May 14th, 2012 
Kristin 
Fast forward 15 years and here I am, on the very same beach. But, like a real brat, I’m falling out of love with it. There are things I didn’t see as a kid – things beyond the beach. There’s a sense of outsiderness I still feel even after setting up a home here for 4 years. I don’t know my neighbors. I don’t smile to strangers. Nobody does that here.
I find it odd, though. It doesn’t seem like the same place I idolized as a child.
But then, I start to feel guilty. If I can’t find things to love about here, how can I love anywhere?
So, as part of my challenge to myself to explore my surroundings, I started making myself go outside and take in the beach more (as my destination that is, at most, 25 miles away), and finally began experimenting with photography (something I’d been telling myself I’d do for far too long):
Hey...that looks a lot like my banner photo. Imagine that.
A beautiful day on the Balboa Peninsula in February
The famous jettys that help create those even more famous waves
Then there are those quirky little things I get notice and enjoy as an adult:
It's not all mansions and plastic
All said, though it may not still be the playground of my childhood dreams, Newport Beach is still a pretty awesome place, and I’m thankful that I get to enjoy it.
Do you need to fall in love with home again? Take on the 25/50/100 challenge!
Posted in 
Tags: 
I'm a former investment banker who quit my job, sold all of my belongings, and bid the life I knew goodbye in favor of searching for off-the-beaten-path adventures in Asia. I'm a SCUBA addict, humble student of Mandarin, passion fruit enthusiast, and above all, an adventurer. I plan nothing, and simply let things fall into place. For more information, visit the 
I love Newport Beach. I spend a couple of great weeks there back in 2004. I would so love to go there again one day.
It has changed a little bit since you last came! It’s a lot more popular/crowded now, if that even seems possible! Still a lovely beach, though.
Wow great article! this motivated me to expire my home area too! i love your writing style. very funny!
Thank you!
I have never been there but it looks fantastic.
You should come!
I always find that interesting – how a place you adored as a kid holds little or no appeal for your adult self.
I’m not sure which changed more; myself or the beach.
The beach looks amazing, but what I love most is the shot of the old Beatle car. The VW remains such a classic look, so recognizable, even for one like me that has no idea about car makes. Great shot with personality.
Thanks! I almost couldn’t believe this still existed around Newport. I had to document the evidence.