California Dreaming, All Aboard

As a self-avowed raconteur, I must admit thereyou. Miami is a lovely city and Florida is, after all,
is nothing quite like a jaunty tale to make anthe Sunshine State. Simply put, what makes a
otherwise dull point. Granted, I am not sayingSouthern Californian cruise so appealing is the
anything revolutionary - everyone loves a goodGolden State itself. Now, there is much to be said
story. Conversely, no one likes a boring story,for the scenery, and the placid surf, but what
even those of us who are avid fans ofmakes a California yacht wedding so compelling is
Masterpiece Theater. So, a subject as seeminglyhow it all comes together. This experiential cocktail
ho-hum as a California yacht wedding can bejust wouldn't have the proverbial kick if it were
juiced with a twist of narrative lime.mixed with spirits culled from other regions or
Now, what is the fundamental difference betweencities. In the end, it's a matter of essences.
say a Florida yacht wedding and a California yachtI am chagrined to defer to such an ephemeral
wedding? Fundamentally, nothing. But, subjectivelything as an "essence" but there is no better way
there's a world of difference! While the yachtto encapsulate the zing behind cruises in and
itself - as long as it's a lovely 35-foot beauty -around LA. Think of it this way: what is the
could well be the same, the difference lies in thedifference between San Diego and LA? What is
intangibles. The quality of the sunshine, the sweepthe difference between Miami and LA? Palm
of the mountainous coast, the glittering delight oftrees, check. Plenty of sunshine, check. Access to
Los Angeles off the bow of the yacht - all ofthe sea, check. So, what's the essential difference
these things escape the poor soul drifting off thebetween these cities? Alas, we're back where we
coast of Miami.began: talking about the intangibles, essences, and
My intention is not to create a regional rift, mindthat "certain something" that escapes definition.