THE ALCAZAR GARDEN — Named because design is patterned after gardens of Alcazar in Seville, Spain, The Alcazar Garden lies adjacent to House of Charm. It is known for it's ornate fountains, exquisite turquoise blue, yellow and green Moorish tiles and shady pergolas. This formal Garden, is bordered by boxwood hedges and is planted with 7,000 annuals for a vibrant display of color throughout year. The Garden has been reconstructed to replicate 1935 designe by San Diego architect Richard Requa. Open daily; free.

BOTANICAL BUILDING — At 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, building was largest wood lath structure in world when it was built in 1915 for Panama-California Exposition. The building, located on Prado, West of Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. Open Fridays through Wednesday's (closed Thursdays and city holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Lily Pond, just south of Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. This 193- by 43-foot pond and smaller companion pool contain water lilies and lotus as well as varieties of goldfish and Japanese koi. The lilies and lotus bloom spring through fall.

THE DESERT GARDEN — Lies north of foot bridge across Park Boulevard near Natural History Museum and encompasses 2.5 acres. There about 1,300 plants, including succulents and drought-resistant plants from around world. Peak blooming period is January through March. Open daily; free.

THE OLD CACTUS GARDEN — This historic garden was developed for 1935 California Pacific International Exposition and is located on west side of Balboa Park Club. This contains some of largest cacti and succulent specimens in Park and has also been developed to include exotic African and Australian Protea plants.

THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN — Located northeast of Spreckels Organ Pavilion,it includes a small entry garden, an exhibit house, a traditional sand and stone garden, and a wisteria arbor reviewing area overlooking canyon below. The garden is a place of contemplation for visitors. Japanese Garden concepts and symbolism are adapted to climate and topography of San Diego. New features include an entry plaza with tea stand, koi (carp) pond, activity center, a 60' long fujidana (wisteria arbor) and strolling paths.

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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

"Look down from that tree with broken top to bushes in front. That brown patch. Iguana."

"See top of that tree with big leaves? Sloth. (He whistles.) See?"

Second tree behind big palm. Lower branch off main trunk. Spider monkey."

I'm not totally convinced that these aren't in fact props, house pets borrowed for weekend to entertain tourists. But regardless, it is still a surreal experience to be immersed in such a lush, vibrant setting.

The Cabanas

Tortuga Lodge, named after Atlantic green sea turtles which nest nearby. Set on 20 hectares of elegantly landscaped grounds amid Tortuguero rain forest in Caribbean lowlands, lodge offers a relaxing, rustic retreat ideal for nature enthusiasts. The 24 river front rooms are screened, cross-ventilated, and feature cool ceiling fans and hot, private showers. While rates are offered on a nightly basis, some of more popular packages are for one and two nights, which includes roundtrip hotel-airport transfers, roundtrip airfare, and all meals.

Despite it's success as one of major lodges in Tortuguero and its recent expansion, Tortuga Lodge prides itself in keeping with Costa Rica's ecological conservation efforts. A number of measures were installed to preserve its eco-friendliness, including a solar energy system, water saving fixtures, and an environmentally friendly purification system for pools. Even small motor boats which ferry visitors around local canals feature electric motors (unless a swift current requires use of a gas-powered motor). Such measures earned Tortuga Lodge an honorable mention in Conde Nast Traveler's Ecotourism Award in both 1995 and 1996.

Extensive remodeling in 1996 included a new pool, upgraded bar and riverfront dining hall, where visitors can share a summer-camp like atmosphere with other guests, or dine alone while gazing out over tranquil Tortuguero canal. Savory meals feature traditional Costa Rican dishes, including fresh seafood, fruit and staple of every Tico meal, rice and beans. The servings are generous, which is an impressive feat considering most food is flown in to Tortuga Lodge.

Tortuga Lodge, named after Atlantic green sea turtles that nest nearby, prides itself on being an eco-friendly resort. Rustic architecture and construction of natural

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Misha Troyan, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com