What to wear when traveling abroad...

Here is a site for you to make sure as you travel the globe you are respectful of the cultures that you are visiting... cant take credit for it.. but did want to pass it on.
http://www.journeywoman.com/ccc/default.html

We have been to temples of various religions and I am amazed at the lack of respect show by choice of clothing...
Please help stop the concept of the self centered ugly American...
again.. great site.

Turkey tour blog

Great Turkey travel blog from one of the other guests on my husbands trip!

also here are some of my husbands photos of the trip.

This is a great site.. the points guy

Today my husband set off for a three week adventure thru Turkey.. here is the link to the group that he is going with.. please note.. it sells out each year in less then a few days... Tangents Tour of Turkey

While looking at travel and flight info I came across this site.. and it is great... wanted to share.

The Points Guy.... shares how to get the most out of travel points...

I will be writing more over the next few weeks.. getting back into the swing of travel.. but for now..
enjoy.

Hacienda De Vega in Escondido

We were in Escondido and decided to check out Hacienda de Vega... We picked up the dining out magazine for summer and this was the only Escondido place listed.. we read about it and went on over..

The location is just on the outskirts of Escondido in an old (100 years) ranchero adobe.. in the middle is a pond, there is running water (kind of a waterfall) and another outdoor bar area.. all the seating in outdoors some covered some not.. there is also a very nice green area with yet another pond that I am sure they may use for special events.. The atmosphere was wonderful...

As we walked around to the tables we passed the bar/drink area.. my first eww.. there were flies landing on the half done margarita glasses, and on slices of cheese and the lemons and other fruits ready to be placed on drinks.. the flies also were landing on the rim of glasses after the salt had been applied.. not of this seemed to bother the bartender...alcohol can kill alot but the lack of hygiene was concerning.. 

When seated were were brought chips and a tray of four different salsas for dipping.. this was a nice touch.. 

My husband ordered the ceviche and I ordered lobster tostadas both off of the appetizer menu..

they were both very good.. Mine had a fair amount of lobster and a spicy sauce with avocado and lettuce.. 

for Dessert we had the churro with three sauces; Dark Chocolate, caramel and raspberry. Very nice but not remarkable...

The service was fair.. 

Overall, this could be a great restaurant.. but they just didn't take the extra time to be a great restaurant.. the prices on the main portion of the menu were too high given the level and quality of service and attention to detail.

There are other restaurants in Escondido and I would love to hear about them.. but this is the only one listed and it was just okay.

Sycuan Casino Music Venue Live and Up Close

I just came back from my first trip to Sycuan Casino`s music venue called Live and Up Close and it is perfectly named, on the far side of El Cajon...  I was pleasantly surprised.. the trip from the coast wasn't filled with lots of winding roads but was a very nice drive thru the east county about an hour from Carlsbad,Ca... once there.. both the parking and the finding of the music venue were very easy...
I am not a gambler  but for those that are they do have a large non smoker area... if you are interested...

We were there for a concert.. and it was a great one: David Cassidy.. (but this is the subject of a different story)..
The employees, hosts and security were all extremely nice.. I did not get the feeling that it was only because we were a pretty docile group... even on the casino floor the employees were very kind...

 This is now my favorite concert venue in San Diego next to the Belly up. It's small (457 seats), comfortable, every seat is great,  the bar is separate from the performance area, so you aren't disturbed by waiters, waitresses and the bathrooms are in the theatre and easy to access. Here, the focus is on the music first. Don`t think twice about seeing a show here, it will be memorable. The acoustics are great, the seating is comfortable and plush, If you are interest in the casino you can play before or after the show.They get great acts and typically have no ticket fees. I left very impressed by this music venue that really is

 Live and Up Close.

Birch Aquarium La Jolla, Ca.

_Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

Living in Carlsbad, I get asked a lot about my opinion of Sealife in Carlsbad vs. Birch aquarium.. 

Here is my post from Trip Advisor.. that says it all.. and it isn't far from Carlsbad...

“One of San Diegos best experiences, location and activities 5 stars”

Reviewed July 10, 2012

Living in San Diego, we have been here several times.. We also travel and have been to many other aquariums.. This one is always awesome.. The views from the patio (with interactive sea life)
the multiple ever changing learning centers and the great hands on exhibits are 5 star.. The fact that UCSD is right here allows for even more research and new finds.. all of which get integrated into the exhibits... top this off with a stroll thru many of the local tide pools and this is a perfect day.
For Locals and Visitors alike.. this is a can`t miss experience.

Visited June 2012

SouthWest Airlines.. major glitch.. check emails and cc NOW

Southwest airlines has had a major snafoo on their reservation system.. I have a great CC company and bank so they stopped the reservations and charges asap.. but I had made one reservation last night.. and woke up this a.m. to 31.. all with attempted charges..
when I called they said there were others with more then 150..
to correct call them and then hit the need to pay number.. NOT the change reservation.. that has at least a 3 hour wait...
They had to go thru each reservation to cancel.. but got it done...
also go to your bank or call your cc company and find out how they will handle this over the next few days.

Chandler Restaurant, Here in Carlsbad, ca

We stopped at this lovely resort hotel restaurant on a Friday night.. so it was very busy and a bit loud... but the clientele was made up of both vacationers and locals... the setting of the bar and windows affords a beautiful ocean view while avoiding the view of the coast highway right below...
The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Hotel and Spa in which the Chandler is located was packed and in talking to the staff at almost 100 % capacity ..
As for the Bar/Restaurant itself.. the drinks are original and very good.. for $12 per drink.. they were not skimpy or of poor quality.. My husband had a cucumber Martini with jalapenos.. He was impressed.
We had the fries (mixed potato and sweet potato) with a pomegranate ketchup.. very nice.. the artisan pizza with grapes, apple, tomato and prosciutto was okay but the bread was a bit chewy..
Over all I would give this restaurant a must try 4 stars..
The only real drawback is the lack of staff although very courteous was not organized. A wonderful bartender named Dan ended up being our server as there didn't seem to be set servers to tables or areas.. the couple next to us. after a drink left because they waited to long to even be ask if they would like to eat.. same with the couple a few seats down...
This will be corrected quickly.. we brought it to Dan`s attention and he genuinely appreciated the feedback.  When we did get someones attention.. the service and turn around time was very fast...
The Chandler Restaurant and the whole resort has hit Carlsbad with a boom and is a much needed option for locals and vacationers alike.

Gaslamp Get Away!

I just got back from a wonderful time in Downtown San Diego this week... We sampled the restaurants, took in a show at the House of Blues and stayed at the Palomar Hotel.... overall it was a great get away...
I took the train down and although I chose to walk the few short blocks to the hotel, the trolley also stops close by and the Hotel does have a car at your disposal to take you anywhere with in a three mile radius.. Downtown isn't very large so this will take you where you need or want to go...

An in depth review of the hotel will be out in a few days.. I am waiting for the management to answer a few questions first so I can give a full picture and accurate information on the recent renovations and updated services.

We had a few great finds in the food and music department..
The Zanzibar, Cafe Chloe and Patricks 2 for great musicians hanging out and playing great music.

Having spent most of my time in the Gaslamp in the evenings.. coming down early on the day of check in was an interesting experience.. Also being there on a Tuesday which is a people light night was different also...
Pictures and reviews to follow.
Fair Dinkum!

Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad,Ca

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY TO YOU!
I was going to update you on the great parades in and around San Diego.. but with the rain.. I decided to make an indoor suggestion.
Here in Carlsbad we have the Museum of Making Music.. right above the Flower Fields.. great for all ages and they have a wonderful hands on Museum... and history walk...  also if you visit their website they offer concerts and lectures through out the year...
If you are a visitor this is a must see.. if you live in the area a membership is a great way to stay involved and enjoy some great music and glean some knowledge of music past, present and future.
On the front page of their website, they list up coming concerts and new additions to their interactive exhibit...

Orchid Open House This Saturday Feb. 11,2012

Barbara Rudvalis, my mother in law, owns a local Carlsbad Cymbidium orchid nursery She is having a Public open house this weekend (she only has 2-3 open houses a yr.) .....this is truly a treat to behold. Please come......


Cymbidiums are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day-- they lasts for weeks & weeks.

Call Now to have a box shipped in time for Valentine's day.
Orchids can be picked up or shipped anywhere in the U.S. You can order orchids anytime ...not just during the open houses.

Small box 4-5 stems of Orchids $35 + plus shipping (tax if it is shipped in CA)

Large Box 7-10 stems of Orchids $75 + plus shipping

Potted cymbidiums plants start as low as $15++

Please share this invitation with anyone on your email list and bring your friends...

Let's support a local small business.
RUDVALIS ORCHIDOpen House

Saturday February 11--- 9AM- 3PM

see thousands of the most beautiful and colorful award winning Cymbidiums in the world

Wholesale Prices!

Off of I-5.....East Poinsettia Road ........Right on Black Rail RoadRight on Triton.........Left at Dead end onto dirt road.......Follow dirt road to greenhouses

Other than open houses ….visits to nursery are arranged by appointment only ……. To order flowers at wholesale prices. Email or call…

http://www.rudvalisorchids.com/ 760-438-2121

Superbowl Sunday Alternatives

This is a great day to go to any and all amusement parks.. sell Girl Scout cookies (stopping at the houses with parties).. or go anywhere that you usually find to crowded...
Go Superbowl!

Getting Involved in our community

There are so many wonderful ways to be involved in the communities that we live in.. Over the years I have been active with several.. currently,  I volunteer at the #CarlsbadVisitorCenter and the Assistance League North Coast.... Both help to make our community a wonderful place to live and provide us with many opportunities with in our neighborhoods to give back...as a Past board member for the #Carlsbad Community Theatre, I was honored to help young people throughout North San Diego county become familiar with and participate in the arts.. these are lessons and memories that can last a life time... One of the ALNC projects is to insure that all school children have the basic resources to go to school.. this includes new shoes and clothes.. Teachers select the students that they have observed are in need and refer them to ALNC, which then meets them at Payless Shoes and provides new shoes, socks and health kits...
As part of a travel blog.. and knowing that Carlsbad is a vacation destination.. it is important to highlight the various programs that make us a well rounded and caring community.

Discovery Lake, San Marcos, Ca

Discovery lake is a wonderful place child friendly with a county feel, but not in the country. Here is an article written by Agnes Herman has been a Lake San Marcos resident since 1983 and posted in the North County Times May 25, 2005.. it is as true today as over 5 years ago.
.Discovery Lake is a jewel in San Marcos' crown of fine parks and lovely walking trails.
I discovered it in a moment of need almost 12 years ago. I had been babysitting Matt, our grandson, when he suddenly was screaming in pain from a severe earache. After a session at Urgent Care, I sought a calm, quiet diversion to help both of us erase the memory of his pain.
I drove around the city seeking to locate the "new" lake I had heard about. We drove up the hill off Craven Road, which runs from Discovery Street to the university, and then up Foxhall. This led us into an inviting parking area that borders a children's playground and small park and provides access to Discovery Lake.
What a "Discovery" it was! A wide, wooden bridge led us to an equally wide, paved road, and a gleaming body of water came into view. We followed the road around the lake, a three-quarter of a mile hike marked by many stops to admire the variety of trees and flowers that grow in profusion on both sides.
The lake itself was alive with ducks and other waterfowl; Matt was all smiles and chatter. I could not have designed a better way to heal the pain. We returned to the playground where this grandma was rewarded with a big hug as I permitted Matt to join the gaggle of youngsters at the spraying water fountain.
Our family has been addicted to Discovery Lake ever since. It offers us seniors, especially, an opportunity to walk several laps and brag about the accomplishment. And it affords a peaceful, contemplative moment in otherwise stressful days.
They astonish me, the variety of people who amble slowly, walk briskly, run or jog around the lake. Grandparents and young parents pushing strollers arrive after naptime. Some use walkers, some are in wheel chairs and others meander around the trail keeping tight to the right hand lane, out of the range of bikers and skaters.
Some of us are so regular in attendance that our absence causes concern. When I first walked the lake after recent surgery, a frequent walker stopped to say, "Long time no see." In the past he had been so absorbed in thought, we hardly exchanged nods. I remember the Sunday we spied our family doctor bent over a wild rose. When I called his name, without missing a beat he answered "mistaken identity."
I had invaded his private time. He was gracious, nevertheless, and stopped to chat about the health of wildflowers.

There are two other interesting trails. Discovery Creek Trail is a 2-mile round trip that follows the creek, which runs under the bridge at the Lake. For the adventuresome, there is the Double Peak Trail, five miles round trip, a moderate to difficult hike.
The myriad of area plants and flowers are best enjoyed during a leisurely walk. Willow trees and Sycamores provide umbrellalike shade; wild roses, honeysuckle, California blackberry, lemonade berry and even pussy willows abound! The many water birds include coots and mallards, herons and an occasional egret. If one is lucky, a quail leading his family will cross your path. In the quiet of the night I am told, deer, an occasional bobcat and coyotes enjoy their space. Even the lonely snake that ventures across the road as the day cools does not bother us as long as we return the courtesy.


I am off to meet a friend and fellow walker there this morning.. always bring a bit of bread for the ducks and geese :)

La Jolla Inn

While on our short get away.. we stayed at the La Jolla Inn.: for a location it can't be beat..
The room was clean and tidy and I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wanted a nice place close to all in downtown La Jolla with an ocean view..
They had a continental breakfast each morning that can be delivered to your room or rooftop terrace.
The breakfast included:
Bagels, croissants, cereal, bananas and juice. Coffee is in the library area along with hot water and the toaster to heat up the bagels. (it appears they buy in bulk from Costco) Which isn't horrible but just not fresh and what I would expect from a place in La Jolla.
The room again was clean and organized. Although it was outdated, the curtains were stained and old and the kitchenette area needed repair. They do have water in your room for $3 a bottle as well as other snacks.. I suggest putting those all in a cupboard so you don't get dinged.
The front desk has hit and miss hospitality. On the day we arrived the level of friendliness was not there.. On day two, a very nice and helpful woman was there and on day three a real grump..
Parking is great, $5 a day and once you park about a block away in underground parking, you really do not need a car.
So out of 5 Fair Dinkum stars, I would give the La Jolla Inn a 3.5
To make it a 5, update the older rooms, personalize the breakfast and increase the hospitality of the staff.
So go to the La Jolla Inn, it is a great place to stay.. located right next to the Valencia..... and just a short stroll to La Jolla Cove and the seals.

La Jolla, Ca.

We have just come back from a short vacation to La Jolla, Ca. Now as much as the word "staycation" is overused.. this was a great get away... over the next few days I will post my reviews of our hotel, restaurants, parking and bars...
First up tomorrow our Hotel The La Jolla Inn...

I will say, for location and price this place was perfect... will recommend it to others with a few items to be aware of...

Happy New Year one and all,
Kendall