Originally built in 1896, the Sutro Baths were a large swimming pool complex. It was open until 1966, when it was shut down due to limited finances, and a fire destroyed much of the structure while it was being demolished. The ruins are now part of the surrounding National Park. It’s a neat landmark near the western terminus of San Francisco, just downslope from the historic Cliff House. Larger version is viewable here.
Most of the pools at Paradise Village are noisy and crowded in the afternoon. But if you want some peace, quiet, and relief from the searing summer heat, this little lap pool hidden near the hotel’s center is worth checking out.
As a follow-up to the previous post, here’s the waterfall at the El Eden Zip-Line. I didn’t have enough time to set up and take some really good shots, and it was crowded with people jumping from the rocks. At least I managed to get one decent photo as a souvenir…Larger version available here.
This week’s challenge calls for something vivid, and I can think of few things better than this Bengal tiger at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The three or tour tigers there tended to lounge in the distant shade, ignoring any passersby. One afternoon, however, I happened to catch this one cooling off in the waterfall in its enclosure. It was only for a few seconds, but the sight was something to behold. Large version available here.
Before attending the luau at the Grand Wailea, I spent an hour or so exploring the grounds. It’s not the most opulent hotel I’ve ever seen, but it’s pretty close.
There’s a huge reflection pool in the lobby of the Phuket Marriott. It looks really relaxing in the daylight, but it looks almost magical at night…
Before a couple of nights ago, I hadn’t played billiards on this particular table in nearly 20 years. It was still as fun as I remembered
When I first came to the Marriott in Phuket, I was struck by how calm and quiet everything was. No mad rushes of people, no blaring music or advertisements. Just a massive reflection pool, some bench-hammocks, and the sound of the breeze…
Taken at the Marriott in Phuket, Thailand. Fun fact: these are lit on fire at night.
Polymathically 