Many cool sights await visitors who come aboard Peruvian Navy training ship BAP Unión.
This morning I stepped aboard an amazing ship. The enormous Peruvian tall ship BAP Unión visited San Diego for the weekend!
The BAP Unión is a beautiful sailing vessel that is used to train cadets in the Peruvian Navy. The 378 foot, four-masted barque also operates as a floating goodwill ambassador, uniquely representing the nation of Peru.
San Diego is the first stop of BAP Unión’s first ever tour of the West Coast!
Please read the photo captions for more interesting information. Click the signs and they will enlarge for easy reading.
Four-masted barque BAP Unión docked at Broadway Pier in San Diego, during its 2019 tour of the West Coast.People explore the impressive tall ship during its visit to San Diego’s Embarcadero.Sign explains the BAP Unión’s figurehead, which represents emperor Túpac Inca Yupanqui, who led a fleet of rafts on a voyage of exploration across the Pacific Ocean.The bronze figurehead was sculpted by Peruvian artist Pilar Martínez.A gangway welcomes curious visitors during a sunny San Diego weekend.Bienvenidos a bordo al B.A.P. “Unión”On the main deck of BAP Unión, near the aft mainmast and its many working ropes.The ship’s shining bell.Tilting my head upward to gaze at the tall ship’s masts, yards and rigging.I’ve turned about to face the ship’s stern. I see plaques, the ship’s wheel and the bridge.Sign explains Peru’s coat of arms, a national symbol used by the country’s armed forces.Plaque commemorates the launching of BAP Unión on December 22, 2014. The ship was commissioned on January 27, 2016. At the time of her commissioning, she was the largest sailing ship in Latin America.Artistic metalwork can be found all over the perfectly maintained tall ship, including these medallion-like designs.Shining plaques in the wooden deck at the foot of some steps.Climbing up the steps that lead to an area near the ship’s bridge.Engraved at the edge of each step is BUQUE ESCUELA UNION.Looking back down at the wooden deck around the aft mainmast.A visitor aboard the BAP Unión checks out the impressive ship’s wheel.The words BUQUE ESCUELA A VELA UNION.A sign provides a description of the ship’s wheel.Looking forward across the amazing ship. Many downtown San Diego buildings rise in the background.Mounted above the ship’s bridge is Peru’s coat of arms.Walking past the bridge toward the stern of BAP Unión.Visitors pose for a photo at a second wheel at the rear of the large tall ship.Looking straight up into the San Diego sky at the billowing flag of Peru.Starting forward, about to pass the ship’s bridge.Sign explains the bridge, where modern navigation and steering controls are located, and where naval cadets train. The ship’s watch is constant under the command of an officer.About to descend steps, as I continue forward along the port side of the ship.A crew member on deck tends to some ropes.Another look upward before heading into an internal part of the ship.Inside a spacious cabin, visitors enjoy looking at many cultural displays that concern Peru, including exquisite crafts and textiles.A fantastic work of art represents Peruvian culture.A colorful Peruvian folk art figurine.An officer’s cap with books and more artwork on a shelf.As the self-guided tour proceeded, I took a photo through a window into the ship’s kitchen. This is where Peruvian dishes are prepared for the crew and foreign guests.Sign describes the kitchen of BAP Unión.I see some food being prepared!Back outside in sunlight on a more forward part of the main deck. Souvenirs from Peru could be purchased by visitors.Another flight of steps leads toward the ship’s bow.I couldn’t stop looking up.Visitors learn a bit about the tall ship’s operation, including how an anchor is lowered.An anchor chain, winch and other equipment operated by naval cadets near BAP Unión’s bow.Looking back across the upper deck of the picturesque Peruvian tall ship.One last sets of steps to descend before the self-guided tour ends.The incredible Peruvian tall ship BAP Unión visits San Diego.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Today I headed into Balboa Park to enjoy a special event celebrating Shakespeare’s 455th birthday!
Many activities were centered in sunny Copley Plaza, the hub of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. There was an outdoor performance of Shakespeare in Exile by Grossmont College Theatre Arts students. There was instrumental musical entertainment, a sonnet writing contest, and even an Elizabethan ruff-making station. Inside the lobby of The Old Globe, costumes from some of their past Shakespearean productions were on display.
A bit after noon high school students from all around San Diego gathered on the steps of the Timken Museum of Art. After a welcome speech, a fantastic parade featuring many Elizabethan costumes began along El Prado. Several students were presented with achievement awards at the foot of the Lily Pond as their classmates shouted approval, then the youth fanned out to perform scenes from Shakespeare and other famous plays on several stages along El Prado.
Here are photos that provide a flavor of this truly awesome annual event!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Ju Dizz becomes SoCal Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. (Photo courtesy @ju_dizz)
I happen to know the coolest wrestler in Southern California. Our paths usually cross several times a week. His name is Julius Coleman, and he wrestles with SoCal Pro under the name Ju Dizz.
Last weekend, at the completion of a hard fought cage match, fan favorite Ju Dizz lifted the championship belt as SoCal Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion! How cool is that?
Julius is not only a fierce fighter, but he’s a super positive guy and friend to many. As he rises to superstardom, he’ll be a many-time champion with an unstoppable, big heart. He’ll be an inspiring role model for all of his fans.
Ju Dizz is the Black Rose that blossoms through the rubble!
The Peruvian Navy training ship BAP Unión is presently docked at San Diego’s Broadway Pier. I walked out onto the pier late today to check out the enormous, four-masted tall ship!
The 3-year-old BAP Unión is a 378 foot steel-hulled barque, with a crew that includes many Peruvian naval cadets. As young sailors learn about duty aboard an amazing sailing ship, the BAP Unión serves as a fine ambassador for the nation of Peru wherever it goes. The handsome bronze figurehead, which includes symbols from the Inca culture, was created by Peruvian sculptor Pilar Martinez Woodman.
Today the tall ship begins her very first tour of the West Coast, following earlier stops at San Juan, Miami, Mayport, Norfolk and Boston. The BAP Unión will be docked at San Diego’s Embarcadero through this weekend, and visitors can enjoy tours aboard the vessel with an admission ticket to the Maritime Museum of San Diego!
As I walked out on Broadway Pier, I took some cool photos!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
I’ve covered San Diego Comic-Con for many years. Cool San Diego Sights now includes hundreds of cosplay photos that were taken around the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter.
While we impatiently wait three months for 2019 Comic-Con, I thought I’d share 150 of my favorite photographs. These include some of the weirdest, funniest, most jaw-dropping examples of cosplay that my roving camera has happily recorded.
Enjoy!
Adora Belle Dearheart and Moist von LipwigAhmanet of The MummyAlice and Mad HatterAnt-Man and the WaspAquamanAquamanAquaman, Mera and cosplay friendsAssassin’s CreedAzog and a NazgûlAzrael BatmanBatman and BaneBatman looking grimBatman, Robin and evil supervillains ready for a pool partyBaymaxBlack Mage encircled by Supergirl and dancing friendsBlack Widow and Ant-ManBlack Widow, Captain America and smiling friendBombshell BatwomanBumblebee and barbarian friend boarding a trolley in San DiegoCableCaptain America strikes a poseCatwoman and Jane Doe of BlindspotCloud StrifeCobra CommanderConeheadsCyclopsCylon Centurion from Battlestar GalacticaDark Angel OliviaDarth MaulDarth Vader in cool sunglassesDaymanDeadpool takes many forms, including a hot dogDeathstroke and BatgirlDisco Darth VaderDoc BrownDragon Slayer OrnsteinDragon Ball ZElectroElemental Hero AvianFast food superheroesFerengi from Star TrekFire Archangel VelajuelFrog Glenn with Batman and two RobinsFrozoneGame of ThronesGame of ThronesGamoraGarden gnomesGhostbustersGokuGreen ArrowGuardians of the GalaxyGumby and PokeyGurren LagannHarley Quinn and DeathstrokeHarley QuinnHaru of The Cat ReturnsHawkman and HawkgirlHenchman 21Hermione Granger, Daredevil and American MaidHomestuckImmortan JoeJawa from Star WarsJay Garrick version of FlashJudge Dredd and Judge DeathKevin Flynn from TronKevin from UpKlingonsKrieg the PsychoKuato from Total RecallLady SifLEGO CyborgLiliana VessLittle MermaidLoki and ThorLokiLord HaterLovecraftian steampunk Cthulhu-like characterMad HattersMad Max duoMad Max trioMadame VastraMadder Red of BedlamMadoka MagicaMercy and Reaper of OverwatchMing the MercilessMOBA LegendsMouth of SauronMystery Science Theater 3000Nightmare Before ChristmasObi-Wan KenobiOpera Bugs BunnyOrange Vader and friendsPac-ManPepsimanPikachuPoison IvyPost-apocalyptic Super Mario Bros.Professor McGonagall and DumbledoreQuidditch players for the Montrose MagpiesR2-D2RiddlerRobinRocksteady and BebopSalsa PicanteSamurai JackSans from UndertaleSatsuki KiryuinScarecrowSharknado victimsShe-Hulk and RavenShe-Ra has arrived to save the day. Her friend looks like a messed-up Phoenix, but I’m not sure…Sheriff Deputy Rick GrimesSilkSilver SurferSilverwareSnow WhiteSociety For Creative AnachronismSome sort of astronautSora from Kingdom HeartsSpeed Racer and Mario charactersSpiderman and VenomSpiderman driving a pedicab outside San Diego Comic-ConSpockStar Trek BarbeeStar WarsStar-Lord and ThorSteampunk Ghostbuster with proton packSteampunk ladySteampunk version of BatmanSteven UniverseStormSuper ShredderTARDISThe Addams FamilyThe Venture Bros.The Witcher characterThorTransformer in the GaslampTweedledum and TweedledeeUndead zombie running amok inside the San Diego Convention CenterUnknownVenomWALL-E and Cruella de VilWarlock from DestinyWolverineWonder Woman and a Golden Age enemyWonder Woman and MaleficentWonder Woman and Superman
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
In my opinion, the most exciting part of the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park yesterday was the historical sword fighting. A local group called Swords of Chivalry provided a fine demonstration of realistic combat between armored knights during the Middle Ages.
According to their website, the Swords of Chivalry Program is one of only 16 schools in the world that have been selected to the Chivalric Fighting Arts Association. The program is led by “San Diego’s own Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) expert and medieval history guru, Scott Farrell.”
As knights and their squires performed heroic feats upon the green grass of the International Cottages, I and everyone watching were drawn back in time to the fantastic Age of Chivalry.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Knights in armor engage in mock battle during the House of England’s lawn program.
The House of England in Balboa Park hosted a really great lawn program today!
As I lingered on the grass at the center of the International Cottages, I saw historical costumes, several mock knight battles, a Beatles tribute band, and even a parade of Welsh Corgis! I also stepped into the House of England’s cottage to check out a bunch of cultural displays!
These photos show what I experienced…
The annual House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the House of England’s lawn program.Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that now seems like pure fantasy.Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter welcome visitors to the House of England’s cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.The House of England’s small cottage is full of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.A Briton’s Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It’s the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.It’s all of the Doctors from the popular Doctor Who series!A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.An article about striving to keep Diana’s legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world. (Click image to enlarge for easy reading.)Look at all the fun, unique teapots!Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid’s Dragon Eggs!All sorts of tents along the grass. Many contained information about English culture and history.Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone’s attention.Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park’s wonderful House of England event.Four gentlemen and their high wheels.This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.Images from 19th century England.Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sang The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the program of afternoon entertainment.A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England’s lawn program.I think I see Ringo at the drums!Battling knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Many volunteers improve the Native Plant Garden near the McCoy House Museum in Old Town San Diego.
I was pleased to stumble upon an Earth Day event today as I walked into Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. A variety of organizations had gathered along the path leading to the McCoy House Museum, and many volunteers were working in the nearby Native Plant Garden.
What did I see?
Sign welcomes visitors to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s cool Earth Day Open House!Volunteers work with a State Park Ranger in Old Town’s native garden for Earth Day. The Old Town Transit Center is visible in the background.A row of tents near the McCoy House Museum welcomes curious visitors during the Earth Day Open House event.These guys represent Green Love, an environmental organization of the Associated Students at San Diego State University.Green Love’s endeavors include campus outreach, environmental justice, sustainable transportation, and even a community garden.Friendly ladies of the Old Town Basketry Guild demonstrate their ancient craft.Sheet details how to become a member of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Basketry Guild.Participants in Old Town’s Earth Day hang out by the McCoy House, which today serves as a museum of San Diego’s early history.At this table, the California State Parks Foundation celebrates Earth Day!This sheet shows upcoming volunteer opportunities in several regional California State Parks!A knowledgeable expert showed me examples of native San Diego flowers, including the richly golden California poppy, our state’s official flower.Flyer provides info concerning the California Native Plant Society’s San Diego Garden Tour 2019.I declined to plant a seed today, but I did get some smiles.Guys with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife answered questions at their table. I believe that’s a coyote.Hard-working volunteers could be seen all around the Native Plant Garden.These generous Target employee volunteers were repairing the fence around the McCoy House. Thank you!Caring for our planet during a cool Earth Day event.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Lots of athletes were out in the sunshine today playing Over-the-Line!
OTL is a unique, baseball-like beach game, created in the 1950s by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club. This signature San Diego sport was being played by teams competing at OMBAC’s 41st Annual Wheelchair Over-the-Line Tournament.
Food was abundant, a rock band was playing live music, and scores were being kept as screaming line drives were batted into the outfield. The field of play was the parking lot of the old Toys “R” Us store on West Morena Boulevard.
To learn more about OMBAC’s Adaptive sports activities, and how anyone can become involved, visit their website here!
Very cool!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Cool San Diego Sights! 