Birch Aquarium is small but is a must see place in San Diego. It gives lot of information about modern day environmental challenges like carbon emission , climate chage etc. The aquarium is one of its class , where they had manitained uniqueness in the fact that you could see several flora and fauna you had never seen in other aquariums around the globe.
The aquarium is maintained by Scripps Ocenographic Institute , University of California at San Diego. One could easly spend anytime between 3 to 5 hours here seeing sea creatures you had never seen.
More details here:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
At San Jose Airport (Sillicon Valley)
San Jose airport is small but has its own differences compared to other airports around the city. Mostly the airport is busy since you could see lot of business people traveling around since this is one of the city where all tech companies had setup there shop.
There are very less number of tall building near the airport and that is one thing which is different from others. There were lot of renovation or extention work going thru out the airport. You could see billboards of all tech majors google , apple you name it they are there in different sizes and forms. There are lesser number of restaurants inside compared to other major airports in US.
There are very less number of tall building near the airport and that is one thing which is different from others. There were lot of renovation or extention work going thru out the airport. You could see billboards of all tech majors google , apple you name it they are there in different sizes and forms. There are lesser number of restaurants inside compared to other major airports in US.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
At the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino , Las Vegas , Nevada , US
The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino is one of the costliest hotels in and around Las Vegas. It consists of several restaurants for dining. We had a nice time dining at
Pinot Brasserie. Pinot Brasserie offers the warm, bustling ambiance of an urban Parisian brasserie. The hotel is having all the amenities one could think of and beyond.
More details here http://www.venetian.com/
There are lot of show houses within the hotel. There is a Venice like structure built within the hotel , which takes you to the back waters of Italy. We saw the "Phantom of the Opera" show and the man made sets of the show are one of the finest i had ever seen. This lavish production was named the “#1 show in Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal and continues to thrill audiences night after night.
From the moment you enter the magnificent $40 million custom-built theatre, you are in the storied Paris Opera House and part of The Phantom's world and all its signature songs, lyrics, costumes, and more. With spectacular sets, new illusions and a breathtaking chandelier experience unlike anything you have ever seen, Phantom is a can't-miss experience that promises surprises that will astound new audiences and loyal Phantom fans alike, and it’s only at The Venetian. Get your tickets today
its costly 259$ for a show :)
More details here http://www.phantomlasvegas.com/
Pinot Brasserie. Pinot Brasserie offers the warm, bustling ambiance of an urban Parisian brasserie. The hotel is having all the amenities one could think of and beyond.
More details here http://www.venetian.com/
There are lot of show houses within the hotel. There is a Venice like structure built within the hotel , which takes you to the back waters of Italy. We saw the "Phantom of the Opera" show and the man made sets of the show are one of the finest i had ever seen. This lavish production was named the “#1 show in Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal and continues to thrill audiences night after night.
From the moment you enter the magnificent $40 million custom-built theatre, you are in the storied Paris Opera House and part of The Phantom's world and all its signature songs, lyrics, costumes, and more. With spectacular sets, new illusions and a breathtaking chandelier experience unlike anything you have ever seen, Phantom is a can't-miss experience that promises surprises that will astound new audiences and loyal Phantom fans alike, and it’s only at The Venetian. Get your tickets today
its costly 259$ for a show :)
More details here http://www.phantomlasvegas.com/
At the Flemmingo Resort Hotel & Casino , Las Vegas , Nevada , US
Flemmingo Resort Hotel & Casino was one of the Biggest hotels I had seen ever. The hotel is a central attraction of Las Vegas gambling pools. After a party at the hotel during the noon time we were given Cash by our company to engage in a game where one need to play gambling and come back with all there earnings, the one team who earns the maximum wins the game.
The ground floor of the Hotel is filled with gambling tables and you could see all type of gambling going on 24/7 . Drinks and beverages are served all thru the session. The lower floor is polluted by people who smoke. So hard time for those who are having breating troubles. But there is a park like structure in the middle of the hotel which is open and give plenty of fresh air.
We enjoyed playing the game but almost lost all the money we had. Anyway we tried our best. Our night stay was arranged in this hotel, but we spent all night walking thru the streets of Las Vegas which was lively all thru the night. People spent lot of money there and one could see desperate faces who lost money , people who had drunk till nose end, people engaged in gambling business, lot of sex workers all fill the roads and gets roads gets crowded by midnight.
The ground floor of the Hotel is filled with gambling tables and you could see all type of gambling going on 24/7 . Drinks and beverages are served all thru the session. The lower floor is polluted by people who smoke. So hard time for those who are having breating troubles. But there is a park like structure in the middle of the hotel which is open and give plenty of fresh air.
We enjoyed playing the game but almost lost all the money we had. Anyway we tried our best. Our night stay was arranged in this hotel, but we spent all night walking thru the streets of Las Vegas which was lively all thru the night. People spent lot of money there and one could see desperate faces who lost money , people who had drunk till nose end, people engaged in gambling business, lot of sex workers all fill the roads and gets roads gets crowded by midnight.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Balboa Park, San Diego , CA
Balboa Park in San Diego is located near to downtown. It is adjacent to the San Diego Zoo. Balboa park consists of several museums and other recreational facilities.
There is a puppet show theater which could be a place for entertainment for kids.
You could see more information at Balboapark.org. Some of the attractions in the park are explained below
Centro Cultural de la Raza
A multidisciplinary cultural arts center
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition
Marston House
This classic 1905 Arts and Crafts style museum home was built for noted civic leader and merchant, George W. Marston
Mingei International Museum
Dedicated to art of the people (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world.
Museum of Photographic Arts
One of the few institutions in the US devoted to the photographic arts
Museum of San Diego History
The museum showcases the region's unique, colorful, and diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing San Diego
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
The Fleet is home to Southern California’s only IMAX® Dome Theater and 100+ hands-on science exhibits for all ages.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Science, space and aviation history all unfold at the San Diego Air & Space Museum—California’s Official Air and Space Museum
San Diego Art Institute (SDAI): Museum of the Living Artist
A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery
San Diego Automotive Museum
A nostalgic look at the icon of the 20th-century features more than 80 historic autos and motorcycles.
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
The nation's largest multi-sport museum boasts memorabilia reflecting San Diego's sporting legacy.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
At 28,000 square feet, the museum is the world's largest operating model railroad museum.
San Diego Museum of Art
As the region's oldest and largest art museum, the San Diego Museum of Art's.
San Diego Museum of Man
Located beneath the ornate 200-foot California Tower, the San Diego Museum of Man is the city’s only museum devoted to anthropology.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Founded by a handful of citizen-naturalists in 1874, the museum is an active research institution
San Diego Zoo
Home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies
Timken Museum of Art
Considered one of the great small museums in the world, the Timken houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection
Veterans Museum & Memorial Center
Located in the historic Old Navy Chapel, the museum preserves and honors the memory of men and women of the Forces.
WorldBeat Center
Housed in a colorfully painted former water tower, WorldBeat Center opened in Balboa Park in 1996.
The Performing arts related show include
Bon Temps Social Club , Civic Dance Arts , Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater ,
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet , San Diego Junior Theatre ,
San Diego Youth Symphony, Spreckels Organ Pavilion , Starlight Theatre and Starlight Bowl , The Old Globe.
There are several attractions which include restaurants, gardens, recreation etc.
There is a puppet show theater which could be a place for entertainment for kids.
You could see more information at Balboapark.org. Some of the attractions in the park are explained below
Centro Cultural de la Raza
A multidisciplinary cultural arts center
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition
Marston House
This classic 1905 Arts and Crafts style museum home was built for noted civic leader and merchant, George W. Marston
Mingei International Museum
Dedicated to art of the people (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world.
Museum of Photographic Arts
One of the few institutions in the US devoted to the photographic arts
Museum of San Diego History
The museum showcases the region's unique, colorful, and diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing San Diego
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
The Fleet is home to Southern California’s only IMAX® Dome Theater and 100+ hands-on science exhibits for all ages.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Science, space and aviation history all unfold at the San Diego Air & Space Museum—California’s Official Air and Space Museum
San Diego Art Institute (SDAI): Museum of the Living Artist
A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery
San Diego Automotive Museum
A nostalgic look at the icon of the 20th-century features more than 80 historic autos and motorcycles.
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
The nation's largest multi-sport museum boasts memorabilia reflecting San Diego's sporting legacy.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
At 28,000 square feet, the museum is the world's largest operating model railroad museum.
San Diego Museum of Art
As the region's oldest and largest art museum, the San Diego Museum of Art's.
San Diego Museum of Man
Located beneath the ornate 200-foot California Tower, the San Diego Museum of Man is the city’s only museum devoted to anthropology.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Founded by a handful of citizen-naturalists in 1874, the museum is an active research institution
San Diego Zoo
Home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies
Timken Museum of Art
Considered one of the great small museums in the world, the Timken houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection
Veterans Museum & Memorial Center
Located in the historic Old Navy Chapel, the museum preserves and honors the memory of men and women of the Forces.
WorldBeat Center
Housed in a colorfully painted former water tower, WorldBeat Center opened in Balboa Park in 1996.
The Performing arts related show include
Bon Temps Social Club , Civic Dance Arts , Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater ,
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet , San Diego Junior Theatre ,
San Diego Youth Symphony, Spreckels Organ Pavilion , Starlight Theatre and Starlight Bowl , The Old Globe.
There are several attractions which include restaurants, gardens, recreation etc.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
San Diego Bay , Maritime Museum , San Diego, US
San Diego Maritime museum conducts cruises across San Diego Bay. The one ship I was travelling was named Californian. The ride starts at around noon time, takes you towards the outer sea and returns back from there. The different scenes the journey provides itself is worth the trip.
Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, the Governor signed a bill into law designating the Californian as the official tall ship of the State of California. She is the only ship to carry this prestigious title.
Since her launching in San Diego the ship has played host to thousands of adventure travelers, sailing enthusiasts, students and history buffs up and down the West coast. She has also made voyages to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast of the United States. Californian casts a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette and has become one of the most well known tall ships in America.
The Californian is a replica of the 1847 Revenue Cutter C.W. Lawrence, which patrolled the coast of California enforcing federal law during the gold rush. The Revenue Cutter Service, along with four other federal maritime agencies, was consolidated into the United States Coast Guard in 1915.
The acquisition of the Californian by the Maritime Museum of San Diego in June 2002 was made possible by the Hughes and Sheila Potiker Family Foundation. In the winter and spring of 2003, she underwent a complete overhaul including a haul out, re-stepping the masts, replacing the standing rigging, new sails and mechanical systems and a re-design and re-furbishing of the areas below deck. The work was completed with a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego uses her for a variety of dockside and at sea educational programs along with public adventure sails ranging from a half-day to more than a week. Her annual tour of the California coast each summer offers residents and visitors throughout the state an opportunity to enjoy the State’s Official Tall Ship.
Towards the end of the trip cannons are fired from the ship.
Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, the Governor signed a bill into law designating the Californian as the official tall ship of the State of California. She is the only ship to carry this prestigious title.
Since her launching in San Diego the ship has played host to thousands of adventure travelers, sailing enthusiasts, students and history buffs up and down the West coast. She has also made voyages to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast of the United States. Californian casts a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette and has become one of the most well known tall ships in America.
The Californian is a replica of the 1847 Revenue Cutter C.W. Lawrence, which patrolled the coast of California enforcing federal law during the gold rush. The Revenue Cutter Service, along with four other federal maritime agencies, was consolidated into the United States Coast Guard in 1915.
The acquisition of the Californian by the Maritime Museum of San Diego in June 2002 was made possible by the Hughes and Sheila Potiker Family Foundation. In the winter and spring of 2003, she underwent a complete overhaul including a haul out, re-stepping the masts, replacing the standing rigging, new sails and mechanical systems and a re-design and re-furbishing of the areas below deck. The work was completed with a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego uses her for a variety of dockside and at sea educational programs along with public adventure sails ranging from a half-day to more than a week. Her annual tour of the California coast each summer offers residents and visitors throughout the state an opportunity to enjoy the State’s Official Tall Ship.
Towards the end of the trip cannons are fired from the ship.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tijuana , Mexico
My Mexico travel was planned for a long time, but then it happened when I was least expecting a travel. I wanted to renew my Visa in US and a travel to US Consulate abroad was impending. Tijuana US Consulate being the nearest one I decided to cross the US Border for first time after entering here.
US Consulte is almost near to the US Border with Mexico. From San Diego you can reach the border within 30-35 minitues of journey by car. There are lot of parking lots near the San Ysidiro subway station. For less than 4$ a day you will get parking here. You can cross the border with Vehicle but its not advisable since any repair or damages to the vehicle after crossing the border may not get the insurance coverage.
Once you reach the border you can cross the border by less than two minitus walk. There is a fly over which you have to cross to reach the other side of the border. You will be walking thru corridor like structure and after that finally you reach the other side of the border. There is no customs checking at the border and you could see some armed force and some border security force at the border from both sides.
I took a yellow cab from the border to reach the Benamax bank at the border. There you can convert your dollars to Mexican pesos. The taxi charge is around 6$ and most of the time the taxi drivers take dollars so it should not cause any issue. Most of the shops in Tijuana accepts payments in US dollars and they accept US credit cards too. The US consulte is also nearby the Bannamex Bank and its three or four blocks away from the bank. All of these points are located in a place called Zona Rio.
Language could be a problem as most of the people dont know English. But most of the cab drivers can understand English to a great extend. So travel thru a cab is easier.
Most of the time when the cab drivers see you at the border they expect that you are coming for a visa stamp. Although the Tijuana city is infamous for Mexican Drug Cartels and thier gangwars , from outside it looked a peaceful city.
The staff and security at the US consulate are very friendly and courteous. Sometimes due to rush you may have to extend your stay mostly to one more day (max) to get the VISA stamped. I got the VISA stamped next day and I stayed there in a hotel overnight. I returned back to border nextday. Tijuana is city with lot of hotels and other stores so staying there should not be a problem at all. You need to be careful while crossing the roads and all , especially when you are used to the US traffic system. There will be no push buttons for road crossings and all.
US Consulte is almost near to the US Border with Mexico. From San Diego you can reach the border within 30-35 minitues of journey by car. There are lot of parking lots near the San Ysidiro subway station. For less than 4$ a day you will get parking here. You can cross the border with Vehicle but its not advisable since any repair or damages to the vehicle after crossing the border may not get the insurance coverage.
Once you reach the border you can cross the border by less than two minitus walk. There is a fly over which you have to cross to reach the other side of the border. You will be walking thru corridor like structure and after that finally you reach the other side of the border. There is no customs checking at the border and you could see some armed force and some border security force at the border from both sides.
I took a yellow cab from the border to reach the Benamax bank at the border. There you can convert your dollars to Mexican pesos. The taxi charge is around 6$ and most of the time the taxi drivers take dollars so it should not cause any issue. Most of the shops in Tijuana accepts payments in US dollars and they accept US credit cards too. The US consulte is also nearby the Bannamex Bank and its three or four blocks away from the bank. All of these points are located in a place called Zona Rio.
Language could be a problem as most of the people dont know English. But most of the cab drivers can understand English to a great extend. So travel thru a cab is easier.
Most of the time when the cab drivers see you at the border they expect that you are coming for a visa stamp. Although the Tijuana city is infamous for Mexican Drug Cartels and thier gangwars , from outside it looked a peaceful city.
The staff and security at the US consulate are very friendly and courteous. Sometimes due to rush you may have to extend your stay mostly to one more day (max) to get the VISA stamped. I got the VISA stamped next day and I stayed there in a hotel overnight. I returned back to border nextday. Tijuana is city with lot of hotels and other stores so staying there should not be a problem at all. You need to be careful while crossing the roads and all , especially when you are used to the US traffic system. There will be no push buttons for road crossings and all.
Monday, April 13, 2009
At FlowerFields , Carlsbad , San Diego
FlowerFields is one of the favourite tourist spots in Southern California, located at Carlsbad. This is near the InterState - 5 after the Batiquitos Lagoon, while travelling from San Diego. Its beautiful collection of giant tacolite rananculus bulbs, spread across 50 acres.
The garden is nearby Legoland a popular amusement park in Southern California. Sea Life aquarium is very nearby. May and nearby months are blooming season and almost more than 65% of rananculus bulbs bloom during this period. The pecularity is the use of rananculus bulbs instead of usual tulips in these types of fields. There are eataries and other refreshments inside. If you cant walk long you can take a tractor ride throughout the farm, but to enjoy the beauty of the garden one should walk.
Nearby there are small garden of individual plants. Also there is one shop selling the seeds and other beautiful sundry items. The ticket cost is around 10 dollars which is minimal compared to the beauty experienced. Enough car parking is available infornt of the park. Its better to go either early morning or my evening becaue sun can turn really hot in some days.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
At Las Vegas Airport , Nevada , US
Size of the airport is slightly bigger than most of the airports. Its also modern and looks quite flashy. The roof top is covered with steel railings look-alike which gives a royal fervor. The airport itself is in two floors with most of the baggage claims arranged at the ground floor. The top floor is mostly by security check, arrivals and departures.
There are huge display screens which display ads of attractions at Las Vegas , the scenary of Las Vegas from the airplane at night is breathtaking. I could see advs of MGM and other famous hotels of Vegas. The night view of Vegas is spectacular.
There are huge display screens which display ads of attractions at Las Vegas , the scenary of Las Vegas from the airplane at night is breathtaking. I could see advs of MGM and other famous hotels of Vegas. The night view of Vegas is spectacular.
At San Francisco , California , US
I visited San Francisco on a company trip. The whole workforce was divided into several teams and we played a treasure hunt in the city which covers all the famous spots of the city. It was an exciting team building effort as well as an opportunity to see the city.
San Francisco roads are narrow , but there is a classical old town look with all modernity and affluence embedded within. Golden Gate bridge is one of the famous spots.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed during the year 1937, and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California.
San Francisco is one of the costliest city in the US and may be in the world itself. Cost of living is so high and there is a remarkable difference in earnings for the same job across US when compared to San Francisco.
Fisharmans Wharf is another spot of interest. There is a marine museum nearby.
One of the busiest and well known tourist attractions in North America, it is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery Shopping Center, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Some of the restaurants, like Pompeii's and Alioto's #8, go back for three generations of the same family ownership. Nearby Pier 45 has a chapel in memory of the "Lost Fishermen" of San Francisco and Northern California.
San Francisco roads are narrow , but there is a classical old town look with all modernity and affluence embedded within. Golden Gate bridge is one of the famous spots.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed during the year 1937, and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California.
San Francisco is one of the costliest city in the US and may be in the world itself. Cost of living is so high and there is a remarkable difference in earnings for the same job across US when compared to San Francisco.
Fisharmans Wharf is another spot of interest. There is a marine museum nearby.
One of the busiest and well known tourist attractions in North America, it is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery Shopping Center, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Some of the restaurants, like Pompeii's and Alioto's #8, go back for three generations of the same family ownership. Nearby Pier 45 has a chapel in memory of the "Lost Fishermen" of San Francisco and Northern California.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)