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Picture Perfect Point Loma

Point Loma, San Diego

It’s picture perfect in Point Loma.

So come on down, and take your pics,

But hurry because this place is sure to get popular quick!

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

I don’t think Point Loma is that well known, but it should be.  It’s very close to downtown San Diego, just look at the views of the San Diego skyline in the picture above as seen from Point Loma.  It is about 5 minutes drive to the airport and to Sea World.    In fact, it is one of the first places I lived in when I moved to San Diego – I wish I still lived there!  I used to be able to walk to this beautiful marina area from the apartment where I lived – what could be more ideal than living within a few minutes walk of such tranquil beauty?  I should never have moved!  Needless to say, Chandi fell in love with Point Loma too!

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Do you know there is whale watching here?

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Then all that fresh air will sure to make you hungry.  Head over to Point Loma Seafoods for some of their spectacular fish & chips.  Just look at their menu.

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods

A lot of fishing must go on right here, so it’s the perfect place to get some seafood!  I for one don’t like shellfish, I can only eat regular fish.  However, Chandi just was fascinated with the displays.

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods

Their fish and chips were so good!

Fish & Chips at Point Loma Seafoods

Fish & Chips at Point Loma Seafoods

It’s actually the closest to British  & chips (except the chips really were fries and not chips (what we call chips in Britain are the thick chunks of potato – almost like steak fries).   Well, this was still the best fish & chips I’ve had in  the San Diego area – it sure was delicious!

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma, San Diego

Outdoor dining area of Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods, Point Loma

Point Loma Seafoods, Point Loma

Walking back to my car, I saw this house and just had to take a picture – it said Point Loma on it.

Point Loma, San Diego

Point Loma, San Diego

Well, I hope you think Point Loma is beautiful, it really is.  I think it’s a great place to stay if you are visiting San Diego as you’ll be only minutes away from the airport and San Diego, and close to the marina.

The Flower Fields Are Blooming Beautiful!

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are blooming beautiful!  Pardon my English, but I had to say it – the fields are beautiful!  Blooming with beauty.

I will not share too many pictures here, as you can see my other posts.  Remember, it’s not that bad in Carlsbad – in fact, it’s quite beautiful!

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

Here’s me and my little girl, Chandi.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

Today, was March 14th, but it was quite a hot day.  There weren’t the usual crowds, I think everyone knew there was a heat wave, and not too many people wanted to be out in the heat.  However, the heat doesn’t bother me, and Chandra is a good sport.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Windmill, which is now part of Friday’s Restaurant can be seen from the Flower Fields, it’s actually just across the street.  I think it goes very well with flowers, it’s kind of like Holland – flowers and windmills everywhere, so whoever designed Carlsbad knew what they were doing.

Near the Flower Fields, The Windmill, Carlsbad

Near the Flower Fields, The Windmill, Carlsbad

This little one is my Princess Of The Flower Fields, I think she definitely suits the title.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

Isn’t this cute?  This is situated close to the children’s playground at the Flower Fields.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

After all that walking around, guess who wants the Strawberry Lavender Milkshake she’s been waiting for a whole year?  Little Chandi!  She was so happy to finally get one.

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad - San Diego

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego

Well, to next time and I hope you have a blooming beautiful weekend!

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate in the Old City of Antalya, Turkey is not to be missed.  Here’s a link to read more information about this beautiful historical and magnificent gate: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/Antalya/sights/hadrian_gate.html  It is ever so impressive, and was built in the year 130 AD.  Antalya used to be a Roman city.  Here are pictures:

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

There is a little glass walkway that you have to walk over – I believe it is because they are preserving the stones.

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Here’s me in Antalya at Hadrian’s Gate

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Haidan's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Well, monuments are worth seeing, no matter where they are in the world, and this one is just as beautiful, just as significant and historical as any other worthwhile monument.  I hope Hadrian’s Gate stays intact for a really long time, if not for ever.  I highly recommend that you go visit Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya.

Out And About On The Way And In Old City, Antalya

My kind of holiday is not actually just a beach and swimming pool type of holiday (vacation).  I am more of a sight-seer.  I love seeing the sights, and being a tourist.  I can’t just sit by the pool all day.

I wanted to go and see something other than the grounds of the Delphin Imperial in Lara Beach, l actually wanted to see Antalya; see Turkey – not just swimming pools and the beach within metres of where we were staying.  That wasn’t adventurous enough for me.

Sadly, nobody else in my family (and there were at least 13 of us) wanted to see anything else of Turkey during this trip.  I asked the front desk at the Delphin Imperial about what there was to see in Antalya, and they told me they recommended that I see the Old City which is about 20 minutes away from the resort. Apparently, there were public buses that went from right outside the hotel and were really cheap – perhaps just about 2 Turkish lira.  Another option was getting a taxi.  A third option that I went for was taking the hotel’s private bus – used exclusively for it’s guests and this was a free bus.  Well, it didn’t take rocket science to figure out which option was the best.  After all, a public bus could be questionable, after all – what if I missed my stop?  Would anyone be able to help me, or understand me?  A taxi could also be problematic.  What if I got a questionable driver, who might take advantage of a woman traveling by herself?  I am a little worried about these things these days.  Once upon a time, when I was a lot younger, and before I had kids, I was ever so daring – I hitch-hiked around Australia – on my own, and then part of the time with a friend.  However, a private bus provided by the hotel – that was just for guests – seemed to be safe, and I couldn’t have made a better choice.  I had to reserve a seat, but it didn’t cost me anything.  My bus was going to leave at 9:20 am the next morning – I believe it was August 4th, 2014 and I should make sure that I got on the bus at least ten minutes early. When I told my family that I was going to travel by myself – they didn’t stop me – they know that I am a little stubborn, and will do what I want to do to some extent.

Next morning, I had my breakfast, and got on the bus.  It was adventure time!

Here are some pictures taken along the way.  By the way, the Old City is also known as Old Town too.

close by to Lara Beach, Antalya

close by to Lara Beach, Antalya

This picture shows the sister-property of the Delphin Imperial – the Delphin Diva.

close by to Lara Beach, Antalya

close by to Lara Beach, Antalya

Now, 20 minutes later, I have arrived. I love all the vibrant colors, and feel ever so happy and alive!  I feel freedom – I don’t know why.  This is what I love – wandering around, seeing things and taking pictures.

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Isn’t the scene below of the frogs incredible?

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

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Look at how old this building appears to be.

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

I just had to take pictures of McDonald’s, and no, I didn’t go in to order anything.

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

I love to see buildings like this – after all this is Turkey, and I enjoy looking at architecture.

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

I had no idea that Hadrian’s Gate was here in the Old City.  I know I’ve heard of it before – it’s definitely famous, and here it is in the city only 9 miles away from Delphin Imperial, and I almost didn’t see it – if I hadn’t been adventurous.  See what you can miss, if you don’t take the plunge and wander about?

Old City, Antalya

Old City, Antalya

In my next post, I will show you more of Hadrian’s Gate, and more of the Old City of Antalya.

Delphin Imperial Resort, Lara Beach – Antalya – A Picture Video

You know I like to show you pictures?  Guess, what instead of putting so many pictures on this post like I did in the last one – I put them in a video.  Also, there’s some video footage too.  So, come on…..take a look at my video, and don’t forget to like it.

Here’s a brief excerpt description – cut and pasted from my YouTube video – yes, I made this post super quick.

Turkey is so mystical. Enchanting. Intriguing. Have you ever thought of staying in a resort in Turkey? Well, if you are thinking about it, here’s one that deserves your consideration – The Delphin Imperial at Lara Beach, which is in the Antalya region. This video will show you a lot, you’ll even see someone doing a belly dance at one of the shows, you’ll see the pool(s) – there’s many pools, the buffet, the lobby, the beach, the rooms, and the view from the room where me and my family stayed. You’ll also see the coffee shop – did you know you can choose however much chocolate you want from there, and also any of the cakes or two or three! You can also get cappuccino, latte or espresso. Hopefully, you’ll get a good idea about the resort. Guess what it’s very clean – no mosquito problem either!

A World Class Resort At The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

When you are thinking of all-inclusive resort destinations – you may think of the Caribbean if you are from the USA, perhaps somewhere like Jamaica or the Bahamas, or perhaps even Aruba – but I bet you’ll never think of Turkey as a destination for vacation.  Why are we all so different when it comes to our ideas of vacations (or holidays as we like to call our time off in the UK and other parts of Europe)?  Turkey is such a popular place with the Brits, and with people from all around Europe, but I hardly saw one American there at the Delphin Imperial Resort, in Antalya, while there last summer.  Is it because we don’t think Turkey is a place capable of providing world-class resorts and relaxation?  Well, I have news for all of you in the USA – Turkey is a fabulous place to have your vacation at.  Americans will have to catch on sometime soon, and I might as well be the one to provide you with the information.

When we first got to the Delphin Imperial Resort, we were awestruck at how majestic it looked – like a palace!  Both inside and outside – it was fabulous to look at!

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

Upon entering, food and refreshments were already within arms reach of the entrance

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

That’s me above with some Turkish Delight, oh, how I loved it.  Also, you will see a picture of a sign that shows all the A La Carte Restaurants available.

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The next morning, I took pictures looking out from my hotel window – this is Turkey!  I’ve been before to Istanbul and Izmir while on a cruise, but have never been to Antalya before, and now I actually am staying overnight – in fact – seven nights!  The Delphin Imperial is part of a large group of hotels, which include the Delphin Palace, and the Delphin Diva.  They are all very close to one another, but I believe the Delphin Imperial might just be one of the best.

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

As you can see from the pictures above, the interior is akin to that of what you can imagine a palace to look like.  I included some pictures of the main restaurant, which is where we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner most of the time.  In fact, since it’s an all-inclusive, many times we had to skip lunch as we were so full from breakfast!  You wouldn’t believe this place, there was a coffee shop that had chocolates and pastries that you could order as much as you wanted to at no extra cost.  I can give you an example of some all-inclusives that aren’t all truly-inclusive like when you are on a cruise ship – such as their specialty shops or restaurants.  However, at the Delphin Imperial – it was all included, except for things from the gift shop, or services such as the hairdressers or beauty salon.  There were even smoothies, which is a big thing for kids – which kid doesn’t like smoothies?

There were also kebabs available by the pool at lunch-time that were so delicious,and pizza that you could have made to order.  You could have an entire pizza made and carry it to your seat by the pool.  Let’s just say, there was no shortage of food.  As far as drinks, you could order alcohol, including cocktails or cappuccino as well as Turkish coffee for no extra price too.

If you want a glimpse at the pools, here are some pictures:

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

Well, that’s it from Antalya at the moment.  I will share more pictures soon.  Don’t forget, if you are thinking of all-inclusive, consider the Delphin Imperial in Antalya.  It’s a world class resort.

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya, Turkey

The Delphin Imperial is too nice to put off any longer.  I can only show you a few pictures of this resort in this post though. Of course, I have many more to share and will probably do quite a few posts on my trip to Antalya, Turkey which is where the Delphin Imperial is located.  If you want an all-inclusive resort, and want to try something in this part of Europe, do give this resort a try.

Here’s a few pictures until next time, and all I can say is:

Ooh, the building!

IMG_6985

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Ooh, the outside, and the pools!

DSCN1767

Ooh, the lobby!

DSCN1703

DSCN1737

Ooh, the Turkish Delight!

DSCN1700

Ooh, the rooms!

ODSCN1637

Ooh, the desserts in the cafe!

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Ooh, the landscape!

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Did I tell you that this is a first class resort, that can cost you up to $4,600 for a family of four if you go in July or August, and sometimes even more.  Of course, if you go during off-peak times, it might be less expensive.  Well, until next time!

Sunsets At The Hotel Del

The sunsets at the Hotel Del, well…..they’re just swell!  What more can I say.  It’s just swell at the Hotel Del!

By the way, the Hotel Del in Coronado is just about a ten minute drive from downtown San Diego.  Did you know that Coronado is an island that is accessible by crossing the beautiful Coronado Bay Bridge?  Now you know that, you just have to make your way there.

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

So, I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del………and that’s just the sunsets!

It’s Swell At The Hotel Del!

Have I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del?

Well, it’s so swell it makes me want to yell.

I have to go there again and again

You won’t know what it’s like until you’ve been.

Oh, the Hotel Del……it’s so swell.

My attempt at a little poem again.  I hope you liked it.  Well, what do you think I like about the Hotel Del?  I like everything!  What is there not to like?  It’s kind of like my passion for London, I have to go back again and again.  Well, I think I have the same dilemma with the Hotel Del.  I am addicted.  It’s just what the doctor would order, and when I go there I feel completely revived, reenergized and rejuvenated, not to mention relaxed.

Try it and you’ll surely like it.  Well, first you need some pictures.

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

Hotel Del, Coronado

Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

This weekend, there was the added bonus of a fantastic sandcastle – just look at it!  What a piece of art – so many people were taking pictures of it.

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Del has everything.  Do you know it overlooks the ocean, and also has beautiful swimming pools too?

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

Hotel Del, Coronado

Hotel Del, Coronado

There are so many restaurants and shops at The Del, and so many places to sit outside and people watch just as in the picture above.  Did you know movies have been made here, and Presidents have stayed here as well as other celebrities.  Why would they not?  It’s swell at the Hotel Del.

The London Eye – Oh My!

The London Eye – Oh My!

The views

The beauty

The thrill

Oh My!

 

I’m not rhyming!

Oh, well!

Seriously, I really enjoyed the London Eye, and thinking back, I think it was one of the highlights of our recent London trip.  Here’s some more pictures of the view you will get of beautiful London from the inside of the London Eye.

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

 

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

View From The London Eye

View From The London Eye

View From The London Eye

View From The London Eye

These people seem to have one of the greatest spots in London, right next to the London Eye, overlooking the River Thames, with a view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.  Can life get any better?  I bet they even have a cup of tea!

IMG_6426

View From The London Eye

Here’s beautiful Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

The View From The London Eye

The View From The London Eye

Here’s me in the London Eye

The London Eye

Here’s me and my daughter – we were so lucky to be in the Eye during sunset!

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye

I can’t remember how I got this picture, I might have taken a picture of a picture – I think that’s my shadow you see on the top of the picture – I give credit to the London Eye for the original of this picture.

The London Eye

The London Eye

Okay, so now we just left the London Eye – here’s the immediate area outside of the Eye

IMG_6434

I believe that’s the same building that I took pictures from within the London Eye – now you can see it from street level

Near the London Eye

That same evening, this is a picture I took of the London Eye.

IMG_6494

I hope you enjoyed my pictures of the London Eye, and I hope you are all having a fantastic December so far.  Can you believe that these are still only pictures from Day 3 of my trip to London – I still have two more days to cover!  Anyway, I will cover those two days soon.  Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate, and Happy Holidays to all the rest of you!  Until next time!