Tag Archive | sightseeing

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 Bridge, London, England

Tower Bridge, London, England

Tower Bridge, London, England

Tower of London

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

Buckingham Palace, London, England

Buckingham Palace, London, England

I believe this picture was taken close to Buckingham Palace.

London, England

London, England

Here I am standing right in front of the spectacular monument near Buckingham Palace

London, England

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

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

Kensington Palace, London

Kensington Palace, London

Don’t miss seeing London’s fantastic parks, complete with ponds, lakes, and ducks.

Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park, London

London, England

London, England

I just loved going in the Houses of Parliament and listening to how they argue.

Houses of Parliament, London

Houses of Parliament, London

Westminster Abbey, London, England

Westminster Abbey, London, England

This picture was taken close to the Houses of Parliament

Dean's Yard, London

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

Harrods of London, Knightsbridge, England

This is close by to Harrods – stunning architecture in London, quite fabulous!

near to Harrods of London, England

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

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!

2008-06-27_0021   2008-06-27_0017

Finally, a London street scene.

Central London, England

Central London, England

I love London, it surely is one of the best places to visit, and I highly recommend it.

Want to Vacation In San Diego This Year?

Interested in visiting Paradise this year?  I have a beautiful one bedroom unit for rent!  The accommodation has a separate living area, bedroom, bathroom and full kitchen, and sleeps four people (there’s a sofa bed in the living room).  It’s in the North County area of San Diego in Carlsbad, which is a beautiful place close by to the ocean.  In fact, you will have an ocean view! Also, my vacation rental overlooks the Flower Fields – which are a tourist attraction – where visitors come from all over to Carlsbad in March or April of each year to see the beautiful flowers in full bloom – breathtaking!

By the way, before I forget to mention the rental price for the week – it will be $1,100 and that’s a great bargain considering it’s racetrack season (and you can stay here on the Grand Opening Day of the Del Mar Racetrack – see below).  Hotel rooms usually can go from $275 to $300 per night or more, and additionally you will still have to eat out – save money this way by cooking your own meals – at least one or two meals (if not three).  The check in date will be July 14th, 2013 and the check out date will be July 21, 2013.

Here are some pictures:

Grand Pacific Palisades and the Flower Fields, Carlsbad

Grand Pacific Palisades and the Flower Fields, Carlsbad

That’s me and my children enjoying the flowers (yes, we got right into the fields – many people do just to have their photographs taken)

Flower Fields and Grand Pacific Palisades, San Diego

Flower Fields and Grand Pacific Palisades, San Diego

Of course, July is going to be beautiful here in San Diego!  You will want to take a dip in the pool at the Palisades (there’s two pools – one adults only, and one is a family pool – more suitable for kids)

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

The lobby

The Lobby of the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, San Diego

The Lobby of the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, San Diego

Here’s another picture of the lobby area

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, CA

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, CA

Kids love to play here

Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Outdoor Splash Area, and Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

Outdoor Splash Area, and Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego

What can you expect to see in the surrounding area?

This sign will show you some local places of interest, and of course a local restaurant where you can eat if you don’t want to cook your own food.

Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad, CA

Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad, CA

Legoland is just across the street, yes, you can even walk there! I don’t have any recent pictures of Legoland, and will have to find my older pictures, but this is a great place to visit with the kids!

Then you have the Carlsbad Outlet Mall close by, this is just within walking distance, and has many great stores such as GAP Kids, Clark Shoes, Nine West, DKNY, and many others.  The kids will love it because it has rides that they just absolutely adore.

Carlsbad Outlet Mall

Carlsbad Outlet Mall

The main beach in Carlsbad is just about 3.7 miles away or so, if you want to go the area close by to Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Blvd.  I would highly recommend eating at the Harbor Fish Cafe, which overlooks the ocean.  It is located at 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA  92008.

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Carlsbad Beach, San Diego

Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad

Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad

In the picture above, you can’t really tell where the Harbor Fish Cafe is, but it is on the upper right, and now when you see the picture below, you can see it more clearly, but won’t be able to tell it has a fantastic ocean view, that’s why I had to include the picture above.

Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad

Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad

The racetrack!

If you travel about 15 minutes south of Carlsbad, down Highway 5, you will arrive at Del Mar, and the racetrack.  Every year in July for about seven weeks, the racetrack opens, and this is unquestionably one of the area’s greatest attractions  – you will be amazed if you go there on Opening Day. This year – Opening Day will be on July 17th – don’t forget if you want to be here for Opening Day this year, my vacation unit is available – it will be a fabulous place to stay in style, and entertain!

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Me at the racetrack last year.

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Bring the kids, there’s lots for them to do, Chandi was happy with her new horse – they often hand out freebies with your paid admission – and people just love those!

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

The racetrack is very close to Powerhouse Beach in Del Mar, about a mile or so.

Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar

Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar

I would highly recommend Pacifica Breeze Cafe in the Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 for their delicious scones, oatmeal, and kids breakfasts (you can see it at the top right of the photo below)

Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar, San Diego

Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego

Want to come here in July, 2013 – specifically July 14 – July 21?  I have a place for you to stay, just write to me at dkaur@luchaniktravel.com and I will be happy to help you with your accommodation, and some recommendations.  Also, if you are interested in buying this one week unit (I only own one week per year at Grand Pacific Palisades) – I would be interested in selling it too for $8,000 – that’s a bargain, then you too can live in Paradise – even if it’s just one week per year.

Don’t forget, there’s no place like Carlsbad, there’s no place like Del Mar, and there’s no place like San Diego!

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 6,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 12 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Sunsets in Coronado, San Diego

Sunsets can be spectacular in San Diego, and Coronado which is only a two mile drive or so from downtown San Diego is no exception.  Some of the best sunsets can be found right here.

Coronado, San Diego

Coronado, San Diego

Me and the kids went to one of our favorite places in the San Diego area – across the Bay – and onto the island of Coronado.  Coronado is only a 5 minute drive or so from  downtown San Diego – you head down Highway 5 and take the 75 South to Coronado, then when you see Orange Avenue, make a left and you can head to the Hotel Del.

I think this picture below would have come out nice if the car hadn’t got in the way, but I think the passengers wanted to see the sunset too.  I can’t blame them.

Coronado, San Diego

Coronado, San Diego

I think the sunset looks pretty like this too

Coronado, San Diego

Coronado, San Diego

Most of these pictures were taken right before we got to Hotel Del (just a few minutes walk away), and some further down the page were taken at the beach in front of the hotel.

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado

I think these two trees below might be the same ones that were in my personal favorite sunset picture that I took in Coronado (seen below the one directly underneath)

Coronado

Coronado

My favorite sunset picture taken just over a year ago on Christmas Day (2011)

Coronado

Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

The Hotel Del, Coronado

Hotel Del, Coronado

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 is swell!  It’s a great place to visit, or even stay at (I stayed there once for three nights in 2008).  Top your visit off with some gelato from Mootime Creamery, their wonderful ice-cream store.

Mootime Creamery, Hotel Del

Mootime Creamery, Hotel Del

Well, I will leave you with a few more sunset pictures, this one was taken right in front of the Hotel Del

Coronado

Coronado

This is on the way to the Hotel Del, just a few minutes walk away right now.

Coronado

Coronado

This picture was taken right in front of the Hotel Del

Coronado

Coronado

Coronado
Coronado
Coronado
Coronado

The clouds were even a little black today, we’ve had quite a bit of rain the past few weeks.

Coronado
Coronado

There’s nothing like bringing in the New Year in with sunsets, and that’s just what we did this year – that’s when these pictures were taken (except for the Christmas Day, 2011 picture).  Remember, to get to Coronado from San Diego is not very hard at all.  It’s just a two mile drive or so from downtown, across the Coronado Bridge.

Coronado Bridge

Coronado Bridge

To get this view of the San Diego skyline (seen below), all you do is go across the Coronado Bridge and make a right at Orange Avenue, you would then make another right, and park on your left hand side where the shops are and where the Il Fornaio restaurant is.  Some of the hotels seen in the San Diego skyline are the Hyatt Grand Manchester, the Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Hilton BayFront (I’ve also stayed at all these hotels).  Please feel free to get in touch with me for making hotel reservations, or recommendations.  As you can see, these hotels are fairly close to Coronado, and should definitely be on your list of hotels to consider staying at when you come to San Diego.  You will have the best of both worlds – be close to Coronado and still be close to all the other fabulous attractions near these hotels, such as Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and shopping at one of the most gorgeous shopping malls in the entire world – at Horton Plaza.  Please see my previous post: Scenic San Diego.

San Diego Skyline from Coronado

San Diego Skyline from Coronado

By the way, I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I’m so sorry for not writing as frequently, time is in short supply….but I will try harder.  May the New Year bring you plenty of spectacular sunsets, and much happiness.

The Big Pineapple

It’s time for you to see the Big Pineapple!

The Big Pineapple, Australia

The Big Pineapple, Australia

The Big Pineapple is a tourist attraction in The Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, and it is quite amazing.  From what I remember, there are several gift shops there, as well as rides, and many other things to do.  I believe there are samples of fresh pineapples too – after all, who wouldn’t want pineapple to eat after seeing this?

Las Vegas Can Be Contagious

Las Vegas is a beautiful place to visit for the holidays.  The lights will dazzle you, and the city will grab you in its grasp – but you should be warned – it can be contagious.

Vegas has so much atmosphere.

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

Vegas can dazzle you.

Fashion Show Shopping Mall, Las Vegas

Fashion Show Shopping Mall, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Vegas can leave you amazed.

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Vegas even has the Grinch!

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

The Forum Shops, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

The Forum Shops, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

You should go see H&M in Caesars Palace, it’s truly spectacular!

H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

H&M, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

There were so many pictures to take outside the Venetian, this is certainly my favorite place in Vegas.   It is almost as good as going to the real Venice, but not quite.

Las Vegas Blvd - The Strip

Las Vegas Blvd – The Strip

Las Vegas Blvd - The Strip

Las Vegas Blvd – The Strip

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

Venetian, Las Vegas

Venetian, Las Vegas

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

Vegas has incredible lights!

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

Of course, the inside of the Venetian is equally as spectacular as the outside.

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian - Las Vegas Blvd

The Venetian – Las Vegas Blvd

This place has delicious gelato – it is so good, you will definitely go back for seconds if not thirds!

Venetian, Las Vegas

Venetian, Las Vegas

Las Vegas knows how to sparkle for the holidays – and Las Vegas knows how to make you yearn to go back, even if just for the pictures.

The Magic of December Nights in San Diego

I knew December Nights at Balboa Park was going to be magical.  There’s not a better way to kick-start the holidays than going to Balboa Park, and experiencing December Nights.  What is/are December Nights?  I wrote about it in my previous post, just click here to see More Info on December Nights (that post contains some external links with more information too).

Now that December Nights (which occurred on December 7 & 8, 2012) are over, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit the Park.  The magical tree is still there, and so are the lights and the great atmosphere, and at least you won’t have the crowds to deal with.  Here’s some pictures:

First the magical tree:

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

It gets even more magical – it opens up!

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

It changes color!

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

It changed color again!

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

This one is more fuzzier, because my camera’s battery died and I had to use my I-phone.

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

This one’s fuzzy too, but I’m including it because I want you to see the spectacle of color that was so beautiful during the December Nights concert.

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Here’s the same color for background, but the tree has closed up

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Now for a lighter shade of blue

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

And the last two of the tree at least!

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Now for some pictures of the Park in the dark.  Me and my family went to December Nights on both December 7 and December 8.  Why miss out on the magic?

I believe this church now houses the Museum of Man

St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego

St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego

Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego

Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego

Today, I suddenly stumbled on a second picture that I took of the Church at Balboa Park, I thought I only had one like the one above.

The Museum of Man, December Nights, Balboa Park

The Museum of Man, December Nights, Balboa Park

Are you ready for more Christmas trees?  Here’s another one at the Park, closer to the church shown above

Christmas Tree, near Museum of Man, Balboa Park

Christmas Tree, near Museum of Man, Balboa Park

Oh, my gosh!  The Grinch was here, but Chandi didn’t want to have her picture taken with him, so I had to take it of someone else instead!

The Grinch at Balboa Park

The Grinch at Balboa Park

Even dogs like December Nights, this picture was taken with no flash, but it wasn’t very good, however, it will give you an idea of what the lights were like and how it really looked in the dark

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

The dog also has glasses, more clearly seen in the picture below.

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park

It’s just so nice strolling through the Park, even in the dark!

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park was nicely lit up for the holidays

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

There were so many people there, you wouldn’t believe it.  I think I read somewhere that there were at least 300,000 people.

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Here’s the Botanical Gardens Building at night time bathed in a beautiful blue light

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego

You can’t tell from these pictures just how many people there were in Balboa Park during these two very busy nights.

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

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

Of course, there were a lot of delicious choices for food, but I didn’t get to take too many pictures of the different vendors.  Here’s one at least.

Food Options, December Nights, Balboa Park

Food Options, December Nights, Balboa Park

This fountain is near one of the many museums at the park, and is closest to the path to the San Diego Zoo.

Fountain, Balboa Park, San Diego

Fountain, Balboa Park, San Diego

The words “Happy Holidays” lit up one of the museums

Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego

Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego

Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego

Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego

The Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego

The Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego

Here’s a clearer picture of some people at December Nights

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

For some reason, I like this picture

Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park, San Diego

I couldn’t stop taking pictures of Balboa Park at night, it is beautiful both at night and day

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

I didn’t quite get the picture above centralized, see how it looks below, still not right.  It would have been perfect if I could have got both “Season’s Greetings” and the lighting on the wall on the right in just one picture balanced out better.  Oh, well.  I’ll have to make do with two pictures.

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Now for where the reindeers are with presents laden on the sleigh

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

A different angle of the reindeers

Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park

Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park

Now, there’s the presents at the back (I guess on the sleigh).

Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park

Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park

Some more lights

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

Now, some more pictures of the amazing tree from a different angle.

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park

And lastly, some pictures of the performers who entertained us at the site of the magical tree.

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park

Just incase you don’t get the full flavor of what it’s like at Balboa Park during December Nights, I made this video especially for you.

I still haven’t had the chance to take more daytime pictures of Balboa Park, so in the meantime, you can look at these pictures taken by someone who linked to my post previously, so now I will link to his – so you can see his amazing pictures of Balboa Park: http://onecoolthingeveryweekend.com/2012/11/21/picture-tour-of-the-san-diego-balboa-park/

Oh, by the way, I went to the International Houses on the 8th of December and saw various cultural dances there, including Indian dances, but only managed to get a few pictures.  Perhaps, I will put those in another post.  Anyway, I hope you can see that Balboa Park is so magical when it’s the holidays.  If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you, and if you don’t – Happy Holidays!

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Oh, how I love this time of year, the wonderful memories of Christmas that has already passed, and the exhilarating anticipation of Christmas yet to come.

Two fabulous places to experience a taste of the holidays are Balboa Park, and the adjacent San Diego Zoo.  Did you know that you can actually walk from Balboa Park to the Zoo?  It will only take about five to ten minutes to walk from one to the other.

I would like to remind you that December Nights is just around the corner – it’s actually this week on Friday and Saturday (December 7 and 8) …..two wonderful days of holiday cheer, where San Diego celebrates the holidays like no place else.

Here’s three links with more information about this wonderful event – December Nights At Balboa Park, Official Tourism Blog of San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego News.

Here’s some pictures from past December Nights, previously known as Christmas On The Prado

December Nights - Balboa Park, San Diego

December Nights – Balboa Park, San Diego

IMG_0408

December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park

December Nights - Organ Pavilion - Balboa Park

December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park

Cultural events and activities galore can be found at December Nights

Cultural Events - December Nights - Balboa Park

Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park

Cultural Events - December Nights - Balboa Park

Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park

These dances took place outside the House of Ukraine at the International Cottages in 2011.

Cultural Events - December Nights - Balboa Park

Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park

I think one of the best places to visit in Balboa Park is this very area…..the International Cottages.  Here, you will see the House of Scotland, England, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, and many others.  What can you expect to see or learn from these International Cottages?  You will get a big taste of what it’s like to be from that region.  You can try samples of the food from any of those respective countries, you may even be in for a treat to a dance from that region – it really is a fantastic thing to experience – you might just see Scottish, German, Russian, Indian and other dances (during December Nights, 2012, I know you can definitely see Indian dances on Saturday evening (I apologize if you read it before and it said Friday, I just got confirmation today 12/6/12 that it’s Saturday evening).  Read more about the International Cottages right here: http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/house-pacific-relations-international-cottages

This picture of my three kids was taken last year at San Diego Zoo.  The Zoo is beautiful at Christmas time.

IMG_4794

Merry Christmas from San Diego Zoo

Can you believe the same tree shown above behind my kids actually magically changes and becomes the tree below when it is darker

Christmas Tree at San Diego Zoo

Christmas Tree at San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells - San Diego

Jungle Bells – San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves - San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves - San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is a favorite of my kids – especially Chandi – she absolutely loves it here.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

I really love her expression when she saw the orangutans.

Orangutans - San Diego Zoo

Orangutans – San Diego Zoo

Now from my house to yours – I would like to spread some holiday cheer.  This is a picture of my kids from two years ago.  They wish you a Merry Christmas.

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Merry Christmas from San Diego

I don’t have a good picture yet of all three of my kids from this holiday season, but will certainly strive to capture one at some point or other, but I do have a picture of my little Chandi which was taken just a few days ago.

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The Wonder of Christmas

My daughter Niki is very creative and made these holiday cookies

Holiday Cookies

Go attend some festivities, get into the spirit, and don’t forget to enjoy some holiday cookies!

By the way……you are probably thinking that San Diego can’t look very “Christmassy”.  I hope you can see that we still celebrate this joyous season here in a big way.  It’s all about getting into the spirit, holiday decorations, festivities, etc., and any place can be seasonally festive.  This is a nice place to celebrate it, because we don’t have to deal with the snow.  I know many of you might like snow, but I grew up in England, and had more than my fair share of it.  I really enjoy looking at it from inside, and seeing the snow fall – it certainly is a beautiful sight, but I can do without trudging through it, and shoveling my car out of it.   However, my kids crave it – so what do we do here in San Diego for snow?  We go to the Zoo and visit the “Snowerator” – at least I think that’s the word for it!

"Snowing" At San Diego Zoo

“Snowing” At San Diego Zoo

We also have places like Julian (one hour away) that are fairly close by, which we can go to if we really need the real thing.

Whatever you do…..I hope you get to celebrate the holidays, and to experience some of the season’s joy.  Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Scenic San Diego

I really could run out of words to describe San Diego – it surely is scenic, beautiful, fantastic, marvelous, paradise, heavenly and  ………. well, I could go on!

Here’s a scenic San Diego – at Seaport Village

Seaport Village, San Diego

Here’s a beautiful San Diego at  Seaport Village

Seaport Village

Here’s a fantastic San Diego with a downtown city view.

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

Here’s a marvelous San Diego with the twin towers of the Marriott Marquis & Marina on the right.

San Diego & the Marriott Marquis & Marina

Well, I won’t call the next two pictures paradise and heavenly as those descriptions actually fit the first two more, but those are taken up!

Now, you have a downtown tourist attraction  (Seaport Village),  you have a place to stay (Marriott Marquis), and now you have to go shopping!

Horton Plaza, San Diego

Horton Plaza is one of the best shopping malls in the world, and undoubtedly the most colorful and most absolutely gorgeous place to shop, dine and see a movie!

Horton Plaza, San Diego

All the pictures above were taken a number of years ago, and may not be as vivid as they could be.  Here are some newer pictures of Horton Plaza, however, I think they are all about the same quality.

Horton Plaza, San Diego

Horton Plaza, San Diego

Horton Plaza, San Diego

I actually saw an Indian movie here at Horton Plaza (sorry, I know this might not fit in with scenic San Diego, but I had to tie it in with Horton Plaza).

Indian Movies at UA Horton Plaza 14, San Diego

I took some more pictures of Seaport Village too recently, but I still like the older pictures that I took above.

Seaport Village, San Diego

And lastly, my favorite type of picture – the marina complete with boats, I don’t know why I like the marina so much, but I think it’s because I feel calm, peaceful and content when I see the more relaxing waters of the marina.

San Diego Marina At Seaport Village

Also, it is worthy to note that Seaport Village is within walking distance of such big hotels as the Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Hyatt Grand Manchester (both hotels overlook Seaport Village).  Horton Plaza is a nice five or ten minute walk from Seaport Village – it will probably be a good idea to walk there, however, if you are stuck for parking – Horton Plaza validates for three hours with a purchase.  You could visit the movies, and get your parking ticket validated too.

Want to know more about Seaport Village?  http://www.seaportvillage.com/visitors

Want to know more about the Marriott Marquis & Marina? http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sandt-san-diego-marriott-marquis-and-marina/

Want to know more about Horton Plaza?  http://www.westfield.com/hortonplaza/tourism/

You may also want to see my other posts: Some Places To Escape The Heat, Incredible San Diego – La Jolla, Sunsets In San Diego, and Beautiful San Diego

I hope you will visit beautiful, scenic San Diego one of these days, it is absolutely paradise!

Cyber Monday Sale

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Cruise Sale, Cyber Monday! CruiseOne

Davinder Kaur – San Diego Travel Agent

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