In the photo of the dogs, see the expression on the white dog's face? That is just how I feel every time I read the Kindness Magnet. Thank you, Heather for a fine start to my morning.
You live in such a beautiful part of the country. I have been to the San Diego Zoo and would love to go back and tour the rest of Balboa Park. I had no idea how large it really is!
Yes, we are grateful to have so much beauty around us. I actually haven't been to the zoo yet - it's a whole day excursion, as you undoubtedly know. I'm really looking forward to it. Getting to take the train along the coast always gets us off to a great start!
You keep adding things to my bucket list and Balboa park sounds like a must. I knew they were shiba-inus before you divulged as we have a few in the neighborhood, and anyway dogs are me. But I like "what goes around comes around," as my dad would say. YOu had some wonderful help getting to your destination and then you helped someone getting on the bus. Love when it comes around full circle.
The coaster is fun. Just 1 hour from Oceanside to San Diego, much along the Pacific. Small pets in carriers only. Your pooch looks like he/she wants to be a lapdog...😁
I'd never seen 4 siba inu together. Like little plump fox!
It really is beautiful. And there's so much to see. It's going to take quite a few visits for us to see most of it. Which, of course, makes it fun to look forward to!
Forgetting to take a picture of a treasured interaction is always a good sign. If we find ourselves so deeply in the moment, it means we're giving our full attention to it. How delightful that you had such an interesting and generous tour guide, Heather!
I really would've loved to have seen a pic of Cliff and his furbabies. But the pic you posted will do. Those dogs are so dang cute. Also, that coastal train looks fun! Was the view amazing? I've never been on a train, but I'd love to try it. Espesh Amtrak. We, too, have a Japanese Friendship Garden here in Phoenix, AZ in partnership with Yokohama. We visited it for the FIRST time ever last year when my Aunty (Dad's half-sister) came to visit. She's half Japanese. It definitely wasn't as big as this one, but it was still beautiful. A garden in the city.
The Coaster train is a double decker. We always sit up top to enjoy the ocean and beach view. It's not all fluffy surf and surfers, but those are the parts I remember the most.
I haven't visited the Phoenix Japanese Garden. Did you get a different perspective visiting with your Aunty?
I'll have to try that sometime. When do you think is the best time to do that? As for the different perspective, I did. The garden was small, loved seeing the koi pond, the structures were beautiful... it was like seeing a small part of her heritage without going overseas. The language was never spoken in their house. I can't remember if that was their mother's choice or they just never wanted to learn, but I DEFINITELY would've wanted to learn. I'd also love to visit Japan. That's a bucket list item.
The Coaster runs year round, just from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot. September/October are beautiful in San Diego and not quite as crowded - kids back in school and everyone from Phoenix has gone home lol. It's also usually sunnier. June is nicknamed June Gloom for a reason. Jan/Feb can be rainy. Summers are nice, just crowded.
So interesting that they didn't speak Japanese in their home. I've not been to Japan. That's a great bucket list item!
It was. We stayed in the Gaslamp district and took a bus to the park. Ate at the Werewolf bar near our hotel several times. Great memories from that trip.
Kind people and dogs are almost everywhere. It’s just splendid to see them lifted up where everyone can see them. Thank you, Heather, for doing the heavy lifting.
What a wonderful positive way to start a day!!
So glad you liked it, Norm! Let us know when you're headed back our way for another visit!
Going to Balboa was one of the highlights of my visit to San Diego several years ago.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's so amazing. Did you have a favorite?
In the photo of the dogs, see the expression on the white dog's face? That is just how I feel every time I read the Kindness Magnet. Thank you, Heather for a fine start to my morning.
Aw, thanks Sharron. I love that pup's squinty eyes all scrunched up!
So glad you enjoyed the read.
Ha Sharron I was thinking the exact same thing 😂
The whole experience was astounding.
I have always found dog lovers to be kind people.
You live in such a beautiful part of the country. I have been to the San Diego Zoo and would love to go back and tour the rest of Balboa Park. I had no idea how large it really is!
Yes, we are grateful to have so much beauty around us. I actually haven't been to the zoo yet - it's a whole day excursion, as you undoubtedly know. I'm really looking forward to it. Getting to take the train along the coast always gets us off to a great start!
Have a wonderful day, Jim.
Sounds beautiful. Glad you met a helpful guide. Not surprised that you attract them into your life. 🥰❤️
You keep adding things to my bucket list and Balboa park sounds like a must. I knew they were shiba-inus before you divulged as we have a few in the neighborhood, and anyway dogs are me. But I like "what goes around comes around," as my dad would say. YOu had some wonderful help getting to your destination and then you helped someone getting on the bus. Love when it comes around full circle.
You would love Balboa Park. Beauty, history, nature, culture...so wonderful.
And you are right. My little story was simply an example of how acts of kindness inspire more.
That train photo in the beginning looks like a journey I want to take. I'd love to do a train journey but I don't know if dogs are allowed 😁
What a cute story about those puppers. Shiba Inu are so frigging cute.
The coaster is fun. Just 1 hour from Oceanside to San Diego, much along the Pacific. Small pets in carriers only. Your pooch looks like he/she wants to be a lapdog...😁
I'd never seen 4 siba inu together. Like little plump fox!
I've been to Balboa Park a couple of times - but years ago. I'd love to go back - sounds like I missed some special features.
It really is beautiful. And there's so much to see. It's going to take quite a few visits for us to see most of it. Which, of course, makes it fun to look forward to!
Forgetting to take a picture of a treasured interaction is always a good sign. If we find ourselves so deeply in the moment, it means we're giving our full attention to it. How delightful that you had such an interesting and generous tour guide, Heather!
That's an excellent perspective. Thank you.
I really would've loved to have seen a pic of Cliff and his furbabies. But the pic you posted will do. Those dogs are so dang cute. Also, that coastal train looks fun! Was the view amazing? I've never been on a train, but I'd love to try it. Espesh Amtrak. We, too, have a Japanese Friendship Garden here in Phoenix, AZ in partnership with Yokohama. We visited it for the FIRST time ever last year when my Aunty (Dad's half-sister) came to visit. She's half Japanese. It definitely wasn't as big as this one, but it was still beautiful. A garden in the city.
The Coaster train is a double decker. We always sit up top to enjoy the ocean and beach view. It's not all fluffy surf and surfers, but those are the parts I remember the most.
I haven't visited the Phoenix Japanese Garden. Did you get a different perspective visiting with your Aunty?
I'll have to try that sometime. When do you think is the best time to do that? As for the different perspective, I did. The garden was small, loved seeing the koi pond, the structures were beautiful... it was like seeing a small part of her heritage without going overseas. The language was never spoken in their house. I can't remember if that was their mother's choice or they just never wanted to learn, but I DEFINITELY would've wanted to learn. I'd also love to visit Japan. That's a bucket list item.
The Coaster runs year round, just from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot. September/October are beautiful in San Diego and not quite as crowded - kids back in school and everyone from Phoenix has gone home lol. It's also usually sunnier. June is nicknamed June Gloom for a reason. Jan/Feb can be rainy. Summers are nice, just crowded.
So interesting that they didn't speak Japanese in their home. I've not been to Japan. That's a great bucket list item!
Spent most of my 20th anniversary in Balboa Park - loved the Japanese garden, museums and the zoo!
What a fun way to spend your anniversary!
It was. We stayed in the Gaslamp district and took a bus to the park. Ate at the Werewolf bar near our hotel several times. Great memories from that trip.
Any friend of the white dog on the right is a friend of mine!
Kind people and dogs are almost everywhere. It’s just splendid to see them lifted up where everyone can see them. Thank you, Heather, for doing the heavy lifting.
Sometimes I think that dogs help people to be kinder. I haven't done the research, but it seems likely. Thanks so much for reading, Mark. 🐾
I'd bet a six pack of beer on that one, but not a case.
Ha Ha! 🥂