Monday, December 31, 2012

San Diego Getaway: Lucha Libre & Balboa Park

After our hikes we went to Lucha Libre for an early lunch.  We arrived less than ten minutes past eleven o’clock, but there was already a line out the door.  I wonder what percentage their business went up after being featured on Man v. Food?  I didn’t see that episode, but I used to enjoy that show when we had cable. 

The décor is *interesting*; a Mexican wrestling theme.  Let’s just say it would fit right in on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. 

019

023

This booth must be reserved.

I knew what I wanted to order: two Surfin’ California burritos ($7.25 each).  They contain steak, shrimp, avocados, french fries and a special sauce.  That is a lot of goodness wrapped in one tortilla!

021

024

Bathroom shot…

Next we went to Balboa Park to check out the Natural History Museum and Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.  We were able to use our Discovery Science Museum passes to obtain free admission to both—another score!

027

First up was the Natural History Museum, aka theNAT.  The two special exhibits were about chocolate and horses.  The kids enjoyed the play area set up with tents.

042040039

Isn’t that soft campfire so cute?

037036035

Chocolate gift shop.

030

Cacao tree—the whole exhibit smelled like chocolate!

044

Right across the way is the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

050049048047

This museum didn’t take us very long to explore.  As D noted, a lot of kids’ museums have the same types of exhibits.  I’m sure the IMAX movies are cool, but we didn’t pay extra—I think it may have been too much for the kids anyway.  Both museums provided some educational entertainment, but I’m glad we didn’t pay full price for them.

051

054026

“Let the little children come unto me.”  There was a series of scenes depicting Jesus’ life in the Organ Pavilion. 

Balboa Park is amazing for what it is.  A vast park in the middle of an urban landscape with grand architecture, museums, cafes and open space.  Visiting made us daydream about whether the Great Park in Irvine will ever realize its full potential. 

No comments: