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The Best Way To Spend A Boring Long Weekend: NAMM, Huntington Beach & Newport Beach.

Updated: Nov 10, 2023


I wonder what I would have said last March, before my brain aneurysm ruptured, if someone told me I'd have a weekend like this in less than a year. I would have thought I was too busy, too stressed with no time for fun. I now constantly remind myself to enjoy each day, each moment, in life because it can easily be taken away.


My friend really wanted to go to Anaheim for the National Association Of Music Merchants, NAMM convention, but he couldn't afford to get there.




I was also feeling bummed out because my weekend was starting out with not much to do. Then I realized that I had a reason to head a few hours to Anaheim. He needed a ride and I needed entertainment. We ended up staying in Huntington beach and exploring nearby beaches.


The time had come - and I was beyond ready. I had nothing better to do, after all. I was feeling bummed out because my weekend was starting out boring - until I realized I had a reason to head a few hours to Los Angeles. He needed a ride and I needed entertainment - so off we went.


Once we arrived in Huntington Beach I was amazed. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze. We took a drive down the coast talking and enjoying the beautiful views. That really helped me center and relax. We also took the opportunity to explore some of the cool shops near the shore! I sipped on a cold beer from a little bar in Newport Beach and played some pool with a view of the ocean. Then we indulged in some delicious tacos from a kickback restaurant in Huntington Beach called Fred’s Mexican Cafe.



In the evening, we treated ourselves to some live music and some breathtaking sunsets from the beach. I even had a cozy spot to enjoy some peaceful moments of reflection, overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean. It was such a wonderful day spent in Huntington Beach.



The next day I went to the store and got everything I needed to make lunch, then headed over to the beach.


I dropped him off at the NAMM convention. I had worked up quite an appetite and was looking forward to a hearty lunch. I went to the store and got everything I needed: fresh wraps, some lovely avocados, some tasty cheese, and even a big jar of mayonnaise. Then I headed over to the beach and made myself a delicious lunch.



As I enjoyed my lunch, I sat back and admired the peaceful scenery of Huntington Beach. The color of the ocean, the waves gently rolling onto the shore, and the bright sunshine reflecting off the sand - all so incredibly beautiful. This was definitely the perfect way to spend a boring weekend!

Afterwards, I decided to take some time to soak in the rays and soak up the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the beach. I also watched others who waded into the ocean and must have enjoyed the feeling of the water against their skin. It was a wonderful way to end a truly perfect day.


Huntington Beach had definitely proved that even a boring weekend can be made memorable. All I had to do was take the time to escape from my day-to-day life and step into the world of adventure.



It was a last minute trip. I was excited. I hadn't been to that area in year's even though it was only a few hours from home. We ended up staying in Huntington beach. it was a lot of fun.


It was last minute but I was excited. I hadn’t been to that area of the beach in years even though it was only a few hours from home. We ended up staying in Huntington Beach and it was a lot of fun. After the first day with him he went to NAMM and I enjoyed walks along the shore and tapping my toes in the cool waters. The ocean breeze made the sun more bearable and more enjoyable than in Clovis, CA.


In the evening, I enjoyed a stroll around the pier and watched the breathtaking sunset that left amazing colors painted across the sky. Taking some time off to relax and view the majestic beauty of nature was a great way to end the day.

Huntington Beach had certainly deservedly lived up to its hype. It was an excellent place for a relaxing weekend and I could not have asked for any more.



And best of all, The NAMM Show takes place annually in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center, and is one of the largest music product trade shows in the world. Its European counterpart is the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. The event attracts numerous famous musicians, many of whom are endorsed by exhibitors and come to promote their own signature models and equipment. Licensed merchants only but I got to tag along. Very cool.



The NAMM Show is one of the most prestigious music product trade shows in the world. Held annually in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center, the event is projected to bring together over 120,000 registered industry professionals, including manufacturers, retailers, music educators, and many more. Musicians with some of the famous names have attended in the past.


The event is a great opportunity for consumers and industry professionals alike to experience a diverse world of musical products, such as guitars, keyboards, drums and other instruments, amplifiers, and a plethora of sound and recording gear. The manufacturers showcase their latest technology and equipment, each vying for the attention of the attending crowds.


Aside from the incredible array of products on display, the NAMM Show also hosts many seminars, workshops, and events throughout the four day event. Musicians will have their hands full with something to do every day, learning expert advice and participating in masterclasses and lectures here.


Generally, only accredited licensed merchants are permitted to attend the NAMM Show, but I was able to get in on this one. It was really cool being able to witness the sheer scale and energy of this annual event. The NAMM Show is an incredible opportunity to switch up the ususal routine of a boring weekend.



It was really fun going to the convention, exploring Huntington Beach and Newport Beach but best of all I learned more about my friend. Here's to more good memories!


My friend and I had an amazing four day weekend in Huntington Beach. We spent the last day exploring both Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches in California. We took full advantage of what these two cities have to offer and started off with a morning breakfast along the beach and then spent the day sightseeing. With temperatures reaching into the lovely high seventies and low-eighties, we enjoyed basking in the warm, sunny weather.



We stopped by a few of the local restaurants and ate some delicious food, G’s Boathouse was awesome. Of course, no day in Huntington Beach would be complete without a visit to the boardwalk. We also explored the arts district, with its many galleries and unique shops. We capped off our night with a visit to the newly opened bar and lounge which offered live music and plenty of drinks.


My friend and I had an incredible long weekend full of joy and laughter. It was truly a memorable experience for us. We learned a lot about each other, especially since we had never met before hung out for an entire long weekend. It was truly a bonding experience and it gave us a better understanding of what friendship really means.



Travel was one of the best things I started doing after my ruptured brain aneurysm. I started enjoying my new life.


After my ruptured brain aneurysm, I had to make some dramatic changes in my life; one of them being travel. Traveling helps me to step out of my comfort zone and to change the environment around me. It can bring some perspective and understanding to my life, allowing me to connect with new people and cultures.


I started to explore my local area and then I expanded to other states. Traveling has definitely helped me to reflect on life and to appreciate what it has to offer.

When I travel, I look for opportunities to get to know more about the place and the people living there. I ask a lot of questions, visit interesting places, try out the local food, and just absorb the atmosphere.


Traveling has taught me that life can be full of surprises. I've been able to experience all kinds of places, cultures, and people that I wouldn't have had the chance to know otherwise. It's also helped me to better appreciate the little things in life that often go unnoticed.


Traveling has given me a different outlook on life and has inspired me to keep challenging myself and progressing forward. It's opened my eyes to the beauty and possibilities of the world and I'm extremely thankful for the experience it has brought me.


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