It feels weird reminiscing on this trip because it feels like years have passed since it happened. In reality it has only been a few months, but with the state of the world, what used to be normal doesn’t feel normal at all. I’ve been mulling a lot on privilege — the fact that I can even sit here at home and look at vacation pictures is a stark contrast to the realities of many who are facing adversity like no other, losing businesses and risking their lives every day. I wrestle with this privilege and acknowledge it, and I’m trying to do my part by staying at home to avoid being a risk to others, as should everyone else who has the luxury to. Time at home has recently made me think about this trip, mainly because the origin of it was so different than the themes I’m feeling today: independence then vs. togetherness now.

When I cemented my plans to move to New York in December, I decided to take a road trip from San Diego to Los Angeles to enjoy beautiful Southern California, a place that became a large part of my West Coast experience, once more before it became far less accessible. I was determined to make this a solo trip to check that I was still a strong, independent person who could conquer traveling alone, and act as a test run for the coming self-managed cross-country move a month later. It was no month-long backpacking trip in a foreign country or through a rugged mountain range, but with my limited time off, this was enough of a “challenge” for me. It seems silly in retrospect, but I was terrified of driving on California highways (I hadn’t driven regularly in roughly 7 years) and hiking alone (as a small female, likely easily kidnapped), so this was my chance to prove that these tasks were far less daunting than what I had built them up to be, much like many of the mental blockers in life.

The trip ended up successfully testing my independence, as well as how comfortable I was with myself. Eating alone in public, hiking for 3 hours to the sound of my own breath, driving for some time in silence (there’s only so much music you can take when you’re stuck in LA traffic for 1.5 hours to get across 12 miles) — I was proud of my self-sufficiency and ability to actually enjoy the discomfort of solitude. “I CAN DO ANYTHING ON MY OWN!!!” I thought, as I dropped off my rental car and stepped out to the balmy evening air and lights of DTLA.

But I think the current time in social distancing has made me reflect on that feeling a lot and recognize how flawed that whole mentality was. We can never actually do it alone. Whether it’s the stranger who told me I could park in the lot without getting a ticket in San Diego, or the individual who kindly offered to help me snag the last can of coconut milk after seeing (and chuckling at) me struggling to reach it using my moving cart as a step stool in New York, there are always people helping me along the way even when I’m not registering it. We need others to help us build, protect and inspire, relying not on our own strength but on the kindness of our communities, especially during times of trial. There’s a lot of potential when people come together, and only together can we make situations like the one today better, more hopeful… more human.

Day 1

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

**1 PM | Genteel Coffee Co.**
First thing’s first — coffee. Grabbed an americano for some post-flight fuel before picking up the rental car. Genteel Coffee’s purpose is rooted in creating a safe space and supporting individuals with employment barriers, and it shows in the open, airy J St Commons space they’ve inhabited that features small local brands and community artwork.

I skipped out on lunch before heading a bit north, but if you’re looking for some other food option and areas to explore, here are a few recommendations from prior trips:

The Crack Shack - delicious, juicy, crispy fried chicken sandwiches worthy of the food coma that follows
Herb & Eatery - the casual counter service sister to Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Wood, featuring salads and sandwiches
Moniker General - concept space with a coffee shop, bar and small goods shop inside
James Coffee Co. - coffee shop with an edgier feel and large front garage door for sunshine and a breeze