Years ago, when I lived cities other than Coronado (New York City, Sacramento, London, Holland), I always looked forward to visiting my little hometown.  Now that I've returned, I realize that when I visited Coronado, the town had different meaning to me - I was living nowhere near the Pacific Ocean, my house was at least 2 hours from a beach and the year-round temperature did not hover around 70 degrees.  

Each time I returned to Coronado, I looked forward to seeing my little island through the airplane window. I would intentionally pick the left side of the plane (seats ABC) so that as we glided over Balboa Park and floated alongside downtown San Diego, I could catch glimpses of Coronado. If it was daytime, I could see the sun reflecting off the water, helping accentuate the plush greenness of southern California.  And if it was nighttime, the unmistakable Hotel Del lights shone brightly as a backdrop to the Coronado Bridge.  

Each time I returned to Coronado, I looked forward to the short drive over the Coronado Bridge.  As my emotions elevate and my heart race quickens, we begin to climb the steep incline of Coronado bridge.  Similar to being on a roller coaster, the anticipation of getting to the top is sky high.  Next thing I know, we've made it halfway over the bridge and the view from here alone gives me the goosebumps.  Whether day or night, it's always spectacular and comforting.

Each time I returned to Coronado, I made sure that I immediately saw the beach.  No matter what time of day, not matter the weather, I didn't feel complete until I set eyes on the Coronado Beach.  I always requested that we drive by the ocean as soon as we got there: seeing the beautiful white sand accompanied by the sound of crashing waves and the salty smelling air made me feel complete.  There is no place like home...especially of your hometown happens to be beautiful Coronado, California.