The Flower Fields Are Blooming Beautiful!
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are blooming beautiful! Pardon my English, but I had to say it – the fields are beautiful! Blooming with beauty.
I will not share too many pictures here, as you can see my other posts. Remember, it’s not that bad in Carlsbad – in fact, it’s quite beautiful!
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Here’s me and my little girl, Chandi.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Today, was March 14th, but it was quite a hot day. There weren’t the usual crowds, I think everyone knew there was a heat wave, and not too many people wanted to be out in the heat. However, the heat doesn’t bother me, and Chandra is a good sport.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Windmill, which is now part of Friday’s Restaurant can be seen from the Flower Fields, it’s actually just across the street. I think it goes very well with flowers, it’s kind of like Holland – flowers and windmills everywhere, so whoever designed Carlsbad knew what they were doing.
Near the Flower Fields, The Windmill, Carlsbad
This little one is my Princess Of The Flower Fields, I think she definitely suits the title.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Isn’t this cute? This is situated close to the children’s playground at the Flower Fields.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
After all that walking around, guess who wants the Strawberry Lavender Milkshake she’s been waiting for a whole year? Little Chandi! She was so happy to finally get one.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Well, to next time and I hope you have a blooming beautiful weekend!
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate in the Old City of Antalya, Turkey is not to be missed. Here’s a link to read more information about this beautiful historical and magnificent gate: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/Antalya/sights/hadrian_gate.html It is ever so impressive, and was built in the year 130 AD. Antalya used to be a Roman city. Here are pictures:
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Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
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Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
There is a little glass walkway that you have to walk over – I believe it is because they are preserving the stones.
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Here’s me in Antalya at Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, Turkey
Well, monuments are worth seeing, no matter where they are in the world, and this one is just as beautiful, just as significant and historical as any other worthwhile monument. I hope Hadrian’s Gate stays intact for a really long time, if not for ever. I highly recommend that you go visit Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya.
Out And About On The Way And In Old City, Antalya
My kind of holiday is not actually just a beach and swimming pool type of holiday (vacation). I am more of a sight-seer. I love seeing the sights, and being a tourist. I can’t just sit by the pool all day.
I wanted to go and see something other than the grounds of the Delphin Imperial in Lara Beach, l actually wanted to see Antalya; see Turkey – not just swimming pools and the beach within metres of where we were staying. That wasn’t adventurous enough for me.
Sadly, nobody else in my family (and there were at least 13 of us) wanted to see anything else of Turkey during this trip. I asked the front desk at the Delphin Imperial about what there was to see in Antalya, and they told me they recommended that I see the Old City which is about 20 minutes away from the resort. Apparently, there were public buses that went from right outside the hotel and were really cheap – perhaps just about 2 Turkish lira. Another option was getting a taxi. A third option that I went for was taking the hotel’s private bus – used exclusively for it’s guests and this was a free bus. Well, it didn’t take rocket science to figure out which option was the best. After all, a public bus could be questionable, after all – what if I missed my stop? Would anyone be able to help me, or understand me? A taxi could also be problematic. What if I got a questionable driver, who might take advantage of a woman traveling by herself? I am a little worried about these things these days. Once upon a time, when I was a lot younger, and before I had kids, I was ever so daring – I hitch-hiked around Australia – on my own, and then part of the time with a friend. However, a private bus provided by the hotel – that was just for guests – seemed to be safe, and I couldn’t have made a better choice. I had to reserve a seat, but it didn’t cost me anything. My bus was going to leave at 9:20 am the next morning – I believe it was August 4th, 2014 and I should make sure that I got on the bus at least ten minutes early. When I told my family that I was going to travel by myself – they didn’t stop me – they know that I am a little stubborn, and will do what I want to do to some extent.
Next morning, I had my breakfast, and got on the bus. It was adventure time!
Here are some pictures taken along the way. By the way, the Old City is also known as Old Town too.
close by to Lara Beach, Antalya
This picture shows the sister-property of the Delphin Imperial – the Delphin Diva.
close by to Lara Beach, Antalya
Now, 20 minutes later, I have arrived. I love all the vibrant colors, and feel ever so happy and alive! I feel freedom – I don’t know why. This is what I love – wandering around, seeing things and taking pictures.
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Isn’t the scene below of the frogs incredible?
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Look at how old this building appears to be.
Old City, Antalya
I just had to take pictures of McDonald’s, and no, I didn’t go in to order anything.
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
I love to see buildings like this – after all this is Turkey, and I enjoy looking at architecture.
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
Old City, Antalya
I had no idea that Hadrian’s Gate was here in the Old City. I know I’ve heard of it before – it’s definitely famous, and here it is in the city only 9 miles away from Delphin Imperial, and I almost didn’t see it – if I hadn’t been adventurous. See what you can miss, if you don’t take the plunge and wander about?
Old City, Antalya
In my next post, I will show you more of Hadrian’s Gate, and more of the Old City of Antalya.
The Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach – Antalya. It will Astound You.
I think you will be astounded if you go visit the Delphin Imperial Resort. When I think back to our vacation in Lara Beach which is in the Antalya region of Turkey – I have good memories. My kids loved it there. They loved it because we went with our family from England – so there was a large group of us. Holidays are always better in large groups. I think back to the luxurious inside, and the exquisite outside of the hotel, and just have to share some more pictures with you.
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The Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
The Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
The Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
Movies Playing At the Delphin Imperial, Lara
At the Delphin Imperial, Lara
Food at the Delphin Imperial, Lara
Delphin Imperial, Lara
Delphin Imperial, Lara
Also, this hotel is walking distance to the shopping mall
Walking Distance from Delphin Imperial, Lara
Walking Distance from Delphin Imperial, Lara
Delphin Imperial, Lara
At a shopping mall near Delphin Imperial, Lara
First time for my kids on a camel! They loved it.
Walking Distance near Delphin Imperial, Lara- camel time!
The restaurants are rather elegant at the Delphin Imperial
Restaurants at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Did I tell you that they have really well-kept grounds? They also do not have a mosquito problem, which is really refreshing.
Swimming Pools of Delphin Imperial, Lara
This resort is overlooking the ocean and has its own beach!
The Beach at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Beach at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Delphin Imperial, Lara
Swimming Pools of Delphin Imperial, Lara
There are at least 7 or 8 swimming pools and a massive water slide at the Delphin Imperial.
Swimming Pools of Delphin Imperial, Lara
Swimming Pools of Delphin Imperial, Lara
Swimming Pools and Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara
Kids Swimming Pool At Delphin Imperial, Lara
At the Shops At Delphin Imperial, Lara
Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Beach At Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Beach At Delphin Imperial, Lara
I think the grounds are ever so scenic.
Swimming Pools And Grounds At Delphin Imperial, Lara
Swimming Pools And Grounds At Delphin Imperial, Lara
Swimming Pools And Grounds At Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Chandra loved the Kids Club, she had so much fun there, and attended a birthday party on the same day that it was Luca’s birthday. But this party was for someone else, and Luca did not attend the Kids Club as now he is a teenager, and it’s not the kind of thing teenagers want to do!
Kids Camp, Delphin Imperial, Lara
My son Luca, got to celebrate his birthday in Turkey. Here we are on his special day, about to have dinner at Lalezar Restaurant which is a specialty restaurant there – but it is included, and it’s nice to try a different venue, especially for a special occasion like this.
Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
I love baclavas, and fortunately tonight we got this for dessert too – as well as birthday cake. Lalezar is more of a traditional Turkish restaurant, and tonight we had Turkish food which I found to be really yummy!
Delphin Imperial, Lara – Antalya
Lalezar Restaurant, Delphin Imperial, Lara
There is a stunningly beautiful Spa at the resort, which is massive, and so relaxing!
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Fish Tank in the Spa at Delphin Imperial, Lara
The Swimming Pools and Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
The Swimming Pools and Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds and Outdoor Dining of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds of Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Kids Camp/Kids Club at Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds at Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds at Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Swimming Pools at Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Grounds at Delphin Imperial, Lara Beach
Beach at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Beach at Delphin Imperial, Lara
Beach at Delphin Imperial, Lara
I included some pictures here of the food, but if you want to see more – take a look at my video. You will surely get hungry!
Well, that was a lot of pictures. I always intend to share just about four or five, but never manage to. Next time, I might do my post on old Antalya, which I was so fortunate to have visited – when I ventured away from the resort on August 4th. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my post and I hope you can see that the Delphin Imperial is an astoundingly good resort.
Sunsets At The Hotel Del
The sunsets at the Hotel Del, well…..they’re just swell! What more can I say. It’s just swell at the Hotel Del!
By the way, the Hotel Del in Coronado is just about a ten minute drive from downtown San Diego. Did you know that Coronado is an island that is accessible by crossing the beautiful Coronado Bay Bridge? Now you know that, you just have to make your way there.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
So, I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del………and that’s just the sunsets!
It’s Swell At The Hotel Del!
Have I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del?
Well, it’s so swell it makes me want to yell.
I have to go there again and again
You won’t know what it’s like until you’ve been.
Oh, the Hotel Del……it’s so swell.
My attempt at a little poem again. I hope you liked it. Well, what do you think I like about the Hotel Del? I like everything! What is there not to like? It’s kind of like my passion for London, I have to go back again and again. Well, I think I have the same dilemma with the Hotel Del. I am addicted. It’s just what the doctor would order, and when I go there I feel completely revived, reenergized and rejuvenated, not to mention relaxed.
Try it and you’ll surely like it. Well, first you need some pictures.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
This weekend, there was the added bonus of a fantastic sandcastle – just look at it! What a piece of art – so many people were taking pictures of it.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Del has everything. Do you know it overlooks the ocean, and also has beautiful swimming pools too?
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
There are so many restaurants and shops at The Del, and so many places to sit outside and people watch just as in the picture above. Did you know movies have been made here, and Presidents have stayed here as well as other celebrities. Why would they not? It’s swell at the Hotel Del.
A Bit Of London From The South Bank with St. Paul’s Cathedral And More
I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. I’m so sad that it’s already gone by, I wish it was always Christmas – it certainly is my favorite time of the year. If there was one place that I really wanted to be this Christmas – it was in London. London is spectacular when lit up for the most wonderful time of the year.
Anyway, I need to share more pictures with you. These pictures are still from my third day in London during my recent trip in July of 2014. When we left the London Eye, we were in the South Bank area and just look at this double decker bus. Fancy giving yogurt that name though – I am surprised! That name, not mentioning names has quite a colorful meaning.
Snog Frozen Yogurt Bus, South Bank, London
This is Charing Cross Station in the background
Charing Cross Station from the South Bank, London
This beautiful building reminds me of a castle or palace
Beautiful Palace as seen from the South Bank, London
That’s me in the South Bank area with Big Ben behind me. Oh, how I wish I was back there right now!
South Bank of London
Spectacular London with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the South Bank, London
Here’s another mini London Eye – actually it’s just a kid’s ride – some kind of swings. It looks nice though, doesn’t it?
Forgot what this building is called, that’s exactly why I should have written my posts as soon as I came back, but who has the time? If you know, pray do tell.
London as seen from the South Bank
Well, this whole area near the South Bank, including the bus in the first picture is ever so colorful!
Wow, doesn’t this look nice? It might be a bit dark though.
London in the glow of sunset
Now, you will get treated to the same picture with the Snog Bus in sight
London in the glow of sunset
Me and my three kids with the River Thames behind us basking in the sunset of a London evening
Me and my kids in London
Oh, how majestic is St. Paul’s Cathedral – this place is so special. It’s where Princess Diana got married to Prince Charles.
St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
St. Paul’s again
St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
Either it turned dark quickly or I have been watching this man a while, or perhaps it was just my camera that is somehow curiously taking pictures with different lighting.
St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
Here’s St. Paul’s again basking in the glow of London as seen from the South Bank
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St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
St. Paul’s yet again. I guess you know that I like St. Paul’s?
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St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
Seems like someone else likes it too as he’s taking a picture of it or is he looking the other way? If so, I know there’s good views that way too.
St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
More of the London skyline
London skyline
London skyline
St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank
This is the building I showed you above, but here it is glowing in the London evening
Now it’s glowing less, but basking in the sunset
London evening
London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
I’m not sure what this building is either, but just feel compelled to share with you how lovely London looks in the evening.
London in the evening
This picture is quite blurry, but I’ll throw it in anyhow.
Southbank, by the River Thames
Anyway, I hope you liked my evening pictures of London. I don’t have a great camera that takes brilliant evening pictures, but still – I think they’re okay. Have a fabulous week ahead, and Happy New Year to you all!
The London Eye – Oh My!
The London Eye – Oh My!
The views
The beauty
The thrill
Oh My!
I’m not rhyming!
Oh, well!
Seriously, I really enjoyed the London Eye, and thinking back, I think it was one of the highlights of our recent London trip. Here’s some more pictures of the view you will get of beautiful London from the inside of the London Eye.
The London Eye
The London Eye
The London Eye
The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
These people seem to have one of the greatest spots in London, right next to the London Eye, overlooking the River Thames, with a view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Can life get any better? I bet they even have a cup of tea!
View From The London Eye
Here’s beautiful Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
The View From The London Eye
Here’s me in the London Eye
Here’s me and my daughter – we were so lucky to be in the Eye during sunset!
The London Eye
The London Eye
I can’t remember how I got this picture, I might have taken a picture of a picture – I think that’s my shadow you see on the top of the picture – I give credit to the London Eye for the original of this picture.
The London Eye
Okay, so now we just left the London Eye – here’s the immediate area outside of the Eye
I believe that’s the same building that I took pictures from within the London Eye – now you can see it from street level
That same evening, this is a picture I took of the London Eye.
I hope you enjoyed my pictures of the London Eye, and I hope you are all having a fantastic December so far. Can you believe that these are still only pictures from Day 3 of my trip to London – I still have two more days to cover! Anyway, I will cover those two days soon. Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate, and Happy Holidays to all the rest of you! Until next time!
The London Eye – Here’s Why
London Eye
The London Eye
Here’s why
You can’t escape it
Every which way you go when you are in Central London
It’s before your very eye
(Two examples below: you can see it from Big Ben, you can see it from Buckingham Palace at the Queen Victoria Memorial, and you can see it from Trafalgar Square)
Big Ben with London Eye
Queen Victoria Memorial
The London Eye
Why would you want to give it a miss
When riding it can give you bliss?
Inside The London Eye
The London Eye
Will take you to the sky
Or so it will seem
As you circle the earth
You’ll think you are in a dream
View From The London Eye
The London Eye
Don’t even think of not going
Rain, shine or snow
You must go
To the London Eye
I hope you liked my attempt at a poem! I tried.
The following pictures were taken on our approach to the London Eye.
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
Want to know how much it costs – that will be £20.95, please for an adult.
Ticket To The London Eye
Getting On The London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
Here’s another picture taken from within the London Eye
Inside The London Eye
Here are some pictures of the view from the London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
So, I’m sure you’ll want to know if I recommend it? Of course, I do! When I used to live in London, the London Eye was not a part of London. Then when I started returning to visit London, I used to pass it and not really consider going on it, because I used to think it was a waste of money – for a ride that was very costly. However, now that I have been on it – I think it’s not just a ride, it’s an experience. Try it and you’ll love it!
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
luchanik 