Judo traveling is none like any other that I've ever experienced. It really is in a blur. And there's no one that I've heard from in the judo community that has told me otherwise.

I hear of all of these great places that judo folks have been, but so often they never see the differing and interesting culture. Many times it's a fly in and a fly out situation. And after the last couple of days, I understand it better.

I had wondered so many times before about why they did that to themselves, but it's simply because of their dedication to such a wonderful art. There's really no time to do much else when you factor in the travel time, the coaching/fighting time, and any other judo related stuff you may do; in my case this was eating out and catching up with judo folks that I hadn't seen for quite some time, if at all before.

I loved every minute of my trip to San Diego, but other than the inside of the San Diego Judo Dojo, I didn't see anything other than a couple of restaurants and the inside of the mall across the street from my hotel, the Town and Country Inn, which seemed as big as any Las Vegas mega-resort.

I was astounded by the size of the hotel complex from the moment I was shown the map to my room. But, once I got there, the impressed feeling I had quickly flew out the window and right into the wall my room was facing. Yep, that's right, I was put in a room that was facing a brick wall. And when I called to complain, I was readily moved to a room with a great view of the pool...which was right next door to where I already was.
I was dumbfounded that I wasn't put in there originally. But, then again, I was also dumbfounded when the woman at the front desk, upon check out, said that she hoped that I'd give them a second chance when I told her I wasn't impressed with the place. She asked how my stay was, and I told her honestly that I wasn't impressed.

I was even less impressed when, after asking me about it, she seemed not to listen to my response. I cut it off short, only telling her a few things that I disliked, like the room placement, but I really could've gone on for a while. I don't think it would've mattered though since she seemed to be the cherry on the sundae to it all upon check out.

Heck, she never even asked me if I had a ride to the airport, like another lady did with my judo club mate when he checked out. I guess it just goes to show me, once again, how the lack of service has fallen off in this day despite the recession. No one really cares, especially in the case where they already have your money.

Despite the less-than-impressive hotel stay though, the trip to San Diego was impressive. But, that's really just because of the judo. In truth I have a difficult time telling anyone that I've actually been to San Diego. After all, I never really saw any part of the town other than the dojo, the hotel and the shopping mall nearby where we had a late night snack after the session.

It was still a fantastic time and a trip that I'll remember for a very long time.