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!
Very Picturesque Venice
I didn’t know what to call my post on Venice, so just came up with “Very Picturesque Venice” – I guess that will work. I have been to Venice at least three times now, and it is a very beautiful place. I love Venice, in fact I love Italy! Here are some pictures.
Gondola – Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Got to have myself photographed in Venice!
Venice, Italy
Just a street scene in Venice
Venice, Italy
There are so many bridges in Venice, and of course so much water – it wouldn’t be Venice without either one of these.
Venice, Italy
Don’t come back from Venice without one of these Venetian masks – they are so beautiful!
Venetian Masks, Venice, Italy
Some more pictures:
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
I guess you can say I couldn’t help myself….I just could not stop taking photos in Venice, and have so many more. However, if I share any more now, I think that would be an overload. I hope you enjoyed seeing my pictures of beautiful Venice.
San Diego Sunset Picture (Of Coronado) Will Be In Get Away San Diego’s Next Issue
This is a first for me – to have my picture be selected in a contest – I am so excited! Granted, mine was not the best picture, but my picture made it as one of the top ten!
Coronado, San Diego
I entered a competition that Get Away San Diego posted on their Facebook page, just out of curiousity. My picture shown above of the sunset near the Hotel Del in Coronado is the reason I just had to write today! My photo will be published in the next edition of Get Away San Diego . I don’t think my picture is as good as the other nine that made it into the top ten, but all ten will be shown in the next issue. However, since this is the first time for me that I have won such a contest, I am ecstatic! If it’s good enough to be chosen, it’s good enough to be happy about.
If you want to see the other pictures in Get Away San Diego’s Album, you can take a look right here Get Away San Diego’s Photo Contest Winners.
My whole family loves the Hotel Del, and Coronado. Here is my little Chandi on the beach at Hotel Del.
Hotel Del – Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
So for anyone who wants to wine a bit, I have a picture for you – it’s also taken in Coronado.
Wine Styles, Coronado
And for all those who would love to see what’s so great about the Hotel Del, here’s some more pictures.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here “Some Like It Hot”, and this tree is famous partly because of that movie, and Marilyn Monroe.
Hotel Del, Coronado
People love to visit the Hotel Del, and many weddings and parties take place here.
Hotel Del, Coronado
The grounds of this hotel are absolutely stunning! Do you know you can spend an entire day here, and not be bored? There’s the beach, restaurants galore, tennis, a swimming pool and of course shops, and the hotel lobby to look at.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del’s Lobby Chandelier, Coronado
Of course, my little Princess belongs here, that’s why I like to bring her time and time again!
Hotel Del, Coronado
Don’t forget that Coronado is just a 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego, or just a boat ride across – here are some useful tips on how to get around.
I may have said this before, but the Hotel Del is swell! I am so glad that one of my pictures is going to be published, and I’m glad that it was taken in beautiful Coronado.
On another note:
Lately, I have also been toying with another idea….to enter one of my videos into a competition or to make a new one – perhaps of San Diego. I decided to not enter the competition or attempt making a new video for it, because I can’t go away for 6 months and leave my kids, neither can I take them with me (two of them can’t take six months away from school, and it wouldn’t be fair to take just the youngest one) – so this kind of competition is not meant for me. Want to know which competition I am referring to? It’s this one: http://www.mydestination.com/bbb/competition#faq1 and if you want to know who has my full support in this particular competition, it’s Lesley Carter from Bucket List Publications: http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/if-you-could-make-someones-bucket-list-dreams-a-reality-would-you/
The Magic of MSC Musica
Our cruise on the MSC Musica was magical. Perhaps it was because we traveled in a big group. I will always remember that cruise. Here are more pictures of the MSC Musica. Let’s just say this cruise line is definitely worth your consideration.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
In the evening, there’s spectacular entertainment, here are the performers after one show
MSC Musica
Did you know MSC Cruise Lines have cruises out of Florida now? One of their new ships is the MSC Divina and the reason I am mentioning this is that I have a picture shown below with that very name on it. I don’t know why I took it at the time (during the MSC Musica cruise, and I believe in Turkey) – perhaps because it has a little resemblance to my own name? Anyway, here’s the picture.
Here’s me on the MSC Musica
Davinder on the MSC Musica
Here’s my son (looking out to the swimming pool) and daughter all dressed up for an Indian function on the ship – we were part of a big Indian group on the cruise – we enjoyed Bollywood, Bhangra and more – danced to it, and ate Indian food.
MSC Musica
Here’s a picture taken of one of their lounges.
MSC Musica
Of course MSC Cruise Lines also depart from many other places throughout the world, including Europe, where we took our cruise from lovely Venice, Italy. I think my next post might have to be on Venice. I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Just Some More Turkish Delight
Our visit to Istanbul during the MSC Cruise (on the MSC Musica) was packed with shopping, and savoring Turkish flavors – whether it was Turkish coffee or kebabs. Turkey is delightful, and so colorful.
Istanbul, Turkey
The first few pictures (below) were actually taken in Izmir, I could only tell since I looked back at my pictures, and saw some pictures of the cruise in the evening. I will include those here, so that you can see the sequence of events. The cruise stopped in Izmir first, and then we had our evening onboard, and the next day we got off at Istanbul.
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Here are a few pictures taken back on the cruise ship that night.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
Now let’s venture into Istanbul, and to the Grand Bazaar! Many people come to the bazaars of Turkey to get great bargains – you can find tea-sets, glassware, ornaments, clothes, handbags, and many other items. These bazaars also tantalize you with their aromas and Turkish treats. Don’t forget to try the Turkish coffee!
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Time for some Turkish Coffee at Red Cafe
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
We left the Grand Bazaar, and ventured into the streets…..I must have asked this man if I could have a picture taken with him.
Istanbul, Turkey
I think this is also called the Blue Mosque, but this is of course in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here’s the Mosque from a different angle
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here are the last pictures of Istanbul:
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Well, I hope you think Turkey is as delightful as I do. I have only showed you some pictures of Izmir, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and some of the surrounding streets. I’m sure Turkey has many other hidden delights.
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.
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!
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?
luchanik 