California Tour Diary - June 26, 2013

June 26, 2013: Today we had a break from performing full concerts and spent the day learning, eating, shopping, and of course singing! Following a great night of sleep in the comfy beds of the Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harborside and a filling breakfast we started on the day’s activities. We started out at the Santa Barbara Mission where we had a private tour of the buildings and grounds and performed two songs in the church for the staff and tourists. Doctor and Mrs. Jacobs friend Gary, who lives in the area, boarded the bus to spend the day giving us a great tour of the city. We stopped at East Beach Grill for lunch on the beach. After eating, many took off their shoes to feel the hot sand and dip their feet into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.  Next was a stop at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum followed by a walking tour of the downtown area which ended at the Courthouse.  There, the choir enjoyed a private tour and showed their thanks with a mini performance.  Shopping in the quaint downtown was next on the agenda. With all of the small streets, walkways and specialty shops it felt as if we were in another country. California has an international flair indeed!  The group dined at El Paseo, an historic open air courtyard, which was made more special by a celebration for Natalie’s birthday.  We ended the day relaxing by the hotel pool. Tomorrow Hollywood here we come!