Big Bear

Time: Nov-22-2012
Place: Big Bear Lake
Company: Mom-in-law, Wife and Daughter
Highlights: In a bid to show snow to mom-in-law, went to this mountain where water from Big Bear Lake is converted to snow for skiiing during off-season. It is still off-season since it has not snowed yet. Pretty much similar to natural snow and environment. Paavani enjoyed playing with snow. Went to couple of skiing resorts with varying range of skiing levels.Then went to Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Mountain to capture breath-taking views of the panorama. A 2.5 hr drive from Irvine home.

Aquarium of the Pacific at Long Beach

Time: Nov-18-2012
Place: Aquarium of the Pacific & Harbor Cruise
Company: Mom-in-law, Wife, Daughter
Highlights: Initially thought this would be a 2-3 hr thing but was exhausted at the amount of exhibits. This took almost all day [from 10 to 4]. Polar problems made me sad. Fishes with what looked like electric signals were amazing. Nature's painting of beautiful colors under the ocean is mesmerizing. Thanks to the aquarium, we get to see what we would otherwise never get to see. After the aquarium, went on a harbor cruise to see in and around Long Beach.

Griffith Park Observatory in LA

Time: Nov-10-2012
Place: Calabasas and Griffith, Hollywood Blvd at Los Angeles
Company: Mom-in-law, Wife and Daughter
Highlights: Aksharabhyaasa for Paavani at Calabasas temple. After the event, went to Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles. First time here. Enormous amount of cars. Had to park the car about 0.5 miles from summit and walk all the way up to the top with Paavani on shoulder. Nice views of Hollywood sign and LA. Saw the sun set too. Then went inside the observatory. Wonderful science exhibits. Then went to Hollywood Boulevard street to show Kodak Theatre and other happenings to Mom-in-law. Third time here. Finally, after a long day, headed back home.

San Diego Zoo

Time: Nov-3-2012
Place: San Diego Zoo & Mt Soledad
Company: Mom-in-law, Wife, Daughter
Highlights: Tried to be as early as possible - especially to beat the traffic from Irvine. Last time we visited Balboa Park, we got stuck in traffic near Carlsbad. So this time, left at 8 and reached by 10. Stayed all day till closure at 5. Thanks to AAA, tickets were little cheaper. Wide variety of animals and attractions to keep everyone occupied all day. Did not take shuttle service and hence walked everywhere. Notable attractions - air tram, welcome bird show, sea lion show, etc. other than the animals, of couse. Paavani slept off at about 4 after watching the elephants. She missed only Giraffe and Hippo. On the way back, also visited Mount Soledad. Very nice view of San Diego freeways and the Pacific from atop.

Palomar Mountain

Time: Oct-20-2012
Place: Palomar Mountain
Company: Mom-in-law, Wife, Daughter
Highlights: Searching for nearby (one-day picnic) places led to this mountain with breath-taking views. Thankfully, the day we visited, it was a cloudy day. That is to say, it was cloudy for those on the ground. For those on Palomar, we were above the clouds. As if we were characters in those mythological serials where Gods and Angels walk and talk on clouds. Such was the scenery everywhere. Very similar to what we see from airplane. Also went on a short trail - Paavani's first. Missed visiting the observatory - incidentally I had seen a documentary couple of years ago on how the huge lens used in this observatory made its way from East coast to where it is situated now. On the way back, also went to Palo casino. Visited couple of lakes and drove amidst clouds while coming back. A short memorable trip.