Tag Archive | travel

in Antalya, Delphin Imperial, Europe, Photography, reviews, Sightseeing, Tourism, Travel, Turkey
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A World Class Resort At The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

When you are thinking of all-inclusive resort destinations – you may think of the Caribbean if you are from the USA, perhaps somewhere like Jamaica or the Bahamas, or perhaps even Aruba – but I bet you’ll never think of Turkey as a destination for vacation. Why are we all so different when it comes to our ideas of vacations (or holidays as we like to call our time off in the UK and other parts of Europe)? Turkey is such a popular place with the Brits, and with people from all around Europe, but I hardly saw one American there at the Delphin Imperial Resort, in Antalya, while there last summer. Is it because we don’t think Turkey is a place capable of providing world-class resorts and relaxation? Well, I have news for all of you in the USA – Turkey is a fabulous place to have your vacation at. Americans will have to catch on sometime soon, and I might as well be the one to provide you with the information.

When we first got to the Delphin Imperial Resort, we were awestruck at how majestic it looked – like a palace! Both inside and outside – it was fabulous to look at!

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

Upon entering, food and refreshments were already within arms reach of the entrance

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

That’s me above with some Turkish Delight, oh, how I loved it. Also, you will see a picture of a sign that shows all the A La Carte Restaurants available.

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

The next morning, I took pictures looking out from my hotel window – this is Turkey! I’ve been before to Istanbul and Izmir while on a cruise, but have never been to Antalya before, and now I actually am staying overnight – in fact – seven nights! The Delphin Imperial is part of a large group of hotels, which include the Delphin Palace, and the Delphin Diva. They are all very close to one another, but I believe the Delphin Imperial might just be one of the best.

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

As you can see from the pictures above, the interior is akin to that of what you can imagine a palace to look like. I included some pictures of the main restaurant, which is where we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner most of the time. In fact, since it’s an all-inclusive, many times we had to skip lunch as we were so full from breakfast! You wouldn’t believe this place, there was a coffee shop that had chocolates and pastries that you could order as much as you wanted to at no extra cost. I can give you an example of some all-inclusives that aren’t all truly-inclusive like when you are on a cruise ship – such as their specialty shops or restaurants. However, at the Delphin Imperial – it was all included, except for things from the gift shop, or services such as the hairdressers or beauty salon. There were even smoothies, which is a big thing for kids – which kid doesn’t like smoothies?

There were also kebabs available by the pool at lunch-time that were so delicious,and pizza that you could have made to order. You could have an entire pizza made and carry it to your seat by the pool. Let’s just say, there was no shortage of food. As far as drinks, you could order alcohol, including cocktails or cappuccino as well as Turkish coffee for no extra price too.

If you want a glimpse at the pools, here are some pictures:

The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya

Well, that’s it from Antalya at the moment. I will share more pictures soon. Don’t forget, if you are thinking of all-inclusive, consider the Delphin Imperial in Antalya. It’s a world class resort.

January 25, 2015

in Antalya, Delphin Imperial, Europe, hotel reviews, Hotels, Photography, Sightseeing, Tourism, Travel, Turkey
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The Delphin Imperial, Antalya, Turkey

The Delphin Imperial is too nice to put off any longer. I can only show you a few pictures of this resort in this post though. Of course, I have many more to share and will probably do quite a few posts on my trip to Antalya, Turkey which is where the Delphin Imperial is located. If you want an all-inclusive resort, and want to try something in this part of Europe, do give this resort a try.

Here’s a few pictures until next time, and all I can say is:

Ooh, the building!

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Ooh, the outside, and the pools!

Ooh, the lobby!

Ooh, the Turkish Delight!

Ooh, the rooms!

Ooh, the desserts in the cafe!

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Ooh, the landscape!

The Delphin Imperial, Antalya

Did I tell you that this is a first class resort, that can cost you up to $4,600 for a family of four if you go in July or August, and sometimes even more. Of course, if you go during off-peak times, it might be less expensive. Well, until next time!

January 25, 2015

in England, Holiday, hotel reviews, Hotels, London, Sightseeing, Tourism, Travel, Vacation
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A Trip To The Savoy Hotel, London

Ahoy there, I went to the Savoy!

Well, what you may ask is so special about that? It is that I got through the doors of this establishment and was able to take pictures without having to pay hundreds, if not thousands of pounds a night for a room. I spent forty-five minutes or so, went in and took pictures and got out – and had quite a pleasant experience. This is after all, the hotel that is supposed to be London’s most famous hotel, and one where many celebrities have stayed. It is located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Here are some pictures:

Savoy Hotel, London

The Savoy, London

This is the lobby area as shown in the two pictures below, then if you walk down a few stairs, you will see a beautiful gazebo, and a restaurant/bar/lounge area

The Savoy Hotel, London

The Savoy Hotel, London The Savoy Hotel, London The Savoy Hotel, London The Savoy Hotel, London The Savoy Hotel, London

Savoy Hotel, London

You might just want to get a little something sweet in their delightful little treat shop

The Savoy Hotel, London

Also, I have to mention, the bathrooms in the Savoy are quite an experience too. Best bathrooms in the world! There was even a cloakroom attendant outside the bathroom, and I should have had my camera with me just to take pictures of the entry area of the women’s bathroom. Oh, my gosh, there were framed pictures – it was like an art gallery. I think there was music too. Perhaps, it was good that I didn’t have my camera, and had left it upstairs with my family! I think people would have thought I was a little odd taking pictures there.

The Savoy Hotel, London

So, what do you prefer – the Savoy or the Ritz? It depends on your level of glitz. I have shown some pictures of the Ritz in an earlier post. As for me, I was quite happy with the London Trafalgar Hotel – it suited me just fine.

January 19, 2015

in CA, Hotel Del, Hotels, Photography, San Diego, Tourism, Travel
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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

So, I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del………and that’s just the sunsets!

January 19, 2015

in CA, Hotels, Photography, San Diego, Travel, Vacation
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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

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 Del has everything. Do you know it overlooks the ocean, and also has beautiful swimming pools too?

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.

December 28, 2014

in England, London, Sightseeing, Tourism, Travel, Vacation
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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

St. Paul’s Cathedral seen from the South Bank

St. Paul’s yet again. I guess you know that I like St. Paul’s?

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

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 – oh my!

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!

December 21, 2014

in England, Holiday, Holidays, London, Photography, Sightseeing, Tourism, Travel, Vacation
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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

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

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!

November 16, 2014

in England, London, Sightseeing, Travel, Vacation
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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

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

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

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!

October 19, 2014

in Balboa Park, CA, Culture, Diwali, Photos, San Diego, Sightseeing, Travel
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Diwali at Balboa Park, 2014

I love Diwali, the Indian Festival Of Lights that is celebrated by Indians all over the world. Diwali has its roots in the story of Rama and Sita, and while I won’t go into the historical aspect – let’s just say that Diwali shows us how good triumphs over evil. We celebrate this wonderful time with family, friends, good food, music and often entertainment. While Diwali is on October 23rd this year, we celebrated it in Balboa Park on October 18th. Here are some pictures taken at the Organ Pavilion – the site of the 7th Annual Diwali Celebration in Balboa Park.