Trafalgar Square, a Stone’s Throw From St. Martin-In-The-Fields
I meant to show you more pictures of Covent Garden, but before we got there on Day 5 of our trip to London in July, 2014, we went for an early morning walk from our hotel at The Trafalgar Hilton, situated right there in Trafalgar Square – so convenient! First we went across the road to Trafalgar Square to see the Blue Hen and the fountains – why not wake up to a hen in Central London? There’s nothing like it!
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery is a very impressive art museum, and it’s located bang in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
The National Gallery At Trafalgar Square
Look at this, you get Nelson’s Column, the lions, Big Ben and London Buses all in view! Oh, how I love London!
Trafalgar Square
Here I am in Trafalgar Square in front of the Blue Hen.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square
What a fabulous place to take a walk, but then again – it’s nice to be walking anywhere in London.
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near Trafalgar Square
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near Trafalgar Square
Right there at Trafalgar Square is a beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields. I’m not sure how it got this name as I don’t see any fields around – but I’m sure there’s a reason to the name. However, it is a beautiful church.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
So, now…..we have made it across the Square to this beautiful church – St. Martin In The Fields.
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
This is not the main part of it, rather the pictures above show you what it looks like – I am including the one below because it is unusual to have such a structure – I do believe it’s the Crypt – and think it houses a cafe. Since it’s surrounded by such gorgeous architecture, I had to throw in this picture too.
The Crypt at St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I went inside this beautiful church. How I love to go into churches!
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
St. Martin In The Fields near Trafalgar Square
I saw quite a bit of the service, and joined in singing some of the hymns. It reminded me of my childhood when we used to sing hymns at my school – as part of our assemblies – most mornings in northern England.
Anyway, I still have more pictures from Day 5, and guess what? The next day is the last day of London before we headed up north to where my family lives. Still, I have many more pictures to share. Until then.
Diana & Dodi Memorial at Harrods
I still miss Princess Diana so much. She was a special kind of person, born to be a Princess, and fit to be the Queen. Sadly, she was taken away from us. I am so glad that Harrods has a memorial for her and Dodi, the man who was the love of her life, and who also died in that fateful car crash in Paris – on that awful day that I will never forget. Here are some pictures of the memorial.
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Dodi & Diana Memorial, Harrods, London
Just heard there was a story in the papers today on how the British public don’t want Camilla to be the next Queen. I certainly don’t want her to be the Queen either. How could she be? She grabbed away Diana’s chances at happiness, and was the third person in that marriage. If Camilla had not interfered in the marriage – I strongly believe that Diana would have been here today. That is one reason why Camilla will never be part of my Pinterest Board – The Royal Family. My Pinterest board is dedicated to Diana’s memory, and adding any pins of Camilla would not be in Diana’s interest. Diana, we will never forget you. You were, and are always the People’s Princess. May you rest in peace always.
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!
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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
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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.
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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.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – Ever So Lovely And A Must-See!
St. Paul’s Cathedral is ever so lovely, and a must-see! It’s an impressive building located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. It was one of the tallest buildings for many years, and the funerals of many important people have taken place here – such as Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson, and Margaret Thatcher. Weddings have also taken place here, with one of the most famous weddings being that of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29th, 1981. Guess what – today on the day of my visit to St. Paul’s – it is July 26th, 2014 – it’s almost the anniversary of Diana’s wedding.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Here are two pictures of the royal couple at St. Paul’s Cathedral as shown on my Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452048881322877823/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452048881321260757/
You will want to get off at St. Paul’s tube station to get to St. Paul’s Cathedral (take the red line – the Central line).
St. Paul’s Tube Station, London
St. Paul’s Tube Station, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
It is really enjoyable walking around the grounds of St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Walking down the stairs from St. Paul’s Cathedral is the replica of the Queen Anne statue, and one of the side streets near St. Paul’s.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
This is what it looks like inside the Cathedral at the entrance
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London – The Queen Anne statue
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London – The Queen Anne statue
My little Princess was ever so happy to be here
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Paul at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
John Wesley statue at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
John Wesley statue at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
My other Princess (my oldest daughter) is also happy to be here, and is standing by Queen Anne’s statue.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
I can’t believe I haven’t shared these pictures yet! It’s already been eight months since we were there – how quickly time flies! Well, until next time – by the way, Happy Spring!
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.
Delphin Imperial Resort, Lara Beach – Antalya – A Picture Video
You know I like to show you pictures? Guess, what instead of putting so many pictures on this post like I did in the last one – I put them in a video. Also, there’s some video footage too. So, come on…..take a look at my video, and don’t forget to like it.
Here’s a brief excerpt description – cut and pasted from my YouTube video – yes, I made this post super quick.
Turkey is so mystical. Enchanting. Intriguing. Have you ever thought of staying in a resort in Turkey? Well, if you are thinking about it, here’s one that deserves your consideration – The Delphin Imperial at Lara Beach, which is in the Antalya region. This video will show you a lot, you’ll even see someone doing a belly dance at one of the shows, you’ll see the pool(s) – there’s many pools, the buffet, the lobby, the beach, the rooms, and the view from the room where me and my family stayed. You’ll also see the coffee shop – did you know you can choose however much chocolate you want from there, and also any of the cakes or two or three! You can also get cappuccino, latte or espresso. Hopefully, you’ll get a good idea about the resort. Guess what it’s very clean – no mosquito problem either!
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.
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
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
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
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
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
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
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.
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!
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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!
luchanik 