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.
Little Italy, San Diego
Okay, so I have to give you a break from my posts on London, but just a tiny break mind you! Today, me and my kids went to Little Italy in San Diego. It was time to be a tourist in our own city! I love seeing San Diego, and I love Italy, so naturally Little Italy is also a place I love.
Little Italy, San Diego
As you can see, there’s going to be a big “Festa” or festival in Little Italy tomorrow. It’s going to be fun. I have been to one of these before, and would love to go tomorrow. However, with work, kids and just a two day weekend, I can’t make it tomorrow. However, I did get quite a flavor of Little Italy today. We were celebrating today and what better place to celebrate than Filippi’s Pizza Grotto on India Street? Here’s some spumoni ice-cream, tiramisu and a cappuccino – yummy!
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
We also had pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna, but I don’t have any good pictures to share of that – let’s say we devoured it before I thought about taking some pictures!
There was another room we could have sat in that is a little darker, and doesn’t have the windows and light that our room had, however, it has a very nice ambiance.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
As I said, our room had windows and more light
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
We really enjoyed our little trip to Filippi’s. I have been here once before a long time ago, and it was certainly time for another visit. We really liked the pizza a lot, and the spaghetti. Let’s say it reminded us of another place in Encinitas – Giovanni’s. The lasagna was okay, but could have been a bit better. The spumoni was good, but I have had better tiramisu.
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
We went on a little walk after all that food, and saw some artists preparing their street art for tomorrow – they did this with chalk, and it is so beautiful!
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Want a bit of vino, and some formaggio? Here’s a chalk art creation in 3D and you can pose in front of it, as Chandi did.
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Of course, I have to get a picture of a British pub!
Little Italy, San Diego
Cafe Zucchero is one of my favorite’s and I have been here on numerous occasions. My favorite is their cannoli, gelato and cassata – an out-of-this world Sicilian cake. I really wanted to go there tonight after Filippi’s, but then we decided to just have dessert there.
Little Italy, San Diego
And now, for a spectacular sunset. Ciao, Little Italy until next time!
Little Italy, San Diego
A little bit of Italy, or a lot of Italy
When I need a little bit of Italy – I go to Little Italy in San Diego.
Little Italy, San Diego
and when I need a bit more of Italy, then it’s off to Las Vegas, where I can get a little more of Italy at the Venetian
The Venetian, Las Vegas
and when I need a lot of Italy, I have to go to the real place – the one and only Italy!
Venice, Italy
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Bang Bang with Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif – A Must See
Yesterday, I had a glimpse of London again in a Bollywood movie starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif called “Bang Bang”. I loved the movie, what’s not to like when it has Hrithik in it, and London, and music and dancing!
Tower Of London
So, you might wonder why I included a picture of the Tower of London? Well, that’s what the plot revolves around – around the Kohinoor diamond – actually that was supposedly taken from the Tower of London. I won’t give out too much more information, and just want to add that the Kohinoor Diamond is really stored in the Tower of London in real life too, it’s not just fiction. It was taken from India by the British.
Going back to the movie, if I had to tell you something that I didn’t like – it was the violence, and especially the guns as I detest guns – they are evil and not necessary. However, even that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the movie. Also, you have to remember that Bollywood movies often have quite a bit of violence in them (just as Hollywood movies do). The singing and dancing are what I like the best though! Also, it helps that Hrithik is actually one of my favorite actors – he was brilliant in this movie. I think Katrina was really good too.
If you are wondering whether you should see the movie, I would say GO SEE IT – I highly recommend it.
You really ought to listen to the soundtrack or watch it on YouTube, and I will include it here. When I listen to it, I can’t get the tune out of my head for ages!
Also, if you are wondering where you can see this movie in the San Diego area, you can see it at Digiplex Poway on 13475 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064, or AMC Fashion Valley at 7037 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108, or at UA Horton Plaza 8, 475 Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. You may know I love Horton Plaza, however, I saw the movie in Poway.
Horton Plaza
Well, now I think I tied in San Diego, London, India and Bollywood movies all together – to make one huge connection. We could say the Kohinoor Diamond travelled, and now Bollywood movies are thankfully available just about everywhere.
July 4th Fireworks At Seaport Village, San Diego
I hope you got a chance to see the fireworks tonight. If not here you are – this is what they looked like from Seaport Village in San Diego – spectacular!
Seaport Village July 4th fireworks
Seaport Village July 4th Fireworks
The Fab Fair, The Fab Four and A Fabulous Time at the San Diego Fair
I just went to the San Diego County Fair dubbed the “Fab Fair” this year, and now I really know why it’s called the Fab Fair, not just because it’s fabulous, but because it is a tribute in many ways to the “Fab Four” – the Beatles, that iconic group from Liverpool, England.
The first glaring association very artistically done was at the entrance to a hall full of Beatlemania.
The Fab Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego
Then when you entered this hall, you were met with pictures of the Beatles, facts about the Beatles, records and albums of theirs on the walls, and so much more. It was like entering a Beatles museum! I enjoyed the experience immensely.
The Beatles at The Fab Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego
The Beatles at the zebra crossing on Abbey Road, London
I think I really enjoyed it because England was brought to me, and the Beatles – one of the best groups ever from the country where I was born, was being celebrated in San Diego. This made me proud!
Anyway, more of the Fab Fair now.
We saw animals, cows, pigs, sheep and more
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
and some unusual looking hamsters
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
There was a turkey stampede; this year I missed the swine race, but I think I might have written about it previously or at least showed a picture or two
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
Our mouth watered at the sight of all the food and the smells of it too
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego – 2014
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego – 2014
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
Some things I did not even want to try such as Frogs Legs!
Then of course, it was time for the kids to have their fun and they wanted rides!
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego
The Fair Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
The Fair Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
The Fair Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
Incase you are wondering about the cost of the tickets, here is a picture that shows you the information. Don’t forget there are certain days that you can pay $30 for a wristband and ride all day.
The Fair Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
More Beatlemania to show you just how much it’s not just the Fab Fair, but about the Fab Four
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego – 2014
Don’t forget to look at the beautiful landscaping displays, this year – there was more art tied into the theme
The Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Lastly, don’t miss out on the wonderful free entertainment (well included with your paid admission)
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Fab Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego
Here’s a link to more information
Bye Fab Fair, until I see you again next year! Don’t forget everyone, the fair is on until July 6th this year!
7 Picks from San Diego
Well, June is nearly over, and I’ve had a hectic month. I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Let the summer fun begin, and what better than to bring you some of my personal picks (and pics) of San Diego:
1) Balboa Park – this place is full of spectacular and breathtaking sights – just look – this photographer really wants to take a picture of the Botanical Building, but he really should be taking it of the bride
Balboa Park – Botanical Building
Well, it wasn’t fair to her that she wasn’t in the picture, so I took one myself!
Balboa Park – Botanical Building
2) San Diego Zoo – world famous and definitely worth your time and money!
San Diego Zoo
My little girl has been going here since she was ever so little and the orangutans did not frighten her away!
The San Diego Zoo
3) The Hotel Del – it’s ever so swell!
The Hotel Del, Coronado
From any angle, east to west, north to south – it’s perfect!
The Hotel Del, Coronado
4) Horton Plaza – most beautiful and the best shopping mall ever!
Horton Plaza
5) SeaPort Village – a great tourist attraction – don’t miss it!
SeaPort Village
6) La Jolla Cove – ever so scenic and serene!
La Jolla Cove
Even the birds love it!
La Jolla
7) Carlsbad – The Flower Fields and Legoland
Well, you can’t always visit The Flower Fields, just in March and April of each year, but me and Chandi absolutely love to go there, in fact she insists!
The Flower Fields
Taj Mahal in Legoland
Legoland, CA
Well, these 7 picks were quick, but don’t be quick when visiting them, take your time and allow at least a day for each one, be sure to remember I gave you that bit of advice!
Swami’s Beach in Encinitas
Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, is a beach you should visit.
Let’s do the 5 w’s:
What? A beautiful beach situated in a
seaside town.
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Where? Swami’s is on Coast Hwy. 101 in Encinitas, just 25 minutes or so north of downtown San Diego – about an 8 minute walk from the Lumberyard which has an array of pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants at the intersection of Coast Hwy. 101 and K Street
The Lumberyard, Encinitas
Why? Why would you not want to? You can see beautiful spiritual places such as the buildings and amazing grounds of the Self Realization Fellowship
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
When? Go there anytime you want fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Who? Encinitas is for everyone, but truth be told…..I think surfers like it a lot.
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
What makes me think that? Well, take a look at these pictures – there’s memorials to surfers.
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
(Okay, this one is upside down and since I’m posting from my phone again, I’ll have to correct it later).
Chandi likes to think she’s surfing!
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Lastly, there’s stairs down to the beach
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
There’s even a road crossing sign that says Swami’s Pedestrian Xing
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
If you see this house with the beautiful garden, you’ll be close by
close to Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Last look at Swami’s
Swami’s Beach, Encinitas
Don’t forget to visit Swami’s!
Paradise at Del Mar
Have you ever envisioned paradise? How would it look?
Swinging overlooking the ocean?
Children’s Playground in Del Mar
Seeing the ocean through tropical landscaping?
Seagrove Park, Del Mar Beach
Seeing two trees growing side by side in Paradise?
Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar
Seeing beautiful sights to behold
Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar
Seeing beautiful sights again and again
Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar
Seeing a playground for your kids to play in while you bask in paradise
Children’s Playground, Del Mar Beach
Somewhere to chat with your friends while your kids played close by?
Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
Seeing ocean water that is nice and blue, and waves that call out for surfers to ride on them
Del Mar Beach
Seeing a place where people want to picnic, that becomes so colorful that you can’t help but gaze at the scene in front of you
Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
Seeing trains come by where people stop to stare and wave as the trains go by
Train track at Del Mar
Seeing the scenic Coast Highway 101 and pass such beautiful places like Del Mar on their journey through California
Coast Highway, Del Mar
Seeing a place that looks so tropical and colorful, surely it must be Paradise?
Tropical Del Mar
Last picture, then you have to see it for yourself!
Seagrove Park, Del Mar
I hope you got a taste of Paradise! Paradise is in Del Mar.
luchanik 