Cute in San Diego
Did you know there’s a cute memorial of a sailor kissing his girlfriend in San Diego? It’s by the US Midway Museum. It might have got a bit more cuter, with my Chandi posing in front of it. What do you think? I think, cuteness……unlimited!
Cute in San Diego
Chandi in San Diego
Chandi in San Diego
A Visit to Knotts Soak City And Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Today was August 15th – Happy India Independence Day! We left our hotel at the Hilton Garden Inn, and got to Knotts Soak City at around 11:00 am, not at 10am as we should have done, but it was close enough. It was a really hot day, a great day to be in a Water Park – at least for the kids.
Knotts Soak City is close to Disneyland, and right next to Knotts Berry Farm, which we will have to visit next time. Here are a few pictures of Knotts Soak City since we had to leave early, it was way too hot! In retrospect, we should have gone on Friday when we had arrived, and I shouldn’t have listened to the kids. We still would have had five hours almost. As it was, today, they wanted to leave at 2:45 pm, so we only had about three and a half hours there. It was really hot today, I think it actually was over 100 degrees, also, it was too crowded, That’s why it would have been better to have come on Friday.
Still, can’t complain, as the kids enjoyed it, and it was our family mini-vacation. We also got to go to Farrells Ice Cream Parlor later and celebrated my son Luca’s birthday again (you can never celebrate one’s birthday too many times). His actual birthday had been earlier in August.
Here are some pictures of Knotts Soak City:
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
My kids got to cool off in the Lazy River while I watched their things for a while. It was ever so hot though.
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park
Just at the entrance/exit to Knotts Soak City was this lovely little area with these little fella’s in it, do you like this one’s hair style?
They tried a few more water rides, and then wanted to leave, and they were hungry, so off we went to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, which we had seen on the way into the Water Park – it is very close by, just on the same road in fact.
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
We ate lunch first, and then had to try the ice-cream – it was delicious!
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Next, it was time to enjoy the rest of the evening at the Indian Independence Day Parade/Festival, which was close by in Artesia Park. My son and youngest one did not want to go to the event, they were tired so I left them at the hotel at the Doubletree by Hilton in Norwalk.
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk
I wish my two youngest had come with us, as it’s a shame they missed out on the Indian Independence Day activities, but then later on I thought it was actually a good idea as me and my oldest daughter did not get back to the hotel until about 10:40 pm. It was good we stayed another night in the LA area, even though we only live one and a half hours away in San Diego. I would not have enjoyed driving at that time of night though. Also, as you can imagine – I was very tired – that was a lot of things today, a trip to Knotts Soak City, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, and the Indian Independence Day Festival in Artesia in the evening. I think I deserved a break – an extended stay in the LA area!
In my next post, I will post more of the Indian Independence Day event pictures and the video of the performances that took place on August 15, 2015. Happy Week!
Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles, CA – What A Memorable Occasion!
Indian Independence Day in Los Angeles, CA was a very memorable occasion. Why do I care about Indian Independence day? Of course I do! I am Indian, and even though I was born in England, I know my roots. August 15, is India’s Independence from the British. It might seem strange for some of you that I have an allegiance for India, and celebrated it’s independence from my other country. All I can say is I love England, and I love India, and now of course, I love the USA. I am very grateful though that the British gave India back. No country has the right to rule another.
We went to LA and stayed overnight for two days to celebrate my son’s birthday at Knotts Soak City, and then went to visit Artesia (Little India), and get my share of Indian culture. Oh, how I love visiting that area, and having a buffet lunch somewhere, followed by another visit to a smaller place to have Indian sweets and a cup of chai.
Well, imagine my delight when someone told me there would be a parade for Indian Independence Day the next day on Saturday – this was perfect, since we were in the area anyhow. I vowed to visit it, and furthermore, my daughter told me that her group was going to perform, and she wanted to see them. She took the day off from dancing this time, I think it was because I told her not to plan anything this weekend – since it was her brother’s birthday. She knew Raveena Tandon was going to be there in Los Angeles, but she didn’t realize that she was going to be at the same event or that her friends were performing at the same event as where we wanted to celebrate Indian Independence Day. Little do we know! So, when she said “Mum, the event that you want to go to is the event where my friends are performing, and where Raveena Tandon will be!” I thought perfect. Even more of a reason to attend! You may not know about Raveena Tandon, but she is a big mega-superstar, a Bollywood actress with many hit movies. She is an icon of Indian cinema.
So we got to the event at around 5:45 pm. I’m pretty sure she told me that one of her friends was supposed to be performing at 4:30 pm, and her group was going to be doing their dance at 5:30 pm. She was kind of upset that we might have missed it already when we got there and saw that practically all the seats were empty. We didn’t realize that the event had not started yet, we thought it had just finished. When I asked someone if it was over, she told us that it had not started yet, and we were so relieved. We wandered around, had samples of delicious chai and saw all the food vendors, and clothes displayed for sale. What a fabulous event, I thought – even before it began. Later in the evening, I tried the food.
Raveena Tandon arrived a little later than expected, and of course I captured most of her presence on the stage. Here are some pictures. You know I like taking pictures and videos! Here are just some of the pictures:
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
Raveena Tandon at Los Angeles Indian Independence Day Event
You will not believe what happened next at this great event. Well, someone made her upset, and of course I captured it, and I didn’t even know what was happening, as I was busy looking through the lens, and knew that something was brewing. Anyway, long story short, Raveena has seen my tweets of the videos, and apparently is happy that I posted the videos as they show what happened.
Here’s the video of where Raveena was upset:
I just wanted to give you some context of what is about to appear in my next post as for the first time ever, there will not be a single picture in that post. Also, I will not be introducing the Indian Independence Day event, the significance of it, or anything of that matter. That is why this post is being published first.
The organizers are called UFICA, and they responded to her tweets about their version of why the ending was not the way this great event should have ended. They publicized their letter on Twitter, and Raveena and her manager have asked me to publish their letter. That is coming up next.
I do want to say that no matter what – I really enjoyed the event, and I say that in all sincerity. There are always two sides to the story. Also, to read more about the event click here: http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/raveena-tandon-ed-royce-grace-fia-ufica-independence-day-event/article_4e45b512-46ae-11e5-8384-ebe722be66ec.html
It’s Not Just A Yard – It’s Neal’s Yard!
Oh, the wonderful places near Covent Garden. But remember, when I told you it’s not just a garden…..it’s Covent Garden – well now, there’s a yard thrown into the picture too. However, it’s not just a yard…..it’s Neal’s Yard! It’s a most colorful looking place, close by to Covent Garden. Don’t miss it! Just ask anyone when you’re at Covent Garden where Neal’s Yard is, and they should be able to tell you. Here’s some pictures.
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
In case you are wondering, you will find Neal’s Yard on the corner of Neal Street and Shelton Street
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Now, you will see Neal’s Yard close by to Shorts Gardens – you have arrived!
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Close To Covent Garden Is Neal’s Yard
Fancy some tea?
The Tea House, close to Covent Garden
Fancy some cake?
Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard
How about now? I think it’s tea time!
Lola’s Cupcakes, near Neal’s Yard
As you can see these are not just any gardens or any yards, they are special places and getting to be quite well known now. Don’t forget to look out for them when you go to London.
I hope you enjoyed your visit to Neal’s Yard via my post, and I hope you have a great week!
On The Way To Covent Garden, London
I find everything worth taking a picture of, especially in London. So, you won’t be surprised that I took several pictures on the way to Covent Garden when I was there last year. Here are the pictures:
Close to Covent Garden
Close to Covent Garden
Close to Covent Garden
They have the most interesting names of pubs in England, don’t you think?
Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head
Close to Covent Garden – The Nags Head
Close to Covent Garden
Do you think that I wouldn’t take a picture of this place – The Chandos? Why would I not, when it’s kind of named after my little Chandi. Didn’t get a chance to go there though, but will pop in next time.
The Chandos on St. Martins Lane, near Covent Garden
After we visited Covent Garden, pictures of which I showed you last week, we went to a street not too far away, and found some really lovely places to gaze and gawk at too.
The Tea House, close to Covent Garden
More, next time.
I hope you liked the pictures close by to Covent Garden, sometimes, it’s not just the destination, but even the trip that’s worth it. Always remember to take as many pictures as possible, or you might just forget what you saw on your way.
Not Just A Garden – It’s Covent Garden!
I’m not sure why it’s called Covent Garden. One would expect to see flowers, and perhaps a fountain. However, I don’t think anyone visiting Covent Garden will ever be disappointed, as you will see more than just flowers.
You will see crowds and the wonderful red telephone booths
Covent Garden, London
You will see crowds, and they are forever entertained!
Covent Garden, London
You will see sights that you don’t know if you should even photograph, but then you will do it anyway!
You will see fantastic opportunities to take pictures of your little ones with amazing characters! Here’s my little girl Chandra – she will never be able to say I didn’t take enough pictures of her in London!
Covent Garden, London
You will see people just out for a walk, to not only get some fresh air, but to be entertained, to see, and therefore, to live.
Covent Garden, London
You will want to go into one of the main market areas to have a look at the goods for sale.
-
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Who said there weren’t any flowers?
Covent Garden, London
-
Covent Garden, London
You will want to go see the architecture outside – it’s quite amazing!
-
Covent Garden, London
I just noticed the London Transport Museum – from looking at my pictures! Must go here next time!
-
The London Transport Museum at Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden, London
Did you know that Covent Garden is in central London, is a short walk from Trafalgar Square, and has it’s own tube station? Yes, Covent Garden tube station is on the Piccadilly line (the blue line). I hope you enjoyed my post on Covent Garden.
Sometime – You Have To See The Amazing Antalya
Sometimes, you have to see the amazing Antalya, you have to sightsee and you will see things you would never see back home.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you have to take a second look, and think well, that looks like something I have seen at home.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you have to turn a corner in this new place, and you will see things you know you can’t see at home.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you have to wonder, and say is this Turkey or is it Rome? For parts of it are so similar to other places in Europe – don’t forget Turkey is partly in Asia, and partly in Europe.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you’ll have to question – is this Ireland or England? I see a pub! Then, you have to remember you are in a place that wants to cater to tourists and make you feel at home.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you will see what you will normally see in public, and it could be anywhere in the world.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes you will again think is this England, perhaps it is? But again, if you recollect and rack your brains, you will remember where you are and be happy to be in Antalya.
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, well let’s stop with the sometimes and give it a break while you look at more pictures
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you will wonder about the time, and this will give you an indication of the difference in hours of the places mentioned in the picture below
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you will want to believe that this is your home – isn’t it cozy? This is one of the small hotels near Hadrian’s Gate
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you might want to wish you have a rug like this. After all, aren’t Turkish rugs some of the best?
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Sometimes, you should be reminded of Hadrian’s Gate again…..
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Sometimes, you have to watch my video of Antalya…..perhaps now – would be a good time?!!
Sometime, you will have to see the amazing Antalya.
A Captivating Trip To The Old City of Antalya in Turkey
Do you worry about going into unchartered territory? It’s easy to worry, but until you venture to the unknown, you won’t know. Look at me, I had no clue that I would see Haidan’s Gate in Antalya until I ventured into the Old City, and I am so pleased that I saw it – I would say that it was the highlight of my trip. Turkey – especially, Antalya is quite safe. I am in the process of making a little video about Antalya and will upload it soon. If you are thinking of culture, travel, history, architecture…..think Turkey. Take a look at some of my pictures, and get a taste of Turkey.
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Music and prayers from the Mosque drifted through the air, and it was kind of hypnotizing to be there with the prayers coming in over the loudspeakers. Of course, I couldn’t understand any of it, but I enjoyed listening to it as it was not something I would come across at home in the USA or even when growing up in the UK. It is something given to you as a gift through travel. You do get unique little gifts like that via your travels, little cultural experiences that can enrich you – you can enjoy other’s culture while there, be aware of their culture and their country, respect it, and just drink in the experiences surrounding you. Nothing I write can quite describe it, so that is why I made a video. Later, I will come back to this and insert a link of my video when it’s ready. Meanwhile, here’s the Mosque where the music and prayers came from.
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
The view as seen from the balcony (see the first picture) is amazing. I could just stand and watch it for hours. This area where I am showing you the pictures of is all walking distance from Haidan’s Gate, and the Old Bazaar.
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
This is a really old drinking fountain, I just had to get a picture of a Turkish man in front of a Turkish drinking fountain! Then again, it could be a Turkish foot and leg washing fountain?!
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
I like the trees, the minaret, the flowers, the mountains, the sea, and oh, I like Antalya!
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
There’s me in Antalya.
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
This is Attalos who is from the Royal Dynasty of the Kingdom of Pergamon (see the next picture below this one).
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Old City of Antalya, Turkey
Next time, I will show you more pictures of the Bay. I think I take too many pictures, sometimes I share too many pictures. Perhaps, I just like pictures and taking pictures. How many times can you use the word picture in one paragraph – just count how many times I did it. I think I better stop now. Until next time. I wrote this post today, so I could have the day off tomorrow – after all it’s Mothers Day tomorrow. Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers of the world. I hope you have a fantastic day.
Oh, by the way……here’s the video that I made of The Old City of Antalya – I hope you enjoy it!
and here’s a longer video of it – if you want even more!
Old Bazaar & The Old City of Antalya
Are you ready for color, spice, souvenirs, and all things Turkish? Let me take you on my sightseeing trip to the Old City of Antalya. In this post I will carry on where I left off a few posts ago. I had woken up early on the 4th of August, 2014, to go sightseeing all by myself in Antalya. Then I had stumbled across Haidan’s Gate which I had not even known was here in Antalya – so happy that I had left the resort to go see the sights. Now, I headed for the Old Bazaar.
I think I took my first selfie, by looking through a mirror and taking a picture with me in it. I think that’s still classed as a selfie?
The Old City of Antalya
Now, I did it again with my Note 3
-
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The people in Antalya greet you warmly, and will give you a cup of tea for just coming into their store. This woman gave me a sample of tea.
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
When I went to this shop that sold delicious Turkish Delights, the man who sold them to me was so happy, he even ordered a cup of tea for me. This reminded me of India, where I have only been once when I was 14, but I remember the same thing happening there. When my mum would go in a store to buy material or Punjabi suits, the people in the store would order tea for everyone, even I would get a cup of tea at 14. I was happy about that, as I even liked my tea back then.
Turkish Delight, Antalya
Turkish Delights, Old Bazaar, Antalya
Here I am looking at the spices – these are the same spices that we use in our Indian food
-
Old City, Antalya
Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
-
Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
The Old Bazaar, Old City of Antalya
Then I left the Old Bazaar, and ventured around the streets of the Old City, before heading towards the bay.
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
Old City of Antalya
I really like these all these umbrellas that are all hanging over the street – so colorful!
Old City, Antalya
I couldn’t stop taking pictures, I find the Old City to be very picturesque.
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Next, I headed to the bay, and I will show you these photos next time. I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures, and that you got a glimpse of life in the Old City of Antalya. I hope you all have a fantastic May!
Trafalgar Square, a Stone’s Throw From St. Martin-In-The-Fields
I meant to show you more pictures of Covent Garden, but before we got there on Day 5 of our trip to London in July, 2014, we went for an early morning walk from our hotel at The Trafalgar Hilton, situated right there in Trafalgar Square – so convenient! First we went across the road to Trafalgar Square to see the Blue Hen and the fountains – why not wake up to a hen in Central London? There’s nothing like it!
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery is a very impressive art museum, and it’s located bang in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
The National Gallery At Trafalgar Square
Look at this, you get Nelson’s Column, the lions, Big Ben and London Buses all in view! Oh, how I love London!
Trafalgar Square
Here I am in Trafalgar Square in front of the Blue Hen.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
-
Trafalgar Square
What a fabulous place to take a walk, but then again – it’s nice to be walking anywhere in London.
-
near Trafalgar Square
-
near Trafalgar Square
Right there at Trafalgar Square is a beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields. I’m not sure how it got this name as I don’t see any fields around – but I’m sure there’s a reason to the name. However, it is a beautiful church.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
So, now…..we have made it across the Square to this beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
This is not the main part of it, rather the pictures above show you what it looks like – I am including the one below because it is unusual to have such a structure – I do believe it’s the Crypt – and think it houses a cafe. Since it’s surrounded by such gorgeous architecture, I had to throw in this picture too.
The Crypt at St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I went inside this beautiful church. How I love to go into churches!
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I saw quite a bit of the service, and joined in singing some of the hymns. It reminded me of my childhood when we used to sing hymns at my school – as part of our assemblies – most mornings in northern England.
Anyway, I still have more pictures from Day 5, and guess what? The next day is the last day of London before we headed up north to where my family lives. Still, I have many more pictures to share. Until then.
luchanik 