Reviews 10
Filters:
Rating
Language
Sort:
Most recent

You won't be disappointed! Free food samples (sugg...

You won't be disappointed! Free food samples (suggest small donations). Each house unique. Each Sunday a different country hosts the Food to buy & the amazing entertainment at 2pm. Just relax & enjoy. Lots of grass!

International houses in Balboa are awesome! Tips: ...

International houses in Balboa are awesome! Tips: Go on the weekend when houses are open. Every weekend a different house hosts something in the main lawn area. Bring a stack of $1s. Sample food from open houses are donation only (dumplings from China house, cakes from German house, tea from British house, etc). The volunteers are so friendly. You will be inspired to visit these countries...plan your next trip with help from the volunteers who will tell you the Must Sees. Also- The annual Ethnic food fair is a MUST. So many small affordable samples of food, I was sadly limited by my appetite. Also Germany house is the best. :-) Go there for cakes and coffee...danke to the nice German volunteers.

Attended a concert by the phenomenal bagpiper Fred...

Attended a concert by the phenomenal bagpiper Fred Morrison, sponsored by the House of Scotland and the House of Scotland Pipe Band. If you are not familiar with the international cottages in Balboa Park, you should become so. Many different nations of the world are represented and great activities occur throughout the year. The cottages themselves are open most Saturdays and Sundays, and the Hall of Nations in the House of Pacific Relations is a good place to start. There you will find many display cases of all of the member nations.

I was absolutely fascinated by this place! Even af...

I was absolutely fascinated by this place! Even after being a San Diego local for many years and visiting the Balboa Park countless times, I never visited this place until a recent trip to several Balboa Park museums/attractions. However, this was definitely the highlight of my visit.
The people in every house are very hospitable, kind, and welcoming. There are many cultural items, photographs, decorations, art pieces, and songs that bring joy to the visitors as they explore the cottages.
I recommend this to people of all ages; there is something for everyone! I will definitely be returning here in the near future.

Cool little spot to get some history on different ...

Cool little spot to get some history on different countries. I visited the Iranian Relations which was cool and free; donations accepted. Authentic Persian Tea available with small donation. Free flyers with tons of history facts. I went during the Iranian New Year [Nowruz] which was awesome! Iranians know how to party and do so in peace. Souvenirs were available at select vendors during the event.

The House of Pacific Relations International Cotta...

The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages was founded in 1936 and housed in the historic 1935 Exposition cottages. There are Thirty-Two different nationalities represented. The individual groups promote multicultural understanding and goodwill through various cultural and educational programs that showcase the national traditions. These are truly wonderful little houses from our allies and others alike. I have enjoyed them all my life, one Sunday at a time.

I was very excited to visit as I love to travel an...

I was very excited to visit as I love to travel and learn about different places and different cultures. I have to say this was very disappointing: it was as if each of the nations present were frozen in the 1950s. The representations here did not flatter any country. (Take China for example. The house for China didn't even have the Chinese flag - why not? I have lived in China for some time and feel it's a nation full of rich history and culture, reduced down to some sad looking knick knacks, a couple of books, and fortune cookies, which did not even originate in China!!!). And the presentations felt as if they were made as an elementary school project. Having said that, besides a couple terse volunteers, most of the volunteers were friendly and doing their best. Perhaps I am being too harsh, as I think it's a good idea, but I do think this place could really be improved upon, i.e. better food, better educational material, and actually representing the countries more accurately.

House of Pacific Relations

House of Pacific Relations

4.6