Kekova, Turkey

Coco de Mer, Seychelles

Double coconuts that look like butts!

Ramos House Cafe

I originally found out about this place from a random food blog and shared it with Hanie since it was between Cerritos and San Diego, but later learned that she already knew about it. I don't make the trip down to San Diego very often, so I jumped at the chance to check it out on my drive back from San Diego.  Tucked away in a quaint neighborhood with some old Western + Native American charm, The Ramos House is literally at someone's residence, with the dining area located on the outside patio.  If it weren't for the hourly train passing by (it's adjacent to the tracks), you really feel like you've been transported to some charming little town in the middle of nowhere. 

To start, there was the popcorn garnished corn chowder, which tasted ok, but wasn't as exciting as it sounded.  My entree (duck hash w/ wild mushroom eggs & herb sauce), however, had the opposite effect.  While it looked like a regular scramble, the fresh ingredients and fluffy eggs were absolutely fantastic.  While the portions are large, I didn't necessarily feel like the dishes were very heavy (I finished my entire plate).  Looking at the menu, there are a bunch of dishes that I would love to come back and try.  There's also a great weekend brunch for $35 that sounds like a great value. 

Starlite Express

The first time I had a Moscow Mule was when Ken made one for me at Tina's. While I liked it, I always forgot the name when ordering drinks at a bar. Tonight, after dining at Phil's Phil's Phil's!!, Joel and I met up with Jason at the Starlite for some drinks, and knew I had to order the Moscow Mule when I saw it on the cocktail list.  Unlike other mixed drinks, the Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer and lime, so there's a low risk of it being overly sweet.  As an added bonus, the Starlite Mule is served in a cold copper mug, which remaind just as cold an hour after I first got it (don't worry, no risk of your lips sticking to the mug).  I'm pretty sure I could drink this all day, and now I'll definitely have to compare it with others.  At the moment, it's my drink of choice.  Great drinks, great atmosphere, and even better company.  What's not to like about this place?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Heading down to San Diego for a conference, I decided to fly into LAX and have my sister drop me off at the Amtrak station aimed for San Diego.  The last time I took a train in California was back in elementary school, so I was a bit excited about the ride down.  Of course, had Hanie or Jason told me just how scenic the trip was, I would have been even more excited.  Once you get out of Orange County, a lot of the track runs right next to the water.  Here is a sample view from where I sat, no zoom used:

$22 for one-way ticket from Fullerton to San Diego may be more expensive than driving, but with the views and traffic-free trip, it's well worth the price!