Their horse ran as strong as a locomotive and their destination was a mystery to them and to all whom they left behind. Their bags were packed with the necessities and their ambitions were as limitless as a cloudless sky. Hand in hand, they set out in search for unfamiliar streets, nameless faces and new found adventures.

They laughed over long plains and slept in undisturbed fields. They joked and listened to oldies and sang when the radio snoozed. The sun greeted them each day with a hearty handshake and the infrequent downpour washed the dust from their sail.

Days rolled into months and many years were stashed away in a box of memories. The future was uncertain, but their tank remained full and their wheels rolled like the first pedals of a Christmas morning ride.

The endless road, the horse which never rested and the hearts that pumped in unison was only an illusion.

When have you seen something clearly, but later found out it was fake?

Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre urban cultural park  densely populated with a large variety of trees, scattered with many museums and animated with people from all over the world. Many of the parks attractions are lined along the El Prado, a long road that runs through the center of the park. Grouping of students sit under shady trees and eat lunch while others sketch on flimsy easels.

The many gardens and San Diego Zoo of Balboa Park invite relaxing strolls under the sun and many museums, theaters and shops welcome with open doors. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the world’s largest outside pipe organ with free shows every Sunday at 2:00 PM year round, and on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM during the summer. The San Diego Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of art including works by Dali, Cassatt, Miro and many other influential artists.

Located in the northeast corner of the park is the Morley Field Sports Complex. Included in this complex is the largest tenant of the park, the Balboa Park Golf Complex with an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole executive golf course, the San Diego Velodrome, baseball fields, the USTA awarded Balboa Tennis Club, archery ranges, the Bud Kearn Swimming Pool, and a disc golf course.

Balboa Park offers a perfect balance of outside observations and inside studies. Free admissions into museums are often and food vendors are fast with a smile and a snack. Culturally laden communities scatter the surrounding areas and the SD harbor is just a stones throw away.

What is your favorite attraction at Balboa Park?