Social Media and My New Pinterest
I just had to add a new interest, or should I say Pinterest? Pardon the pun………if my kids knew that I just said that, they would get mad at me. I am always having fun with word play, much to their consternation. Well, to go back to Pinterest – I don’t know what took me so long to get into it. All, I can say is it’s a lot of fun. All the pictures don’t have to be your own, you can like other people’s pictures and pin them on your board, and others will hopefully like what you pin, and re-pin. It’s a bit like retweeting on Twitter, and you can like pins too – now you’ll be reminded of Facebook. You can also pin videos, so hence YouTube can be brought in……now you have all your social media played out just in Pinterest.
I like to divide up my travel or my interests (such as on empowerment, or the British Royal Family, especially Princess Diana) into boards, it’s a little like having photo albums all sorted out, and not lumped together. I have one album, more appropriately called “board” on Pinterest for London, one for Izmir, one for Istanbul, one for Italy, one for San Diego, and one that I named Travel Repins when I didn’t really know what I was doing, and still don’t quite know what to call it. This board is where I just put pictures that I like taken by other people into one big collection, and this one isn’t at all organized – it has pictures from all over the world in it.
I still have to do more on Pinterest, I can’t just leave only mostly my pictures on my boards for instance – like the ones on Izmir or Istanbul. My board on London has many pictures from others who have taken pictures of that amazing city. Just like with all social media, it’s about sharing. After all, there are so many other pictures to discover out there in the world, we have to go beyond ourselves, and share the work of others.
I have to find more time, and have been lacking time lately…..life has caught up with me. Now just living day to day leaves hardly any spare moments to even dabble in social media, unfortunately. However, my emails from Pinterest even when I’m not active myself, have shown me what people are interested in, and I’ve noted with much curiousity, that people are really into London, and why not? London is one of the best cities in the world, if not the very best. However, I would like to add some interest for San Diego, especially since I now live here. So, I will work on my board on San Diego, and on some of the other boards, where I might only have my pictures.
Lastly, you know I like to have pictures in my posts…..so here are three pictures taken by me in three of my favorite cities and of course on Pinterest.
First, one of my favorite destinations….beautiful Venice in tantalizing Italy.
Venice, Italy
Then, lovely London in enchanting England.
Tower Bridge, London
Lastly, Paradise on Earth in Coronado, San Diego, in sunny California, USA.
Coronado, San Diego
I think you ought to give Pinterest a try, you just might find it Pinteresting!
Follow me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/luchanik/
Very Picturesque Venice
I didn’t know what to call my post on Venice, so just came up with “Very Picturesque Venice” – I guess that will work. I have been to Venice at least three times now, and it is a very beautiful place. I love Venice, in fact I love Italy! Here are some pictures.
Gondola – Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Got to have myself photographed in Venice!
Venice, Italy
Just a street scene in Venice
Venice, Italy
There are so many bridges in Venice, and of course so much water – it wouldn’t be Venice without either one of these.
Venice, Italy
Don’t come back from Venice without one of these Venetian masks – they are so beautiful!
Venetian Masks, Venice, Italy
Some more pictures:
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
St. Marks Square, Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
I guess you can say I couldn’t help myself….I just could not stop taking photos in Venice, and have so many more. However, if I share any more now, I think that would be an overload. I hope you enjoyed seeing my pictures of beautiful Venice.
San Diego Sunset Picture (Of Coronado) Will Be In Get Away San Diego’s Next Issue
This is a first for me – to have my picture be selected in a contest – I am so excited! Granted, mine was not the best picture, but my picture made it as one of the top ten!
Coronado, San Diego
I entered a competition that Get Away San Diego posted on their Facebook page, just out of curiousity. My picture shown above of the sunset near the Hotel Del in Coronado is the reason I just had to write today! My photo will be published in the next edition of Get Away San Diego . I don’t think my picture is as good as the other nine that made it into the top ten, but all ten will be shown in the next issue. However, since this is the first time for me that I have won such a contest, I am ecstatic! If it’s good enough to be chosen, it’s good enough to be happy about.
If you want to see the other pictures in Get Away San Diego’s Album, you can take a look right here Get Away San Diego’s Photo Contest Winners.
My whole family loves the Hotel Del, and Coronado. Here is my little Chandi on the beach at Hotel Del.
Hotel Del – Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
So for anyone who wants to wine a bit, I have a picture for you – it’s also taken in Coronado.
Wine Styles, Coronado
And for all those who would love to see what’s so great about the Hotel Del, here’s some more pictures.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here “Some Like It Hot”, and this tree is famous partly because of that movie, and Marilyn Monroe.
Hotel Del, Coronado
People love to visit the Hotel Del, and many weddings and parties take place here.
Hotel Del, Coronado
The grounds of this hotel are absolutely stunning! Do you know you can spend an entire day here, and not be bored? There’s the beach, restaurants galore, tennis, a swimming pool and of course shops, and the hotel lobby to look at.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del’s Lobby Chandelier, Coronado
Of course, my little Princess belongs here, that’s why I like to bring her time and time again!
Hotel Del, Coronado
Don’t forget that Coronado is just a 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego, or just a boat ride across – here are some useful tips on how to get around.
I may have said this before, but the Hotel Del is swell! I am so glad that one of my pictures is going to be published, and I’m glad that it was taken in beautiful Coronado.
On another note:
Lately, I have also been toying with another idea….to enter one of my videos into a competition or to make a new one – perhaps of San Diego. I decided to not enter the competition or attempt making a new video for it, because I can’t go away for 6 months and leave my kids, neither can I take them with me (two of them can’t take six months away from school, and it wouldn’t be fair to take just the youngest one) – so this kind of competition is not meant for me. Want to know which competition I am referring to? It’s this one: http://www.mydestination.com/bbb/competition#faq1 and if you want to know who has my full support in this particular competition, it’s Lesley Carter from Bucket List Publications: http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/if-you-could-make-someones-bucket-list-dreams-a-reality-would-you/
The Magic of MSC Musica
Our cruise on the MSC Musica was magical. Perhaps it was because we traveled in a big group. I will always remember that cruise. Here are more pictures of the MSC Musica. Let’s just say this cruise line is definitely worth your consideration.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
In the evening, there’s spectacular entertainment, here are the performers after one show
MSC Musica
Did you know MSC Cruise Lines have cruises out of Florida now? One of their new ships is the MSC Divina and the reason I am mentioning this is that I have a picture shown below with that very name on it. I don’t know why I took it at the time (during the MSC Musica cruise, and I believe in Turkey) – perhaps because it has a little resemblance to my own name? Anyway, here’s the picture.
Here’s me on the MSC Musica
Davinder on the MSC Musica
Here’s my son (looking out to the swimming pool) and daughter all dressed up for an Indian function on the ship – we were part of a big Indian group on the cruise – we enjoyed Bollywood, Bhangra and more – danced to it, and ate Indian food.
MSC Musica
Here’s a picture taken of one of their lounges.
MSC Musica
Of course MSC Cruise Lines also depart from many other places throughout the world, including Europe, where we took our cruise from lovely Venice, Italy. I think my next post might have to be on Venice. I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Just Some More Turkish Delight
Our visit to Istanbul during the MSC Cruise (on the MSC Musica) was packed with shopping, and savoring Turkish flavors – whether it was Turkish coffee or kebabs. Turkey is delightful, and so colorful.
Istanbul, Turkey
The first few pictures (below) were actually taken in Izmir, I could only tell since I looked back at my pictures, and saw some pictures of the cruise in the evening. I will include those here, so that you can see the sequence of events. The cruise stopped in Izmir first, and then we had our evening onboard, and the next day we got off at Istanbul.
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey
Here are a few pictures taken back on the cruise ship that night.
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
Now let’s venture into Istanbul, and to the Grand Bazaar! Many people come to the bazaars of Turkey to get great bargains – you can find tea-sets, glassware, ornaments, clothes, handbags, and many other items. These bazaars also tantalize you with their aromas and Turkish treats. Don’t forget to try the Turkish coffee!
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Time for some Turkish Coffee at Red Cafe
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
We left the Grand Bazaar, and ventured into the streets…..I must have asked this man if I could have a picture taken with him.
Istanbul, Turkey
I think this is also called the Blue Mosque, but this is of course in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here’s the Mosque from a different angle
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Here are the last pictures of Istanbul:
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Well, I hope you think Turkey is as delightful as I do. I have only showed you some pictures of Izmir, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and some of the surrounding streets. I’m sure Turkey has many other hidden delights.
Just A Little Bit Of Turkish Delight
Turkey delighted me when I visited that mysterious country in 2006. We were on a cruise with MSC Musica from Venice, Italy, and visited several ports in Europe. One of our stops was in Izmir and another one in Istanbul. I had to get out of our taxi which we took from the cruise port to the Mosque to actually venture closer and even go in the Mosque. Nobody else in the car wanted to go into the Mosque, but I could not let such beauty and magnificence pass me by.
Here are some pictures of the Blue Mosque in Izmir, Turkey:
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey – near the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
This was taken inside the Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Last look at the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, Izmir, Turkey
Then it was time to get back to the MSC Musica
MSC Musica
Turkey is an incredibly beautiful country that I have to explore much more on a future visit. The amount of time that you get while on a cruise port of visit is not adequate enough when visiting a land that is full of cultural mystique and glory as Turkey is. My next post will include more pictures taken in Istanbul.
A Room With A View
A room with a view is the desire of anyone who travels whether on business or on pleasure. The title of this post was inspired by British pop group Duran Duran’s song “A View To A Kill”. I know that title is a little questionable, and different to mine, but if you listen to their song, and look at my pictures, it’s easy to replace the words, and highly encouraged.
You can see their video right here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp4CR2HcHLQ , and perhaps every time you think of a room with a view, you might think of Duran Duran. Perhaps, the truth also is that I like Duran Duran, and used to be one of their biggest fans, and still like their songs. If you listen to one of their songs, it kind of just sticks with you for days. I keep hearing the tune of their song (of which I enclosed the link to their video) in the back of my head and of course, I have replaced it with the words “Watching you with a View To A Room” – that probably doesn’t make sense, but that’s how my song goes.
Well, here’s the view:
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
I tried to picture the timing of this photo to get the US Navy Ship (I’m not sure what type of ship it is exactly, but presume it’s a Navy ship) just when it neared the Coronado Bridge
US Navy Ship near Coronado Bridge
On one side of this hotel are the city views
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
And on the other side are the Bay Views
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
You can also see the Coronado Bridge
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
I have always said that San Diego is like Paradise on Earth. Take a look at this lush tropical landscaping – doesn’t it remind you of Paradise?
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
City View through the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
If you come to San Diego for business, you may want to consider that the Marriott is right next to the San Diego Convention Center!
The San Diego Convention Center & The Marriott Marquis & Marina
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina from Seaport Village
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
If you come to San Diego for leisure or to mix business with pleasure, want to know two places that are really beautiful that are very close to this hotel?
Seaport Village is a must-see area that is Paradise in itself.
Seaport Village, San Diego
Coronado is another must-see area that is also Paradise, but you can’t see that from this picture….I just wanted you to see the bridge and how you are now on the side of Coronado and not San Diego.
Coronado Bridge
See my post of Sunsets in Coronado to see what you can expect to see on this beautiful island that is just a ferry ride away (catch the ferry at the Marina just outside the Marriott) or take a drive that will only take about 15 to 20 minutes or so to get from the Seaport Village area to Coronado.
Anyway, next time you need a Room With A View, think of Duran Duran, and their song, and think of some of the places I mentioned and you won’t go wrong. By the way, sorry if the picture clarity is not as good as it could be….I used my I-Phone for most of these pictures, instead of my regular camera. I wish you all a Happy February!
My Love Of Travel – It Started In Lovely London
Life is constantly evolving, and you never know from day to day what the next day will have in store for you. I made a post not too long ago, and just modified it now – Social Media and My Whirlwind Life, I also modified the page about me – About Luchanik Travel & Cruises. Why? Well, just two days ago, I finally made a decision – I no longer want to be a travel agent!
I’d now like to deviate, and focus on the place where it all started – England, and specifically lovely London! My love of travel started right here, I have to say that one of the best places in the world is London. I can go back to London time and time again, and never be bored of seeing the same places….each time is like the first time. I absolutely love it, and miss London a lot.
I really like going to this area of London – the Tower Bridge in the St. Katharine’s Dock area.
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Bridge, London, England
Tower Of London
I also love seeing Buckingham Palace time and time again – let’s say I have a fascination with Royalty.
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace, London, England
I believe this picture was taken close to Buckingham Palace.
London, England
Here I am standing right in front of the spectacular monument near Buckingham Palace
London, England
London has some beautiful museums, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England
You can’t go to London without checking the place Princess Diana called home – Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace, London
Kensington Palace, London
Don’t miss seeing London’s fantastic parks, complete with ponds, lakes, and ducks.
Hyde Park, London
London, England
I just loved going in the Houses of Parliament and listening to how they argue.
Houses of Parliament, London
Westminster Abbey, London, England
This picture was taken close to the Houses of Parliament
Dean’s Yard, London
I love Harrods of Knightsbridge, London – you just have to go in this amazing, but very expensive store.
Harrods of London, Knightsbridge, England
This is close by to Harrods – stunning architecture in London, quite fabulous!
near to Harrods of London, England
Now, one of the best photographs that I treasure is that of Princess Diana, and Dodi who were tragically killed in an accident when Diana was at her happiest. I cried so much when Diana died, she was a childhood hero of mine, and I had even wanted to attend her wedding to Prince Charles – of course, I was not invited – so sad! I was so happy to see a shrine dedicated to them in Harrods which at that time was owned by Dodi’s father – I’m not sure if he is still the current owner or not.
Princess Diana and Dodi at Harrods, London
Harrods candy shop time and cappuccino time! Of course, I also like to get a pot of tea when I go into Harrods, with a scone with clotted cream and jam, doesn’t that sound nice? Oh, I crave for my English things!
Finally, a London street scene.
Central London, England
I love London, it surely is one of the best places to visit, and I highly recommend it.
Washington, DC – A Magnificent City
Washington, DC – so many important things happen here in our nation’s capital. This city is amazing, and this weekend there is a significant event occurring – Inauguration Weekend!
Oh, how I wish I was in Washington, DC for President Obama’s Inauguration this weekend. First, congratulations…..Mr. President. I’m so glad that you got a second term! I’m proud of everything that you are trying to do, including gun control legislation and health care reform.
In this picture, I am with the President in Las Vegas at Madame Tussaud’s – he looks so real, and I felt good to have my picture taken with him.
with President Barack Obama
I must include some pictures of beautiful Washington, DC that I took in summer last year.
White House, Washington, DC
White House, Washington, DC
This will be the scene of many of the festivities, including some of the concerts
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
This will be the venue of many important functions…..the Oath of Office just to name one
The Capitol, Washington, DC
Here’s the Capitol taken from a different angle (near the Botanical Gardens) with two of my kids in the picture
The Capitol, Washington, DC
Washington, DC is very picturesque
Washington, DC
There are so many memorials, statues and other significant places to take pictures
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
World War Two Memorial
The Smithsonian museums are definitely worth a visit
National Museum of American History, Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a very grand and breath-taking place – I just love the architecture!
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is really pretty when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, these pictures were taken at the Jefferson Memorial.
Cherry Blossoms, Washington, DC
Cherry Blossoms, Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
When I first moved to the USA, quite a number of years ago from England, I remember how the grandness of this magical city took my breath away when I first saw it after arriving at Union Station.
Union Station, Washington, DC
The beauty of DC is quite captivating – if you ever visit, you too will probably be mesmerized by the awesome architecture and the big grand white buildings – they are magnificent!
Of course since I lived in DC at that time, I had to attend the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, my very favorite President of all time!
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton
I was so close to President Clinton and Hillary Clinton, but couldn’t quite have my picture taken with them, so this is the best that I could get (don’t really like my face at all on this picture)
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
My friend’s employer had a private party to celebrate the Inauguration, and it overlooked the Parade Route
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
Lastly, a picture of one of the many tents where fesitivities took place over three or four days along Washington Mall, near where all the Smithsonian Museums are
Inauguration of President Bill Clinton, Washington, DC
I remember that I went to the Mall area just about every day of the Inaugural festivities, and it was such an exciting time. The Winans Brothers performed at one of the tents, and I remember there were many big celebrities performing at the Lincoln Memorial where I stood in the crowds of people watching Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and many more. There was also a wonderful fireworks display.
I’m sure that Washington, DC is equally exciting this weekend, and I really wish I could have been there again to participate in the celebrations of another wonderful President. Again, congratulations Mr. President!
Social Media and my Whirlwind Life
I have been busy lately. Very busy. I figured I might as well give you a brief explanation of what has kept me so busy. Well, after spending two years full-time from home as a travel agent, and making videos – some great, and some just mediocre, as well as venturing out on Twitter and trying my best on Facebook (never really liked Facebook), I had a wake-up call – I really needed to earn enough to support my three children. Besides, I didn’t sell as many cruises as I should have, or would have liked to.
So guess what, I have now got a job! A job that pays! I am not ready to tell you yet where my new job is – let’s just say it’s still in Hospitality and Tourism – that’s what I love, and where my heart is. It is so nice to have a steady paycheck, and not to rely on just commission. Of course, I will always continue to always promote travel – I put so much effort into it. So whereby my heart might yearn to make a video, or I might ache to get on Twitter, or even do a post here, sometimes, I may not be able to do it as much as I did in the past couple of years.
However, please don’t despair, I will still try to post and respond, and perhaps make a video or two and take photos, but I might just not be as active as before, and I might not respond as quickly as before.
I don’t like posting without including pictures, and what kind of pictures do you include when you do a post like this? I could only think of cappuccino to keep me awake because I’m going to be tired, a picture of London where I yearn to go when I next get a holiday (England is where I was born, and I have family there), and a picture of Italy, which also happens to be one of my favorite destinations.
Cappuccino – Harrod’s, London
Tower Bridge, London
Venice, Italy
Happy New Year to you all! May this year be good to us all.
luchanik 