Embarking on a delightful journey from Little Italy to Coronado Beach
Exploring San Diego during the #alaac24 was a charming experience. As I said in a past post, I always take advantage of conference time to tour the city where it is happening. It’s the moment I take to do some “adult’s stuff,” like long walks in parks, visiting museums and libraries, and places of my own interest while being with myself. Last Saturday, my day started with breakfast at Pappalecco in Little Italy, a charming café known for its delicious pastries, rich coffee, and inviting atmosphere. I enjoyed a delicious croissant and a cappuccino, savoring the vibrant ambiance of the neighborhood.
After breakfast, I took a Lyft to Balboa Park. This sprawling urban cultural park in the heart of San Diego is renowned for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and numerous museums and cultural institutions. I wandered through the botanical building and around the colorful Spanish Village Art Center, enjoying the serene ambiance.
Next, I headed to the ALA Marketplace at the convention center for the second time. The energy there was incredible. I met vendors, discovered new resources, got more free books, and connected with fellow librarians. The highlight was attending the 25th Spectrum Celebration. The Spectrum Scholarship Program is another great ALA opportunity designed to promote diversity in library and information science by providing financial assistance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to students from underrepresented groups pursuing a master’s degree in library science. As a proud Spectrum scholar, I found the event both inspiring and filled with invaluable networking opportunities.
After a busy morning, I returned to my hotel, The Republic San Diego, for a much-needed rest. The hotel was modern and comfortable, offering a perfect place to recharge. I took a moment to reflect on the day’s events and prepare for the evening.
To finish my day, I embarked on a serene ferry ride to Coronado Beach. The journey offered breathtaking skyline views, and upon arrival, the pristine sands and gentle waves of Coronado Beach provided a tranquil retreat. I savored a beachfront dinner and watched the sunset before boarding the ferry back.
Exploring San Diego proved to be an enriching experience. The excitement of the ALA Annual Conference seamlessly blended with the city’s natural beauty. From the charm of Little Italy to the serenity of Coronado Beach, every moment was memorable.
(All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Hurtado.)
Conference contributor Elizabeth Hurtado (she/her/hers) is a Children’s librarian at Springdale Public Library. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Elizabeth has lived in the United States for the past seven years. Coming from journalism, her journey in library services began around five years ago when she started working at SPL, and from day one, she fell in love with this career! Elizabeth has dedicated herself to fostering a passion for reading and learning among children in her community. She enjoys writing articles, too, so the opportunity to blog for ALSC during the National Conference will bring her two big passions together! Coming from an island, Elizabeth’s favorite place to be is the beach!! She’s excited to visit one in San Diego this summer because there is no seaside in Arkansas, where she lives. Elizabeth is also happy about her group project presentation as an Emerging Leaders 2024. This is an outstanding achievement on the librarianship path!
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.