P.E.O. Record
Welcome to San Diego
— September 9, 10 and 11, 2009
Beckoning Pacific breezes and inviting warm beaches await those attending the 69th Convention of P.E.O. International Chapter in San Diego, California. Don your girly rhinestone shades, tropical shirt, linen pants and soft deck shoes, then prepare to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Eureka! You will soon discover California gold in the pleasures and treasures of this popular port. San Diego offers enchantments for the historian, the naturalist, the adventurer, the shopper and those who want to do nothing but sit back and gaze at the view.
Overlooking the bustling harbor, the world renowned San Diego Convention Center is well situated to accommodate the requirements of roll-up-your-sleeves International Chapter business in a relaxed atmosphere. Meet with sisters on the balcony or the patio, watch lines of blissful pelicans glide across the water and laugh along with the seagulls. Wander through the P.E.O. Daisy Crazy Store, and buy a one-of-a-kind remembrance to share with your home chapter. Although the Convention Center is accessible, it is large. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Also, be warned: Californians love air conditioning, so bring a sweater.
Take advantage of the area's many amenities as opportunities to get to know your sisters. It's easy to become acquainted with someone new simply by taking a walk with them. Step outside the Convention Center doors and head a few paces in one direction to the enchanting Seaport Village where you can explore shell shops, kite stores, California boutiques and seafood restaurants, or quietly stroll along the walk that skirts the water's edge. If you take a different tack across the trolley track, you will step into the historic Gaslamp Quarter with towering sky scrapers, fountains, cosmopolitan shopping and dining venues from fast to fine food.
A visitor to San Diego would be well entertained by simply seeing the sights within easy walking distance of the Convention Center, but the city has much more to offer. The 2009 Tours Committee has put together some fine packages to help you explore what has been dubbed America's Finest City. Here is a sample:
San Diego Overview from Old Town Trolley, Tour of the Aircraft Carrier Midway, Harbor Cruise, Deep Sea Fishing Trip, Surf Lessons and Picnic, BIL Golf Day in Coronado, VIP Sea World and VIP San Diego Zoo. These and a host of other P.E.O. tour packages are offered for you to build an itinerary of full experience events to enjoy with other P.E.O.s, BILs, friends and families.
The San Diego area has a rich history. It was inhabited for centuries by the Kumeyaay people. In 1602, Juan Rodriques Cabrillo claimed the bay for the Spanish Empire. In 1769, a military post was established. At the same time, the famous Father Junípero Serra built the Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Remnants of the Spanish colonial period can be seen in Old Town where you can enjoy mariachi music, sway with Ballet Folklórico dancers and purchase authentic Mexican wares. Another must-see historical site is Balboa Park, which offers many museums for leisurely browsing. During the past century, the US Navy built a strong presence in the city from the Navy Coaling Station to ships in port. Visit the famous Midway Aircraft Carrier or join the tour on the San Diego Harbor cruise to get the best views of this industrious harbor.
From botanist to zoologist, San Diego offers opportunities that appeal to the naturalist in you. Giving you a peek beneath the sea, Scripps Institution of Oceanography boasts the Birch Aquarium. Within its serene glass halls, a visitor can observe 60 underwater habitats and gain appreciation of our wonderful oceans. Another water option is Sea World where you can experience a close encounter with a dolphin, be splashed by an orca or pet a stingray. For land lovers, the San Diego Zoo has one of the largest collections of animals as well as grounds that display an astounding variety of plants that flourish in the mild Southern California climate. If Africa is your game, you will want to trek through the San Diego Wild Animal Park that provides thousands of acres of habitat in which animals have room to roam.
Perhaps you are an adventurer. Take a surfing class and learn to ride a wave. Cast your lot on a deep sea fishing adventure for which all amenities, including gear and license, are provided. Kayak along the coast through an ecological preserve. Tee off at the BIL Golf Day in Coronado, which has a jaw-dropping view of Glorietta Bay. Go aloft in a hot air balloon for an aerial view of the city and toast the coast with a glass of champagne. If you dare to be scared, join a ghost hunt on the San Diego tour aboard the Ghost Coach with spirited descriptions of local haunts.
For girls who just want to have fun, Horton Plaza is in easy walking distance from the Convention Center. It sports Macy's, Nordstrom and other well known stores where you can shop 'til you drop. Then put on your newly acquired wear and attend a Tea Parlour luncheon in Coronado. In the evening, join your new friends at the well-lighted Gaslamp Quarter to enjoy live bands, dancing and laughs.
Weather-wise it is true that it never rains in Southern California, but it can get damp. San Diego is a beach town and often will have a morning marine layer of fog. September is still summer and afternoons are a good time to dress light. The nights are mild and sometimes a breeze will come off the ocean that will make you glad you have a sweater. If you are headed outdoors, even if the sky is hazy, you can still get a mean sunburn, so take a hat and apply and reapply sunscreen.