Exploring the West Coast: A Journey to San Diego

Part Six

Our unforgettable journey along the West Coast took us from the vibrancy of LA to the charm of San Diego.

The children insisted that we visit at least one other tourist destination besides Denver while we were visiting them in America. Among the options of New York and San Diego, we chose San Diego, a vibrant city on the West Coast, bordered by Mexico.

Our journey to San Diego began with a flight from Denver to Los Angeles, followed by a drive to San Diego. The flight takes approximately two and a half hours. Los Angeles, located on the West Coast, bears a striking resemblance to Mumbai! It is a bustling and beautiful city, often considered the financial hub of America due to the presence of numerous small and large industries situated north of LA. California, an immensely significant and affluent state in the West, is home to many renowned landmarks.

Bollywood in Mumbai and the globally famous Hollywood in LA are comparable in their cultural influence. California is also home to Silicon Valley, known worldwide as the headquarters of major companies like Google and Microsoft. Recently, Tesla, a renowned electric car manufacturer, made its mark in this state. Additionally, the world-famous Stanford University is located here. With its vast Pacific coastline, abundant natural beauty, spirit of innovation, and economic prosperity, California offers an incredibly captivating experience.

It is often said that where there is water, there is progress. Many of the world’s most prosperous cities are located by the coast, and San Diego is certainly one of them. The journey from Los Angeles to San Diego takes approximately two to three hours. On one side lies the vast Pacific Ocean, while on the other are stunning houses, bungalows, and hotels perched on the mountains. This route offers a marvellous blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.

The Pacific Ocean, much deeper than other seas, meets a mountain range reminiscent of the Western Ghats. For centuries, relentless waves have struck these mountains, yet they appear to withstand this continuous assault with quiet strength. Travelling along the coast, passing beaches like Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, is a truly refreshing experience.

One of the highlights of our journey was witnessing a breathtakingly serene sunset at Laguna Beach in the evening. The beauty of the moment compelled us to pause and savour the scene, making an intentional stop there again to take it all in.

The San Diego Zoo is often regarded as one of the finest zoos in the world. Spread over approximately 100 acres, it is a major attraction for travellers from across the globe. The zoo offers a fascinating glimpse of animals and birds from various countries, all housed in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments. The experience of exploring this zoo is truly remarkable, but given its vast size, it is almost impossible to see everything in just one day. A similar feeling of awestruck us during our visit to the aquarium.

The Oceanology Department at the University of California, San Diego, deserves special mention for its meticulous care of diverse species of fish and aquatic animals. Their commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of the environment and providing a sustainable habitat for marine life is genuinely admirable and a subject worthy of deeper study.

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was the cruise in San Diego, which quickly became one of my favourite activities. The cruise tour, coupled with an exhilarating one-hour kayaking session in the sea, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Standing on the deck of the cruise and watching sea creatures, especially playful dolphins, was an absolute delight. On one side of the sea, the beautiful skyline of the city unfolded, while on the other side, the majestic mountains of Mexico stood tall. This scenery reminded us that we were standing at the southwestern edge of the United States, a unique meeting point of natural beauty and geographic significance.

We visited the impressive campus of the University of California, a true beacon of education. Established around 150 years ago on a sprawling 500- to 1000-acre site, the university symbolises America’s dedication to knowledge. Thousands of students from across the globe study here each year, mastering various disciplines. This grand institution is not only a centre of learning but also a testament to the American appreciation of the power of education. The creation of such a monumental Shakti Peeth of learning reflects their forward-thinking and reverence for knowledge. These individuals, true worshippers of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, also embrace Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, through the strength of intellect.

This journey gave me a profound sense of their immense thirst for knowledge, a quality evident in the libraries that populate even the smallest villages and the largest cities. Overall, the Pacific Ocean, along with the journey from Los Angeles to San Diego, left an indelible impression on my mind, making it an experience I will cherish forever.

(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)