflet I picked up) with a strong Mexican theme running throughout. Within it is an abundance of shops and displays. I was already hungry so headed straight to the restaurant area.

Tight git that I am, I opted for homemade chips and salsa for $2 but there is plenty of delicious Mexican eats to be had here. I couldn’t finish my chips and saved them for later. The hostel has a no food policy in the rooms but I didn’t think my tortilla chips would offend anyone and they certainly wouldn’t last long enough to entice the local cockroaches.

Once my appetite was satiated I explored.

There's something different about this mannequin but I can't quite put my finger on it...

Mexican gardening

Performances take place here at night

Dodgy decor

Donkey!

Jackpot!

There was a lot to see and I enjoyed my gentle stroll within the grounds of Old Town. I saw a sign pointing to a blacksmith and thought that could be interesting. School kids crowded the area so I stood back and watched as a young guy gave a short speech about what a blacksmith does.

Well hello there…

Perhaps I lingered here a little longer than necessary. After a brief Q&A, the young blacksmith went. An older bearded guy replaced him and it just wasn’t the same. I left shortly after as he greeted the next school group.

Old Town was rammed with families and school groups and no wonder, the weather was glorious. People may prefer to spend quite a while here but I was satisfied with an hour (or so).

My next bus journey took me south to downtown. I mingled with aliens and robots…it was Comic-Con. Even if people weren’t dressed up, you could spot a ticketholder a mile off with their giant tote bags and posters. Although I’m not a giant comic book fan, I do love films so part of me was curious about what was going on.

Some locals might not agree as a few moaned at the truck that parted traffic and caused a jam. A camera crew followed as a woman swung a sword and skipped along. I had no idea who the character was or what the purpose of the video was. It did seem a little strange.

Deviating from the crux of the melee, I ended up meandering through a series of shops. Sparks of my old shopaholic tendencies crept to the surface. I entered the Abercrombie & Fitch store with trepidation. I knew it would be full of stunning staff stroke models. I expected to be thrown out as my face offended them. Instead I was greeted warmly and left to my own devices. I had a quick look around and within 10 seconds, I clocked at least five things that I wanted to try on/buy. This is not good. I compromised with myself that I’d wait until New York and splurge. After a year of budgeting, whatever money I had left in New York would be spent frivolously on great food and pretty things. I left the shop empty handed.

Macy's was next door and I had a quick peek in there. Unfortunately, as much as I try to convince myself otherwise, I do not window shop. If I go out shopping, I have to buy something. Coming back empty-handed is classed as defeat. It’s a wasted journey. Everyone else is laden with bags and I’m not. They have lovely things and I do not. The fact that I had to upgrade from the Beast to a suitcase in Australia shows how I could not suppress my shopping urges. I just need to wait.

Seeking out the nearest escape route, I jumped on another bus to Balboa Park. I’d heard good things about this place and it also holds San Diego Zoo. I don’t really know what I expected to do when I got there. I had no blanket or picnic. I’d already walked for most of the day so the thought of another aimless stroll didn’t seem attractive. I attempted to see wonder but grew bored within 10 minutes. I needed sugar.

As I’ve focused on couchsurfing so much I failed to mention my secondary mission in America.

Of course making friends and sleeping on their couches is fulfilling and can be deemed as an achievement, I also sought a different kind of glory. I wanted to eat. I wanted to eat BIG.

The Mission

1. I want to seek out foods as big as my face.
2. I want to eat so much food that I’m forced to waddle out of the restaurant.
3. I want sugar, juicy meats, and bread - everything that is always classed as “bad” foods.

Nutritionists and avid-gym-goers be warned, my American blog posts will be full of food stories that will tease your taste buds. I have no idea how I didn’t end up buying an extra seat on the plane ride home.

To aid my campaign I looked to Man Vs. Food and Kid in a Candy Store. Bring. It. On

*****

My first stop on the foodie voyage was Eclipse Chocolat. This was featured on Kid in a Candy Store. I knew this was the place for me when I saw a clip on one of their specialities – rococos. Yes, that’s right, 1/2 a pound of chocolate. I think that’s plenty of sugar.

This café was a pain in the arse to get to. It’s in such a random location – next to a car valet service centre and a pizza place. It took me quite a while to get to as a couple of streets weren’t signposted clearly.

My spirits lifted when I clocked the café.

To say that the place was featured on a show, it was pretty quiet. Undeterred, I went up to the counter. I couldn’t really see the rococo so asked the waitress. It had been motherflipping discontinued. Are you fricking kidding me?! I’d schlepped all this way to get my 1/2 pound of chocolate and you guys don’t even have it. I was not impressed.

Emphasis seemed to side more with the coffee than the chocolate. Hmph. I didn’t want to leave the shop empty handed. I browsed the chocolate bars which were teeny-tiny for the price tag. Nothing really stood out for me. I got a spicy pecan caramel rocky road and left in disgust.

Determined not to let this failure outshine my mission, I knew that Man Vs. Food would not let me down. My next location was actually within walking distance. It’s a sign.

Lucha Libre Taco Shop is a sight to behold.

It looks pretty standard outside but wait...

...look at that!!

Having seen the Man Vs. Food episode, I knew exactly what I wanted but for those that aren’t sure, the Surfin' California was marked on the menu as being featured in the show.

Unlike the last place, Lucha Libre was packed. Everyone looked happy including the staff. Even though the tables were full and the queue long, it did not feel like an eternity until I got served. So much so, that I didn’t have time to take in my surroundings. Wrestling masks hang from various angles of the room and newspaper cuttings litter the walls alongside photos. The bright and funky décor represents the vibrant personality of the place.

What surprised me the most about his place were the humble prices. For those on a budget, you can grab one of their famous hotdogs for $2. I came for one thing, a burrito, Surfin' Caliornia burrito to be exact. It sounds awesome and I was ready for it.

As I paid for my food, an unnerving option appeared on the computer screen. Tips. The cashier explained the a tip isn’t compulsory but I needed to make my selection – 12%, 15% or 18% I think were the options, as well as zero of course. I’d not eaten anything from Lucha Libre yet and it’s counter service which is pretty standard. As my order barely scraped $10 I opted for 15%.

Whilst I waited for my beasty burrito, I received a healthy portion of homemade chips. I filled up my empty paper cup with lemonade and grabbed a few miniature cups of salsa. I miraculously found a seat right in the corner of the restaurant.

Although I should have saved room for my burrito, I couldn’t help but nibble on the chips. It was at this point when I noticed that a couple came in and sat down at the Champion’s Table. They received table service. It may sound like an odd place to bring a date but I’d love it if a guy brought me here.

My name was shouted and I collected my godly burrito. I couldn’t remember if there was a timed challenge on the show or not but all I wanted to do was eat the whole thing without puking. Challenge accepted.

Grilled steak, shrimp, french fries, avocado, pico de gallo, cheese and super secret chipotle sauce

Half way through and I'm still smiling

Surprisingly I ate the first three quarters in around five minutes (this is no lie, I timed myself just in case there was a challenge in the show). It was probably because I was incredibly hungry but it was damn tasty too. I decided to have a little break and refilled my cup.

The last few bites were the hardest but it was a hella-good burrito. If I ever grace San Diego’s streets again I will definitely drop by at Lucha Libre.

Full to the brim but satisfied, I made my way across to the bus stop. There was one final stop that I wanted to make, La Jolla (la-hoy-yah). I’m pretty glad that somebody recommended this place to me as I would never have been able to pronounce this place correctly otherwise!

Even though I managed to make it for sunset it was too cloudy for any beauty shots. I still had enjoyed taking in the scenery. I found a lookout area where nobody was sitting. Down below was a small cove where a couple sat hugging. Another couple sat on the rocks straight ahead of me and were taking photos. At this point you’d think I’d start pining for something I don’t have but I actually smiled. Both couples looked exceedingly happy and it made me smile in acknowledgement rather than jealousy. I’ve done everything that I’ve wanted to do on my trip off of my own back. It’s a fantastic feeling. Being completely independent in that sense makes me happy. One day, (I hope) being with someone will make me just as happy but it’s reassuring knowing that it’s not something I necessarily need to fulfil me or make my life better than it already is.

Quiet, calm and peaceful. It was a lovely view to round off my hectic day

Nice little spot for couples

By the time I got back to the hostel it was dark. There was no clear way of knowing when the bus arrived at my stop. Inevitably, I got off a few stops too soon and had to walk 10 blocks. Arse.

Instead of having a wasted journey I stopped off at a newsagent and picked up a drink. It was here where I was noticed by a couple of dodgy guys. The cashier rolled his eyes as one guy strained to make conversation with me. It’s surprising how many people will start talking to me about skydiving when I wear my Taupo skydive t-shirt. It makes me laugh thinking about someone going up to a guy wearing a 7-Eleven t-shirt (synonymous with Thailand) and speaking to them about the food stores.

My pace quickened as I tried to find “home” without being hassled further. I made it unscathed and headed straight to my room. I collapsed in bed where I remained for the rest of the night. I was too tired to be social. I do make a rubbish backpacker.

*Complete and utter bollocks. Don’t go with AT&T as the signal is dire. I’d go with Verizon or T-Mobile instead.