{Issue 6} That’s in Encinitas
Growing up, I thought Escondido was where dreams went to die. Dramatic, I know. I left as soon as I could, heading to the furthest school I got into in Northern California. When even that felt too close to home, I sold my stuff on Craigslist, bought a plane ticket, and moved to New York City—all in the span of a few weeks. My friends found out through a furniture ad I posted on Facebook. Yes, I’ve always been a very goal-oriented person.
Recently, an architect up north asked where I was based in San Diego. “Escondido,” I told him.
“Oh gosh, I love Escondido!” he said enthusiastically.
Right away, I knew something was off.
“The Self Realization clinic is amazing!”
Ah, there it was.
“That’s in Encinitas,” I said with a laugh.
But the truth is, I now do love living in Escondido. I love the rolling hills, the soft morning light, and that I can take a backroads drive to the Safari Park and stop at Hernandez Family Produce along the way—without needing a map. I love Peterson’s Donuts, El Plantio Nursery, and yes, even the Taco Bell on Washington St. I don’t have access to underground, four-star restaurants, and I definitely don’t have the artful SF and NYC eateries that were once my backyard. But here, I get to take my son to the community pool and treat him to Thrifty ice cream afterward. There’s something about that simplicity that makes my heart swell.
So, thank you, Escondido, for taking me back after I let you go. You’re lovely in ways I never appreciated before. You’ve shown me that humble places can be made rich with time and feeling.
Wherever you call home, I hope you feel that same loving connection. Happy Holidays from Poiema Architecture. See you in the New Year.
Your Architect,
Lina Boeller
