Wonder Woman and Batman pose for photos in Balboa Park. It seems these superheroes can never get enough public adulation.
The Justice League was out in force today patrolling Balboa Park!
Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman were leading a team of powerful superheroes and supposedly reformed supervillains down El Prado, keeping an eye out for nefarious doings.
I followed the superhero team in order to capture a bit of the action.
(I learned this cosplay group is called the Science Fiction Coalition. It was cool to see many of these guys later on in the cafe inside the Federal Building, future home of the Comic-Con Museum. It kind of reminded me of that superhero-themed eatery Planet Krypton in the graphic novel Kingdom Come!)
I spotted Penguin and Riddler with members of the Justice League. Fortunately, Batman stood nearby keeping an eye on these two supposedly reformed supervillains.Batman! The Penguin is coming after me with one of his sinister umbrellas! Help!I was subjected to a Burgess Meredith-style quack-laugh from Penguin, but escaped otherwise unscathed. Now it’s time for the heroic Justice League to begin their patrol of Balboa Park.DC superheroes (and villains) in full costume begin down El Prado, looking for some action.Batwoman has a young fan. Yes, another photo.More small fans show up and the JLA gladly poses for even more photos. Watch out! Penguin is lurking nearby again.Batman is tailing that fowl Penguin to make sure there is no more evildoing today.Another typical San Diego afternoon. Super powered folk amble casually into Plaza de Panama. The Justice League patrol of Balboa Park has been a resounding success.Penguin, Clark Kent, Riddler, Wonder Woman and Mera are tired out from all the superhero action and rest on a bench awaiting their trip home.DC comic book characters gather in Balboa Park. Members of San Diego’s Science Fiction Coalition enjoy cosplay as Mera, Batwoman, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Clark Kent, another Wonder Woman, Penguin, Riddler and Superboy!
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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!
A mazelike X by artist Bob Matheny. His works of Almost Anonymous, mind-teasing art can now be absorbed at the San Diego History Museum.
I took these unusual photographs yesterday during my afternoon walk through Balboa Park.
Each image seemed uniquely interesting to me for one reason or another. My eyes were drawn to lines, curves, contrasts and mysteries.
The passage of time glimpsed underfoot. Contrasted modes of decay.An elemental drama. Trees battle sky.In one photo nature subdues architecture.The iconic California Tower is swallowed by vertical distance.Looking through an arch of the California Quadrangle toward the original Administration Building, the first building completed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.Simple lines and curves: a small place in the park to rest.Eyes are pulled in every direction in a nook beside the San Diego Museum of Art.Wild beauty is aesthetically arranged at the Japanese Friendship Garden.The Japanese Friendship Garden, where reflection becomes meditation.
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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!
Visitors to Balboa Park see a magical landscape from a window-like balcony high up in the California Tower.
Visit Balboa Park and you’ll discover many magic windows. They appear wherever you turn.
I looked through many magic windows today…
Windows at the Japanese Friendship Garden look out at the Karesansui Dry Stone Garden, where magic gradually appears for those who are still.A bamboo kakei spills droplets of magic into a liquid window.A rock window has been opened and polished, revealing the Earth’s inner magic at the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building.Small windows to magical creativity delight the eye at the San Diego History Center. A current exhibition concerns the art of Bob Matheny.Good Question, Bob Matheny, wood and enamel paint, 1967. True magic will forever remain a mystery.A feathered subject in a magically rippling window appears for a photographer in Balboa Park.A delicate window to nature’s magic at the Botanical Building.Looking up toward a lath skylight full of green magic.The magical qualities of song become visible for a few minutes near the House of Ukraine at the International Cottages.This small window-like scene inside the House of China contains a fantastic, magical vision carved from cork!A magic window at Balboa Park’s House of Charm looks forward into the future. The Mingei International Museum is undergoing a major renovation and expansion.One of many fine sculptures in the Plaza de Panama, and a window of the San Diego Museum of Art. Beyond that window are galleries full of magic.Cloud reflections join magically together in two very different rear windows at the San Diego Museum of Art.Beyond this magic lamp’s window one can see the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.Window panes contain old magic performed at the Old Globe Theatre.Another window into the future. This advanced art student is phenomenal. I didn’t get his name. I am one hundred percent certain he will produce great magic.Nature’s magic on Balboa Park’s West Mesa, in a window formed by my camera’s lens.A portal to the magic sky opens in a wall at the Spanish Village Art Center.
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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!
Balboa Park is magical at any time, but as nightfall approaches, and the last rays of golden sunlight touch buildings and trees, the magic flames, becomes even more powerful.
I got off work early today and used the extra bit of daylight to walk about the park and take photographs.
These are the best…
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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!
Visitors to the Japanese Friendship Garden gaze at Kannon Bosatsu, a nearly three century old 5750 pound bronze statue recently installed in the Lower Garden!
Several days ago an astonishing 5750 pound bronze statue, created in 1735 by Takumi Obata, was installed by crane at the Japanese Friendship Garden!
I must apologize, because up until now I have been referring to the new statue as a Great Buddha. After seeing the magnificent sculpture firsthand today, and reading more about it, I’ve learned that it’s actually a kannon statue, representing Kannon Bosatsu, a Buddhist goddess of mercy that is popular in Japan. The deity is called Guanyin in other parts of Asia, and has its origin in India in the 1st or 2nd century.
The amazing, nearly 300 year old cast bronze statue sits beside the Japanese Friendship Garden’s new stream in the Lower Garden, among peaceful trees that invite meditation.
Originally this Kannon Bosatsu was located at the Middlegate Japanese Garden in Pass Christian, Mississippi. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed that garden, the damaged statue was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Gabrych, who later donated it to San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
A second statue that was donated to JFG also was installed several days ago. The large guardian deity stands in the Upper Garden, opposite the bonsai collection. I’m told that less is known about the exact history of this particular sculpture. I believe it represents Kongorikishi, one of the two Nio guardians of Buddha who stand at the entrance of many Buddhist temples.
Enjoy these photos, then head over to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park for the full experience!
Kannon Bosatsu sits tranquilly in a beautiful corner of the Japanese Friendship Garden near the source of a new stream.Nearby sign describes Kannon Bosatsu, created in 1735 by Japanese sculptor Takumi Obata, an accomplished iron smith during to Tokugawa period. (Click photo to enlarge image.)The large bronze Kannon Bosatsu represents the Japanese goddess of mercy.A closer photo of the serene Kannon Bosatsu.A leaf has turned and fallen into the lap of a merciful deity.Gazing from the statue down the new stream toward a new bare wood observation platform.A simple, elegant wooden platform straddles the new stream in the Japanese Friendship Garden.Nature’s elements will make this structure more beautiful over time.Gazing from the platform down at the second half of the new stream, to where it joins the Lower Garden’s main river.The new stream is already very beautiful.It’s now winter in the Japanese Friendship Garden, and great beauty is everywhere.The guardian deity statue that now stands opposite the bonsai collection in the Upper Garden.I believe this statue represents Kongorikishi, one of the guardians of Buddha who stand at the entrance of many Buddhist temples.The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park is a place to find peace, wisdom and healing.An historic addition to an already very special place.
To see photos that I took as the stream and observation platform were under construction, click here.
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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!
Sunlight was casting its spell on flowers, leaves and webs in the Alcazar Garden.
Stay tuned!
A massive, truly magnificent, 300 year old bronze Kannon statue debuted several days ago in a beautiful corner of the Japanese Friendship Garden, as well as their new sparkling stream . . . and today I took 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!
Someone enters the Federal Building in Balboa Park during December Nights. This will be the future home of San Diego’s Comic-Con Museum!
Look what I discovered today! You can help create the new Comic-Con Museum in San Diego!
For only fifty dollars, anyone can become a Tier Two charter member of the highly-anticipated Comic-Con Museum and receive tons of amazing perks, including special previews, member-only event invitations, an e-newsletter, exclusive live streamed programming (including panel discussions, talks, and creative classes), and exclusive merchandise . . . plus the ability to contribute ideas and feedback concerning potential exhibits . . . plus free admission to the museum for an entire year once it opens, and a couple of guest passes!
Your contribution will be used help fund the creation of the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park!
If you’d like to contribute an amount other than fifty dollars, there are several tiers that you can choose in the Comic-Con Museum’s Charter Membership Program.
You can pay-whatever-you-want, which has lots of great benefits, including being entered on an immortal Honor Roll of Charter Members. You can also chose the most generous tier, where you receive a special invite to Comic-Con Museum’s Inaugural Gala in 2019 and your name is permanently recognized inside the museum.
Here’s the Comic-Con Museum website, where you click “Become A Charter Member” to learn more and sign up!
Not only do I live within easy walking distance to the future museum, but I just became a Charter Member!
Lots of fun ahead!
The San Diego Hall of Champions once occupied the Federal Building. In the future it will be a dynamic place where visitors can explore the popular culture!At every tier, people who became a charter member of the new Comic-Con Museum get special benefits, including live streamed programming and an e-newsletter.An artist’s rendering of what the entrance to the Comic-Con Museum will appear like when it opens in San Diego!
UPDATE!
Look what arrived in the mail! A Comic-Con Museum Charter Member lanyard and pin!
I spotted a Santa Claus with a beard made of white yarn at 2018 December Nights!
Another year, another wonderful December Nights in Balboa Park!
I headed across the Cabrillo Bridge at noon today, just as the second day of San Diego’s big annual holiday event got underway.
I prefer to wander through December Nights in the early afternoon. The sun is out, the air is warm, and the feeling is unhurried and carefree. I miss the magical Christmas lights after dark, but I also avoid the hectic press of huge crowds.
I’ve blogged December Nights for so many years now, I thought I’d try for a new angle in 2018 and focus on all the holiday art and crafts one can see while walking around. As usual, however, I ended up taking photos of anything fun that happened to catch my eye.
Many fun holiday crafts and decorations can be enjoyed throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.Jeff, the super cool Spanish Village Art Center historian, holds a drum and greets visitors with a huge smile!I was taking a photo of glass Christmas ornaments in Spanish Village when I got photobombed!A happy elf was lurking near one of the Spanish Village artist studios.Some of the carved wooden animals of the historic Balboa Park Carousel were wearing elf and Santa hats.I learned Santa Claus would be hanging out in front of the Starlight Bowl.I noticed The Old Globe Theatre’s gift shop was well stocked with vile, nasty Grinches, and his adorable dog Max, too!People take a break during December Nights by sitting near cheerful red poinsettias in the Botanical Building.A big Santa hangs from the Point Loma Garden Club’s candy and cookie bedecked tree, one of many fantastic Christmas trees inside the Casa del Prado.Another Christmas tree at the annual Festival of Trees was decorated by the Friends of Balboa Park with many happy dreams.The San Diego Womens Chorus sings holiday music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2018 December Nights.A group of children called Let’s Dance for Fun! performs at the small December Nights stage near the Botanical Building.Santa, a guest of the House of Finland, was checking his list to see if children have been naughty or nice at Balboa Park’s International Cottages.Holiday traditions and music from around the world are celebrated at the International Cottages during December Nights.The House of Sweden always has lots of Christmas crafts and fun holiday stuff on display.I headed over to the Starlight Bowl and spotted a happy snowman atop the outdoor amphitheater’s box office roof.These friendly folks with Save Starlight are looking for people to help support the restoration of a cherished San Diego performance venue, Balboa Park’s Starlight Bowl.
If you love Balboa Park, and would like to help restore the beloved Starlight Bowl, please take a moment to visit the Save Starlight website here!
I poked my nose inside the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and noticed there’s going to be a fun Merry Christmas Show coming up!I discovered lots of holiday art, crafts and fun at another wonderful December Nights!
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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!
Second grade students from Dailard Elementary School fill Balboa Park with joyous song during 2018 Christmas on the Prado.
If you love Christmas and happen to be in San Diego this Sunday afternoon, head over to Balboa Park! It’s the second day of Christmas on the Prado!
The 5th Annual Children’s Coalition “Christmas on the Prado” will be held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and International Cottages from 1 – 4 pm, and will feature a special Christmas Concert by Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez, lots of holiday treats, inspiring scenes of the Nativity, games and crafts for kids, cultural displays of Christmas Around the World, a reading of The Night Before Christmas by Mrs. Claus, and photos with good old Saint Nick himself!
Christmas on the Prado is a joyful two day holiday event that celebrates the birth of Christ and the generous spirit of Christmas.
Click here to learn more. (Christmas on the Prado continues to grow every year–but they can always use more volunteers and participants! I learned that church groups from all around San Diego are welcomed to come together and join the program! Why not?)
Yesterday I experienced the first day of this year’s event.
Here are some photographs . . .
Mrs. Claus greeted me in the early afternoon as Christmas on the Prado got underway.Looking at eight beautiful scenes of the Nativity created by the Community Christmas Center, which was established in 1953 in Balboa Park.Child sees a visiting angel.Elsewhere in the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Santa confers with an elf before a photo is taken.Dozens of happy, energetic elves would be first to perform on the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage.Young singers from Dailard Elementary School treat the crowd to fun holiday music.The nearby International Cottages were celebrating Christmas Around the World. This beautiful creche in the Hall of Nations is from Peru.These fun Christmas crafts were on display in the House of Sweden’s cottage.Christmas baskets made of paper by many hands inside the House of Norway’s cottage.The House of Hungary had their very beautiful Christmas sparkling for all to enjoy.The House of England was hoping that Father Christmas would Please Stop Here.Members of the House of Ireland prepare to sing among the International Cottages during Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park.A bit later, Santa and Mrs. Claus read The Night Before Christmas to gathered children and the young-at-heart.Back at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the super talented group Chamber Bravura performs. They’ve sung several times at Carnegie Hall!Chamber Bravura lifts hearts with Christmas song, combining popular carols with unexpected bits of silly humor.Jumping for treats at the Gingerbread House.The Kearny Mesa Concert Band is almost ready to perform as the magical Spreckels Organ Pavilion lights come on.Lights also come on in the Nativity scenes. A beautiful depiction of Mary and Joseph with the Christ child, escaping to Egypt.Jesus with the little children. For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.More happy elves take the stage for a Christmas sing-along.The Sun Harbor Chorus Elves had many in the audience singing, clapping and ringing bells.The nose of an elf named Faith was getting cold, so Santa took a mini-Santa hat off the tree and put it on her nose. Photo courtesy Bill Swank. (Thank you!)
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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!
Happy elves magically appear at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for Christmas on the Prado.
If you would like to give a special Christmas gift to less fortunate children in San Diego, here’s a wonderful idea!
This coming Saturday and Sunday afternoon–December 1 and 2, 2018–toys will be collected by Toys for Tots during the 5th Annual Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park.
Bring a new unwrapped toy . . . or two . . . or three!
Here’s an even more wonderful idea! Host a toy drive at your work, church or special event and bring lots of toys!
If you happen to swing by Balboa Park on Saturday, you’ll be able to watch the lighting of the community Christmas tree in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 6:30 pm, then Sing Along with Santa!
Cool San Diego Sights! 