We recently visted Los Angeles and San Diego. In both locations, I had a "run in" with a large oval-shaped, bluish coloured, flying insect that I thought looked like a huge bee, just the wrong colour (ie., not black and yellow). Could it have been this critter? They were not aggressive, just curious about what we were eating for lunch both times. I dont' recall there being any buzzing associated with their visit. The second time, he got a bit too close to my daughter, so I went to waive him away and wound up swatting him with the back of my hand....swear to god, it went "thunk" and flew a good 10 feet across the patio. He laid there stunned for a bit and then flew away. I felt kinda bad. Anyway, is this probably what it was?

A very cool bee. Much appreciated!