Staycation in San Diego
I love traveling, but unfortunately can’t get away this year – it’s a far cry from last year when I went to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and then on a cruise on the Enchantment of The Seas to Bermuda.
However, San Diego is a place where you can enjoy living, and vacation here every day of the year with the right mindset. This is not just home, but a vacation paradise. This year, instead of renting out my timeshare at the Grand Pacific Palisades, I took a working holiday – we stayed at the Palisades for seven days even though I had to work – but I was on holiday in the evenings! My kids were on holiday all day long – after all it’s their vacation from school. By staying at this resort (only twenty minutes away from my home) it mostly gave my kids the chance to get away from our house, and have a change of scenery and experience the swimming pool every day, and feel like we were on holiday.
Sometimes, you just have to stay at home or near home.
The view from the balcony in the evening:
View from the Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad
I came home from work and took my little girl to the swimming pool
Kids Splash Area at the Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad
It’s a pretty place for a walk in the evenings
Carlsbad in the evening
Then there’s neighboring Oceanside to explore (only ten minutes north of Carlsbad):
Oceanside Beach
Life’s just a beach!
Oceanside Beach
Then on the weekend with Legoland just across the street, who could resist, and guess who loves Legoland?
Legoland in Carlsbad, CA
Keep dreaming of holidays during your holiday when the Taj Mahal presents itself to you at Legoland!
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
Fancy going to India to see this beauty? The one and only time that I went to India – I was mesmerized by the real Taj Mahal, it’s no wonder it’s one of the seven wonders of the world! it really is breathtaking, and it’s also a beautiful sight to behold at Legoland.
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
I just have to show the Taj Mahal at Legoland again to you – can you believe the creativity?
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
Now, we were transported to Australia! We were on a boat ride and I didn’t get a very good picture of the Sydney Opera House, but here are two of them:
The Sydney Opera House at Legoland, CA
The Sydney Opera House at Legoland, CA
Next, we were transported to Paris, France!
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France at Legoland, CA
Next, we were presented with images of Egypt……don’t say Legoland is not worldly!
Legoland, CA
What’s not to like about staying in your own home turf once in a while and vacationing at home? San Diego is a great place to staycation. However, if you don’t live here, it’s a really nice place to vacation.
Italy is Entrenched in Culture – You’ve Got to Love It!
There is a place that I could go to again and again, and never get bored of visiting, and that is Italy. I have been there numerous times. On this occasion, back in 2006, it was right after the MSC Musica cruise. The cruise started in Venice and finished in Venice, but a trip to Italy is not complete without visiting some of it’s other beautiful cities. We chose Pisa, and were not disappointed. We also went to Florence, and San Gimignano, but I can’t remember if some of these pictures were taken there or not. I have decided to label most of the other pictures Tuscany, Italy just to be on the safe side.
First, the most famous place in Pisa – the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
and here, it looks like it’s not leaning so much, but it’s just a different angle
Then here are an assortment of pictures taken in Tuscany which is the region where Pisa is.
Tuscany, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Pisa, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
What can I say about Italy other than I love the architecture, the fashion, the language, the food, the place and the people. Italy, it has it all, and you can get a big taste of what Italy is about just in Pisa.
Summer, Sunsets and Fun in San Diego
Summer, sunsets and fun were all in one place – the San Diego County Fair in beautiful Del Mar.
First, the sunset
Sunset at San Diego County Fair
Here’s a pre-sunset picture capturing some of the people at the Fair
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar
Then the sunset again
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar
and one more time
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar
Well, you can’t beat summer fun, lights, sunset and Paradise all rolled into one. The San Diego Fair – got to say, it’s one of the best Fairs out there!
Care For The Fair? Try the San Diego County Fair.
The San Diego County Fair is here in town – it started on June 8th and goes on until July 4th. Normally, I try to avoid this as it’s expensive and can be very tiring. However, I must have forgot how much fun it was, and mustn’t leave it for another three or four years until I go again. Yesterday was a beautiful day for a fair, it was a fairly hot day, but not unpleasant, and the sky was a perfect blue.
The Fairgrounds are in the same venue as the Del Mar Racetrack – here’s a link to some pictures of that – (scroll halfway down the page though to see pictures of the Racetrack). To get to the Fairgrounds, just go on the Highway 5 North and exit Via De La Valle, make a left and another left on Jimmy Durante Blvd. Be prepared to pay $10 for parking or you can park at local schools and take a bus for free. Admission prices are: children under 5 are free; kids under the age of 12 are $8 and adults are $14.
When you first go through admission, you will see a place where you can play all kinds of games. If you want to stay out of the sun, and it was hot yesterday (June 22nd) – this is a great place to stay out of the heat. You can play many kinds of games, cards, dominoes, or just play on one of the arcade style machines.
The San Diego County Fair
San Diego County Fair
Then the aroma of the fair food is so tantalizing, and the choices are plentiful! What to get? Ice cream, funnel cakes, pizza, Greek food, fish and chips, Indian bread (I believe it was the American Indian, not the other Indian), caramel apples, just about anything covered with bacon – including chocolate, or hot dogs are just some of the temptations. The fries covered with nacho cheese and bacon bits were really good! However, it is costly – $10 or so for a chicken basket that consisted of four pieces of chicken with fries, $6.75 for the bacon covered fries, $15.75 for three slices of pizza with two drinks, and should I even go on? But, it’s tempting and you have to be really strong to resist those wonderful tantalizing smells, they can even make those who are full – just greedy. It’s the Fair, and you have to give in just once in a while!
The San Diego County Fair
Then the kids will pester you for rides – or perhaps you might want to give in and try a ride yourself. I believe the first ten days of the fair – you can get a wristband for $30 per person for all day unlimited rides, but right now those wristbands are only available to use on Wednesday and Thursday’s. Since the majority of people go on Saturday or Sunday, they will be limited to paying about 75 cents per ride including on July 4th. You can pay $50 for 72 tickets or $20 for 28 tickets – that’s what I mean when I say it’s expensive – be prepared to bring a lot of money with you.
The San Diego County Fair
Now, when you’ve got your tickets or wristband, you have to decide which rides to go on – at least the lines aren’t that long – like they are at Disneyland or Legoland – you can get on your ride fairly quickly – at least my kids did yesterday.
Here’s two pictures showing the Grand Wheel (the first one with the pink inflated toy in front of it was taken with my camcorder, and the second one was taken with my Iphone):
The Grand Wheel, San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair
or you could choose to go upside down on a ride called Windsurf
The San Diego County Fair
Or how about the Magnum, or one of the other rides shown here?
Then, of course this place would not be complete without rides for little kids of Chandi’s age – so across the fairgrounds on the other side are rides more suitable for the little ones.
Isn’t the San Diego sky glorious?
San Diego County Fair
There are some animals out here for the kids to see and enjoy, such as horses, pigs, goats and chickens. Chandi and Luca had a lot of fun seeing the horses – here’s just one of the horses people can learn about – there were donkeys, ponies and many other kinds of breeds of horses too. Also, there’s a safe way to pretend that you are riding on a horse too!
San Diego Fair has great family shows which are live such as Family Feud – another great way to escape some of the heat and crowds, as well as to give your aching feet a break.
Do you know that celebrities come play at the Fairgrounds – celebrities such as Victoria Justice who does more than just singing or acting – she represents Girl Up, which is a campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Girl Up empowers girls to fight for the right to education and the end to other atrocities that girls face. Big Time Rush were also set to play at the same concert as Victoria Justice – tickets were only $12, my oldest daughter wanted to see the show, but we were quite tired and could not stay any longer – we left at 7:30 pm, and had been at the fair all day from 11am or so.
If you want to find out more information about the fair, visit this link: http://www.sdfair.com/
Don’t forget other than rides and food, there are also cuddly toys that are there for the winning!
I’ve got just one final thing to say – it’s not fair if you don’t take them to the fair at least once when they’re little. A smile from a child says it all.
San Diego County Fair
A Taste Of Europe with Katakalon, Greece and Dubrovnik, Croatia
I have been ever so busy lately, but that is now the story of my life. I had to take a few minutes and escape into my dreams back to a trip in 2006 while on the MSC Musica. We stopped at Katakalon in Greece – this place is ever so colorful – it reminds me of Cefalu in Sicily – oh, how I’d like to get my hands on some of the pictures I took there and then scan them onto my computer. Until, then….Katakalon is a nice diversification.
Well, here is Katakalon – just a few pictures – we only had a few hours here.
Katakalon, Greece
That’s me in 2006 in Katakalon
Katakalon, Greece
Katakalon, Greece
Katakalon, Greece
Now, would you like to take a trip to Dubrovnik in Croatia? This place is stunning and deserves more than a few hours of your time.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Well, that’s it for today. Just thought I’d escape to Europe for a while and share some of my pictures with you. Hope you are all doing well.
Oh, I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside – In Oceanside, CA
What’s better than visiting a beautiful seaside or should I say beach on a beautiful day in San Diego? Oceanside, which is about 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego has spectacular beaches. Here’s a few pictures.
The beach at Oceanside (San Diego)
Life’s getting really hectic, so I’m bringing you this really short post with just a few pictures. Until next time!
Super Sweet Blogging Award
The Rules:
- Thank the Super Sweet Blogger that nominated you.
- Answer five Super Sweet questions.
- Include the Super Sweet Blogging award image in your blog post.
- Nominate a baker’s dozen (13) other bloggers.
- Notify your nominees on their blog.
(c) Pallak Sharma/original designer , The Be-All and End-All
According to the rules I have to answer 5 questions and here they are:
1. Cookies or Cake?
I have a sweet tooth, and I love both cookies and cake, but if truth be told, I think I prefer cake just a little more. I like cake with custard in it, and love Napoleon Slices – I believe we call them Vanilla Slices in England, you can see them in this picture – they are the second ones over on the right from the fruit tart in the middle at the bottom of the display, and they have a delicious fondant type icing on the top. Yummy! I miss some of the cookies, or biscuits as we would say in England – from the UK – especially Digestives and Hobnobs.
Tempting Treats at Champagne Bakery
However, when my daughter makes cookies like these, I can’t resist! My sweet tooth always gives in!
Yummy Cookies
2. Chocolate or Vanilla?
I love chocolate, and especially if it’s milk or white chocolate. Cadbury’s from England is definitely one of my favorites, and I have to tell you that I miss the chocolate in England. If you go into a store in England, you will be amazed at the selection of chocolates – from Rowntrees’ Yorkie bars to Cadbury’s bars and Galaxy’s, not to mention Aero bars, both peppermint, orange and milk chocolate – these are out of this world with airy bubbles and chocolate that melts in your mouth. I haven’t mentioned Crunchies, oh, how I love Crunchies. My kids also love Cadbury’s Milky Bars and Cadbury’s Buttons. We do get some limited selection of Cadbury’s bars here in the USA, but not the Crunchies, Aero’s or Yorkies unless you go to British stores or even Indian shops, that really inflate the cost of these bars to something outrageous. Why can’t we have chocolate like this here in the USA? I also like Toblerone chocolate – it is so good! Ghiradelli Chocolate is quite good too (although I’m still more of a Cadbury’s fan), and they are based here in San Francisco. I had the pleasure of visiting their chocolate factory last year, and you won’t be surprised to know that I definitely sampled their goodies. However, when it comes to chocolate or vanilla ice-cream, then I would have to say – I would choose vanilla over chocolate as I enjoy chocolate more in chocolate bars than I do in ice-cream. The same goes for cake, I prefer vanilla sponge cake over chocolate sponge cake, but do like chocolate gateaux.
Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory, San Francisco, CA
3. Favorite Sweet Treat?
I have to say chocolate and also Mithai – Indian sweets that consist of anything from Burfi to Rasmalai or Jalebis. Burfi for example, are sweets made from condensed milk, that are rich and creamy in taste, and can include such yummy ingredients as coconut, almonds and pistachios. I love pistachio burfi from a certain favorite sweet shop in Birmingham, England and mango burfi (second from the left on the top shelf of the picture below) from Surati Farsan Mart in Mira Mesa, San Diego. I also love French Fancies (little cakes sold in a box) in England, as well as Mr. Kipling’s Apple Pies, Mince Pies, Jamaican Gingerbread, and Jam Tarts – I miss all those and would gladly devour them upon sight. Oh, and I also love coconut macaroons, scones, and custard with rhubard crumble!
Burfi Display at Surati Farsan Mart in San Diego
Jalebis, Surati Farsan Mart, San Diego
4. When do you crave sweet things the most?
Every day, and every time I drink coffee or tea. I do not always indulge my sweet tooth, but most nights I have to give in to having a bit of chocolate with a cup of tea. I think tea tastes better if it’s preceeded with sweets.
5. Sweet Nick Name?
My sweet nickname for my little Chandi who is 4 years old, is that she is a piece of mithai – and though I speak to her in English only, with just a few words of Punjabi thrown in from time to time, and endearing words such as “mithai, laddoo, jalebi, rasmalai, or burfi” – I tell her that she’s one of those – she now knows what these words mean. Guess what? She inherited my sweet tooth unfortunately (or it might not be that unforunate, as who says having a sweet tooth is bad unless it is taken to the extreme and I like to think that having a sweet tooth makes the person sweeter) – she loves burfi and chocolate, but she also loves all kinds of fruit.
I nominate the following for the Super Sweet Blogging Award:
1) http://halfeatenmind.wordpress.com
2) http://sartenada.wordpress.com
3) http://retireediary.wordpress.com
4) http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com
5) http://dilipnaidu.wordpress.com
6) http://stanfordsa.wordpress.com
7) http://remediesforhealth.wordpress.com
8) http://getsetandgo.wordpress.com
10) http://greenhornphotos.com
11) http://seamlessstyle.wordpress.com/
12) http://arjungabriel.wordpress.com
13) http://rarasaur.wordpress.com/
After this article is published today, I will be messaging all the above nominees on their ‘About’ or home pages. Have a very sweet day, and a sweet May!
https://luchanik.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/super-sweet-blogging-award/
What To Do On A Lovely Day In San Diego
There’s so much to do in San Diego, that I often have to really think about what I want to do on my days off – we are spoilt for choice. Should I visit Seaport Village, Coronado, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, La Jolla Beach, Del Mar Beach or Carlsbad? Well, this weekend on Saturday, I decided to take little Chandi to Legoland which is in Carlsbad, just 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego. The weather has been beautiful this weekend, it certainly feels like summer already.
I just bought annual passes for myself, Chandi and her brother and sister. Big brother and sister have had annual passes before when they were young, and now complain that they don’t remember. So, they won and got their way….I indulged them and they now have no excuses for not remembering as they are both quite a bit older than Chandi.
Here’s some pictures taken this weekend (yesterday):
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Of course, children come here to play
Legoland, California
They also like to dance up and down near the water fountains which are interactive, and either play music when jumped upon or squirt out water
Legoland, California
Don’t forget to visit the miniature cities made out of lego bricks
You can surely guess these cities in the USA?
Washington, DC in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
The Venetian in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s the Luxor in Las Vegas at Legoland
Luxor at Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s another two miniature cities, aren’t they amazing – made from lego bricks – unbelievable!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Don’t forget to take a boat ride on the Fairy Tale Brook, it’s great for kids of any age, and you’ll see characters from all your favorite fairy tales, including Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and so much more.
Fairytale Brook Ride, Legoland, Carlsbad
Here’s me with Chandi on the day when we got our annual passes
Legoland, California
I just love this picture of my three babies all at Legoland
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
There’s so much to do in Legoland, especially for your kids!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
It’s one big playground!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
If you want to stay really close by to the Legoland Park, you could stay at the newly opened Legoland Hotel, which is right there in the grounds, less than a twenty second walk away.
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Your kids will want to make friends with the Lego characters
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
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- Legoland, California
And they won’t want to go when it’s time to leave.
- Annual passes for Legoland are $129 each for adults and kids over the age of 13 +
- Annual passes for kids from the age of 3-12 are $99 each. Click here for more information on Legoland.
- If you live in California, you might as well buy the annual passes because the day pass is $79, so just by visiting twice – you’ll get your money’s worth! Did I mention that Legoland is just across the street from the beautiful Grand Pacific Palisades, which overlooks the gorgeous Flower Fields? You could start your day out with a walk by the Flower Fields, followed by the rest of the day at Legoland…….. it makes for a really nice day out.
The Flower Fields Are Ablaze With The Beauty of Color – Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Spring is in the air, flowers are everywhere! Or should I say the hills are alive with the beauty of flowers? These flowers are like music to my soul, and they bring joy. They also bring much joy to my little angel, Chandi.
Here is the Princess of The Flower Fields (I nominate her for that):
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s Chandi dreaming of more flowers.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Here she is, ever so content with all the flowers around her.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
I should tell you a little more about the Flower Fields – they mainly grow ranunculus flowers here – and the early ranunculus blossoms resembled Poppy blossoms. Here’s a little more history on this:
Ranunculus Flowers, Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s some close-up pictures of the ranunculus flowers
Little kids love to come to the Flower Fields – they get to meet others their age, see fish in the little lily pond basins
They can play in the playground
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – Playground
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – Playground
They will see see hens and will even see some fresh laid eggs on the ground!
They will love taking a ride on the wagon that goes around the fields full of flowers, and have a narrated tour. Most of all, if they are just like Chandi, they will like to be out in the fresh open air, smelling the sweet smell of Spring, and seeing flowers everywhere!
Here are the fields ablaze with color
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here are some people picking the flowers (most likely employees) – these flowers could surely brighten anyone’s home, and will likely find their way into the stores.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s me and my baby enjoying some Mummy and me time!
Who wouldn’t like to bring their little baby here, and see their face light up with joy? Chandi’s face lit up with joy, is all the happiness I need. Here she is once again, Princess of the Flower Fields.
Also, let me tell you where Carlsbad is in relation to San Diego…..it is a 40 minute drive up north from downtown San Diego. Take the Highway 5 North and exit Palomar Airport Road, then make a right onto Palomar Airport Road, make a left onto Paseo Del Norte, and make a right into the Carlsbad Outlet Mall Shopping Area, and then make another right and head into the parking lot close to the Flower Fields entrance.
Prices: $11 for adults, free for kids under 3 years of age, and kids from 4 to 11 – $6
Also, don’t forget – locally grown strawberries are for sale right here at the Flower Fields, and don’t forget to try a yummy Strawberry Milkshake or one of the other scrumptious desserts made from strawberries.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Also, don’t forget to visit sometime soon, as the flowers will only be in bloom up to a certain point in April, so hurry fast and visit Carlsbad, CA – part of greater San Diego.
**This is an addition to the post. Went back to visit again on March 30, 2013 (last week I visited on March 23rd) – there’s a big difference in just a week as far as how much the flowers have bloomed. Here’s what they looked like today, however, these pictures were taken from a distance – we did not get right into the fields like we did last week.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – on March 30, 2013
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – on March 30, 2013
The Flower Fields as of April 20, 2013
The Flower Fields from a previous years:
April 16, 2011
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – San Diego
April 19, 2009
Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Social Media and My New Pinterest
I just had to add a new interest, or should I say Pinterest? Pardon the pun………if my kids knew that I just said that, they would get mad at me. I am always having fun with word play, much to their consternation. Well, to go back to Pinterest – I don’t know what took me so long to get into it. All, I can say is it’s a lot of fun. All the pictures don’t have to be your own, you can like other people’s pictures and pin them on your board, and others will hopefully like what you pin, and re-pin. It’s a bit like retweeting on Twitter, and you can like pins too – now you’ll be reminded of Facebook. You can also pin videos, so hence YouTube can be brought in……now you have all your social media played out just in Pinterest.
I like to divide up my travel or my interests (such as on empowerment, or the British Royal Family, especially Princess Diana) into boards, it’s a little like having photo albums all sorted out, and not lumped together. I have one album, more appropriately called “board” on Pinterest for London, one for Izmir, one for Istanbul, one for Italy, one for San Diego, and one that I named Travel Repins when I didn’t really know what I was doing, and still don’t quite know what to call it. This board is where I just put pictures that I like taken by other people into one big collection, and this one isn’t at all organized – it has pictures from all over the world in it.
I still have to do more on Pinterest, I can’t just leave only mostly my pictures on my boards for instance – like the ones on Izmir or Istanbul. My board on London has many pictures from others who have taken pictures of that amazing city. Just like with all social media, it’s about sharing. After all, there are so many other pictures to discover out there in the world, we have to go beyond ourselves, and share the work of others.
I have to find more time, and have been lacking time lately…..life has caught up with me. Now just living day to day leaves hardly any spare moments to even dabble in social media, unfortunately. However, my emails from Pinterest even when I’m not active myself, have shown me what people are interested in, and I’ve noted with much curiousity, that people are really into London, and why not? London is one of the best cities in the world, if not the very best. However, I would like to add some interest for San Diego, especially since I now live here. So, I will work on my board on San Diego, and on some of the other boards, where I might only have my pictures.
Lastly, you know I like to have pictures in my posts…..so here are three pictures taken by me in three of my favorite cities and of course on Pinterest.
First, one of my favorite destinations….beautiful Venice in tantalizing Italy.
Venice, Italy
Then, lovely London in enchanting England.
Tower Bridge, London
Lastly, Paradise on Earth in Coronado, San Diego, in sunny California, USA.
Coronado, San Diego
I think you ought to give Pinterest a try, you just might find it Pinteresting!
Follow me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/luchanik/
luchanik 