Why I decided to go on a trip to Monterey, CA

I was recently apprehensive about taking a trip out of town. I have anxiety and sometimes it can be difficult for me to leave my comfort zone. This is my first time this far away from home and the VA Hospital since my ruptured brain aneurysm. Despite my fears, I decided to push myself and take the trip. I'm so glad I did because it was wonderful! In this blog post, I'll share why I decided to take the trip, what anxious thoughts went through my head before leaving, and how the trip turned out in the end.

Why I Decided to Take the Trip

I've been wanting to take a trip out of town for awhile now. I've finally accepted that because of the ruptured brain aneurysm I won't ever be the person I used to be again. I'm learning to accept the new me. My goal for 2019 is to travel. This trip's a test run. All my friends have been talking about how great their trips were and how they can't wait to go on another one. At first, I was really jealous of them and felt left out. But then I realized that there was no reason why I couldn't go on a trip too. Just because I have anxiety doesn't mean that I can't leave my comfort zone every once in a while. So, with that in mind, I decided to plan a trip!

Anxious Thoughts Before Leaving

Although I was excited to go on the trip, I was also really nervous. My biggest fear was that I wouldn't be able to handle being too far from the hospital.  What if I needed my Dr? What if I had a panic attack? What if I couldn't find my way back to the hotel? These thoughts were going through my head nonstop in the days leading up to the trip.

In the end, these fears were all for nothing. As soon as I arrived at my destination, all my anxiety melted away. It was such a relief to finally be there and see everything.  So much has changed since I lived here.  But there are still so many places that bring back memories. The trip ended up being even better than I could have ever imagined!

If you're feeling nervous about leaving your comfort zone, know that you're not alone. We all feel that way at times. But it's important to remember that experiences like these are what make life so beautiful and worth living. So don't be afraid to take that leap of faith—you might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it!

I used to live in Pacific Grove, CA on the Monterey Peninsula. I didn't like it then. Not because it wasn't gorgeous. The views were beautiful, but the town was small and there wasn't much to do for a woman in her twenties. I craved city life. Now I'm craving peace. Even though I’m excited to get out of my city and I'm headed to a town I know well, I’m still nervous because of my ruptured brain aneurysm and my disabilities. I'm afraid that something could go wrong and I won't handle the situation. That's why I chose here for my first trip out of town. I should feel safe. It's where I lived for almost ten years.

Monterey is an incredibly busy tourist town. I definitely suggest going in the off season. Hotels are very affordable. Getting around town is easy without the crowd. Now that I've moved away, I love to visit here for its amazing ocean views and plethora of activities. Whether I'm looking for a place to relax or explore, the Monterey Peninsula has something for any mood! I truly just want to relax on this trip.

Here are some of my favorite things to do and reminds me of great memories:

-Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a historic stretch of road in Monterey that was once home to many sardine canneries. Today, it's a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, bars and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

I used to go to Sly Mcfly's after a long day at work. I would relax and unwind after crazy busy days. There was always someone playing songs and if there wasn't then one of my friends would jump up and play something. It was late and by that time, back then, it was mainly just locals. Most of us were drunk. The last time I went my boyfriend was wasted. He kept telling me how much he loved me blah, blah, blah. He kept telling me I was pretty but he hated my outfit. So annoying. Then he would be back to how much he loved me. He made the decision that night that if I wouldn't marry him it was over. I got up and left. Slammed the door behind me. Totally pissed off the bartender. He spent months trying to get me back. I still love this bar, just never loved that man!

Take a drive down Highway One

I hope you get a chance to drive Highway One. It's one of the most beautiful stretches of road in California. It winds its way along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. My friends and I loved to head that direction for hiking. There's something about being surrounded by nature that just makes you feel good. Maybe it's the fresh air or the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Either way, I hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself someday.

Explore Big Sur

When things would get rough for me I'd escape to Big Sur. It's a remote area of the coast that is known for its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of California. The coastline is dotted with dramatic cliffs and rocky outcroppings, and the hiking trails offer stunning views of the ocean. In addition, Nepenthe restaurant is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and the food is absolutely fantastic. In short, Big Sur is one of my favorite places to visit in the world.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Besides the restaurant in Monterey I also co-owned a restaurant here. This is a very touristy area that I only enjoy in the off season. When I lived here I enjoyed meeting my friends, having drinks and dinner at Hogs Breath. It's funny how so many changes have happened. Carmel is a charming town with art galleries, boutique shops, and vineyards. It's the perfect place to spend a day exploring or relaxing.

I was nervous but excited when I headed to my first night out of town after the brain injury.  It's been a long road to get the nerve to get here, but I'm finally feeling ready to plan my adventures in 2019.  I'm staying at a hotel I found on Hotels.com-just a place to sleep and extremely affordable.  I know it might be tough sometimes, but I'm looking forward to enjoying myself in spite of my nerves.  Wish me luck!

Delicious Restaurants

When it comes to food, Monterey, CA knows how to deliver! This beautiful coastal city is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world, as well as a diverse selection of cuisines to suit every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you'll find what you're looking for in Monterey. In this blog post, we'll give you a taste of what's on offer in this culinary paradise. Bon appetit!

Seafood Restaurants

As mentioned, Monterey is renowned for its seafood restaurants. If you're in town, be sure to check out The Fish Hopper for some of the freshest seafood around. The menu changes daily to ensure that only the finest ingredients are used, so you're guaranteed a delicious meal no matter what you order. For something a little more low-key, try out Lallapaloosa's Fish & Chips; this restaurant has been serving up comforting seafood dishes since 1978 and is a local favorite.

Fine Dining

For an unforgettable fine dining experience, look no further than Restaurant 1833. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion built in 1833, this restaurant offers an exquisite seasonal menu that is sure to delight your taste buds. The knowledgeable and attentive staff will make sure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to do it!

Casual Dining 

Monterey also has plenty of options for casual dining. For example, Peter B's Brewpub is a great choice if you're looking for good food and good beer. The brewpub offers a varied menu with something for everyone, as well as an extensive list of beers brewed on site. Or if you're in the mood for Mexican food, try out Taqueria Jalisco; this family-run restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine at very reasonable prices.   

Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, fine dining, or just a casual meal, Monterey has everything you need. With its diverse selection of restaurants, there's something to suit every taste and budget. So next time you're visiting Monterey, CA, be sure to check out some of these great places to eat!