Destination: Catalina Islands

I know it's a tad late to write about Catalina Islands. The week I was in Southern California had been fast-paced, especially when taking advantage of the moment with my parents was concerned. But the one day retreat to the island was well worth it.

Catalina Island(s) is actually another name for the city of Avalon. Surprisingly, this island is still part and parcel of the county that is Los Angeles. You don't really miss on anything that is considered civilization, like satellite TV, radio and internet connection, supermarket and fast foods (there is a KFC there for crying out loud). Unlike the Carribean it doesn't encourage a bar-loving environment that would otherwise categorized this place as exotic ("natives" basically call California the 'mainland'). It's just a weekend getaway for the California crowd.

Activities here include the two types of beach bumming --whether sand or smooth stone. They don't allow any commercial type of fishing that's why the water creatures also feel themselves at home here. No main source of income is apparent (except maybe for tourism), it seemed this is just a well-balanced place. Oh, and the way around the place is either by golf cart, bicycle or just plain hiking. I took bicycling around on the first day while Angela, ex-classmate from Manresa days opted for brisk walking. My parents went to the casino which is not really a casino but a big ballroom. Our first day very much ended with coffee...Second day was fun, too, we went driving around the island in a golf cart, which makes you really high. Being a Friday and a summer vacay there is a sudden onslaught of tourists from the 'mainland'. By this time, we felt settled already with the place. Just coming home turned to a momentary refreshment from the hassles of hectic life.