Carousel

CAROUSEL FRESH AIR MASSAGE

by

Jean Douglas

     A carousel ride in San Diego’s Balboa Park massages the skin with air and gently strokes ones sit-upon.  The carousel, also known as a merry-go-round, frees one from the clutter in his mental storage garage.  The five-minute ride provides benefits both physical and mental.

     The merry-go-round trip entertains on many levels.  It shows to riders an unusual view of the cultural pride and joy of San Diego, our magnificent Balboa Park.  Loud military music entrances visitors.  It sounds as though a band is on the structure itself.  Circling around, riders glimpse pedestrian walkways, parking lots and entrances, and a spectacular long-distance view of high mountains in the backcountry of San Diego County.

     Balboa Park carousel is located near the entrance to San Diego Zoo.  Its population includes an elegant hand-carved menagerie such as horses, chickens, swan-decorated carriages and more.  Many animal seats move up and down as the platform turns and the music blares.  Visitors are lulled into feeling secure as the merry-go-round platform spins.

     A second or third ride beckons for the youthful at any age.  The next time, alert patrons choose a seat on the outside row for a better opportunity to grab the gold ring for a free repeat ride.  It is a magnet, reminding adults of childhood challenges and pleasures.

     Toward the center of the merry-go-round platform, riders see artistic hand-painted scenes.  The area above the art displays gloriously gleaming painted gold fixtures.  Myriad details in this central core are themselves works of art in gleaming gold and shades of green accented with white and scattered pink or yellow light bulbs.

     The loud music and glorious colors and imaginary animals and fast-moving air brushing over one’s skin bring reminiscences of a long ago era.  A wild and beautiful ride awaits you on the Balboa Park carousel.

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