Happy Summer Solstice!
For someone like me who loves the warm weather, and the longer days that come with it, this is the best day of the year!
I never really focused on Summer Solstice, but when Eric and I were on our honeymoon in California (24 years ago) we were in Santa Barbara on Summer Solstice. They make a BIG deal out of Summer Solstice in Santa Barbara, with the Summer Solstice Parade!
Eric and I had just arrived in Santa Barbara and were told that there would be a huge parade the next day and we could expect lots of wonderful festivities to enjoy. We thought it was SO kind of them to arrange such a celebration in honor of our honeymoon, but we found out it was actually the Summer Solstice celebration!
We went to the parade, had a fantastic time, and enjoyed Santa Barbara tremendously. I remember saying that Santa Barbara was so rich, so beautiful, so perfect, that anyone who grew up there had absolutely no concept of reality.
When we drove down the coast in October/November last year, we recreated our honeymoon, stopping in many of the same places as we did on our honeymoon. Unfortunately, when we got to Santa Barbara Eric had a horrible headache/neckache, so I pretty much got my hair cut and colored and he got a massage and we headed south.
I was very excited this morning, and not because we would have more daylight than any other day this year. It was because we were finally going to see EARTH WIND & FIRE! We both love them so much and know how entertaining they are in concert and we were both looking forward to it SO much.
I dressed in an outfit that would be comfortable, yet dressy, wearing black capri pants, a light, flowing cream-colored peasant blouse with lace inserts on the front and a peplum below the elastic waist. I wore a gold necklace with faux pearls and a tassel of gold and pearls, along with matching earrings and bracelet. I wore my black suede platforms and a black purse.
I got to work and did a few things for my group. My boss didn't come in until after 10:00am, because he didn't return from Milwaukee last night until after midnight, due to some flight delays. I don't know how he does it -- he flies almost once a week.
The rest of the day was a blur -- lots of projects for various team members, including the boss. It was great, because the day flew by and soon it was time for Eric to pick me up. I had told a lot of people at work that we were going to the fair to see EW&F and they were very excited for us. They knew it was our first time at the fair and they couldn't wait to hear how we liked it. I guess they're all proud of the great things San Diego has to offer. I think it's great, too!
We decided to go to dinner right near the office, so we found a cute little Italian place called VILLA CAPRI – Cucina Italiana.
They had a delicious menu, with lots of great choices, but we decided to start with Carciofi alla Giudea -- Roman-style baby artichokes sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil and parsley and Insalate Verde -- Baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. They were both lovely!
Eric had the entrée of Pollo Piccata o Marsala -- Chicken breast sautéed with capers and wild mushrooms in Marsala wine sauce. I had a special of Blackened and Seared Ahi Tuna on a bed of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing. Eric said it was the best Marsala he ever tasted. I loved my tuna, too. It was seared perfectly! We were so stuffed we decided to skip dessert, thinking we could find something at the fair. Boy were we right!
We got to the fair and were parked a LONG way from the fairgrounds. They had a shuttle, but then Eric and I saw those rickshaw-type bicycle taxis and decided to go on one. It cost $5.50. Our driver was a Russian boy (probably around 20, but he seemed like just a boy) who had just arrived three weeks ago. He told us he was working at the fair for the summer and then would go back to university in Russia. He was adorable, and we gave him a big tip!
We walked through the fair for about 45 minutes before we went into the arena where the concert was held. It’s where the horse-racing is during the season (which starts after the fair closes). There was every type of food, dessert, snack, and candy you could possibly imagine. Eric had a Cow Pie, which was a waffle with ice cream, nuts, whipped cream and chocolate shell on a paper plate. I got a piece of frozen cheesecake that was dipped in chocolate. YUM!
We walked around eating and looked at all the rides. They were CRAZY. I couldn’t believe how scary they were. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I’m 50 and haven’t been on rides in a long time, but I don’t ever remember rides being that scary when I was young. I used to go on roller coasters and scary rides and never had a second thought. Now, I think I’d faint.
They had every kind of game you can imagine, throw the ball, use the gun with the water to fill up the balloon, ring toss, etc., etc. Everything was so crowded, colorful, bright, and noisy!
Eric had on his EW&F t-shirt (which he bought at one of the concerts in NY) and one of the guys working a game called us over. Turned out he had the exact same design (which is Egyptian) tattooed on his chest! It’s EW&F’s logo and he loves it, too.
If people who work at the carnival are called carnies, are the people who work at the fair called fairies? Just wondering.
Anyway, we eventually went to the concert. Our seats were way down in front, on the floor, and since this is not always a concert venue (it’s really a racetrack) the floor seats were the kind of seats you’d see at a wedding (no arms, cushioned seat and back).
They were all lined up, but were stuck together, so you couldn’t move your seat up or back. They were more comfortable than regular outdoor concert seats, but I didn’t spend much time sitting anyway. As soon as the music started I was on my feet. A lot of people were dancing, too, but as time went on more and more stood and by the end of the concert very few people were sitting.
As usual, EW&F were amazing. They are so enthusiastic and obviously love what they’re doing – and it shows. They did all their big hits – BOOGIE WONDERLAND, FANTASY, SEPTEMBER – all our favorites. They didn’t have an opening act, and they started around 7:45pm and played for 2 hours. The great thing about the fairgrounds is that when the concert is over everyone stays and eats, walks around, or goes on more rides, until the fair closes at 10:00pm, so if you leave right away (as we did) you don’t even hit any traffic!
We took the free shuttle back to our car and were home by a few minutes after 10:00pm! I’m exhausted, as I feel like I had a two-hour dance class. I’m sure I’ll be feeling it tonight, but EW&F is one of those groups that makes it impossible to sit down. You just HAVE to dance!
Tikis -- For Jimmy!
When we got home I jumped in the shower. I wanted to try to get to bed early, because our friends are coming tomorrow and I have a million errands to run and want everything to look perfect in the apartment. We had a lot of fun tonight. It was a beautiful night and a fantastic concert!