Daddy's Christmas Angel

Thursday, July 4, 2013

When Memories Are Better Than Reality

"Beach at Coronado, California" ©Mary Montague Sikes
It's been a few years since we last visited Coronado, California. That's where the Hotel Del Coronado is located, and, since the historic structure is part of my book, Hotels to Remember,  I wanted to revisit the glamorous site where the Marilyn Monroe movie, Some Like It Hot, was made. Of course, I loved the giant golden bow that now graces the cupola atop the iconic big red roof. The decoration is in celebration of the hotel's 125th anniversary. (I'll write more about the Hotel Del another time.)

When we arrived in San Diego and went to pick up our rental car, I was a little taken aback to be informed that the car could not be driven into Mexico. Although we had not planned to go to Mexico, it is sad to realize that it is no longer safe to drive a car in that neighboring country. On another trip to San Diego a few years ago, we drove down the Baja peninsula to Ensenada and then on to Santa Rosalita where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. During that trip, I purchased two beautiful Mexican dresses and a lovely sterling silver necklace that I still own. Sad that things have changed so drastically.
"Hotel Del" ©Mary Montague Sikes
"Beach View from Hotel Del" ©Mary Montague Sikes
This week, we wandered along a walkway overlooking the beach at Coronado where we had a marvelous view of the Pacific Coast. However, the beach was crowded, and the area around it was more developed than the last time we visited.

Like every place to which we've returned, things have changed. It's lovely to have beautiful memories. Often, our memories are far better than reality.

6 comments:

Denise Covey said...

I enjoyed my virtual trip. How exotic. I am on my phone. Will return to folloe you.
I did a recent series on setting in our novels and all agreed setting is more authentic when we have been there. Great post.

Denise


Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Monty - I agree .. those days of the beaches being empty in Cornwall - acres of sand to play and run along .. the sea crystal clear and no-one in sight ... not any more - traffic jams to get there, let alone the beaches! walks in the countryside now ..

But at least you went back and were reminded .. sad about the Mexico aspect though ...

Cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sometimes they are better. I think it's also because over time we block out the negative as well as changes occurring.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Yes, Denise, it's better to write about a place you've actually visited. However, I've seen some very nice travel TV programs that make you feel like you've been there! Thanks for visiting.

Hilary, interesting about Cornwall. We have our memories... We have enjoyed our visits to Mexico, but I felt a little uneasy the last time we went about four years ago.

Alex, excellent observation. We probably do block out the negative in our memories!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Lovely pics, Monty...

Such a gorgeous hotel. It's featured in one of my favorite comedies from the 1950's... Some Like it Hot!

Hope you are enjoying your fourth of July weekend!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Michael! They have a tree that was featured in that movie. I'll write about it later.