California Town

Beach breeze…warm day…locals and tourists dotting the sidewalks…quaint boutique shops…it really can’t get much better than that.

After a long tiring week at the Concordia Challenge Speech and Debate tournament, mom decided to take me and Taryn to Balboa Island in Orange County before returning home.

Let me just say, it was beautiful.

Yes, I have been to Balboa Island countless times, but this time it seemed absolutely perfect. Between splendid weather and a relaxing Sunday afternoon, it was a piece of heaven.

While we walk along the sidewalk, the tiny beach street is lined with boutiques and shops. Many have changed since I was last there, so Taryn and I couldn’t resist but to take a peek into a bunch of them. While browsing, my mom pointed out a blue headband with a rhinestone buckle. I ended up purchasing the little beauty because I fell in love with it so much.

If there’s one thing I love about boutiques, it’s the mirrors. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I enjoy staring at myself. ;) Instead, I find it fun to do the “trademark girly photography thing” as I call it…take a picture!

As we continue to stroll along, we passed a shop selling door signs. These were some of my favorites…

However, that is not ALL we did. Taryn and I indulged with some Balboa Bars! It’s practically a ­law. If you go to Balboa without getting a Balboa bar, I think I would disown each and every one of you. Well, for all of you non-SoCalers wondering what this infamous “Balboa Bar” exactly is, please grant me the opportunity to enlighten you…

First, let’s start off with one thing…they’re delicious. Completely and entirely delicious. Now, what does this Balboa Bar consist of, you may ask? In short, it is a vanilla (or chocolate) ice cream bar freshly dipped in chocolate and covered in any topping of your choice (sprinkles, nuts, crushed Oreos, coconut, or my personal favorite, Butter Brickle toffee)…they are to die for.

The small joint at which we order these yummy treats is Dad’s Original Frozen Banana (yes, they have frozen bananas dipped in chocolate, but I personally believe the Balboa Bars are much better. :D)

Waiting in line (definitely worth it)...

And here is the result of my delectable creativity…

…And then it was all gone. :D

Now, the reason I mentioned the Balboa Bar first was because we are carrying on to a not-so-appetizing topic.

If there’s one place to find kooky people, it’s Southern California. And this was clearly demonstrated when I saw a couple walking a PIG down the sidewalk on a leash. I seriously took a double-take to make sure I wasn’t the one out of my mind. Dogs are completely fine, but PIGS?? I don’t know…maybe I’m just intolerant…or probably the one thinking straight. Anyway, it was quite a surprise, and after I asked its owner if I could take pictures, she giddily replied, “Of course!!” While I was snapping away with my camera, she proceeded to tell me that it was a boy pig and his name was “Pumbaa” (remember him from The Lion King?). This only made me more confused considering the poor piglet was dressed in a mini pink and orange dress and had a hot pink mani-pedi. (First of all, who paints a pig’s toenails?) So, here are a few shots of the little guy…

Where else but Southern California? ;)

We continued to stroll along past quaint Italian restaurants and electrically colored benches…

And as we crossed back over the bridge on our way home, I couldn’t resist but to take a shot of the sparkling bay…

Don’t you just love California beach towns? <3