Venetian Magic
Venetian Magic, Venetian splendor! Oh, how I love the Venetian grandeur. This hotel/resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, is my absolute favorite out of all of them there. I have stayed at the Venetian many years ago, and absolutely loved it! I wish I could always stay there when ever I visit Las Vegas. Even when I stay elsewhere, I make it a point to go visit the Venetian. If you can’t go to Venice, at least go to the Venetian – it’s a bit of the real thing. Here are some pictures:
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
My kids outside the Venetian, last Christmas
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
Isn’t this place pretty? Isn’t it magical? Wish I could have a permanent suite there! These were all pictures taken outside of the Venetian, next time I will show you some pictures taken inside.
Dreaming of London
Oh, I’m homesick for England, and I’m dreaming of London
So, I’ll look at these pictures, and imagine myself there
Oh, I’m dreaming of London
And wanting to move there
A New Year makes me ponder
Ponder of yonder, and whether I should just dream
Or make that dream a goal, and put it into action.
I think you can read between these lines, that my heart aches for London
And I may have to act upon it real soon. Hope to see you soon, London!
Real question is…..do I go back after so long away? Will it be the right step, the right move, or will I regret it? It’s not easy to move when you have kids to think of. When I moved here a long time ago, it was just me, and so much easier then. This will be the question of the year for me, shall I do it? Time will tell!
Balboa Park As Seen From San Diego Zoo
I went to the San Diego Zoo in December, and saw the beautiful Museum Of Man from the Sky Ride. You may have seen some of the pictures I have posted before of this particular amazing building, but I haven’t posted pictures taken at the Zoo of it. So here you are…..
You may wonder what the Sky Ride is, it’s a wonderful lift with seats for about 4 people that will take you from one part of the Zoo to another, and you go up, up, up in the air! Best of all, it’s a free ride with you annual pass, otherwise I think you have to purchase tickets. We love the Sky Ride!
The Sky Ride At The San Diego Zoo
Pictures may be taken near or afar, but San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park are two treasures that you have to see up close. Did I tell you we love the Sky Ride? Well, we also love the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park!
Magical Bathroom at Sloan’s Ice Cream in San Diego
Did you know there’s a place with a magical bathroom? You may have to come all the way to San Diego to visit it though! Just kidding! I think there’s more of these – at least there are in Florida.
The place is called Sloan’s Luxury Ice Cream, and the ice cream is delicious! I’ve switched my tastes lately to frozen yogurt, and resist ice-cream, but who can resist the decor, it beckons you, tantalizes your every bit of sense, and plunges you into temptation – the temptation to indulge in ice-cream or fudge. Of course, there is candy, and I believe all kinds of toffee apples covered with scrumptious coatings of the most exquisite imaginings, such as white chocolate, caramel, and…..well you get it! Then there are toys that entice the kids.
But, then…….there is the magic bathroom. Just be careful that you lock the door, or else everyone will be able to see you while you are in there. See my video below. I actually made this video several months ago in August, before my oldest went off to college in September, but didn’t get to upload it until yesterday. When my kids saw there was a bathroom which was visible from a part of the store where all the stuffed animals are, they were curious because you could see into the bathroom, so off they went to explore. I could not get my son to be part of the video, but he enjoys Sloan’s just as much as all of us.
We went just again this Friday to celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday. Did I tell you it’s a great place for a celebration?
Here’s my video
Sloan’s Luxury And Magical Bathroom
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
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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
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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
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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!
Paradise At Meditation Gardens in Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Paradise can be found at the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, which is just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. When life is stressing you out, take a break, close your eyes and meditate. Then open them and take in the wonders – the giant fish, the fountains, the palm trees, the foliage and beautiful flowers. Breathe deeply and inhale the fragrance of the freshest flowers. Look beyond and see the ocean. Feeling better? You should end up with a smile on your face! So, go ahead and try to find your Paradise to put the smile back where it belongs.
Diwali at Balboa Park, 2014
I love Diwali, the Indian Festival Of Lights that is celebrated by Indians all over the world. Diwali has its roots in the story of Rama and Sita, and while I won’t go into the historical aspect – let’s just say that Diwali shows us how good triumphs over evil. We celebrate this wonderful time with family, friends, good food, music and often entertainment. While Diwali is on October 23rd this year, we celebrated it in Balboa Park on October 18th. Here are some pictures taken at the Organ Pavilion – the site of the 7th Annual Diwali Celebration in Balboa Park.
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
Now pictures of the performances: this was the group from Tamil Nadu
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
This was the group from Rajasthan and I am proud to say that my daughter is a member of this dance group, and this group dances fabulously!
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
This is the group from the Punjab – I have to say that I love Punjabi music and dance, and this group is fabulous too!
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
This is my daughter right before the show.
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
This is a picture of her group performing in a different show
Rajasthan Dance Performance in San Diego
Well, the Organ Pavilion surely looks colorful!
Balboa Park, Diwali Celebration – 2014
Oh, by the way, I uploaded a video to YouTube of the Rajasthani Dance, you can see the link below (first video). I have now uploaded another video of the Punjabi Dance (second video). Want to know something? My camcorder’s battery died and I had been so busy earlier in the day rushing around that I forgot to charge it. I had to use my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to make the video – I hope you like it!
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this de-light-ful holiday. May the lights shine brightly on you and may you be blessed with a fabulous year full of happiness, peace and prosperity.
luchanik 