My Love Of Travel – It Started In Lovely London
Life is constantly evolving, and you never know from day to day what the next day will have in store for you. I made a post not too long ago, and just modified it now – Social Media and My Whirlwind Life, I also modified the page about me – About Luchanik Travel & Cruises. Why? Well, just two days ago, I finally made a decision – I no longer want to be a travel agent!
I’d now like to deviate, and focus on the place where it all started – England, and specifically lovely London! My love of travel started right here, I have to say that one of the best places in the world is London. I can go back to London time and time again, and never be bored of seeing the same places….each time is like the first time. I absolutely love it, and miss London a lot.
I really like going to this area of London – the Tower Bridge in the St. Katharine’s Dock area.
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Of London
I also love seeing Buckingham Palace time and time again – let’s say I have a fascination with Royalty.
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace, London, England
I believe this picture was taken close to Buckingham Palace.
London, England
Here I am standing right in front of the spectacular monument near Buckingham Palace
London, England
London has some beautiful museums, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England
You can’t go to London without checking the place Princess Diana called home – Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace, London
Kensington Palace, London
Don’t miss seeing London’s fantastic parks, complete with ponds, lakes, and ducks.
Hyde Park, London
London, England
I just loved going in the Houses of Parliament and listening to how they argue.
Houses of Parliament, London
Westminster Abbey, London, England
This picture was taken close to the Houses of Parliament
Dean’s Yard, London
I love Harrods of Knightsbridge, London – you just have to go in this amazing, but very expensive store.
Harrods of London, Knightsbridge, England
This is close by to Harrods – stunning architecture in London, quite fabulous!
near to Harrods of London, England
Now, one of the best photographs that I treasure is that of Princess Diana, and Dodi who were tragically killed in an accident when Diana was at her happiest. I cried so much when Diana died, she was a childhood hero of mine, and I had even wanted to attend her wedding to Prince Charles – of course, I was not invited – so sad! I was so happy to see a shrine dedicated to them in Harrods which at that time was owned by Dodi’s father – I’m not sure if he is still the current owner or not.
Princess Diana and Dodi at Harrods, London
Harrods candy shop time and cappuccino time! Of course, I also like to get a pot of tea when I go into Harrods, with a scone with clotted cream and jam, doesn’t that sound nice? Oh, I crave for my English things!
Finally, a London street scene.
Central London, England
I love London, it surely is one of the best places to visit, and I highly recommend it.
Washington, DC – A Magnificent City
Washington, DC – so many important things happen here in our nation’s capital. This city is amazing, and this weekend there is a significant event occurring – Inauguration Weekend!
Oh, how I wish I was in Washington, DC for President Obama’s Inauguration this weekend. First, congratulations…..Mr. President. I’m so glad that you got a second term! I’m proud of everything that you are trying to do, including gun control legislation and health care reform.
In this picture, I am with the President in Las Vegas at Madame Tussaud’s – he looks so real, and I felt good to have my picture taken with him.
with President Barack Obama
I must include some pictures of beautiful Washington, DC that I took in summer last year.
White House, Washington, DC
White House, Washington, DC
This will be the scene of many of the festivities, including some of the concerts
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
This will be the venue of many important functions…..the Oath of Office just to name one
The Capitol, Washington, DC
Here’s the Capitol taken from a different angle (near the Botanical Gardens) with two of my kids in the picture
The Capitol, Washington, DC
Washington, DC is very picturesque
Washington, DC
There are so many memorials, statues and other significant places to take pictures
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
World War Two Memorial
The Smithsonian museums are definitely worth a visit
National Museum of American History, Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a very grand and breath-taking place – I just love the architecture!
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is really pretty when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, these pictures were taken at the Jefferson Memorial.
Cherry Blossoms, Washington, DC
Cherry Blossoms, Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
When I first moved to the USA, quite a number of years ago from England, I remember how the grandness of this magical city took my breath away when I first saw it after arriving at Union Station.
Union Station, Washington, DC
The beauty of DC is quite captivating – if you ever visit, you too will probably be mesmerized by the awesome architecture and the big grand white buildings – they are magnificent!
Of course since I lived in DC at that time, I had to attend the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, my very favorite President of all time!
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton
I was so close to President Clinton and Hillary Clinton, but couldn’t quite have my picture taken with them, so this is the best that I could get (don’t really like my face at all on this picture)
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
My friend’s employer had a private party to celebrate the Inauguration, and it overlooked the Parade Route
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
Lastly, a picture of one of the many tents where fesitivities took place over three or four days along Washington Mall, near where all the Smithsonian Museums are
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
I remember that I went to the Mall area just about every day of the Inaugural festivities, and it was such an exciting time. The Winans Brothers performed at one of the tents, and I remember there were many big celebrities performing at the Lincoln Memorial where I stood in the crowds of people watching Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and many more. There was also a wonderful fireworks display.
I’m sure that Washington, DC is equally exciting this weekend, and I really wish I could have been there again to participate in the celebrations of another wonderful President. Again, congratulations Mr. President!
Social Media and my Whirlwind Life
I have been busy lately. Very busy. I figured I might as well give you a brief explanation of what has kept me so busy. Well, after spending two years full-time from home as a travel agent, and making videos – some great, and some just mediocre, as well as venturing out on Twitter and trying my best on Facebook (never really liked Facebook), I had a wake-up call – I really needed to earn enough to support my three children. Besides, I didn’t sell as many cruises as I should have, or would have liked to.
So guess what, I have now got a job! A job that pays! I am not ready to tell you yet where my new job is – let’s just say it’s still in Hospitality and Tourism – that’s what I love, and where my heart is. It is so nice to have a steady paycheck, and not to rely on just commission. Of course, I will always continue to always promote travel – I put so much effort into it. So whereby my heart might yearn to make a video, or I might ache to get on Twitter, or even do a post here, sometimes, I may not be able to do it as much as I did in the past couple of years.
However, please don’t despair, I will still try to post and respond, and perhaps make a video or two and take photos, but I might just not be as active as before, and I might not respond as quickly as before.
I don’t like posting without including pictures, and what kind of pictures do you include when you do a post like this? I could only think of cappuccino to keep me awake because I’m going to be tired, a picture of London where I yearn to go when I next get a holiday (England is where I was born, and I have family there), and a picture of Italy, which also happens to be one of my favorite destinations.
Cappuccino – Harrod’s, London
Tower Bridge, London
Venice, Italy
Happy New Year to you all! May this year be good to us all.
Want to Vacation In San Diego This Year?
Interested in visiting Paradise this year? I have a beautiful one bedroom unit for rent! The accommodation has a separate living area, bedroom, bathroom and full kitchen, and sleeps four people (there’s a sofa bed in the living room). It’s in the North County area of San Diego in Carlsbad, which is a beautiful place close by to the ocean. In fact, you will have an ocean view! Also, my vacation rental overlooks the Flower Fields – which are a tourist attraction – where visitors come from all over to Carlsbad in March or April of each year to see the beautiful flowers in full bloom – breathtaking!
By the way, before I forget to mention the rental price for the week – it will be $1,100 and that’s a great bargain considering it’s racetrack season (and you can stay here on the Grand Opening Day of the Del Mar Racetrack – see below). Hotel rooms usually can go from $275 to $300 per night or more, and additionally you will still have to eat out – save money this way by cooking your own meals – at least one or two meals (if not three). The check in date will be July 14th, 2013 and the check out date will be July 21, 2013.
Here are some pictures:
Grand Pacific Palisades and the Flower Fields, Carlsbad
That’s me and my children enjoying the flowers (yes, we got right into the fields – many people do just to have their photographs taken)
Flower Fields and Grand Pacific Palisades, San Diego
Of course, July is going to be beautiful here in San Diego! You will want to take a dip in the pool at the Palisades (there’s two pools – one adults only, and one is a family pool – more suitable for kids)
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
The lobby
The Lobby of the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, San Diego
Here’s another picture of the lobby area
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, CA
Kids love to play here
Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
Outdoor Splash Area, and Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
What can you expect to see in the surrounding area?
This sign will show you some local places of interest, and of course a local restaurant where you can eat if you don’t want to cook your own food.
Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad, CA
Legoland is just across the street, yes, you can even walk there! I don’t have any recent pictures of Legoland, and will have to find my older pictures, but this is a great place to visit with the kids!
Then you have the Carlsbad Outlet Mall close by, this is just within walking distance, and has many great stores such as GAP Kids, Clark Shoes, Nine West, DKNY, and many others. The kids will love it because it has rides that they just absolutely adore.
Carlsbad Outlet Mall
The main beach in Carlsbad is just about 3.7 miles away or so, if you want to go the area close by to Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Blvd. I would highly recommend eating at the Harbor Fish Cafe, which overlooks the ocean. It is located at 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Carlsbad Beach, San Diego
Carlsbad Beach, San Diego
Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad
In the picture above, you can’t really tell where the Harbor Fish Cafe is, but it is on the upper right, and now when you see the picture below, you can see it more clearly, but won’t be able to tell it has a fantastic ocean view, that’s why I had to include the picture above.
Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad
The racetrack!
If you travel about 15 minutes south of Carlsbad, down Highway 5, you will arrive at Del Mar, and the racetrack. Every year in July for about seven weeks, the racetrack opens, and this is unquestionably one of the area’s greatest attractions – you will be amazed if you go there on Opening Day. This year – Opening Day will be on July 17th – don’t forget if you want to be here for Opening Day this year, my vacation unit is available – it will be a fabulous place to stay in style, and entertain!
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Me at the racetrack last year.
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Bring the kids, there’s lots for them to do, Chandi was happy with her new horse – they often hand out freebies with your paid admission – and people just love those!
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
The racetrack is very close to Powerhouse Beach in Del Mar, about a mile or so.
Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar
I would highly recommend Pacifica Breeze Cafe in the Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 for their delicious scones, oatmeal, and kids breakfasts (you can see it at the top right of the photo below)
Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Want to come here in July, 2013 – specifically July 14 – July 21? I have a place for you to stay, just write to me at dkaur@luchaniktravel.com and I will be happy to help you with your accommodation, and some recommendations. Also, if you are interested in buying this one week unit (I only own one week per year at Grand Pacific Palisades) – I would be interested in selling it too for $8,000 – that’s a bargain, then you too can live in Paradise – even if it’s just one week per year.
Don’t forget, there’s no place like Carlsbad, there’s no place like Del Mar, and there’s no place like San Diego!
2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 6,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 12 years to get that many views.
Sunsets in Coronado, San Diego
Sunsets can be spectacular in San Diego, and Coronado which is only a two mile drive or so from downtown San Diego is no exception. Some of the best sunsets can be found right here.
Coronado, San Diego
Me and the kids went to one of our favorite places in the San Diego area – across the Bay – and onto the island of Coronado. Coronado is only a 5 minute drive or so from downtown San Diego – you head down Highway 5 and take the 75 South to Coronado, then when you see Orange Avenue, make a left and you can head to the Hotel Del.
I think this picture below would have come out nice if the car hadn’t got in the way, but I think the passengers wanted to see the sunset too. I can’t blame them.
Coronado, San Diego
I think the sunset looks pretty like this too
Coronado, San Diego
Most of these pictures were taken right before we got to Hotel Del (just a few minutes walk away), and some further down the page were taken at the beach in front of the hotel.
Coronado
Coronado
Coronado
I think these two trees below might be the same ones that were in my personal favorite sunset picture that I took in Coronado (seen below the one directly underneath)
Coronado
My favorite sunset picture taken just over a year ago on Christmas Day (2011)
Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del is swell! It’s a great place to visit, or even stay at (I stayed there once for three nights in 2008). Top your visit off with some gelato from Mootime Creamery, their wonderful ice-cream store.
Mootime Creamery, Hotel Del
Well, I will leave you with a few more sunset pictures, this one was taken right in front of the Hotel Del
Coronado
This is on the way to the Hotel Del, just a few minutes walk away right now.
Coronado
This picture was taken right in front of the Hotel Del
Coronado
- Coronado
- Coronado
The clouds were even a little black today, we’ve had quite a bit of rain the past few weeks.
- Coronado
There’s nothing like bringing in the New Year in with sunsets, and that’s just what we did this year – that’s when these pictures were taken (except for the Christmas Day, 2011 picture). Remember, to get to Coronado from San Diego is not very hard at all. It’s just a two mile drive or so from downtown, across the Coronado Bridge.
Coronado Bridge
To get this view of the San Diego skyline (seen below), all you do is go across the Coronado Bridge and make a right at Orange Avenue, you would then make another right, and park on your left hand side where the shops are and where the Il Fornaio restaurant is. Some of the hotels seen in the San Diego skyline are the Hyatt Grand Manchester, the Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Hilton BayFront (I’ve also stayed at all these hotels). Please feel free to get in touch with me for making hotel reservations, or recommendations. As you can see, these hotels are fairly close to Coronado, and should definitely be on your list of hotels to consider staying at when you come to San Diego. You will have the best of both worlds – be close to Coronado and still be close to all the other fabulous attractions near these hotels, such as Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and shopping at one of the most gorgeous shopping malls in the entire world – at Horton Plaza. Please see my previous post: Scenic San Diego.
San Diego Skyline from Coronado
By the way, I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I’m so sorry for not writing as frequently, time is in short supply….but I will try harder. May the New Year bring you plenty of spectacular sunsets, and much happiness.
luchanik 