Such Great Heights.

Last night in perhaps a metaphoric commemoration of Lilian's ascension (physically and emotionally) back up to Santa Cruz as a first-time Resident Assistant to her fellow Banana Slugs, we decided to ride up 400 feet in a giant orange balloon (fo' free). The Orange County Great Park has yet to live up to it's adjectival title. Their website proclaims it to be the "first metropolitan park of the twenty-first century." What a proclamation. Impossible to locate via GPS or Google Maps, the "park" indeed seems more industrial than organic. However, such is the dichotomy of the concept of a park. Man's attempt to "construct" nature. The OC Great Park is indeed more man than nature. But, they're working on it. Apparently it's going to be eco-friendly and a swell place for the young'uns to keep themselves busy and off those violent Irvine streets once it is complete. Their summer "preview" schedule provides a random slew of entertainment from dance lessons and music to comedy performances. Last night, though, we just wanted the balloon.

It was nice. I wouldn't pay to go up again, because it wasn't that high up, and it was only for about 5 minutes, but it was nice for what it was. The view from above was lovely--as all nightscapes tend to be, and the company was not too shabby either. We loitered in the parking lot as is our usual custom and afterwards I sent the lil' hippy Bulgarian on her way home.

Have a great year, Lilian. See ya when I see ya.