20 November 2008

The American Riviera (whatevah)

All over the blogosphere, I see ads for "Santa Barbara, the American Riviera." But not on my blog. Noooo. I get ads about drunk driving and mental illness (oh, shut UP!)

But not for Santa Barbara. Even though I was born in Cottage Hospital and so was my mom. And oh yeah, my grandmother worked at Cottage in 1925 when the big quake struck. But I guess we're NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU NOW, eh, Santa Barbara?

My mother grew up next door to Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews on the Santa Barbara mesa, but who cares about that?

I have strolled the jasmine-scented streets, danced at the County Bowl, watched the fireworks on 4th of July from a 62-foot yacht in the harbor.

I could tell people how lovely Santa Barbara is when the sun sets over the water and the mountains turn pink. I could mention the clouds of blue and white California lilacs that bloom at the Botanic Gardens in the spring. I might even make a list of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara, but I guess I will skip it and tell you not to drive drunk. Because that is the kind of blogger I am.

7 comments:

Brandon said...

I see what you are doing here! I see a Gifts.com ad, but I'm sure that tomorrow, it'll be American Riviera all up in this place.

Gwen said...

What is up with being the Riviera? I mean Santa Barbara is nice and all, but ....

When we were in Mexico a couple of summers ago, I noticed that every beachy part of Mexico tried to call itself the Riviera. They have the Mayan Riviera and the Nayarit Riviera and some other ones I can't remember right now.

I failed to see the resemblance.

And that's not a bad thing.

judy in ky said...

When I read your post I began to wonder what "riviera" actually means. According to Wikipedia, it originally was an Italian term referring to the Ligurian coast. Now, it's been popularized as "any coastal area popular with tourists, particularly in a warm area".

Then they give a list of "rivieras" around the world. Among them is the "Redneck Riviera" which stretches from Mobile Alabama to Apalachicola Florida. So, you see, Santa Barbara isn't the only "American Riviera"!

Anonymous said...

Ha. I had to click over to see if that worked, but so far I'm still seeing the drunk driving ad.

Suzanne said...

Well, I appreciate your advice. Drunk driving is very dangerous. When we come to see you, we plan to stay in Santa Barbara that night, but as you said, whatever.

Glennis said...

Yes, and I bet you've eaten at La Super Rica!!!!

Mmmm. just the thought of Santa Barbara makes me want to drive up there!

Anonymous said...

Just saw a Pringles ad on your sidebar. I'll have you know I have enjoyed that very salty, oily carby snack in your gracious home town of SB.

'Just searching for relevance this Sunday morning, Sister Davis. Clearly, I need more coffee.

All that being said - what is your favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara? 'Fess up, now.

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