Tag: photography

Sunset paints the sky above Maritime Museum.

The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.
The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.

A few photos from my short walk after work. I strolled along the Embarcadero and visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego, one of my favorite places. The sun was setting…

Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the USS Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the steam ferry Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
School students learn about how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
School students learn how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
Sun falls behind picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
Sun gently falls behind the picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and masts of historic tall ships including the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and the masts of several ships, including Californian, San Salvador and America.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Living metal palm trees rise into San Diego sky.

Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky in Bayfront Plaza.
Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky at Bayfront Plaza.

These are photographs of “living metal” under changing skies. Since 2008, seven stainless steel abstract palm trees have stood in front of San Diego’s Bayfront Hilton, moving gently on windy days. I’ve taken many photos of these unique sculptures over the years. They were created by artist Ned Kahn.

Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
Silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon leaves of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
The silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon “leaves” of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The trees are supposed to rotate in the wind, but I've never seen it.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The curving fronds rotate when the wind’s direction changes.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Fun photos of Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!

Murrugun the Mystic prepares to swallow a real sword. He currently holds the world record for longest sword swallow. He has starred on AMC's Freakshow and many other television shows.
Murrugun the Mystic prepares to swallow a real sword. He currently holds the world record for longest sword swallow. He has starred on AMC’s Freakshow and many other television shows!

Wow, what a day! Where do I begin? How about with this weekend’s awesome Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!

This is the third year in a row I’ve attended the fantastic event. It’s as good as ever! Here are some photos from today to prove it!

If you’re in San Diego tomorrow, head on over to Seaport Village to check out the busker action! On Sunday the various acts will be performing from 12pm – 6pm.

The 2016 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival features many of the world's best street performers on several stages.
The 2016 Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival features many of the world’s best street performers on several stages.
I saw a few world-class jugglers, including the UniProShow's amazing Jamey Mossengren, a seven-time World Unicycle Champion!
I saw a few world-class jugglers, including the UniProShow’s amazing Jamey Mossengren, a seven-time World Unicycle Champion!
A performing duo called Her Majesty's Secret Circus Show had a funny act that included juggling, silliness and lots of bad jokes.
A performing duo called Her Majesty’s Secret Circus Show had a funny act that included juggling, silliness and lots of bad jokes.
A wicked-looking knife getting readied at the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!
A wicked-looking knife getting readied at the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival!
A secret agent with a bow and plunger prepares to shoot at a bullseye held by another secret agent on a unicycle.
A secret agent with a bow and plunger prepares to shoot at a bullseye held by another secret agent on a unicycle.
CREW was providing crazy good percussive beats using old garbage cans and other odd household objects.
CREW was providing crazy good percussive beats using old garbage cans and other odd household objects.
Fantastic break dancing and acrobatics were the specialty of the super entertaining Flying Tortillas!
Fantastic break dancing and acrobatics were the specialty of the super entertaining Flying Tortillas!
Audience members are readied for a rare stunt. A member of the Flying Tortillas will run and launch himself bodily over six people!
Audience members are readied for a rare stunt. A member of the Flying Tortillas will run and launch himself bodily over six people! Can he make it? You’ll have to go see for yourself!
Murrugun the Mystic breathes fire. He is keeping the old circus sideshow traditions alive.
Murrugun the Mystic breathes fire. He is keeping the old circus sideshow traditions alive.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sunlight on new Marriott building’s sculptural facade.

Sunlight reflects from an interesting, eye-catching sculptural facade in downtown San Diego.
Sunlight reflects from an interesting sculptural facade in downtown San Diego.

Some unique artwork has recently appeared on San Diego’s Embarcadero. An eye-catching sculptural facade is part of the new two-hotels-in-one-building project that was recently completed at the site once occupied by historic Lane Field.

Marriott’s dual Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront has been open for about two weeks. A couple days ago, I walked right up to the lobby entrance to snap several pics…

A new building now stands at the location of old Lane Field, home of the minor league baseball Padres over half a century ago. It contains two bayfront Marriott Hotels Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites.
A unique building now stands at the location of old Lane Field, home of the minor league baseball Padres over half a century ago. It contains two new Marriott Hotels: Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites.
Shining sculptural facade on parking garage levels of the recently completed Marriott two-hotels-in-one building at site of old Lane Field.
Shining sculptural facade on parking garage levels of recently completed Marriott two-hotels-in-one building.  This unique sight can be found on San Diego’s waterfront at the site of old Lane Field.
Closer photo of the uniquely undulating artwork, which conceals parking garage levels.
Closer photo of the uniquely undulating artwork, which conceals parking garage levels.
Thin, curving layers seem to be made out of painted aluminum.
I learned these thin, curving layers are made of aluminum.
Marriott's new SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn on San Diego's Embarcadero shines shortly before sunset.
Marriott’s new SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn on San Diego’s Embarcadero reflects warm light shortly before sunset.

UPDATE!

I received a comment from the artist! In it he writes:

“My name is David Franklin and I am the artist that created the rippling facade for the new building. Its called “California Rain” and is the product of the percent for art in the Port of San Diego public art program…”

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk!

You can see many more Cool San Diego Sights by following my blog on Facebook or Twitter!

Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun photos!

Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area.
Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area during December Nights in Balboa Park.

I’m not in the least embarrassed to say I love reading Dr. Seuss. Even as an adult, he remains one of my favorite authors. He created pure joy.

Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He was born March 2, 1904. His actual name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he lived in beautiful La Jolla, just a short distance up the coast from where I now sit in downtown San Diego.

I’ve included some Dr. Seuss related photos on my blog over the years, so to remember the immortal children’s book author, I’ll share them once again!

Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, marching in the Garden Party of the Century event in Balboa Park!
Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat walks along a north window of the San Diego Central Library in East Village.
the cat in the hat on san diego central library wall
The Cat in the Hat on the San Diego Central Library children’s room wall.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch during December Nights.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art was photographed outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, hometown of popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more 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 on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Welcome new visitors to Cool San Diego Sights!

Superman cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con. This blog likes to have fun! One photo of thousands on Cool San Diego Sights!
Superman cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con. This blog likes to have fun!  Just one photo of thousands that you can discover on Cool San Diego Sights!

Welcome to everyone visiting Cool San Diego Sights! In particular, I want to greet those arriving from Pinterest! Thanks for checking out my fun photo blog!

Cool San Diego Sights has grown so huge, I now have thousands of photographs that you might enjoy, and possibly pin and share! I’ve got pics of public art, historic places, cultural attractions, tourist destinations, unique events, San Diego Comic-Con, Balboa Park, tall ships, surfers, street performers, crafts and hobbies, funny stuff, flowers and beautiful landscapes, and just lots and lots of diverse, inspiring and interesting stuff! I can hardly believe it, myself!

To see if your interests can be found on Cool San Diego Sights, simply use the search box in my blog’s sidebar. Or click on a tag. Chances are you’ll get lots of results!

Thanks again for visiting, and perhaps following along on my photo adventures! There’s a lot more fun ahead!

Richard

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Mountain men, a gunsmith and a blacksmith.

Two rugged mountain men, one with a fiddle, hang out behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Two rugged mountain men, one with a fiddle, hang out behind Seeley Stable in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here are some cool photos of what life was like back in the Old West. I snapped these last weekend behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Some mountain men, a gunsmith and blacksmith were showing visitors a few aspects of frontier life long ago.

Beyond this gate just off La Plaza de Las Armas is the yard behind Seeley Stable. Here you'll find outdoor exhibits, including old wagons and a blacksmith and woodshop.
Beyond this gate just off La Plaza de Las Armas is the yard behind Seeley Stable. Here you’ll find outdoor exhibits, including old wagons and a blacksmith and woodshop.
A gun smith who assembles his own old-fashioned rifles and firearms shows a visitor some examples in San DIego's historic Old Town.
A gunsmith who assembles his own old-fashioned rifles and firearms shows a visitor some examples in San Diego’s historic Old Town.
This antique flintlock pistol would have been used in past centuries for personal protection at close range.
This antique flintlock pistol would have been used in past centuries for personal protection at close range.
Another friendly mountain man had a table full of skins, knives and other objects associated with frontier life in the Old West.
A friendly mountain man had a table full of skins, knives and other objects associated with frontier life in the Old West.
A demonstration of how trappers in the Old West would set a beaver trap by a river and anchor it to a strong stick in the mud.
A demonstration of how trappers in the Old West would set a beaver trap by a river and anchor it to a strong stick in the mud.
This rusty tool with a long handle is a tyre shrinker. It was used for routine maintenance in the olden days--reducing the diameter of the iron tyres found on wooden wagon, cart and buggy wheels.
This rusty tool with a long handle is a tyre shrinker. It was used for routine maintenance in the olden days–reducing the diameter of the iron tyres found on wooden wagon, cart and buggy wheels.
Someone reads a sign near a tyre bender. This device was used to send long, flat bars of iron or steel into a smooth circle that would become an iron tyre.
Someone reads a sign near a tyre bender. This device was used to send long, flat bars of iron or steel into a smooth circle that would become an iron tyre.
An old covered wagon on display behind Seeley Stable. They were typically sturdy farm wagons with a canvas top. Covered wagons were used on trail drives and cross-country treks.
An old covered wagon on display behind Seeley Stable. They were typically sturdy farm wagons with a canvas top. Covered wagons were used on trail drives and cross-country treks.
Photo inside the well-equipped blacksmith exhibit. It's located behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Photo inside the well-equipped blacksmith shop. It’s located behind Seeley Stable in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Some park visitors look into the small blacksmith building.
Some park visitors look into the small blacksmith building.
A blacksmith removes red hot iron from the fire. He was demonstrating how to make hinges today.
A blacksmith removes red hot iron from the fire. He was demonstrating how to make hinges today!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

Fun urban art: Walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

People of many colors party. Keep going!
People of many colors party. Keep going!

You might enjoy a few photos!

I’ve spotted many colorful examples of urban art while walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. All of this fun artwork is located between Upas Street and Washington.

Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.

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This morning I published a powerful story titled The Drawing of Leaves on my blog Short Stories by Richard! It’s very brief, but moving. You might enjoy it!

Dancing sails and reflected banners upon water.

Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.
Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.

Dancing sails and colorful banners reflected upon water are magic. Tilting, shining, billowing, flowing, taut, wind-driven, powerful, gentle, mysterious, magical.

Color painted on canvas is art. But dancing color upon water has strange profound depth. It’s the merging of wind and water; of light and substance. Swelling, vibrating. It has a heartbeat.

I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
It's USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
It’s USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Unending dreams.
Unending dreams.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

A delightfully unusual building in Little Italy.

The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.
The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.

In my opinion, the most delightfully unusual building in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood is the Beaumont Building. The design–especially the two cylindrical towers–is both visually distinctive and impressive. Those mysterious-looking towers make me look up with fresh surprise whenever I see them.

The Beaumont Building was built in 1988. It was designed by Rob Wellington Quigley, whose architectural work can be seen in various places around San Diego. The lattice-domed San Diego Central Library and The New Children’s Museum are two well-known examples.

I often walk past this building, and have taken many photographs over the years. But none of my photos fully capture this very unique structure’s truly amazing presence.

Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego's always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego’s always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!

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If you enjoy my blog, you can follow Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.