Well, I’m back in my beloved San Diego. It’s been a little over a year and I’m thrilled to be back. Stepping off the plane and out of the airport, I couldn’t believe the sun could shine that brightly, all 75F. The breeze off the harbor just felt so right, as I rolled down the window of my cab on the way to the hotel. This time I’m not here to stay downtown – I’m here to stay on “the island” as it’s known around here. You and I know it as Coronado Island, home of the famous Hotel Del Coronado, backdrop to Marilyn’s movie, “Some Like It Hot.” Coronado is connected to downtown San Diego by a massive 2.5 mile bridge. The Hotel Del is on the Pacific, the Naval base takes up another 3rd of the island, and the other side faces San Diego Bay and downtown.

I’m actually staying at the Marriott on Coronado where I’ve been blessed with an absolutely lovely room with an extraordinary view of the harbor. As I write, I’m gazing at the San Diego skyline, sipping a glass of Chardonnay I picked up at a shop down the boardwalk. What is it about place, time, weather that can put one at complete peace? This is as close as one can come to happiness I believe, folks – grabbing moments like these when you can. The wind is rustling through the palms, people are strolling on the boardwalk, sailboats are floating by, Navy helicopters occasionally pepper the serenity, and I feel like it’s my world right now.

Ahh, I could live here. Rob tells me I wouldn’t appreciate it as much if I did. I think not. Wouldn’t everything be better if every evening allowed for a stroll outside? If you knew the sun was always shining, even if you were inside that day? And you needn’t worry as it would probably shine on the weekend, too? Cleveland has its merits, but I’m done, done, done with winter. And I’m a Canucker! I always poo-pooed Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder, but I’m thinking it might be valid these days. When you get a glimpse of the sun only every 90 days and realize that’s the only day you’re chipper, I’d say that’s a case of the SAD.

So far the Marriott has been a good choice. I’m here for a conference, came the day before, and got here early enough to enjoy most of today. I’ll have time tomorrow as well to explore a bit before it’s in full swing. I didn’t rent a car. I plan to stay on the island. Today I explored walking distance of the Marriott. There’s not a whole lot of dining choices down the boardwalk, just Peohe’s and Il Fornaio (seafood and Italian). The Coronado Brewing Company and Tartine are walkable, but not without a little effort. For a cheap lunch, there’s Spiro Gyro’s and a little Thai place at the Ferry Marketplace. I plan to try them for lunches this week. Of course there’s the restaurants at the Marriott. Today, I grabbed picnic fare from KFC in the Ferry Marketplace and headed to an outside table to enjoy. I hit the pool at the hotel briefly – even an hour is plenty of full on sun for a Northerner. But there’s nothing like heading to the hotel pool to feel like you’re on vacation. Wait, I’m not! I’m here for a conference! The one thing lacking at the pool was drink service – I was dying for a pina colada! I’m surprised this level of resort wouldn’t have that poolside option.

Two things that interest me, renting a bike to explore the island on my own and/or taking a Segway tour – I am here for a technology conference, ya know. For some reason I have an image of nerdy Bill Gates as the only person who rides a Segway, everyday to work from his amazing home on Lake Washington in Seattle, I’m sure! Well, we’ll have to see what tomorrow holds.