Star of India And Some Star Sunsets in San Diego
Who said there could not be star sunsets? I’m sure this was a star sunset. To me a star, is something that shines bright. Yes, a star and the sun both shine bright, so let’s just for once call it a star sunset.
Sunset in San Diego at the Embarcadero
I wish the little reflection thing in the water (round green light) hadn’t shown up on my picture, but let it be part of it as I don’t do any retouching of my pictures.
Sunset in San Diego at the Embarcadero
On this same night of the star sunset, just a little earlier, I took a picture of the Star of India. I like to think this could be the Star of San Diego too.
Star of India in San Diego
Even more compelling for the argument of calling it Star of India, and Star of San Diego is when my little girl enters the picture – she is the star of India to me, even though she has not been there yet (India, of course is birthplace of my parents), she is the star of San Diego (her birthplace). She is the star of the UK (my birthplace) and also the star of Italy (her dad’s birthplace). My little star is associated with four different countries. Of course, she’s not really a star in these 4 places, just in my eyes.
Star of India in San Diego
This picture below was not taken this summer like all the other ones, it was taken last year (even time-stamped). I’m not sure if I like the time-stamp feature, I stopped using it. I did some posts previously on the Star of India, you can read it by clicking on this link.
Star of India in San Diego
So, I’m not sharing many pictures today, in fact, I have been quite stingy with pictures compared to usual. Sorry for not writing too much lately. I have been caught up in so many other life events, you wouldn’t believe it. I hope you are all having a wonderful October.
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
Bajrangi Bhaijaan – A Must See!
I love to escape and enter the world of Bollywood, so I often wait for a really good movie recommendation from my daughter Niki and then off we go – usually together to Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego. Niki recommended Bajrangi Bhaijaan, she already saw it last weekend in the Los Angeles area. However, she wanted to see it again. She said I would really like it. Niki’s a good judge of the types of movies that I like. So, I was curious, and as I said, I like to escape to Bollywood. This movie stars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and little Harshaali Malhotra.
Sometimes, little Chandra comes along, and even though she doesn’t understand Hindi – she reads the subtitles. Well, I think Chandra was really happy that she came along to see this movie as it got to her just like it got to me, and Niki. We all cried, ever so much – it was such an emotional movie for us, and we absolutely loved it, even though we cried our eyes out!
Chandi (the nickname for Chandra) is 6 years old, just like the little girl in the movie. The girl in the movie was named Munni, even though her real name was Shahida. Just briefly, Munni (who can’t speak) got separated from her mother while on a train in Pakistan, and ends up in India all alone. Salman Khan ends up taking care of her. The basic premise of this movie, I think is that love conquers all. The two countries India and Pakistan share a lot of history, there can be much bitterness, mistrust, and hatred that can stop someone from belng allowed to even cross the border, but does a little child care about that? All she wants is to get back home.
Munni is so cute, just like my Chandi. Don’t you think Chandra resembles Munni? If you don’t know what Munni (Harshaali) looks like click here.
Chandra in Coronado
Anyway, I must get back to the movie. Well, how powerful! How fantastic! Salman Khan was brilliant, heroic, and wonderful! I cannot sing his praises enough. Kareena as Rasika was great, and saw all the good qualities in Pawan (Salman Khan).
One of the most tear-jerking parts was when Munni was trying to indicate that she didn’t want to go with the man who was supposed to be a travel agent entrusted with taking her back home to Pakistan. Munni must have had an instinct that the man was evil as he was really just an evil greedy human trafficker! Can you believe that awful evil people could even contemplate putting a six year old in this situation. Well……Pawan rescued her, and of course this part brought out so many tears from me, Chandra and Niki. Well done to the movie makers for including this as this atrocity happens way too often in real life, and it’s such a human rights violation, and so wrong.
Anyway, I better not let out any more about the movie. You have to go see it. Caution…..you will cry. But, you will love this movie. Absolutely fantastic, and a must-see!
Want A Recommendation For A Great Indian Restaurant In San Diego?
Indian food generally does not taste that great here in Indian restaurants in America. I think part of that reason is that Americans are not as used to Indian food as let’s say people in the UK are. There, the Indian restaurants are spectacular. They’re not afraid to make the food spicy there, and don’t make it bland to cater to other tastes. Also, where I grew up – we used to invite our English neighbors all the time to events, or even to our homes, and give them a taste of Indian food – which they seemed to love. Everyone seemed to know what a samosa was or what a chapatti or naan bread is.
Alas, over here, not only do people not know about Indian food, the food generally is more bland, and I believe it is that way because it caters to American tastes. There are exceptions – there’s a great place that I go to that is not that fancy, but it has really good Punjabi khadi – one of my favorite dishes. Then there are other places that if you eat from the menu, and not from the lunch buffet – the food can have more flavor.
Well, now I am happy to report that I found a great Indian restaurant that just opened up. It’s the Royal India restaurant on Miramar Road in San Diego. The food is tasty, and even a little spicy as it should be. I knew I had to go to this restaurant fairly quickly from it’s opening, and I’m so happy that I went there yesterday. Here are some pictures.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
This picture came out a little fuzzy – by the way, I took all the pictures with my smart phone – my Note 3.
Okay, so first thing you have to do when you go to an Indian restaurant is start off with some appetizers such as samosas or pakoras, both fried – but very delicous. Pakoras are vegetables, and spices that are encased in a batter that is fried. Samosas are pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, and vegetables. I absolutely love samosas, and sometimes rate the restaurant based upon it’s samosas.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
These samosas were fairly good, but the sauces were the best. There was a tamarind sauce that you just always have to have with samosas, and a mint chutney, a mango chutney, and a Royal India house chilli sauce. Oh, my gosh…..these sauces were all delicious, and when I finished the appetizers – I had to spoon up the sauces until my plate was clean!
I wish I had taken a picture of the buffet station with all the main entrees in it, but I didn’t, so all I can provide you is my plate piled high with delicious food – there was chilli chicken, chicken curry, two kinds of rice, saag (spinach) which I absolutely love, lentil curry and sholay or channa daal (chick peas). Of course there were other items that I could not put on my plate – such as chicken tikka masala, lamb kheema, and a few other dishes. They brought baskets of naan bread to the table – one had plain naan, and one had garlic naan – this is not usual that you get two assortments of naan at a buffet, so it was quite nice.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Chandi loves fruit, so she was eager to get to dessert, and loved the fruit salad.
I loved the Gulab Jamun which is a delciously sweet dessert – very sticky and syruppy is all I can say!
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
But, I had to get a little of the mango mousse (which was delicious, the kheer (rice pudding with milk) and a bit of the fruit too.
Then I felt like Royal-tea (literally) when they brought me the chai – I love to have tea made the Indian way – perhaps I should save that description for another day.
Niki and Luca loved it here too, as did Chandra shown in our family picture towards the bottom.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
Here we all are after our stomachs are full.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
This restaurant is really classy, and very elegant. It has chandeliers, and a bar!
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
It has separate rooms which you can book for your parties, and they also do Bollywood events and hold functions here. In fact, we were told about a Bollywood party that is going to be taking place this Friday at 8:30 to 1 am. I am tempted to go as I do like Bollywood and also Bhangra. Look at this beautiful room which is off to one side from the main dining room.
Royal India, Miramar Road, San Diego
This place is really big – I think I heard it holds up to 561 people, and it has ample parking. I
I felt right at home here, and loved the music playing in the background. It was music from popular Hindi songs without the words – very classy. I can’t wait to go back to Royal India, and will definitely try one of their Bollywood events soon. I’m pretty sure they will hold a Punjabi Dance Party similar to one that I attended in the UK last year. Here’s my video of that just incase you want to see it.
Well, here’s to Punjabi dance parties and to Bollywood parties, and also to Indian food. See you next time.
Picture Perfect Point Loma
It’s picture perfect in Point Loma.
So come on down, and take your pics,
But hurry because this place is sure to get popular quick!
-
Point Loma, San Diego
I don’t think Point Loma is that well known, but it should be. It’s very close to downtown San Diego, just look at the views of the San Diego skyline in the picture above as seen from Point Loma. It is about 5 minutes drive to the airport and to Sea World. In fact, it is one of the first places I lived in when I moved to San Diego – I wish I still lived there! I used to be able to walk to this beautiful marina area from the apartment where I lived – what could be more ideal than living within a few minutes walk of such tranquil beauty? I should never have moved! Needless to say, Chandi fell in love with Point Loma too!
Point Loma, San Diego
Point Loma, San Diego
Point Loma, San Diego
Point Loma, San Diego
Do you know there is whale watching here?
Point Loma, San Diego
Then all that fresh air will sure to make you hungry. Head over to Point Loma Seafoods for some of their spectacular fish & chips. Just look at their menu.
Point Loma Seafoods
A lot of fishing must go on right here, so it’s the perfect place to get some seafood! I for one don’t like shellfish, I can only eat regular fish. However, Chandi just was fascinated with the displays.
Point Loma Seafoods
Point Loma Seafoods
Their fish and chips were so good!
Fish & Chips at Point Loma Seafoods
It’s actually the closest to British & chips (except the chips really were fries and not chips (what we call chips in Britain are the thick chunks of potato – almost like steak fries). Well, this was still the best fish & chips I’ve had in the San Diego area – it sure was delicious!
Point Loma Seafoods
-
Outdoor dining area of Point Loma Seafoods
Point Loma Seafoods, Point Loma
Walking back to my car, I saw this house and just had to take a picture – it said Point Loma on it.
-
Point Loma, San Diego
Well, I hope you think Point Loma is beautiful, it really is. I think it’s a great place to stay if you are visiting San Diego as you’ll be only minutes away from the airport and San Diego, and close to the marina.
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!
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
-
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
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.
Diwali Mela in San Diego – So Colorful!
The Diwali Mela took place in the Black Mountain Road area of Mira Mesa, San Diego on October 25, 2014. It was a packed-out event, and a great way to spend the evening. There were many performances to Bollywood songs, and of course at least one to Bhangra!
Here are some pictures, and at the bottom of this page, you can see some videos that I made. If there is one thing that should strike you from looking at the pictures is that Indian outfits are so colorful, as well as pretty!
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Now, for a break away from the performances – just take a look at all the people, and there were more!
Diwali Mela, San Diego
I tried a few different dishes including the Punjabi Karhi and Rice, one of my favorites – I should have taken a picture! I did take one of the Alloon Paratha – which were quite delicous (bread stuffed with potatoes and spices, that is cooked on a tava or griddle, and then smothered with oil or butter).
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Now back to the pictures of the performers.
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
I hope that added some color into your day!
Here is the video showing the Punjabi dance:
Here is the video showing the Rajasthan dance:
Here is the video showing a variety of the performances, including the women’s fashion show and the men’s fashion show.
Don’t miss the performance towards the end of this last video showing a dance to Bang Bang – the Bollywood movie starring Hrithik Roshan, and watch out for the little boy in the audience who definitely has dance fever!
luchanik 