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.
The Big Pineapple
It’s time for you to see the Big Pineapple!
The Big Pineapple, Australia
The Big Pineapple is a tourist attraction in The Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, and it is quite amazing. From what I remember, there are several gift shops there, as well as rides, and many other things to do. I believe there are samples of fresh pineapples too – after all, who wouldn’t want pineapple to eat after seeing this?
Want a Free Calendar? It Makes For A Nice Holiday Present!
CruiseOne Calendar for 2013 from your Cruise Agent Davinder Kaur
Davinder Kaur – San Diego Travel Agent
I have a new calendar to keep you on track in 2013. If you are like me, you’ll want to be organized and always know what today’s date is. You can be the owner of one of these calendar’s by doing just a few simple things.
What You Have To Do:
1) Like my page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/luchaniktravelandcruises (if you haven’t already done so).
Why am I encouraging you to like my page? Simple answer…..I need more likes!
2) Get another four more people to like the page too.
When there is a total of five (you and another four) – you’ve hit the jackpot! That is the jackpot for my calendar.
3) Send me a Facebook message or an email to dkaur@cruiseone.com and let me know that you are the referrer of a total of five likes on my page, and mention who you referred, and include your address.
What I Will Do:
I will send you my calendar for 2013 (one calendar only per five likes on my page once you’ve met the criteria described under What You Have To Do).
What Can You Do With My Calendar?
1) Use it for yourself
2) Give it away as a holiday present!
What Pictures Does It Contain for Each Month?
This is the exciting part! I can’t show you all the pictures here, but some of these places are included: Australia & New Zealand; Cozumel & Yucatan, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Venice, Italy; The Greek Isles; Alaska; The Hawaiian Islands; Curacao; Rhine River of Europe; Islands of French Polynesia; and Hong Kong. Where Do You Wanna Go?
Deadline for Giveaway:
You and the four you refer must like my page (http://www.facebook.com/luchaniktravelandcruises) by December 24th, 2012, it only takes a second or so to do this.
Why Would You Not Want To Do This?
Beats me – it’s free, it won’t hurt you, and remember – no one will come knocking on your door asking you why you liked my page (at least they shouldn’t)!
So go ahead, and do it right now, don’t stress it out….press that like button, you’ve done it so many times before…..it’s easy. A calendar might be heading your way, and then you can decide “Where Do You Wanna Go?”
I wish you Happy Holidays, and also…..an early Happy 2013!
Las Vegas Can Be Contagious
Las Vegas is a beautiful place to visit for the holidays. The lights will dazzle you, and the city will grab you in its grasp – but you should be warned – it can be contagious.
Vegas has so much atmosphere.
The Venetian, Las Vegas
The Venetian, Las Vegas
Vegas can dazzle you.
Fashion Show Shopping Mall, Las Vegas
The Venetian, Las Vegas
The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Vegas can leave you amazed.
The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Vegas even has the Grinch!
The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
The Forum Shops, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
You should go see H&M in Caesars Palace, it’s truly spectacular!
H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
There were so many pictures to take outside the Venetian, this is certainly my favorite place in Vegas. It is almost as good as going to the real Venice, but not quite.
Las Vegas Blvd – The Strip
Las Vegas Blvd – The Strip
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
Venetian, Las Vegas
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
Vegas has incredible lights!
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
Of course, the inside of the Venetian is equally as spectacular as the outside.
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd
This place has delicious gelato – it is so good, you will definitely go back for seconds if not thirds!
Venetian, Las Vegas
Las Vegas knows how to sparkle for the holidays – and Las Vegas knows how to make you yearn to go back, even if just for the pictures.
The Magic of December Nights in San Diego
I knew December Nights at Balboa Park was going to be magical. There’s not a better way to kick-start the holidays than going to Balboa Park, and experiencing December Nights. What is/are December Nights? I wrote about it in my previous post, just click here to see More Info on December Nights (that post contains some external links with more information too).
Now that December Nights (which occurred on December 7 & 8, 2012) are over, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit the Park. The magical tree is still there, and so are the lights and the great atmosphere, and at least you won’t have the crowds to deal with. Here’s some pictures:
First the magical tree:
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It gets even more magical – it opens up!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It changes color!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It changed color again!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
This one is more fuzzier, because my camera’s battery died and I had to use my I-phone.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
This one’s fuzzy too, but I’m including it because I want you to see the spectacle of color that was so beautiful during the December Nights concert.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Here’s the same color for background, but the tree has closed up
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for a lighter shade of blue
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
And the last two of the tree at least!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for some pictures of the Park in the dark. Me and my family went to December Nights on both December 7 and December 8. Why miss out on the magic?
I believe this church now houses the Museum of Man
St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Today, I suddenly stumbled on a second picture that I took of the Church at Balboa Park, I thought I only had one like the one above.
The Museum of Man, December Nights, Balboa Park
Are you ready for more Christmas trees? Here’s another one at the Park, closer to the church shown above
Christmas Tree, near Museum of Man, Balboa Park
Oh, my gosh! The Grinch was here, but Chandi didn’t want to have her picture taken with him, so I had to take it of someone else instead!
The Grinch at Balboa Park
Even dogs like December Nights, this picture was taken with no flash, but it wasn’t very good, however, it will give you an idea of what the lights were like and how it really looked in the dark
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
The dog also has glasses, more clearly seen in the picture below.
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
It’s just so nice strolling through the Park, even in the dark!
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park was nicely lit up for the holidays
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
There were so many people there, you wouldn’t believe it. I think I read somewhere that there were at least 300,000 people.
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Here’s the Botanical Gardens Building at night time bathed in a beautiful blue light
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
You can’t tell from these pictures just how many people there were in Balboa Park during these two very busy nights.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Of course, there were a lot of delicious choices for food, but I didn’t get to take too many pictures of the different vendors. Here’s one at least.
Food Options, December Nights, Balboa Park
This fountain is near one of the many museums at the park, and is closest to the path to the San Diego Zoo.
Fountain, Balboa Park, San Diego
The words “Happy Holidays” lit up one of the museums
Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego
Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego
The Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego
Here’s a clearer picture of some people at December Nights
Balboa Park, San Diego
For some reason, I like this picture
Balboa Park, San Diego
I couldn’t stop taking pictures of Balboa Park at night, it is beautiful both at night and day
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
I didn’t quite get the picture above centralized, see how it looks below, still not right. It would have been perfect if I could have got both “Season’s Greetings” and the lighting on the wall on the right in just one picture balanced out better. Oh, well. I’ll have to make do with two pictures.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for where the reindeers are with presents laden on the sleigh
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
A different angle of the reindeers
Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park
Now, there’s the presents at the back (I guess on the sleigh).
Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park
Some more lights
December Nights at Balboa Park
Now, some more pictures of the amazing tree from a different angle.
December Nights at Balboa Park
December Nights at Balboa Park
December Nights at Balboa Park
And lastly, some pictures of the performers who entertained us at the site of the magical tree.
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Just incase you don’t get the full flavor of what it’s like at Balboa Park during December Nights, I made this video especially for you.
I still haven’t had the chance to take more daytime pictures of Balboa Park, so in the meantime, you can look at these pictures taken by someone who linked to my post previously, so now I will link to his – so you can see his amazing pictures of Balboa Park: http://onecoolthingeveryweekend.com/2012/11/21/picture-tour-of-the-san-diego-balboa-park/
Oh, by the way, I went to the International Houses on the 8th of December and saw various cultural dances there, including Indian dances, but only managed to get a few pictures. Perhaps, I will put those in another post. Anyway, I hope you can see that Balboa Park is so magical when it’s the holidays. If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you, and if you don’t – Happy Holidays!
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Oh, how I love this time of year, the wonderful memories of Christmas that has already passed, and the exhilarating anticipation of Christmas yet to come.
Two fabulous places to experience a taste of the holidays are Balboa Park, and the adjacent San Diego Zoo. Did you know that you can actually walk from Balboa Park to the Zoo? It will only take about five to ten minutes to walk from one to the other.
I would like to remind you that December Nights is just around the corner – it’s actually this week on Friday and Saturday (December 7 and 8) …..two wonderful days of holiday cheer, where San Diego celebrates the holidays like no place else.
Here’s three links with more information about this wonderful event – December Nights At Balboa Park, Official Tourism Blog of San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego News.
Here’s some pictures from past December Nights, previously known as Christmas On The Prado
December Nights – Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park
December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park
Cultural events and activities galore can be found at December Nights
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
These dances took place outside the House of Ukraine at the International Cottages in 2011.
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
I think one of the best places to visit in Balboa Park is this very area…..the International Cottages. Here, you will see the House of Scotland, England, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, and many others. What can you expect to see or learn from these International Cottages? You will get a big taste of what it’s like to be from that region. You can try samples of the food from any of those respective countries, you may even be in for a treat to a dance from that region – it really is a fantastic thing to experience – you might just see Scottish, German, Russian, Indian and other dances (during December Nights, 2012, I know you can definitely see Indian dances on Saturday evening (I apologize if you read it before and it said Friday, I just got confirmation today 12/6/12 that it’s Saturday evening). Read more about the International Cottages right here: http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/house-pacific-relations-international-cottages
This picture of my three kids was taken last year at San Diego Zoo. The Zoo is beautiful at Christmas time.
Merry Christmas from San Diego Zoo
Can you believe the same tree shown above behind my kids actually magically changes and becomes the tree below when it is darker
Christmas Tree at San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells – San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a favorite of my kids – especially Chandi – she absolutely loves it here.
San Diego Zoo
I really love her expression when she saw the orangutans.
Orangutans – San Diego Zoo
Now from my house to yours – I would like to spread some holiday cheer. This is a picture of my kids from two years ago. They wish you a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas from San Diego
I don’t have a good picture yet of all three of my kids from this holiday season, but will certainly strive to capture one at some point or other, but I do have a picture of my little Chandi which was taken just a few days ago.
The Wonder of Christmas
My daughter Niki is very creative and made these holiday cookies
Go attend some festivities, get into the spirit, and don’t forget to enjoy some holiday cookies!
By the way……you are probably thinking that San Diego can’t look very “Christmassy”. I hope you can see that we still celebrate this joyous season here in a big way. It’s all about getting into the spirit, holiday decorations, festivities, etc., and any place can be seasonally festive. This is a nice place to celebrate it, because we don’t have to deal with the snow. I know many of you might like snow, but I grew up in England, and had more than my fair share of it. I really enjoy looking at it from inside, and seeing the snow fall – it certainly is a beautiful sight, but I can do without trudging through it, and shoveling my car out of it. However, my kids crave it – so what do we do here in San Diego for snow? We go to the Zoo and visit the “Snowerator” – at least I think that’s the word for it!
“Snowing” At San Diego Zoo
We also have places like Julian (one hour away) that are fairly close by, which we can go to if we really need the real thing.
Whatever you do…..I hope you get to celebrate the holidays, and to experience some of the season’s joy. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!
Scenic San Diego
I really could run out of words to describe San Diego – it surely is scenic, beautiful, fantastic, marvelous, paradise, heavenly and ………. well, I could go on!
Here’s a scenic San Diego – at Seaport Village
Seaport Village, San Diego
Here’s a beautiful San Diego at Seaport Village
Seaport Village
Here’s a fantastic San Diego with a downtown city view.
Downtown San Diego
Here’s a marvelous San Diego with the twin towers of the Marriott Marquis & Marina on the right.
San Diego & the Marriott Marquis & Marina
Well, I won’t call the next two pictures paradise and heavenly as those descriptions actually fit the first two more, but those are taken up!
Now, you have a downtown tourist attraction (Seaport Village), you have a place to stay (Marriott Marquis), and now you have to go shopping!
Horton Plaza, San Diego
Horton Plaza is one of the best shopping malls in the world, and undoubtedly the most colorful and most absolutely gorgeous place to shop, dine and see a movie!
Horton Plaza, San Diego
All the pictures above were taken a number of years ago, and may not be as vivid as they could be. Here are some newer pictures of Horton Plaza, however, I think they are all about the same quality.
Horton Plaza, San Diego
Horton Plaza, San Diego
Horton Plaza, San Diego
I actually saw an Indian movie here at Horton Plaza (sorry, I know this might not fit in with scenic San Diego, but I had to tie it in with Horton Plaza).
Indian Movies at UA Horton Plaza 14, San Diego
I took some more pictures of Seaport Village too recently, but I still like the older pictures that I took above.
Seaport Village, San Diego
And lastly, my favorite type of picture – the marina complete with boats, I don’t know why I like the marina so much, but I think it’s because I feel calm, peaceful and content when I see the more relaxing waters of the marina.
San Diego Marina At Seaport Village
Also, it is worthy to note that Seaport Village is within walking distance of such big hotels as the Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Hyatt Grand Manchester (both hotels overlook Seaport Village). Horton Plaza is a nice five or ten minute walk from Seaport Village – it will probably be a good idea to walk there, however, if you are stuck for parking – Horton Plaza validates for three hours with a purchase. You could visit the movies, and get your parking ticket validated too.
Want to know more about Seaport Village? http://www.seaportvillage.com/visitors
Want to know more about the Marriott Marquis & Marina? http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sandt-san-diego-marriott-marquis-and-marina/
Want to know more about Horton Plaza? http://www.westfield.com/hortonplaza/tourism/
You may also want to see my other posts: Some Places To Escape The Heat, Incredible San Diego – La Jolla, Sunsets In San Diego, and Beautiful San Diego
I hope you will visit beautiful, scenic San Diego one of these days, it is absolutely paradise!
Cyber Monday Sale
Onboard credits, reduced deposits, and so much more! Visit this page at my website now to book with me at http://dkaur.cruiseone.com/travel/promotion/cruise-event.do and remember the best thing is book now……pay later!
Cruise Sale, Cyber Monday! CruiseOne
Davinder Kaur – San Diego Travel Agent
Also, you don’t have to live in San Diego to book with me, you can be in New York, Washington, San Francisco, Vermont, or just about anywhere in the USA. Don’t forget….I work with all the cruise lines….Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, etc. – you will get the deals they have, plus the specials we have for booking through us.
Call me now at 858-427-4972 or email me at dkaur@cruiseone.com and Happy Cyber Monday! Don’t forget this sale doesn’t end today, but it will end soon! http://dkaur.cruiseone.com/travel/promotion/cruise-event.do
Just A Few Reasons To Visit the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta
I didn’t take too many pictures of Puerto Vallarta while I was in Mexico last year during the Carnival Splendor cruise. I think it might have had something to do with it being a very hot day.
I did visit a beautiful church, and would recommend that if you are in Puerto Vallarta, you should visit the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Several reasons to visit this church: it’s beautiful; it’s historical; incredible architecture; and it never hurts to go to any house of God. Go for inner peace, contemplation and go in the hopes of being blessed. Anyway, that’s what I like to think, and so I’m just sharing my reasons for visiting it.
Here are some pictures of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
I enjoy seeing different churches and this one is a must-see.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
I tried to get pictures from many different angles
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
You might find this information useful:
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Nun at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Street scene just outside the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
And another picture of the street just outside the Church
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Now I will digress away from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe to bring you a few pictures of the surrounding area, this courtyard is very close to the Church
Courtyard Scene – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
I’m sure you will want to buy souvenirs, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in PV
Souvenir Shopping, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Souvenirs, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Souvenirs, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Close by to the cruise ship, my three kids just had to pose in front of the Puerto Vallarta sign – many others were doing exactly the same thing.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Now, back to the ship – oh, the Splendor! As you can see, here in Puerto Vallarta, the ship pulled up right to dock – not like in Cabo San Lucas, where you have to go on a tender boat to the dock.
The Carnival Splendor in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Incase you haven’t seen my video of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, here it is.
I hope you enjoyed my pictures of Puerto Vallarta, and especially those of the Church Of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I hope I gave you enough reasons to visit the Church, but if not, please read the following:
http://www.homeandabroad.com/browse/details/sites.ha?mainInfoId=48153&rqs=vacationplanner
Thanks for visiting my post!
luchanik 