Like the mythical Atlas holding up the Earth, an incredibly strong person single-handedly shoulders the moon.
This morning I was astonished by the strange scene in the parking lot north of the County Administration Building.
I saw an incredible feat of strength, as a man lifted the moon with his shoulders . . .
I saw people engaged in giant pig tipping . . .
And I saw a monstrous shark about to take a bite of a strawberry ice cream cone!
Others might have observed people inflating a bunch of big balloons for the 2017 Holiday Bowl Parade.
Fun balloons were being inflated this morning near the County Administration Building for the 2017 Holiday Bowl Parade.Putting together a festive parade takes a bit of hard work and careful organization, it appears.This sunny San Diego float stood empty early in the morning on Harbor Drive.Back in the parking lot where the Holiday Bowl Parade balloons were gradually being inflated, a snow globe containing Frosty was rising like magic into the blue San Diego sky.I’ve heard of cow tipping, but these people seem to be tipping a giant pig.A monstrous shark prepares to take a bite from an enormous strawberry ice cream cone!
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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 tiny dog dressed like Santa Claus attracts a lot of attention. The friendly musician performing by the Balboa Park reflecting pool didn’t seem to mind.
Christmas is coming on Monday. So I was given this afternoon off from work.
Even on the second day of winter, San Diego is pure sunshine.
As I got my legs pumping, Balboa Park seemed like the perfect destination. It’s a magical place that’s always full of new wonders and unexpected discoveries.
Something very cool is coming this weekend. I’ve been invited on a special tour of the Modern Masters from Latin America exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Art. I’ll probably blog about the experience on Tuesday, the day after Christmas. Meanwhile, I’m going to take a short break here and perhaps do a bit of writing.
I hope you all have a wonderful and very merry next few days!
Young and old peer into a magical fountain near the Botanical Building.People move past light-filled archways, turn a corner…I was told these guys were filming the pilot of a funny show called “Cult of Kyle” in the outdoor courtyard of the Casa del Prado.Many faces among fallen leaves. Sketches discovered unexpectedly in Spanish Village, on a worktable outside Studio 10.Bright sunlight on trunks and leaves at the edge of Balboa Park’s Palm Canyon.The effort to save the Starlight Bowl has made great progress! They finally have a Special Use Permit from the City of San Diego!I was told that two shiny new marble benches outside the entrance of the San Diego Air and Space Museum are about one month old. They were donated by retirees of North American Aviation.People are entertained on El Prado one beautiful winter’s day in Balboa Park. The facade of the Casa del Prado makes a fantastic backdrop.This cool guy near the Zoro Garden had a long rope that generated zillions of bubbles at once!I often see this silent busker in Seaport Village. He was juggling and performing magic today in Balboa Park.A musician breathes life into the park. A small scene in front of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
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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!
Rotary Plaza in Coronado includes several interesting features, including a clock, fountain and community Christmas tree.
During my recent walk through Coronado, I paused for a bit at Rotary Plaza to check out the old clock, pleasant fountain and community Christmas tree. I read a few plaques near each of these features and learned a little about the history of the place. I’ve never seen the very tall star pine lit at night during the holidays, but I bet it’s quite a sight!
Coronado Rotary Plaza (sometimes called Rotary Park) is located on Orange Avenue at Isabella Avenue.
A handsome Rotary International clock and peaceful bench await passersby in Coronado Rotary Park.Plaque on the Electric Time clock reads Presented to Coronado by the Rotary Club of Coronado for Rotary International’s Centennial, February 23, 2005.The bubbling Jim Vernetti Fountain in Coronado’s Rotary Plaza, dedicated 2009.A Hanukkah menorah stands in Rotary Plaza during the holiday season. (The trunk of the large Coronado star pine Christmas tree is in the background.)Walking along Orange Avenue toward Rotary Plaza and the high Coronado Rotary Club Christmas Tree, which is lit at night.In May, 1936, the Rotary Club planted this starpine for the citizens of Coronado. This tree given by Emily T. Thompson in memory of her husband Charles.
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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!
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Elvis and cow in front of MooTime Creamery are decked out for Christmas.
I love to walk around Coronado. It’s like taking a small vacation.
In the past I’ve posted all sorts of cool sights around the island. My adventure yesterday along Orange Avenue yielded even more fun photos!
Enjoy!
A funny Roman warrior stands guard outside Village Pizzeria.A zoom photo of the north side of the Hotel del Coronado from a block or two up Orange Avenue.A view of the elegant Spreckels Building which was erected in 1917. It’s now home to the Bank of Coronado.Fancy gold ornamentation around front entrance of the Bank of Coronado, an historical landmark.Inside the front door of the Coronado Museum of History and Art one can see a Model T Laundry Truck once used at the Hotel del Coronado.Santa Elvis at MooTime Creamery is sporting a wreath around his neck.SEAL gifts and memorabilia for sale in the window of Bullshirt. Nearby Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is home to several SEAL teams.A fun tiki-style bamboo bike in front of Holland’s Bicycles. You can rent it for a ride around the beautiful island.Beautiful autumn trees and grass in Spreckels Park.The small June Miller Garden at the base of a tall palm tree in Spreckels Park. The gazebo in the background is the setting of Concerts in the Park during the summer.A joyful Victorian house on Orange Avenue reminds those passing by that it’s the holiday season in Coronado.
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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
The Dickens Carolers sing during the annual Las Posadas event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
This afternoon I headed to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the annual Las Posadas Celebration. There were many families in the park enjoying all sorts of holiday activities, gazing at beautiful decorations, and preparing to witness the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.
Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition cherished by many Latinos and Spaniards. A candlelight procession after nightfall by members of the community symbolizes the Nativity. Angels and shepherds join along the way. Mary rides a live donkey. There is much joyful singing.
My camera is inadequate after dark. To see (and hear) tonight’s procession in Old Town, you’ll have to use your imagination.
The 67th Annual Las Posadas Celebration in Old Town celebrated a rich holiday tradition. A candlelight procession after dark reenacted the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of shelter before the birth of Jesus.As evening approaches, paper bag luminaries containing candles are placed around the central Plaza de las Armas.A big festive Christmas tree stands near the plaza’s center, beside the tall flagpole.Looking out the front door of the Casa de Estudillo at Old Town San Diego’s big Christmas tree.A shiny star-like pinata hangs in front of the Colorado House. This is where the holiday celebration would reach its joyful climax.Santa wishes everyone a Merry little Christmas inside Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.A colorful holiday wagon containing red poinsettias is parked outside Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.Kids activities during Las Posadas included making Christmas tree ornaments.This holiday wreath is decorated with spools of thread! It hangs on a door at Threads of the Past.A big wreath adds holiday cheer to the sunlit Seeley Stable Museum barn.As daylight wanes, families congregate around a campfire and roast marshmallows for s’mores.A special display inside the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center describes the life of Louis Rose, the first Jewish person to settle in San Diego.Reenacting a Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessing inside the historic Robinson-Rose Visitor 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!
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!
Star of India is lit brightly at night for the holiday season.
San Diego’s beautiful, historic tall ship Star of India is decorated for the holidays with hundreds of magical lights. They were strung along masts, yards and rigging a couple weekends ago.
Tonight I visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego and walked around their many amazing ships after nightfall. As I stood atop the museum’s Soviet B-39 submarine, I photographed Star of India’s holiday lights reflecting on the bay.
Photo of Maritime Museum of San Diego’s famous Star of India, with magical holiday lights strung along masts, yards and rigging.The reflection of downtown windows and Star of India’s holiday lights creates a fantastic sight after nightfall on San Diego Bay.
Here are some more photos taken on a later night…
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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!
A cool sight before the 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade gets started!
Here are lots of photos from today’s 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade!
This was my first year watching the Toyland Parade. I headed to North Park and walked about a little before the parade began. Then I found a spot on the sidewalk and got my camera ready!
Kids head toward the parade route, which begins along University Avenue in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.These kids were selling fresh mistletoe before the parade got started.Folks chat in the staging area before the hometown holiday parade begins in the late afternoon.And here we go! Boy Scouts lead the parade carrying flags.After a bunch of local San Diego politicians go by, here comes the Grinch!It’s the Gift of Dance! Some very lively Mexican folklorico dancing adds zest to the parade!Whirling color.A fun truck with a Christmas tree in back.Looks like Santa-clown.This fun parade entry sported a miniature North Park landmark sign.I believe this is a student attending Saint Didacus Parish School.Lots of candy was being handed out to thrilled kids along the parade route.Kimberly Wong was the 2017 Miss Toyland Parade Queen!Friendly folks from the Cambodian Nazarene Church.This silly guy with the John P. Squibob group posed for my camera.Happy people go by.San Diego’s Al Bahr Shriners seems to be in every parade around the city.More goofy clowns.Here come those fun little parade vehicles the Shriners always drive.Here come some North Park Little Leaguers.A Mexican and Canadian flag, and a really good time. I believe these are kids at Jefferson Elementary Steam Magnet.Everyone loves a parade. Including the participants!Here comes the Madison High School marching band!Marching cheerfully down University Avenue wearing Santa hats. Many familiar holiday tunes were performed during the parade.Yikes! It’s Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North! Watch out Rudolph!And here comes another fierce Grinch! Is nobody safe?Here comes a bunch of super cool vehicles. Check this out…Check out the hydraulics action of this awesome lowrider! These guys were bouncing their cars like mad all along the parade route!The parade crowd loved these crazy cars.It’s the Sweetwater High School Red Devil Corps!Here comes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock on an elf-driven motorcycle!These are members of the Realm of Andor, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. They meet Sundays in Balboa Park at Morley Field.Everyone is in the North Park holiday parade. Even the Junk King!This guy’s cool Star Trike appears to be modeled after the Starship Enterprise. I wonder if it’s difficult to obtain dilithium crystals?And at the end of the North Park Toyland Parade, good old Santa Claus waves to everyone from atop a fire engine! Merry Christmas!
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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
A fun, illuminated snowman in Spanish Village. Festive lights dazzle at December Nights.
Tonight I headed into Balboa Park to enjoy 2017 December Nights.
When its buildings, fountains and gardens are brightly lit after dark, Balboa Park is magically transformed. During the holidays the park seems like a storybook wonderland.
My camera managed to capture a small bit of that magic.
Colorful strings of lights radiate from the center of Plaza de Panama during December Nights.The Bea Evenson fountain in the Plaza de Balboa is brightly lit.One of many shining Christmas trees on the Spanish Village Art Center patio.Dozens of vendors sell gifts throughout Balboa Park during the delightful holiday event.Roasted nuts are among the traditional holiday treats that visitors enjoy.One of many youthful dance groups performs at the Casa del Prado.San Diego’s Portuguese community contributed a Christmas tree and royal robe to the December Nights Festival of Trees inside the Casa del Prado.The Old Globe Theatre created this very stylish Christmas tree.The center of December Nights is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where joyful entertainment continues into the night.A choir performs holiday songs for a large December Nights crowd. A scene of amazing beauty.Getting something to eat or drink at the colorful Gingerbread House.Scene of Jesus with children in the Nativity along the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Graceful dancers perform at the International Cottages.The fun zone in the Palisades area of Balboa Park features brightly lit rides for the kids.Getting more treats ready.The very merry Christmas tree at the Old Globe draws the eyes of old and young alike.In the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Santa Claus brings a child magic and joy.
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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!
Cool San Diego Sights! 