This site is for the many fans of coastal San Diego, those who have lived here for years, as well as those new to the area. Here you can learn more about the different communities, the many things to do and places to visit in and around San Diego, share your experiences, and ask for advice and recommendations for restaurants, shopping, visitor activities, places to live, and more! Buyers thinking about moving here will find lots of information to help, too!
The United States Postal Services has announced another increase in postal rates, effective May 12, 2008.
The price of a first class stamp will rise to 42 cents (from 41 cents); more Forever stamps will be made available at the 41 cent rate - buy them now and they will still get your mail delivered once the rates increase.
The cost of sending a post card will rise to 27 cents. Other rates will change as well.
San Diego has a number of venues for theatrical entertainment - The Balboa Theatre, at 868 Fourth Street in the Gaslamp District, is well worth a visit.
I attended the Brazilian Guitar Festival last night at the Balboa, my first visit. The theatre has a historic background, and an interesting interior (the huge wall fountains in lit alcoves are a curious feature which, while intriguing, don't do much to add to the acoustics IMO). The theatre has just been restored to its former glory and certainly has some character.
But the real enjoyment was the guitar festival, which was extraordinary. The Assad Brothers, Sergio and Odair, have an international reputation in the music world, and seeing them perform in person was remarkable. Their equally talented sister, Badi Assad (herself an inventive, talented guitarist with an incredible voice and a penchant for incorporating intriguing sounds in her music - see a video below) was also featured, as were two other accomplished guitarists, Celso Machado and Romero Lubambo.
The music, almost half of which was original compositions, was wonderful, showcasing each performer's particular talents, artistry, and interests. While I would have preferred a more intimate venue for this sort of performance, it was a most enjoyable performance
You might note that the Balboa has some other terrific offerings that may be worth a visit:
The New Shanghai Circus - Sunday February 17 at 3 PM
Bellydance Superstarts - Sunday February 24 at 3 PM
Dublin's Irish Cabaret on March 7 and a series of other musical offerings.
Visit the Balboa Theatre website for more information Tickets may be purchased in a number of ways, including through Ticketmaster and at the box office (you may get a great deal if you buy rush tickets the evening of the performance).
Plan an evening at the theatre, and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within a few minutes walk. Park at the Horton Plaza Garage adjacent to the theatre - you may want to make a purchase at the Plaza to get your parking ticket validated. The Balboa does not validate but they will provide a coupon for a reduction in the parking after 3 hours.
I just returned from a quick trip to Honolulu - my first. I had a 2 day real estate convention there (which was terrific - lots of great learning on how to better help buyers and sellers in this market) but with 3 days to be a tourist.
The weather was warm but we had a fair amount of rain. Sunday was the best and we took a hike up Diamond Head. Great fun and not too difficult (I went up in my reef sandals!!).
Here are some pics of the journey. If you have been you know it is a good time. But if you have not done it, I highly recommend doing so. Enjoy!!
BTW we had dinner at Keo's, twice. Terrific Thai restaurant with great food. Worth a visit if you are in Honolulu. Next time we hope to go to Kauai or Maui. Any thoughts on that?
