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Southern Caliifornia 2020 | A Birthday Fit For a Queen!

Location

Los Angeles, CA
Disneyland Park
Staples Center
Santa Monica Pier
Magic Mountain, Valencia

Date

January 2020

    Our first trip of the 2020's had one purpose above all else: celebrating my beautiful Queen's 40th birthday. If there was ever a place where she belonged on such a special occasion, it was both being back in her hometown and of course, Disneyland. Watching her light up as we wandered through the Happiest Place on Earth, hopping from ride to ride, reminded me why I love travelling with her so much. While It's a Small World was unfortunately closed, we still managed to enjoy classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, making it a birthday I knew she'd never forget!

    Being the rabid Star Wars fans that we are, Galaxy's Edge was nothing short of a dream come true. Standing beneath the Millennium Falcon, piloting it on Smugglers Run, browsing Dok-Ondar's legendary collection of lightsabers and holocrons, and bumping into Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and a squad of Stormtroopers felt like we'd stepped into a galaxy far, far away. We may... or may not... have come home with a few souvenirs.

    I had purchased 2-day tickets, so on our second day we ventured to Disney California Adventure which proved to be every bit as enjoyable, if not more so. My wife happily conquered every roller coaster she could find, from the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy to Radiator Springs Racers, while I played my customary role as official photographer, snack hunter, and occasional participant. Churros, burgers and perfect Southern California weather made for another unforgettable day!

    As always, no trip to Los Angeles would feel complete without a dose of basketball. We watched both the Lakers and Clippers at Staples Center, adding two more NBA arenas to our ever-growing collection of sporting memories. Looking back now, that Lakers game carries a special significance. Just days later, the world lost Kobe Bryant. I had secretly hoped he might make one of his surprise appearances courtside that night, never imagining it would be one of the final opportunities to experience Staples Center before the city, and the basketball world, mourned one of its greatest icons. It was a sobering reminder that while greatness is measured by achievements, true legacy is measured by the lives we inspire long after we're gone.

    We wrapped up the trip with a stroll along Santa Monica Pier, where we met one of our very few friends, Jasun Tate while reminiscing about our Bahrain days at Bubba Gump's. We enjoyed another incredible bowl of ramen at Tatsu, and one final adrenaline rush as my wife conquered Magic Mountain, the last major theme park remaining on her bucket list. Looking back, this wasn't just another California holiday. It was the birthday celebration for my wife that was 10 years in the making, and another chapter filled with the sheer joy of sharing the things we love most, together, by God's amazing grace!
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