9th day - 19th February 2022

After 4 days, I discover that there are hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator in the breakfast room. But once again, there are no oranges this morning. They could make a little more effort. However, the room service is really great. Everything is always spotlessly clean and my bed is always made fresh. I decide to leave them another ten dollars tomorrow. The Mexican maids really deserve it.

Rose and Mike pick me up in their car and we drive to Balboa Park. It is a cultural center outside of downtown San Diego. The two of them want to go to the cinema with Ethan - I decline, the weather is too beautiful. We arrive a little late and Mike has to rush. I take it easy and stroll through this lively scene. There are food and drink stands everywhere and churros are especially popular.

Four years ago, I was already here in the international village in the German house. I wonder if the two girls from Düsseldorf are still here and take a little detour there. Unfortunately, it is closed today. But outside the Chinese house, the new year is being celebrated. There are food stands everywhere here too, and in some cases, the line is quite long. You don't notice any more pandemic here. Many people still wear masks, but the crowds are standing very close together and are not missing out on the fun.

After 45 minutes, the IMAX film is over and I meet the others and Ethan, who didn't make it in time. Mike says the film was stupid. We stroll around a bit more and have a coffee in the sunshine. It's really incredible how consistently sunny the weather is in mid-February.

Tonight, we want to have dinner near Ethan's mother Michele Michelle, so we set off on our way home in good time. The traffic is moderate, so it only takes us 20 minutes. During the time until the meeting, I plan my route to Texas, which will start on Monday. I book two hotels and think that I will always plan two days in advance. Let's see how fast it all goes. I don't want to just drive interstate. In any case, it will lead through the desert of Arizona. I'm really looking forward to it.

The SEA 180 restaurant in Chula Vista is a bit more upscale than I thought. But at least there is no loud music. I order grilled Brussels sprouts as an appetizer and then a burger. The former is really popular here and tastes really good, and the latter is of course classic American. However, the prices are really high. The $20 for the burger are still acceptable, but a steak costs $40. The inflation here is really quite severe. I'm surprised that so many people still go out to eat because the place is booming. However, I have to say that the food is absolutely fantastic. The best so far.

On the way back, I realize that I have become really tired. I'm still feeling the time difference a bit. And so, I have myself dropped off at my motel and end the evening early. I should also be a bit fit on Monday when it comes to the long stretches of driving.