Hotel Del Christmas Tree

Yesterday, I was invited to a luncheon for a group of people celebrating the 2024 Presidential Election. Venue: the historic, stately, and expensive Hotel Del Coronado. I hadn’t been there in years—and never in December. Wow, was the place packed with revelers local and visiting, loners and families, of every fashion.

One neighbor (and good friend) and I were the spendthrifts of the group. She asked if I would want to go halvsies on a meal. That works for me. She suggested a breakfast burrito. Great choice. When the thing was served, I cut off a piece and, after nibbling a bit, decided not to eat any. The tortilla was flaky and tasty and fancily unlike any burrito I ever ate. I thought my wife would love it (she did) and a waiter boxed up the largely uneaten meal. The thing cost $23 before tax and tip.

My car companions wanted to see the lobby Christmas tree, so off we trotted to what you see in the Featured Image and companions. They all come from Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Vitals, tree: f/1.7, ISO 1250, 1/60 sec; 23mm (film equivalent); 3:02 p.m. PST.

Santa and kids: f/2.4, ISO 1000, 1/30 sec, 13mm (film equivalent); 3:01 p.m. Santa closeup: f/3.4, ISO 1600, 1/30 sec, (synthetic) 230mm (digital and optical zoom); 3:01 p.m. All are composed as captured; no edits. Three lenses. Three focal lengths. One smartphone camera. What more do you need?