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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

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

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

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

The lobby

The Lobby of the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, San Diego

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

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, CA

Kids love to play here

Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Outdoor Splash Area, and Kids Pool, 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

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

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

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad

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

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

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Me at the racetrack last year.

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

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

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

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 Plaza, Del Mar, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, 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!

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.

Click here to see the complete report.

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

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

Coronado, San Diego

I think the sunset looks pretty like this too

Coronado, San Diego

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

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

Coronado

My favorite sunset picture taken just over a year ago on Christmas Day (2011)

Coronado

Coronado

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

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

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

Coronado

This is on the way to the Hotel Del, just a few minutes walk away right now.

Coronado

Coronado

This picture was taken right in front of the Hotel Del

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado
Coronado
Coronado
Coronado

The clouds were even a little black today, we’ve had quite a bit of rain the past few weeks.

Coronado
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

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

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, 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?

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

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

Vegas can dazzle you.

Fashion Show Shopping Mall, Las Vegas

Fashion Show Shopping Mall, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Vegas can leave you amazed.

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Vegas even has the Grinch!

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

The Forum Shops, 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

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

Las Vegas Blvd - The Strip

Las Vegas Blvd – The Strip

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

Venetian, Las Vegas

Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

Vegas has incredible lights!

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

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

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

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.

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 – Balboa Park, San Diego

IMG_0408

December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park

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

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

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.

IMG_4794

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

Christmas Tree at San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells - San Diego

Jungle Bells – San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves - San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves – 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

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

San Diego Zoo

I really love her expression when she saw the orangutans.

Orangutans - San Diego Zoo

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.

IMG_0468

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.

IMG_2380

The Wonder of Christmas

My daughter Niki is very creative and made these holiday cookies

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

“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

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!

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://travel.usnews.com/Puerto_Vallarta_Mexico/Things_To_Do/The_Church_of_Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe_La_Iglesia_de_Nuestra_Senora_de_Guadalupe_14230/

http://www.homeandabroad.com/browse/details/sites.ha?mainInfoId=48153&rqs=vacationplanner

Thanks for visiting my post!

The Splendor of Cabo San Lucas

First some island music to get you into vacation spirit – this was my attempt at making a promo video!  Also, as you may be aware – my old website at http://www.bindicruises.com is not available anymore – this all had something to do with the discontinuation of Mobile Me, and my decision to not look for another website host.  Also, how many websites can one person maintain??!!

I will not write too much about the cruise itself as there are other posts that I have done on the Splendor, but this is all about Cabo San Lucas.  Now for some pictures:

We went into a gift shop, and this was the view from within the shop

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Another shot of the same scene but with a different camera (one was taken with the Iphone, and one with my regular camera – a Canon G10)

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This is my son in the gift shop

Gift Shop, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

We were entertained by various groups of people

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In case you are hungry, there’s plenty of options

Places to Eat – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Restaurants of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Did you see?  That “statue” moved!  It just might get you, here it is almost getting my daughter!

Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Now for a look at the marina area of Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Family picture time, me with my kids Luca, Chandi and Niki, who inspired me to name my business Luchanik named just after them – Lu-Cha-Nik

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I really like this picture taken near one of the hotels

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Must get in the palm trees of Cabo

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Now for a street scene

Downtown Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Restaurants of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Art of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Some useful information

Tourist Information, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

You may need to cool off and enjoy the sights

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Fancy a large cup of coffee?

Cafe Canelas, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Mexico definitely is colorful!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Carnival Splendor awaits us!

Carnival Splendor, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Leaving Cabo San Lucas…..this picture was taken from the ship

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

On a previous trip to Cabo San Lucas, I took these pictures

The Arch, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures I took of Cabo San Lucas.  This was the first port we stopped at, and the second port – Puerto Vallarta will be in my next post.  Thank you for visiting my blog.

Happy Diwali from San Diego

Happy Diwali from San Diego again!  This time the festivities took place just outside the Shri Mandir at the annual Diwali Mela on Black Mountain Road in Mira Mesa (about 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego).  The 2012 Diwali Mela in San Diego was held on Saturday, October 27th.

First, some pictures:

Rajasthan Dance at Shri Mandir, San Diego – Diwali Mela

Diwali Mela 2012 at Shri Mandir, San Diego

Incase you didn’t see my pictures of Diwali at Balboa Park in San Diego, here are three more:

5th Annual Diwali Celebration – Balboa Park, San Diego

Diwali 2012 – Balboa Park – San Diego

Organ Pavilion Diwali Celebration, Balboa Park, San Diego

Now for a video where I put a few clips together, but there are many dances that I did not capture  unfortunately.  I also had to cut out a lot from the dances because of background noise.   In this video, first you will see a Punjabi dance – Bhangra (one of my favorites – especially since my family is from the Punjab), then you will see a dance from Rajasthan, and then another few clips.  At the end of this video, you will see some little kids dancing to Kolaveri Di, which is a cute song that turned out to be very popular, and even my little Chandi sings to it whenever she hears it.

I really wanted to add some more pictures in this post of Indian sweets from a local place on Black Mountain Road, which is a great alternative to going all the way up to Artesia (about one hour and 15 minutes away from where I live). Perhaps, I will add some pictures later on – maybe even on November 13th – the actual day of Diwali.  Just fyi – Black Mountain Road is San Diego’s Little India, and Artesia is Los Angeles’ Little India.  I really do enjoy going up to Artesia, as there are more stores and Indian restaurants, but I am beginning to get used to our own Little India in San Diego, and love one or two of the places there, such as Ashoka The Great Restaurant, and Surati Farsan Mart (the place where I will get my Indian sweets from this year).

Here’s the video of the performances at Balboa Park in San Diego at the 5th Annual Diwali Celebration on October 21st.  Here you will see dances from the many regions of India including Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.  You will also see the Diwali Lights display towards the end of the video, and then a finale where everyone dances to Bhangra on the stage.

A new addition to this post – it is now November 12th, and I just got my sweets from Surati Farsan Fart, and here’s some pictures of the fantastic selections:

Surati Farsan Mart, Black Mountain Road, Mira Mesa, San Diego

I just had to get some jalebis, these are yummy and so sweet (actually they have a lot of syrup, and have a great crunch to them)!

Jalebis from Surati Farsan Mart, San Diego

These two boxes have mango burfi in one box (second selection from the top left in the picture from the display selection – see above)

Diwali Sweets, Surati Farsan Mart

The second box has laddoo in them which can be seen more clearly in the picture below.  Laddoo are the yellowish round balls in the first big box  on the top shelf (on the left).  These laddoo are absolutely delicious, and have raisins in them – they almost melt in your mouth!

Indian Sweets, Surati Farsan Mart

I hope you like the videos, and pictures, and I hope you will celebrate in some way on November 13th – even if you light just one or two candles.  Happy Diwali!