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
More than a Glimpse Of Balboa Park
I continue with the trip I took to Balboa Park a month ago now. How time flies! I can’t beat time anymore, it wins me constantly.
Anyhow, as Chandra and I left the Botanical Gardens, we got a closer look at the building that was on the other side of the lily pond.
Balboa Park, San Diego
We saw some devotees chanting “Hare Krishna” and I could not resist taking a picture
Balboa Park, San Diego
We saw people photographing the beautiful architecture
Balboa Park, San Diego
The sky was a beautiful blue, and it was a perfect day
Balboa Park, San Diego
There were beautiful cherry-blossom type flowers in the trees – I was reminded of Washington, DC
Balboa Park, San Diego
A really talented musician played for the audience using an Aboriginal-type horn. I have taken his picture before at December Nights at the Park. We could have listened to him all afternoon. He was very entertaining!
Balboa Park, San Diego
Going in the other direction of the park, closer to the Houses of Hospitality, which sadly were closed today (Saturday) – they’re open usually from 10 am to 4 pm (I believe) on Sunday’s – we saw the Organ Pavilion, also the scene of Diwali at the Park and December Nights.
Balboa Park, San Diego
This is also part of Spreckels Theatre – The Organ Pavilion
Balboa Park, San Diego
Here is more of the park
Balboa Park, San Diego
Pretty flowers….imagine what it will be like in Spring!
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Sometimes, I can’t stop taking pictures.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
There is art even outside the museums, and children will delight at the sight of it. They can even play in one of the structures, outside of the Mingei International Museum.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
At one point, the wind started blowing, and it felt like it was snowing. It was snowing cherry blossom type flowers. It was such a beautiful few minutes, and very surreal.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
This is outside one of my favorite buildings in Balboa Park – the San Diego Museum of Man – what a lovely building!
San Diego Museum of Man, Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
This is back to the area just outside the Mingei International Museum.
Well, I have to leave off here. I think I may have run out of space for my media files – I think I upload too many pictures – infact, I take too many pictures. However, you can never have enough pictures – it’s always best to have dozens of varieties of each, then you can pick your favorite. My problem is that sometimes I can’t pick properly. I want to use them all. Anyway, next time when I sort out my media storage situation – I might even post more pictures of Balboa Park. Happy March!
A Glimpse of Balboa Park
I went to my very favorite park in San Diego yesterday – Balboa Park. The park is so amazing, that I had to give you a glimpse of it, through this picture first:
- Balboa Park, San Diego
The picture leads me to the question, do you like looking at the gate, through the gate or at what is on the other side of the gate? This was a hard one to decide yesterday, since I was in the Botanical Building and it was so filled with beauty that I did not want to leave it, nor did my little Chandra.
This picture was taken when we first headed to the Botanical Building, and of course I had to get my little one in the picture
As we got closer this is what it looked like
Here are some pictures of the flowers
- Orchids at Balboa Park, San Diego
- Botanical Building, San Diego
- Botanical Building, Balboa Park
- Botanical Building, San Diego
- Botanical Building, Balboa Park
However, the ornate fence beckoned me to go outside again
- Botanical Building, San Diego
This is a very interesting looking bush outside the Botanical Building
- Botanical Building, Balboa Park
Outside was just as lovely as inside the Botanical Gardens. This is the view looking out from the Botanical Gardens Building.
- Balboa Park, San Diego
I zoomed in and got this picture
- Balboa Park, San Diego
I either zoomed out or walked a little closer and got another picture
- Balboa Park, San Diego
There were fish in the water, both big and small
- Balboa Park, San Diego
There were ducks in the water
- Balboa Park, San Diego
There was music in the air, as people all over the park were making this park even more beautiful if possible with their wonderful music.
- Musician at Balboa Park, San Diego
As we walked away from the Botanical Building, I couldn’t help but think that Balboa Park is such a treasure, a park that needs to be on everyone’s list of places to visit when they come to San Diego. The visitors who come here will surely fall in love with Balboa Park, and will definitely want more than just a glimpse of the park – an entire day or perhaps two should be what you allot to just this park.
Here’s more of this beautiful park
- Balboa Park
However, I am going to save more pictures until next time. Happy February!
Serene San Diego
Just a little serenity even in pictures might take away the tension that is forever present in this world. Here’s some serenity from San Diego.
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village, San Diego
Have a happy and serene week!
Where’s This Beach…Hope It’s Within Reach! It’s in Oceanside!
Where is this beauty of a beach?
Oceanside, CA
Is it Tenerife?
Oceanside, CA
Is it Majorca?
Oceanside, CA
Is it Sicily?
No, well, I think you know it by now, as I put it in the title and in the captions……it’s in Oceanside, California, which is just 45 minutes north or so of downtown San Diego. Oh, this beach is so stunning and one of my latest joys and discoveries. You can live by a place, but not even visit it or know of it’s beauty, until one day you stumble upon a part of it, and instantly think, wow, this is so beautiful, how could I never have visited this place before, or even known how beautiful? So, now, I go back to this beautiful beach as often as I can. Here are more pictures.
Beautiful park by Paradise on the Beach (that’s just my name for it) – it’s actually called Tyson’s Park – I believe.
Oceanside, CA
A bit of color by the beach
Oceanside, CA
Take a walk along the Pier
Oceanside, CA
Especially on a day that’s perfect, and the sky is clear
Oceanside Pier, CA
Okay, the sky may not be that clear, but the day was perfect.
Oceanside Pier, CA
Here’s a view from the Pier
A view from Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA
Another view from the Pier
A view from Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA
Back to the beautiful Pier
Oceanside Pier, CA
More of the beach
Oceanside Beach, CA
Guess what? There’s a restaurant on the Pier, and it was fun eating there, it almost felt like being on a cruise!
Ruby’s Restaurant, Oceanside Pier, CA
Ruby’s Restaurant, Oceanside Pier, CA
Okay, so I had to take a picture inside Ruby’s where we enjoyed lunch, but this one didn’t come out great, I wanted to show the view through the window
Ruby’s Restaurant, Oceanside Pier, CA
Back to the outside world and lovely Oceanside Pier again! Here’s someone else enjoying the view from the Pier.
Oceanside Pier, CA
Here’s someone taking a break from fishing on the Pier
Oceanside Pier, CA
Here’s more people enjoying the view from the Pier
Oceanside Pier, CA
What a beauty of a beach!
Oceanside Beach, CA
What nice waves you have!
Oceanside Beach, CA
What nice trees you have!
Oceanside Beach, CA
Chandi loved visiting Oceanside
Oceanside Pier, CA
I know these people loved the beach
Oceanside Pier, CA
Oceanside Pier, CA
I think anyone visiting would love this place
Oceanside Pier, CA
Life’s more fun with a visit to the beach. I hope the beach is within reach for you
Oceanside Beach, CA
No matter which angle you view it from, Oceanside Beach should be within your reach
Oceanside Beach, CA
Shade or no shade, tents or not
Oceanside Beach, CA
This beach sparkles
Oceanside Beach, CA
Where is Oceanside again?
Oceanside Beach, CA
It’s part of sunny San Diego, just 5 or 10 minutes away from Carlsbad, and 40 or 45 minutes north of downtown San Diego.
Oceanside Beach, CA
Oceanside Beach, CA
Oh, it’s so Oceanside!
Oceanside Beach, CA
By the way, Happy Labor Day!
When In Rome
When in Rome, you won’t forget to do the usual touristy things like visit the Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain, Rome
First you’ll want to photograph just about any part of it with other people in it
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Then you’ll probably want to pick on an Italian-looking person to be in the picture
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Then you’ll want to photograph the top of the structure
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The middle of the structure
Trevi Fountain, Rome
And other people taking better pictures of it
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Don’t forget to take pictures that include the bottom of the structure showing the water.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Now, you’ll want to go elsewhere, and take more pictures
Rome, Italy
And somewhere else again
Rome, Italy
Take a picture from another angle
Rome, Italy
And then walk around the corner
Rome, Italy
Don’t forget to just take pictures of people, any people – don’t even ask them.
Rome, Italy
Don’t forget the street scenes
Rome, Italy
Don’t forget to get the Italian flag in your pictures
Rome, Italy
Did I mention that you are supposed to get the numerous statues too that are all over the place?
Bridge of Angels, Rome, Italy
Can’t resist throwing in one more picture of the Trevi Fountain.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Did I also tell you that you should just about take pictures of everything?
Also, one more thing……..when in Rome, forget about home!
Staycation in San Diego
I love traveling, but unfortunately can’t get away this year – it’s a far cry from last year when I went to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and then on a cruise on the Enchantment of The Seas to Bermuda.
However, San Diego is a place where you can enjoy living, and vacation here every day of the year with the right mindset. This is not just home, but a vacation paradise. This year, instead of renting out my timeshare at the Grand Pacific Palisades, I took a working holiday – we stayed at the Palisades for seven days even though I had to work – but I was on holiday in the evenings! My kids were on holiday all day long – after all it’s their vacation from school. By staying at this resort (only twenty minutes away from my home) it mostly gave my kids the chance to get away from our house, and have a change of scenery and experience the swimming pool every day, and feel like we were on holiday.
Sometimes, you just have to stay at home or near home.
The view from the balcony in the evening:
View from the Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad
I came home from work and took my little girl to the swimming pool
Kids Splash Area at the Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad
It’s a pretty place for a walk in the evenings
Carlsbad in the evening
Then there’s neighboring Oceanside to explore (only ten minutes north of Carlsbad):
Oceanside Beach
Life’s just a beach!
Oceanside Beach
Then on the weekend with Legoland just across the street, who could resist, and guess who loves Legoland?
Legoland in Carlsbad, CA
Keep dreaming of holidays during your holiday when the Taj Mahal presents itself to you at Legoland!
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
Fancy going to India to see this beauty? The one and only time that I went to India – I was mesmerized by the real Taj Mahal, it’s no wonder it’s one of the seven wonders of the world! it really is breathtaking, and it’s also a beautiful sight to behold at Legoland.
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
I just have to show the Taj Mahal at Legoland again to you – can you believe the creativity?
The Taj Mahal at Legoland, CA
Now, we were transported to Australia! We were on a boat ride and I didn’t get a very good picture of the Sydney Opera House, but here are two of them:
The Sydney Opera House at Legoland, CA
The Sydney Opera House at Legoland, CA
Next, we were transported to Paris, France!
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France at Legoland, CA
Next, we were presented with images of Egypt……don’t say Legoland is not worldly!
Legoland, CA
What’s not to like about staying in your own home turf once in a while and vacationing at home? San Diego is a great place to staycation. However, if you don’t live here, it’s a really nice place to vacation.
Oh, I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside – In Oceanside, CA
What’s better than visiting a beautiful seaside or should I say beach on a beautiful day in San Diego? Oceanside, which is about 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego has spectacular beaches. Here’s a few pictures.
The beach at Oceanside (San Diego)
Life’s getting really hectic, so I’m bringing you this really short post with just a few pictures. Until next time!
What To Do On A Lovely Day In San Diego
There’s so much to do in San Diego, that I often have to really think about what I want to do on my days off – we are spoilt for choice. Should I visit Seaport Village, Coronado, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, La Jolla Beach, Del Mar Beach or Carlsbad? Well, this weekend on Saturday, I decided to take little Chandi to Legoland which is in Carlsbad, just 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego. The weather has been beautiful this weekend, it certainly feels like summer already.
I just bought annual passes for myself, Chandi and her brother and sister. Big brother and sister have had annual passes before when they were young, and now complain that they don’t remember. So, they won and got their way….I indulged them and they now have no excuses for not remembering as they are both quite a bit older than Chandi.
Here’s some pictures taken this weekend (yesterday):
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Of course, children come here to play
Legoland, California
They also like to dance up and down near the water fountains which are interactive, and either play music when jumped upon or squirt out water
Legoland, California
Don’t forget to visit the miniature cities made out of lego bricks
You can surely guess these cities in the USA?
Washington, DC in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
The Venetian in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s the Luxor in Las Vegas at Legoland
Luxor at Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s another two miniature cities, aren’t they amazing – made from lego bricks – unbelievable!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Don’t forget to take a boat ride on the Fairy Tale Brook, it’s great for kids of any age, and you’ll see characters from all your favorite fairy tales, including Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and so much more.
Fairytale Brook Ride, Legoland, Carlsbad
Here’s me with Chandi on the day when we got our annual passes
Legoland, California
I just love this picture of my three babies all at Legoland
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
There’s so much to do in Legoland, especially for your kids!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
It’s one big playground!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
If you want to stay really close by to the Legoland Park, you could stay at the newly opened Legoland Hotel, which is right there in the grounds, less than a twenty second walk away.
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Your kids will want to make friends with the Lego characters
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
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- Legoland, California
And they won’t want to go when it’s time to leave.
- Annual passes for Legoland are $129 each for adults and kids over the age of 13 +
- Annual passes for kids from the age of 3-12 are $99 each. Click here for more information on Legoland.
- If you live in California, you might as well buy the annual passes because the day pass is $79, so just by visiting twice – you’ll get your money’s worth! Did I mention that Legoland is just across the street from the beautiful Grand Pacific Palisades, which overlooks the gorgeous Flower Fields? You could start your day out with a walk by the Flower Fields, followed by the rest of the day at Legoland…….. it makes for a really nice day out.
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.
luchanik 