SoCal and the Tale of the Hidden Postage Stamps

One of my greatest frustrations with traveling, is finding postage stamps. As a tourist or a business traveler, I can find nearly anything my heart desires, on any street corner, except easily accessible postage stamps. I have most important mail to mail, help me out here! An archaic, coin-op dispenser that the store clerk didn't know exists, does not help. Is it not reasonable to assume that if a store sells postcards, they should also sell stamps? Wouldn't C-stores, grocery stores and hotels be expected to carry them? Especially in high-tourist traffic areas? Like just outside Disneyland? I started looking on Wednesday, and it is now Sunday evening, and I leave tomorrow. I am hoping to find some at the airport. It's just not the same to mail a postcard from home. The foreign stamp is half the fun. Any suggestions on more logical places to find stamps.

So, I've been in Anaheim/LA for the last 5 days, and leave tomorrow. It's been a fun filled trip! Started off with a trip to Santa Monica and the beach. It was a little chilly, but nice to see the ocean again. Then the evening was a Ducks-Canucks game. We were hoping for a play-off game calibre, and were sorely disappointed with Canucks' performance.

Thursday, my boss and I went to Universal Studios after we set up the booth (10 mins to set up, 2 hours to get our badges. Gong show.) Universal was a great way to relax before the show. We went on all the rides, did the back-lot tour, and ate steak until I couldn't walk anymore. We saw them filming "Heroes" on the back lot and I think I saw Hayden Panettiere, but couldn't be sure because I don't watch the show. The tour was my favourite part.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the show. Nothing fun ever happens at them, though we did get a few crazies at the booth today. I am never quite sure where people get the ideas they get. One guy told us he was going to create a flat bread product, and tell the world to eat it, and everyone would, and would be healed of all of their illnesses. Right. To the crazies, I offer the following picture as a warning to leave the sane people of this world alone.

But, as with all of these trips, it becomes about the best after show meals that we search for. Friday night was the Crab Cooker in Newport Beach. We watched some surfers before eating some of the best seafood I've ever eaten. On paper plates, with plastic cutlery to boot. I think it made everything taste better.

Saturday night, we braved the brisk and cold wind, and at outside at Ralph Breannen's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. It was almost like being back in New Orleans, the atmosphere was so great. Live music, outside dining and great food. Tonight, we chosen pre-dinner drinks at the ESPN bar then Rainforest Cafe. Again, great decision. There were a couple of "thunderstorms" in the Rainforest, and the food and service was beyond excellent. If you can stand to wait an hour or more, totally recommend it. I need to start my exercise routine again.

In the end, I can't wait to get home. I have a mountain of work to attend to on Tuesday and Wednesday, then take off for the Easter weekend. A little farm action (it's calving time and I can't wait to see all the babies!) and a spiritually uplifting weekend are in store.