Beyond the Ordinary
Several years ago, I gave my family an early Christmas present. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary - which meant stepping off the well-worn tourist trail and thinking outside of the box. A few weeks before Christmas, we flew to Los Angeles for a day of fun before going on a quick, 4 day Carnival Cruise to Ensenada, Mexico.
I surprised my family with an extraordinary adventure! I rented a Ferrari for a few hours. It was a beautiful bright red convertible with soft, sable leather and the instantly recognizable dancing horse emblem which is a symbol of speed, elegance and Italian heritage. Driving a convertible Ferrari on the freeway with the top down is a pure, visceral thrill - a symphony of speed, sound and sensation. You press the accelerator, and the Ferrari responds with a fierce growl, the engine's roar echoing through the open air like a predator announcing its presence. Wind rushes past your face, whipping your hair back, tugging at your clothes. The car was low and tight to the pavement. The smooth leather steering wheel was firm and responsive. The Ferrari hugged the road and each downshift brought more excitement as we passed slower traffic. It's not just speed, it is art in motion. We cruised up the winding hills of Los Angeles, and as the view got bigger, we realized the Hollywood sign was looming above us with it's massive white letters perched on the ridgeline. We stopped and took some fabulous pictures. It felt like we were stepping straight into a movie scene. Our adventure ended with our guide giving me his bright red Ferrari ball cap as a memento. It was a memory none of us will forget!
Filled with excitement from our amazing test drive, we drove to the port and boarded the Carnival Firenze. It was the first cruise for one of my daughter in laws and she couldn't get over the food. At every meal she ordered several of the appetizers to try. At the time, Carnival offered frog legs, caviar, ceviche, oysters and shrimp cocktail and Libby tried all of it. Of course we all enjoyed the wonderful warm chocolate melting cake which has a cake-like exterior but when you slice into it, it has a rich, gooey, fudge center that Carnival Cruise lines is famous for!
When we got to Ensenada, we explored the streets full of fun little shops. It offered a fun mix of authentic Mexican handicrafts like bright embroidered dresses and blouses, leather goods, pottery and ceramics and windows full of handmade silver jewelry. The sights and sounds were incredible. The area around the waterfront and the Mercado Negro near the port offered fresh seafood and little craft stalls as well.
After a few hours of shopping, we decided to rent a car and go exploring. Driving along the ocean near Ensenada is a wonderful experience. We passed through stretches of coastal cliffs with quiet beaches and little seaside communities. We drove past a sign that said, "Horse Rides on the Beach" so we whipped the car around and made everyone get on a horse. Riding a horse on the beach is an unforgettable, sensory-rich experience. The smell of the ocean, the cool Pacific breeze, the sound of the waves in rhythm with the horses hooves on the wet shoreline. The experience was peaceful, but exhilarating - being connected to the animal and the sea. Locals waved from small food stands as we passed by. It was wildly wonderful!
After we got off the cruise, we headed to Newport Landing. I had read about the Christmas Boat Parade in the Newport Harbor that I wanted my family to experience. Davy's Locker sells tickets for a holiday cruise to have an up close and personal view of the parade. Each night, starting around 6:30 p.m., dozens of boats - from small kayaks to large yachts - begin to light up the water, decorated with holiday lights cruising along a 14 mile route through Newport Harbor. Waterfront homes on the islands like Balboa Island also participated in the "Ring of Lights" - a decorating contest where houses glow in coordination with the parade. Some boats play music and have animated displays. Time slowed down as we watched the boats glide by. It was an unforgetable holiday experience for my whole family.
From driving a luxurious car to sight see, experiencing new exotic foods, riding horses on a Mexican beach to watching the beautiful lighted boats float by, it was an incredible Christmas adventure none of my family will ever forget. Don't give gifts that will be soon forgotten. Give the gift of an incredible adventure filled with memories that will last a life time!
Every adventure tells a story, thanks for being part of mine.
Always exploring,
