play day in Monterey

The thought of going out for a whole day can be both exciting and terrifying. How does one justify saving an entire day for another person? How does one choose where to go? Who’s going to plan the activities of the day? What if there’s not enough to do? What if we don’t like doing the same things? What if we get into a fight?

With all these fears bubbling inside, we courageously decided to move forward, and what can I say? The day went swimmingly.

Going on a date to the aquarium is something I’ve dreamed of all my life. It is somehow nothing like I ever thought it would be like and yet more than all I could have hoped for. But apparently it is a recurring theme for me to have expectations that do not match reality.

I thought it would be a genius plan to go to the end of the aquarium to the deep sea exhibit in the morning and work our way backwards, but apparently everyone else thought of the same thing and got there before us.

If you ask me what my favorite part of the aquarium is, I will without a moment of hesitation tell you it’s the octopus. I love the video that introduces these wildly fascinating, complex, and wickedly clever creatures of the sea – did you know that they recognize people and have affinity toward familiar individuals, even giving them hugs with their long, squishy tentacles??

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”

– Loren Eiseley

But perhaps I spoke too soon about favorites. Some other top contenders are the beautiful quotes about the ocean, and the touch tank for the rays! They’re so squishy and soft and I always get so excited that I get my sleeve wet from reaching too deep in the water. But it’s so worth it!

Some other favorite quotes:

“The tides are in our veins.”

– Robinson Jeffers

“…the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever.”

-Jacques-Yves Cousteau

I want to go to on many adventures and explore many places with you. 💕

Jellyfish –
the sea offers up flowers of glass like thick light.
They are transparent landscapes.

– Raquel Jodorowsky

Cannery Row on a clear, crispy autumn day. A teaches me lessons about thoughtfulness and generosity, as we went into a candle store I would’ve never gone into, and he picked one out because he knew his aunt would like it.

Sea Harvest Restaurant – it can be hard to try new things, but A has bravely been trying to eat things he wouldn’t have in the past, and I’m thankful for that courage that has led to things like being able to enjoy raw oysters together. We do also eat more standard, yummy things together like fish sandwiches and clam chowder!

A big part of traveling with other people is figuring out and matching paces with one another. I think we’re both on the slow, relaxed side, which makes the match a good one! After a short post-lunch break and balsamic vinegar/olive oil shopping, we stopped by the ocean to take some selfies. Cheese.

Black light golf was not as exciting as I would have liked but the decorations were a fun portrayal of the sights to see along the Highway 1 from NorCal all the way to LA.

Oh man, when they didn’t bother to tell you the mirror maze would have flashing lights and mannequins and ominous music and you’re super scared and lost and hoping your man will take the lead, but he’s even more freaked out than you are 🤣. Nothing quite like desperation to push you to take charge and lead the way.

Shadowbrook – Last time we were in Capitola, A wanted to take me here, not realizing that it was a fancy restaurant that called for nicer attire. He was so appalled at himself for making that mistake that I thought it would make the perfect redeeming end to our night. The free shuttle service with antique cars paired with a tiny gondola were such charming details to this place!

Thanks for a beautiful day, my love~