Sand Sculpting Challenge Exhibition in San Diego
What a lovely day! Especially, when you get a day off on Labor Day! Then, why not enjoy San Diego – after all, it’s spectacular! So, we went to downtown San Diego, where it sure is lovely, and saw that they had a Sand Sculpting Exhibition. What a fabulous exhibition, and all the artists are so very talented! Amazing work!
This first picture is my favorite, so appropriate as it sure is a Rat Race, and I’m sure happy that the worker is honored this Labor Day – as I got the day off! I appreciate it.
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge – Rat Race – We Honor The Worker This Labor Day
Here are more, I won’t describe each one
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
Bruce Jenner – U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
I hope you had a fantastic Labor Day, and Happy September!
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!
We Must Celebrate Indian Independence Day & We Did Celebrate!
We must celebrate Indian Independence Day, especially if we value freedom. To be given back a country like India that is as rich in diversity, culture and heritage – what’s not to celebrate? This year was the 69th Anniversary of Indian Independence. It has been 69 years since the British gave back India to the Indians. That is reason to celebrate. So celebrate we did! First, I took the day off from work on Friday, August 14th. If a country won’t give us our own holiday (I guess we can’t expect it here in the USA), we must give ourselves the holiday.
So, we drove up to the Disneyland area and were supposed to go to Knotts Soak City today, but the kids said we had arrived too late as our arrival time was about 1:15 pm, and they would only have about less than five hours at the Water Park, they wanted the entire day from 10 am until 6pm, so we decided to just go to Artesia and have lunch somewhere. We really like Ashoka The Great, and have been here before many times, so this is where we ate lunch.
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Ashoka The Great Restaurant in Artesia
Ashoka The Great in Artesia
Ashoka The Great in Artesia
These are my three kids enjoying the buffet at Ashoka The Great
Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia
This is me and my three kids
Ashoka The Great in Artesia
My little girl Chandi loves fruit, and Ashoka has a great selection of fruit for her right after she eats enough of the other lunch items. I love Khadi Pakora, it’s my favorite curry (the yellow one below) and I love Saag (spinach – right behind the Khadi Pakora).
Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia
Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia
Ashoka The Great Restaurant, Artesia
Then we walked around a bit, and went to a few different stores. I bought some bangles for Chandi and Niki, and decided it was time for a visit to one of my favorite Sweets & Snacks restaurants – Ambala Sweets & Snacks! The kids had just enough space for banana milkshakes, and I had space for a cup of tea, and one of the sweets from the assortment that I bought – see the picture of sweets in the box below. The rest of the sweets I could eat at the hotel or back in San Diego (if there was any left).
Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Ambala Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Then we headed to the car which was parked in the parking lot of Bombay Sweets & Snacks. I had to go inside, and get another cup of tea. I sometimes just love the atmosphere of different restaurants, and when they have TV screens that play Indian movies or music videos, I just love relaxing there with a cup of chai. Chandi just hung out with me while my other two sat in the car, even though it was an extremely hot day – they were fed up of me and my cups of teas. I love the food at Bombay Sweets & Snacks too, but how much can you eat after a buffet? I sometimes stay full all day after a buffet.
Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Bombay Sweets & Snacks, Artesia
Our stomachs were full, and we got to the Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim at around 8 pm. What a lovely hotel, and the service was very nice.
Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim
Next morning, I had coffee in my room, and then enjoyed another cup in the lobby, before we headed out to Knotts Soak City.
Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim
In my next post, I will continue writing about our celebration of the Indian Independence Day. We started celebrating one day early, and celebrated all day Saturday, and then Sunday too!
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.
It’s Been One Year Since I Visited London!
Oh, it’s been one year since I visited London, and I miss it already! I have a video to share with you, something really short. Perhaps you will be able to see that the Underground gets packed, and the stops are very brief. Keep in mind that exiting passengers should be allowed to get off first, before new passengers board. Always remember to Mind The Gap!
I think we must have been on our way to see my favorite Bridge – Tower Bridge. I have to include at least one picture – so here it is.
Tower Bridge, London
I really wish I was in London. Sad, sad, sad!
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.
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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
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Covent Garden, London
You will want to go see the architecture outside – it’s quite amazing!
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Covent Garden, London
I just noticed the London Transport Museum – from looking at my pictures! Must go here next time!
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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.
The View From The Trafalgar Hilton in London
The view from the Trafalgar Hilton in London is ever so fantastic! In fact, you might say it’s exceptional! I think I should have taken more pictures of the view from the Trafalgar Hilton when I was in London last year. This hotel is so central, and just across the road from Trafalgar Square – you can’t get better than that! In addition, it is walking distance to Green Park, St. James’ Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Victoria, and so much more! I highly recommend staying at the Trafalgar Hilton.
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View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
View From Trafalgar Hilton
Memorable London. Fitzroy Square Reminds Me Of The London Shown In The Oliver Twist Movie
I have many memories of London, but it all began when I arrived here age 18 (many years ago now) not knowing where I would stay. I actually arrived at Victoria Station, with one big suitcase, and asked the taxi driver to take me somewhere that is affordable, and he drove me to a bed and breakfast on Fitzroy Street.
Victoria Station, London
On my recent trip last July, I had to go seek it out. When I first arrived here at age 18, all alone – I was somehow mesmerized by this area.
Fitzroy Street, near Warren Street tube, London
On first glance when you look at the picture above, you may think this is not a really spectacular street, but look what is around the corner! Such beauty, such historical elegance and exquisite architecture! Such a magnificent sight of the most wonderful homes – oh, how I wish I could live in one of them right there
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Do you see how many famous people have lived here in these homes (look at some of my pictures below and you will see that Prime Ministers have lived here, so have writers, artists and architects.
Fitzroy Square area, London
I’m certainly not famous, but I can say I lived in one of the homes – well, it’s actually a bed and breakfast – for about 3 weeks! This place gave me such fond memories of London, that a few years later, I stayed here again, but this time sadly, I remember it for other reasons. I was staying on the very top floor, about two or three flights of stairs up. I opened the window, and unfortunately, it dropped down onto my finger that had a ring on it, and squashed my finger somewhat – the window also squashed my ring! I had to scream until some passers by heard my screams and alerted the hotel staff who finally came to my rescue, as I could not get the window back up or off my finger. I was in such pain, and had to then go to the hospital, where they cut my ring off in order to save my finger. What a horror story! But, true! You have to be really careful of windows I’ve learnt – please take note of this also, as some of London’s hotels are quite old, and you don’t want the same thing happening to you.
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41 Fitzroy St Hotel – bed and breakfast
Still, I have good memories of my first visit there at 41 Fitzroy St Hotel, and nothing can take that away. That is when I first fell in love with London. I was a stranger to this place and showed up without knowing where I would stay or what I would do. I remember thinking this area in particular reminded me of the Oliver Twist movie in the good part of the movie, (I say the good part of the movie, as I categorize it into two parts – the good part is when Oliver was happy and well looked after, and the bad part is when he was taught to pickpocket to line the pockets of Bill Sikes, and Fagin). In the good part of the movie, where he lived with the kind elderly gentleman in London, Oliver would look out of his bedroom window onto the streets below, and he saw Nancy in one of the songs (the movie is a musical, and the song I refer to is “Who Will Buy These Wonderful Roses” and Nancy is Bill Sikes’ girlfriend). I remember the London I saw in the movie, looks just like the London I know in the Fitzroy Square/Fitzroy Street area.
The hotel is not at all fancy, it is simple, but very central – in a great location! Who would not want to be in an Oliver Twist like setting?!! This is a bed and breakfast, and I’m sure they have fixed up the windows since that time. I remember they served a wonderful hot English breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, sausage, toast and jam, as well as coffee and tea. Needless to say, I went in to the hotel on my visit to London last year, and took a few pictures. After all, this place is part of my history! This hotel used to be only something like £30 or £40 (pounds) per night for a single room, now I’m sure it’s more like £80 per night, and you may have to share a bathroom. I believe I shared a bathroom back when I first stayed there, probably even during my second visit.
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
41 Fitzroy Street Bed and Breakfast, near Warren St tube
It is quite notable to see that High Commissions, and Embassies also are in this very same area. If the signs weren’t on the buildings in such a visible way, you would never imagine that it could be a High Commission or an Embassy.
Fitzroy Square area, London
This is Telecom Tower, as you head towards Tottenham Court Road tube station, which is also only a few minutes walk away.
Fitzroy Square area, London
The picture below reminds me of the scene from the song where Oliver looks out from his balcony. It probably was not this very street, but to me – this is what I remember or imagine it to be. I must watch the movie again – what a fantastic movie it was, and so memorable – just like London is to me. “Please sir, can I have some more porridge?” Then we all know what happened to Oliver, and how he was thrown out of the orphanage just for asking for more food!
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf both lived here.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Robert Adam, the architect, lived here.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Of course, i had to take a picture of the Indian YMCA – also very close to Fitzroy Street, and I remember this being here years ago too.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Just in case you are curious, “To Let” means to rent, and I’m sure you know that a flat is an apartment.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
This is also nearby, but it is Bedford Square, just as pretty, but not quite as spectacular as Fitzroy Square. Bedford Square is shown in the next four pictures.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Fitzroy Square area, London
Back to Fitzroy Square again.
Fitzroy Square area, London
Well, hopefully, you got a feel for one of my favorite areas of London – the Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square area – near the Warren Street tube station. It is also walking distance to Tottenham Court Road tube station. I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane, plus the pictures that show the surrounding area. Also, did you get to see the clip from the Oliver Twist movie – to compare it to my pictures, click here – so what you do think? Is it the same place? Here’s to good memories of where ever your travels take you to. Happy summer!
luchanik 