San Diego: Sun, Surf, and Surprising Culinary Delights

By Raza Elahi

Known for its pleasant year-round climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. I visited this vibrant coastal city in southwestern California, along the Pacific Ocean and near the Mexican border, in July, where I stayed for more than three weeks. It was my second visit to the city, the first being in 2024.

San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities (like surfing, sailing, hiking, & cycling) throughout the year. Its beaches — including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Cove, Del Mar, Oceanside, and Torrey Pines — offer diverse coastal landscapes, from sparkling golden sands to dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Below are a few pictures showcasing San Diego’s scenic coastline.

Although the city is best known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and fresh seafood dishes, visitors can also enjoy authentic Mughlai and Indian food at restaurants and catering services such as Deccan Bites, Charminar, Chaiwala & Co, and Sufra Kabab. My top picks during the stay were the chicken kabab and chicken biryani from Sufra Kabab, a San Marcos-based catering service; the mutton sukka (a dry-style goat preparation flavoured with South Indian spices) from Charminar; and the samosas from Chaiwala & Co.

Below are pictures of Julian, a historic mountain town known for its famous apple pies, Gold Rush history, and scenic mountain views, as well as Annie's Canyon Trail, a popular 1.4- to 1.5-mile round-trip hike featuring a narrow sandstone slot canyon, metal climbing ladders, and panoramic views of the San Elijo Lagoon. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, about 60 miles east of San Diego, while Annie's Canyon Trail is in Solana Beach, approximately 22 miles north of downtown San Diego.

(elahi.raza82@gmail.com)

Journey Through the Scenic Wonders of Keylong & Sissu

I visited Keylong and Sissu, two of the most picturesque destinations in Himachal Pradesh, in May this year. The journey from Manali to Keylong via Sissu (approximately 80 kms) is one of the most breathtaking road trips in the Indian Himalayas. (Though I visited Sissu earlier also in 2023, this time I went till Keylong). Both places offer an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and pristine surroundings. Their spotless landscapes, fresh mountain air, and unspoiled charm make them ideal retreats for travelers seeking to reconnect with nature and leave behind the noise and stress of everyday life.

Just beyond the Atal tunnel lies Sissu, a picturesque village nestled along the Chandra River. The village is renowned for its stunning waterfall cascading down steep mountain cliffs, creating a spectacular contrast against the rocky landscape. Snow-capped peaks surround the valley, while the serene Sissu Lake reflects the beauty of the mountains like a mirror.

Further ahead lies Keylong, the administrative heart of Lahaul. Perched at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, Keylong offers panoramic views of the Bhaga Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges. The town is blessed with a unique blend of natural beauty and Buddhist culture. Ancient monasteries overlook the valley, adding spiritual charm to the dramatic landscape. The contrast between brown mountain slopes, white peaks, green patches of cultivation, and the sparkling river below creates a mesmerising panorama that captivates every visitor.

Keylong and the surrounding Lahaul Valley are particularly famous for potato and peas cultivation. The cool climate, fertile soil, and glacier-fed water make the region ideal for growing high-quality seed potatoes and green peas.

What makes the Manali–Sissu–Keylong route truly special is the rapid change in scenery. Within a few hours, travelers pass from alpine meadows to the stark yet magnificent terrain of the trans-Himalayan region.

Below are the two pics of Naggar village near Manali:

Pics of Some Readers with My Book, 'Between Eras & Expressions'

Below are pics of some of the readers of my book, 'Between Eras & Expressions'. The book traverses a variety of themes:

History & Myth-busting: One major strand challenges common stereotypes about the Mughal era, including nuanced discussions on subjects like the lives of Muslim women in medieval India and reinterpretations of historical figures such as Aurangzeb.

Travel Reflections: Travel pieces go beyond typical travelogues; they’re thoughtful explorations of places with personal anecdotes and vivid observations that aim to transport readers.

Cinema & Culture: The book includes essays on film and theatre, such as explorations of legendary figures like Meena Kumari and Madhubala, blending cultural commentary with narrative flair.

Light-Hearted & Poetic Writings: Some sections offer lighter themes and musings, often infused with Urdu couplets that lend rhythm and charm to the prose.

Urdu Poetry: A selection of my Urdu poetry, presented in both Nastaliq and Roman scripts with meanings of difficult Urdu words. For more details, e-mail at elahi.raza82@gmail.com Or contact 9870477658

My Two Urdu Couplets

Some Couplets of mine both in Nastaliq and Roman scripts

(elahi.raza82@gmail.com)

Vintage Car Show 2026

Vintage Car Exhibition at Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur, on January 24, 2026.

Readers Praising The Fascinating Tales of Urdu & its Courtyard — Dilli

The Fascinating Tales of Urdu & its Courtyard — Dilli (Rs 500), whose second edition is now available after first edition was sold out, offers a glimpse into Delhi’s changing history, culture, language and society. The readers have praised the book for its contents as well as the way it intertwines, captivating anecdotes from the city’s past with the rich and poetic journey of Urdu — a language that was born, nurtured, and blossomed in the very heart of Delhi.

Below are photos of readers with this book. People from diverse fields and age groups have been appreciating it. To purchase a copy, simply send a WhatsApp message to 9870477658.

New Readers of 'Between Eras & Expressions'

Happy readers:Mrs Shabana Khan (Lucknow), Mr Krishnaraj Singh (New Delhi), Mr T I Azad (Hyderabad), Mr Sabahuddin Imran (Bangalore) and Mr Abu Sadat (Delhi), with my book, 'Between Eras & Expressions'

The book traverses a variety of themes:

History & Myth-busting: One major strand challenges common stereotypes about the Mughal era, including nuanced discussions on subjects like the lives of Muslim women in medieval India and reinterpretations of historical figures such as Aurangzeb.

Travel Reflections: Travel pieces go beyond typical travelogues; they’re thoughtful explorations of places with personal anecdotes and vivid observations that aim to transport readers.

Cinema & Culture: The book includes essays on film and theatre, such as explorations of legendary figures like Meena Kumari and Madhubala, blending cultural commentary with narrative flair.

Light-Hearted & Poetic Writings: Some sections offer lighter themes and musings, often infused with Urdu couplets that lend rhythm and charm to the prose.

Urdu Poetry: A selection of my Urdu poetry, presented in both Nastaliq and Roman scripts with meanings of difficult Urdu words. For more details, e-mail at elahi.raza82@gmail.com Or contact 9870477658