San Diego Hometown Tourist: The Flower Fields of Carlsbad

March 25, 2013 By 2 Comments

It’s that time of year and the flowers are in good bloom.

For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch, in Carlsbad, California, are in a full bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, is also one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

 

To Enlarge; click on the image, then click again. 

The Flower Fields of Carlsbad

Yellow Ranunculus with Red Flowers

White Flower with Yellow

Pink Water Lily

Pink Ranunculus Flower Field

Yellow Ranunculus Flower Field

Flower Fields of Carlsbad

Flower Field Close Up

Pink Lily with White Flower

 

 

Tickets are available for purchase onsite and online

Hours:  March 1, 2013 – May 12, 2013 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Prices: $11,00 for Adults, $10.00 for Seniors 60+, $6.00 for Children 3 – 10, Children 2 and under are Free

Season Passes: $20.00 for Adults, $18.00 Seniors 60+, $10.00 for Children 3 – 10

Wagon Rides: $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children 3 – 10

Information Line: (760) 431-0352

 

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Photo Tour: The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition

September 2, 2012 By 5 Comments

Hundreds of thousands come each year to see master-class sculptors build beautiful 3-dimensional works of art. Some of the world’s finest artists create the most amazing sculptures ever in the San Diego sand castle competition & 3D art challenge.

To Enlarge: Click On The Image, Then Click Again. :)

Home Is Where The Heart Is Sand Sculpture

Home Is Where The Heart Is Sand Sculpture

Hands Sculpting Sand

Guys Sculpting Sand

Water Wave Hair Sand Sculpture

Post It Note Sand Sculpture

Crawling Flowers For Peace Sand Sculpture

Crawling Flowers For Peace Sand Sculpture Close Up

Sandman Sand Sculpture

Sandman Sand Sculpture Sketch

Sandman Sand Sculpture Lyrics

 

 

 

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San Diego Hometown Tourist: Balboa Park

August 28, 2012 By 2 Comments

Balboa Park is San Diego’s jewel.  America’s largest urban cultural park has more than 30 Museums, Performing Arts Venues, and Sports and Recreational Facilities, along with numerous gardens and restaurants.  Sandwiched between 6th Ave. on the west and Park Blvd. on the east, Balboa Park is 1200 acres of public playground and lovely green space.  This park is the park the locals go to and the cultural attractions are a draw for both the tourist and locals alike.

Lily Pond Balboa Park

Pink Lily Pond Balboa Park

I have so many memories of Balboa Park.  The earliest memory I have is when in the 5th grade (age 10)  my school’s entire 5 grade class along with 5th graders from other schools spent an entire week at Balboa Park.  I remembering thinking how cool it was; every day for a week I would show up at school then get on a bus, to spend the day visiting museums, hiking the park, and most importantly I would not be spending the day in the classroom.  I’ve been in pretty much every museum in the park at least once and some 2 and 3 times.  At that time my favorite museum was the “Museum of Man.”  I think that is because they had naked exhibits and it touches on human sexuality which at the age of 10 I found naughty and giggly.   Today, I would have to say that my favorite museum is the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, which I’ve been in at least a dozen times.  The Natural History Museum is a close 2nd, and the Botanical Building is cool as well.

Botanical Building Balboa Park

Balboa Park National History Museum

By the time I was a teenager I was roller skating with my friends all over the park, making out with my boyfriend on the back hiking trails, and chillin on a blanket on the hillside (Park Ave side) listening to DJ’s spinning tunes.  I’ve spent so much time and have done many things at this park. To this day, I continue to go to Balboa Park on a semi-regular basis, most of the time it’s just to lay out on a blanket and read a book.

Balboa Park Fountain and Child

Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Cool Tips:

  • Free guided tours leave the Visitors Center’s Prado entrance on Fridays at 1:00 p.m
  • Free Organ Concert on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
  • Visit the park on Tuesdays, when many museums have free admission.
  • Free public WiFi is available in the majority of the museums and theaters in Balboa Park. The WiFi often extends to the sidewalks outside of the cultural institutions along El Prado and the Palisades area (by the San Diego Air & Space Museum).
  • Dine at the Prado Restaurant for great food in a fantastic setting
  • Pack a lunch, grab the kids, let them run out all that energy at one of the many play areas, while you lounge under one of the many trees and enjoy the scenery.

 

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Travel Game Features San Diego

August 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I’m coming down to the home stretch with the Dog Days of Summer Travel Game.  And, there is not better place for the home stretch to end than in my hometown of San Diego.

All month I have been traveling around and it’s been a fun filled journey.  I started in Saudi Arabia and hung out in Amsterdam, Seattle, San Francisco, Sonoma, providing clues and hints on Facebook and Twitter about where I’m  traveling to, what sites I’m visiting, and/or how I’ll get there.  People have been providing answers to these clues for their chance to win $500 in Visa TravelMoney.

With this week being the last week, we’re going out with a bang.  The clues coming at you all week will feature San Diego.  Make sure you’re following me on Facebook and Twitter and stay tuned as we showcase America’s Finest City.

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San Diego Hometown Tourist: Presidio Park

August 26, 2012 By 7 Comments

Perched up on the top of a hill at the entrance into “the valley” Presidio Park is one of my favorite parks in San Diego.  With views over Mission Bay to the Pacific Ocean, it’s a favorite for sunset watchers.

As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. It was here in 1769 that the Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra, established California’s first mission and presidio.  The centerpiece of this park is the Serra Museum, which highlights the four different cultures that have occupied Presidio Hill from the Kumeyaay, Spanish, Mexican and early American periods.

Serra Museum

Padre Cross erected in1913 is made up of tiles from the Presidio ruins.

Just east of the museum is Palm Canyon a half mile of large palm trees shade this canyon and it’s hiking trails.  Located just east, on the other side of Palm Canyon, is Inspiration Point.  A popular location for weddings, it has views of Mission Valley and numerous trees that offer year-round shade making it a great spot for a picnic.

Palm Canyon

Mission Valley from Inspiration Point

To visit Presidio Park, take Interstate 8 to the Taylor Street Exit. Head west on Taylor Street and turn left onto Presidio Drive. Follow Presidio Drive up the hill then right into the parking lot across from the Serra Museum.

 

 

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Where In The Hell Have I Been?

June 7, 2012 By 4 Comments

It’s been months since I’ve written a post.  The thing is, I don’t really like to write when I’m traveling.  I left home on January 22nd and hung out in the States for 5 months, living out of a suitcase.  And, though I did some traveling and took a decent amount of photos, I couldn’t bring myself to write a post for my blog. :(   I don’t know why.  Thank goodness I don’t “have” to blog.  I do post regularly to my Facebook page.  So, those following my Black Chick On Tour FB page saw my shenanigans in real time.  :)   Well, I’m back home now.  For all those who don’t like me on FB (tsk, tsk, tsk) I’m gonna catch you up.

I left the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in January, this became my trajectory:  DMM > AMS > SEA > LAX > SAN > ATL > SAN > SEA >  SAN > LAS > Road Trip > SAN > SEA > AMS > DMM. All this, with a few day trips to LA and Portland, Oregon thrown in.

Let’s start with Seattle.  Seattle is my adopted hometown.  We moved there in September 2000.  This is where I will settle when I move back to the States (at least that is my intention).  However, I no longer have an actually place of residence in Seattle, and since I’m in town way too long to stay at a friends, I typically rent an apartment while in town.  This time I had a really cute newly remodeled 1 bedroom apartment in a nice central location in Capital Hill.

Seattle Skyline from Balcony

I was in Seattle on three separate occasions this time around.  On one of those occasions I teamed up with a video production company.  One of the scenes involved me skydiving.  It was my idea.  I had been wanting to try it, so why not?  Then I chickened out.  I tried to write the skydive scene out of the project, but it left the project feeling flat, so I had to put it back in. On the day of the “big” event.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.  After 6 days of rain, the skies in the Pacific Northwest opened up to give me a beautiful sun filled day.  I loved it!!  One of the best experiences ever!!   And, would totally do it again.  Wanna see my scared face?  You can see more photos here: Terri Skydiving

Flying High In The Sky

Skydive Exhileration!!

Even though I consider Seattle home and prefer spending my time there; I’m a native San Diegan.  By default, I end up spending more time in San Diego because my family is there and most importantly I can get a roof over my head for free. :D LOL.  It’s kinda funny that I go to San Diego to save money considering that it’s an expensive place to live.  When I’m in San Diego, I’m doing all sorts of things.  And, going to the beach; a lot.  Basically I’m just living (grocery shopping, going to the movies, shopping, etc.); but I’m also almost always planning my escape.  Even though I love San Diego, as a city I think it’s kinda boring.  But, what can I do…I love it still and it will always feel like home.

San Diego Skyline

My mother was in Atlanta when I first arrived in San Diego from Saudi Arabia.  So, right about the time I was turning the jet lag around, I decided to go to Atlanta.  I had bad memories of Georgia in general.  And, said I’d never go back.  Well…never say never.  To my welcomed surprise, I had a great time.  I stayed with a close family friend; who is one of the best hosts ever!  What’s not to love about free accommodations!!?  I didn’t do anything touristy since I had seen a lot of what they had to offer while I lived there years ago.  I just hung out with family and new friends.  I went for no particular purpose other than “why not?”  I was only there 5 days, but I will definitely check out Atlanta again.

Mother Daughter Dinner at Ray’s By The River in Atlanta

From Atlanta I went back to San Diego for a few weeks and then headed to Seattle for another 2 weeks.  In between all of this Roland arrived Stateside, so now I have a travel partner.  After our stay in Seattle we went on a Road Trip.   This wasn’t a road trip from hell but it was close.  We started out from San Diego and the plan was to go to Vegas and from there the Grand Canyon and from there, where ever the wind took us.  Well…Vegas was fabulous as always.  we cashed in on the free nights stay given to us by the Aria because of the horrible experience we had there last year.  The room had a great view.  If only they’d wash the damned windows!  Anyway…we were there to see Jerry Seinfeld at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace.  He was wonderful.  Still funny as hell, talking about nothing and everything.

Aria Las Vegas – Room with a View

We did a little day trip outside of Las Vegas to Red Rock Conservatory.  It was okay.  Of course, nature was in all her splendor.  However, the price we paid to drive through the conservatory I could have saved.  The fee for automobiles is only $7 but the deal is this, you can see the rock from the road, but if you want to hike around the park, or get a closer look, you have to pay to get in.  Do I think I wasted money. Not really.  But, I took note that I could have saved that money once it was over and I drove back past the rock on the “free” road.   With all that said, it’s a do.  Not far from Red Rock Conservatory, a 10 minute drive south on Highway 159 is a small town (population 290) called Blue Diamond that has wild burros roaming around.  That was kinda cool to see.

The Red Rock at Red Rock Conservatory

Blue Diamond Burro

We left Vegas going towards the Grand Canyon.  Instead of staying inside the park, we stayed in a little town called Williams, right on Route 66, which was about 40 minutes drive from the park.  Upon arrival at the hotel we rushed out trying to reach the park before sunset.  When we arrived inside the park we were immediately met by the locals, a group of Mule Deer.  Once we turned onto Desert View Drive and it didn’t take long for us to see the canyon.  It was breath taking.  At the first turn out, we parked and were awe struck.  Nature truly is the greatest artist.  I got some decent photos. However, they don’t do it justice.   The scene the next morning at sunrise was just as spectacular.

Mule Deer

Grand Canyon At Sunrise

Somewhere along the way we decided Sedona was our next stop.  It was just a few hours away and on our way we would stop at Meteor Crater, a meteorite impact site.  Basically it’s a whole in the ground.  But, it was cool.  There’s a fragment of the actual meteorite in the museum.  I can now say that I’ve touched a meteorite. :)   I was while we were at the Meteor site when I couldn’t stand any more so I went back to the car to wait for Roland.  I just felt weak.  As the day wore on, I got progressively worse.  While Roland drove to Sedona I knew he was passing fabulous “stuff” because he kept stopping to take pictures, but I couldn’t lift my head off of the car seat.

Meteor Crater

Meteorite

We spent 2 days in Sedona.  I never saw Sedona. Roland climbed rocks.  I climbed out of the bed and hugged the toilet.   I did see a smidgen of what the town had the offer from the room balcony.  It was after this that we decided to go back to San Diego, which is about a 6 or 7 hour drive away.  I don’t know what I had, but it was like a flu bug.  It lasted for about 10 days but the cough stayed for almost a month!!  The upshot was that I lost at least 10 pounds. :)

View from Balcony – Sedona

At this point my time in the States was winding down.  We spent the last 10 days hanging out in San Diego before we left and returned to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

There you have it.  That’s where I’ve been :D

*You can click on the photo to bring it up in a separate page then click again to enlarge. 

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San Diego: Over-The-Line is Off-The-Chain

July 7, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated:  For the 2012 schedule go here:  http://www.ombac.org/over_the_line/ 

This event is notorious.  And, even though there are those who are trying to “clean it up,” OTL (Over The Line) will always be known by longtime locals as an event that is full of Beer, Babes, and The Beach, with the tournament itself almost just being an excuse to go to Fiesta Island to party hard; all day long.

Over The Line is a form of softball played on sand. The games are played on 50 mini-courts and are limited to 1,200 3-person teams in 9 age-divisions. Unlike in softball, the Batter and Pitcher are on the same team. The Batter stands at Home while the Pitcher stands  in front of The Line, not in the Triangle. Fielders from the other team stand behind The Line, in fair territory. The objective is for the batter to hit the ball into fair territory without a fielder catching it.

Fueled by copious amounts of alcohol, the tournament has gained a reputation for its hedonistic and sexual overtones.  Just check out some of these team names: 50 Easy Virgins, The Camel Toes, Sit On a Happy Face, Long Beach 69ers.  I could go on, but I think you get my point here.  Personally, I just like hearing the names of some of these teams.

Now, I don’t need to tell you (I hope) that this is NOT an event for the kiddies.

Dates:   July 9-10, 16-17
Time:  7:30am – 8:00pm.
Location: East Mission Bay Park (Fiesta Island)
More Info:  http://www.ombac.org/over_the_line/

NOTE:  Admission is free, but guests are asked to observe OTL’s “Five B Rules.”

No Bottles, Babies, Bowser’s (dogs), Birds, Battles (Fights) or Boas (Constrictors).

You will not be allowed to drive onto the island during this event. So, check out the OMBAC site for details on the shuttle services and parking availability.

Bicycle use is limited as well. Bikes are not permitted on the sand near the playing court areas as they can be a “health hazard” for the players and spectators. Please look for the designated bicycle parking areas to lock your bike up.

Please Drink Responsibly.  Please consume alcohol only in the Permit Zone Areas.
Photos courtesy of OMBAC

 


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San Diego Restaurant Review: Mama Testa

April 26, 2010 By 3 Comments
Mama Testa

Put Some Mexican In You!!

I know Mexican food.  OK.  Maybe not like a Mexican.  But, growing up in San Diego, I grew up eating real “hole-in-da-wall” Mexican Food.  Or, what I thought was authentic Mexican food.  Until I saw Cesar Gonzalez (the owner of Mama Testa), on the Food Network,  Throwing it down with show host Bobby Flay claiming he had the best tacos in town…and that for the past 3 years running his place has won Best Fish Tacos in San Diego…I was like:  wait – a – minute!!  I’ll be the judge of that.  So…I headed over to Mama Testa
When you enter Mama Testa…you are greeted by brightly painted walls, the atmosphere is casual…it looks like any small Mexican food joint.  The chairs are hand painted with names of legendary film stars from Mexico, and there are posters of famous Mexican movies hanging from the ceiling.  The menu reflects the various types of tacos you would find in the varying regions in Mexico.

You can always tell how close you are to authentic Mexican food when you check out the Salsa bar and the most importantly the Guacamole.  When dining at  Americanized Mexican food restaurants…they seem to have a love of sour cream.  Huh?  What is that about?  If that Guacamole isn’t lumpy from fresh avocados, and it is creamy in any way….that’s a sign…you’re getting Americanized Mexican.  They’ve added sour cream.   There are “only” six ingredients that go into prime guacamole: avocado, cilantro, lime, onion, tomatoes, and salt.  And, maybe…maybe a jalapeno or two.  But that’s it.  Well…we were off to a good start because the guacamole was “off the chain”.

My mother ordered the Chicken a L’Suya (2 corn tortillas filled with chicken in green mole sauce); I ordered the Guaca Tacos (3 corn tortillas tacos deep fried and filled with fresh avocado).  They were both served up with refried beans and rice.  We also decided to order up the De Bandera Moreno (5 rolled tacos with shredded beef) as an appetizer.  This was a must try since I love me some rolled tacos.

As the food arrived I realized that I had made a mistake and accidentally had ordered the avocado stuffed tacos by mistake. Enter destiny.  I decided to eat them anyway.  Wow…what a pleasant surprise a mistake can make. They were delicious. In fact everything was delicious.  I had to succumb and admit that Cesar Gonzalez had not embellished his product on TV.   And, those rolled tacos  were simply the best that I have ever had. Ever!

This was the first introduction to what became an 2 week love affair for the remainder of my stay in San Diego. I felt as if I was caught in a hot romance with a Latin lover that I just had to see every day… and I did.  Seriously…I have the extra pounds to prove it.

When you visit Mama Testa you will enjoy authentic, traditional Mexican food.

If you’re ever in San Diego…get your butt up to Hillcrest and Put Some Mexican In You.

Guaca Tacos - Before

Guaca Tacos - After

Mama Testa Taqueria,

1417a University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

619-298-TACO

www.mamatestataqueria.com

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San Diego Hometown Tourist: Chicano Park

April 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Chicano Park.  Chicano Park is located literally under the Coronado bridge, in San Diego, CA.  The building of the Coronado bridge over the park, dislocated hundreds of Latino families and businesses and was the catalyst for the founding of this park.  The take over of this park was not an easy road.  I’d never known the history of Chicano Park.   All I’ve ever known was (1) don’t go there after dark, and (2) they had murals.  That was in the 80′s.  It wasn’t until I decided to make a trip there during one of my hometown tourist days that I actually discovered how cool this place was and the awesomeness of the murals.  And, long gone are the notorious days of  “don’t go there after dark.”

Chicano Park founded on April 22, 1970 is home to the country’s largest collection of outdoor murals.

How To Get There:

Take Interstate 5 and exit  Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, heading west, then go south on Logan Ave.

 

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San Diego Hometown Tourist: Botanical Building Balboa Park

March 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Orchid and Butterfly

Today I did a “hometown tourist” day and visited the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.  My intention on going to Balboa Park was to take photos of the arches, bridges, and architecture.  Well…afterwards I ventured over to the Botanical Building.  What an experience!!  I was soooo snap happy with my camera.  No wonder it’s one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park and a “must-see” destination in San Diego.

Built for the 1915-16 Exposition, along with the adjacent Lily Pond, the historic building is one of the largest lath structures in the world. The Botanical Building plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants, featuring fascinating collections of cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants, and palms. The Botanical Building also presents some of the Park’s vibrant seasonal flower displays.

Check out the slideshow “Flowers on Parade”.

YouTube Preview Image
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