I'm grateful today for where I live. I decided to go to Monterey today to do some Christmas shopping and let my daughter spend a little time with her boyfriend who happens to live there. As I drove the road down there (we live approximately 45 minutes away), I took some time to really appreciate the scenery and realized that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and maybe in the world.
We came up on the Monterey Bay right around twilight and the sky was clear with no fog to obscure our view and I commented to my daughter how beautiful it was. It dawned on me once again how blessed we are to call someplace like this our "neighborhood" of sorts.
We are planning on trying to spend some time in Europe this summer and I pointed out to my daughter that many Europeans choose to visit Monterey the way we are coveting our visit to Paris, France and Italy. She was shocked at this and reminded me that we're not as rich in history or culture as Europe is but I told her that the Europeans come to Monterey not necessarily just for culture (although there is some unique culture there) but for the beauty of the bay itself and the surrounding areas (Pebble Beach, Asilomar, 17 Mile Drive, Carmel and the Big Sur coastline).
Most of us are aware of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland as being picturesque and the subject of many posters. When my husband and I arrived there and I looked at them, I was struck on how similar they are to some of the coastline near Big Sur....and felt grateful that I could have that so accessible.
It has always been my dream to live by the beach. I don't, but I have to say, where I live is pretty much perfect because I can get to the city (San Jose, CA) and to the beach in equal time. It's the best of both worlds. Here are some pics so you can see for yourself why I'm so grateful!
Love It! I have been on that drive both with you and with others and alone-Each time it's as gorgeous as the next. Love the pics and love the similarities you use with Europe.
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