My Euro Travel and Adventure

The Atocha Railway Station in Madrid, Spain

2012-01-29T17:07:00.003+01:00

It was quite a long drive from Granada to Madrid. After 5 days of sightseeing in the Andalusian region of Spain, we headed near Madrid. It is around 400 km and it took us around five hours driving with the bus including the stops we took in between. Actually our hotel was in Layos, a municipality located in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.

During our 6th day in Spain, we drove again with the bus to Madrid. Our first stop was in Atocha Railway Station to fulfill the calling of nature. I guess you know what I meant with this.

The Madrid Atocha Railway Station is the largest railway station in Madrid. If I am not mistaken, this is the only railway station I had been to in Europe with an interior garden or plant show inside. That is quite interesting because I enjoyed watching it while we were inside.

It was so far a wonderful trip we had in Madrid. I know I will come back to this city next time. Here are some snapshots I took during our short stop-over in Atocha.

the turtles in Atocha's garden during our visit last December 10, 2011.

the interior of Atocha railway station in Madrid. You can find some shops, restaurants and coffee bars inside.

the garden inside the Atocha Railway station.

The Atocha Railway station is the primary station serving commuter trains (Cercanías), intercity and regional trains from the south, and the AVE high speed trains from Barcelona (Catalonia), Saragosse (Aragon), Seville (Andalusia) and Valencia (Levante Region). These train services are run by the Spanish national rail company, Renfe. wikipedia.

Top Cities That Celebrate The Best Carnival in Germany

2012-01-25T21:38:00.000+01:00

It is Fasching time in Germany! This is the German word for carnival which they also sometimes called as Karneval nor the th Season. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Germany and witness its carnival celebration. The Faschingszug (carnival parade), the street celebrations and the Faschingball (carnival costume ball) will surely entertain you. Carnival in Germany usually begins on November 11 at 11:11 am and ends on Ash Wednesday.

Be sure to book your cheap Flights to Germany to Germany as early as you can. There are always affordable and cheap airlines you can find online. If you are coming from any European countries, you can try Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin or Tuifly. These are only some of the cheap carriers flying to any airports in Germany.

One of the carnivals I witnessed in Germany last March 2011.

Let's have fun and visit the top cities that celebrate the best carnival in Germany.

Cologne- The Carnival in Cologne is well-known for its very long tradition that dated back to the 14th century. Thousands of people in Cologne are helping hand in hand to maintain this tradition. Within the carnival period there are a lot of parties and carnival celebrations that are taking place. One of the best things to experience in Cologne is to witness the Faschingszug on Rosenmontag or the Rose Monday parade.

Mainz- The Mainz Carnival known in German as The Mainzer Fastnacht or Meenzer Fassenacht, is one of the oldest carnival in Germany. The Mainz carnival has an unusual emphasis on political and literary humor and commentary. This is always shown live on a German television. If you happen to watch it live on TV or be there yourself, you will surely have a lot of fun. As usual the various celebrations and parades with all those colourful costumes and masquerades are also the highlight of the carnival in Mainz.

a colourful float in Dietfurt's carnival in Germany.

Düsseldorf- Like any other towns and cities in Germany, the carnival in Düsseldorf also begins on the 11th of November at 11:11 am and last until Ash Wednesday. Once you visit the carnival in this metropolis, you can witness people dancing, singing, shouting, laughing and simply celebrating. The highlight of the celebration is the Rosenmontagszug or Carnival Monday Procession on February 20, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in Düsseldorf city centre. You will witness here a big parade with decorated floats and people wearing costumes with various colours, designs and motives marching on their foot through the whole city centre.

Travel and Communication Gadget

2012-01-25T13:42:00.003+01:00

Nowadays there are a lot of travel and communication gadgets of all kinds. Computers, cellphones, smartphones, GPS and the like, varies from styles to designs and many other features that it offer to its users and consumers. Most of these gadgets also offer web conferencing service, text and call, locator services and many more.

I remember when we were in Spain lately when my friend communicated with her family through a video chat over the internet. It seems that she was only talking to her family face to face. These gadgets can also help us during emergencies like the smartphones or cellphones. You can always call anytime and anywhere when you need help. I am very thankful with all these gadgets we are having right now. Life was never easy and convenient without these modern gadgets and equipments.

My Europe Travel in Madrid, Spain

2012-01-25T12:27:00.004+01:00

This is one of the most beautiful and liveliest city in Europe and also in the whole world. Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is also the third largest city in Europe after London and Berlin. It is famous for its great cultural and artistic heritage in which the El Prado museum is a very good example.

There are just a lot of things to see and experience in this city. A day of visit in this lovely city is not enough to see everything. At least I had the chance to visit it once in my lifetime and one of these days, I will surely come back there again.

Some of the sights we saw during our trip last December 2011 were the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Catedral de la Almudena,Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala and many more.

the Plaza Mayor in Madrid Spain taken last December 10, 2011.

the famous Almudena Cathedral, Catedral de la Almudena, located just in front of the Royal palace of Madrid.

Snowing in Winter Wonderland

2012-01-24T22:24:00.003+01:00

It was snowing again this afternoon. It did snowed last Saturday but everything melted last Sunday. I know some are happy when the snow falls down but some are not especially for those who need to wake-up early in the morning to drive to their workplace. Sometimes it is very dangerous when the roads get icy and slippery. Better be careful when driving.

For me is not a problem because I am a stay at home person. When there are no appointments or no need to go somewhere I just stay at home all the time. When the snow lies outside, I want to know the temperature too. That is the reason why I need one of those outdoor thermometers that I can place outside our door. I want to know how cold it is. I am quite sure that the snow won't melt when the temperature is below zub-zero. I love watching the white surroundings during snow time but when it is very cold outside I rather stay inside our home. At least one of my dreams come true...to experience a snowy winter wonderland.

I always love passing this road in our place in Bavaria, Germany especially when it is snowing. Isn't it like in a fantasyland?

Rothenburg od der Tauber, A Medieval Old Town in Bavaria, Germany

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000+01:00

I always hear this from a friend who always mentions that her brother's favorite town in Germany and in whole of Europe during his holiday lately was Rothenburg od der Tauber. I believed he felt in love with this beautiful medieval old town in Bavaria, Germany. This so-called Altstadt (old City) was not damaged during second world war bombing. In fact when you visit it, you can still see the intact wall that surrounds this lovely city.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only famous for its beauty but it is also known as the Christmas city in Germany. You can find there Christmas decors and ornaments all year round. There is also Weihnachtsmuseum or Christmas Museum worth to see in this town.

Among the interesting sights you can see are; Town wall, Plönlein, Spital bastion
St. Wolfgang's Church by the Klingentor gate (fortified church, Altes Brauhaus,Old Smithy, Old Town Hall, Christmas Museum, the Criminal Museum and many more.

The Siebersturm or Sieber Tower gate in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This was taken during my fourth visit in this town.

historical houses you can see around the area. This was taken as we were up on one of the towers in Rothenburg of der Tuaber.

The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River.

Places to See in the Apulia Region, Italy

2012-01-20T12:48:00.006+01:00

I had the chance to visit some cities and places in Italy. Among the few I visited include Rome, Venice, Verona, Cinque Terre, Sanremo, Pietra Ligure, Vicenza and other towns and cities we happened to pass-by during the many Italy tours I participated in the past. I know that there are a lot of interesting places to visit in Italy and there are still towns and cities I wish to visit in the future. One of it is the beautiful region of Apulia which lies in the southeastern part of Italy.

the old and historical town of Rio Maggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy during our trip last spring 2011.

There are a lot of lovely and charming towns and cities in Apulia. Here are some of the few that I wish to visit in the future.

Bari- I am happy for a friend who had a chance to take a cruise in this part of Italy. It is located on the Adriatic coast. It is the capital of Apulia and also its largest and most important city. Among the sights that I wish to visit are the Bari Vecchia,the Palazzo del Catapano, the Church of Saint Gregory, Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Cathedral of Saint Sabino. Most of all, I would like to take a walk along its waterfront.

Foggia- Being dubbed as the "granary of Italy", I believed that this city is also a worth-to-see. I would love to see its main sights including the Church of the Crosses, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fovea, the Arch of Frederick II and the Palazzo Dogana. Tasting some of its local foods is also on my list.

Lecce- I haven't been to Florence yet and visiting Lecce is also a feeling that you are in Florence. You know why? Lecce with impressive baroque buildings is dubbed as the "Florence of the South". The Obelisk, the Holy Cross Church, the Piazza S. Oronzo, the Lecce Cathedral and the Porta Napoli are only some of the interesting sights I wish to see in this city.

The Town Hall of Birmingham, England

2012-01-19T22:03:00.002+01:00

Thanks to the invention of digital camera where we can always easily retrieve and share photos online. I am also happy to share some travel photos with you through this blog. It been over three years now since I visited England. One of the cities where my friend showed me was Birmingham. This city is considered to the populous city in England.

What I have below is an image of Birmingham Town Hall. You might be wondering why it is lighted. It is because Christmas is almost approaching during my visit there last 2008. In fact they also a Christmas market located very near to this building.

The Town Hall is located near Victoria Square. Aside from being use as a concert hall, it is also now used as the venue for Graduation Ceremonies of Aston University every year.

The lighted Birmingham Town Hall during our visit last November 2008. You can see the embedded date in my image here.

Not To Miss Events and Festivals When Visiting Europe in 2012

2012-01-14T22:17:00.009+01:00

Events and festivals in Europe, these are some of the reasons why travellers, visitors and party-lovers from around the globe are visiting this continent. There are a lot of things to experience here especially the famous and colourful festivals and events that are happening from time to time in the different places and cities in Europe. Be sure to plan and book your international flights ahead of time. There are always affordable flights you can find online to any destinations in Europe.

Venice Carnival in Italy is one of the unique and colourful festivals you can witness in Europe. Here you will find participants wearing masks of various forms, colours and styles. It is simply a Venetian tradition which made it famous not only in Europe but also around the world. This year's festival will take place from February 11-21. If you want your visit to be memorable, why not buy a mask and a costume and participate in a palazzo ball.

a woman wearing a mask and costume while on a gondola ride during a Carnival in Venice. I was in Venice thrice already.

The Lemon Festival in French Riviera- This is is an annual event held every February in Menton, a town in Cote d'Azur in France. It is nicknamed "The Pearl of France". The place is famous for its mild climate and known to have 300 days of sunshine in a year. During this festival, you will witness a parade with various floats decorated with lemons and oranges of different motives, forms and designs.

Menton, France during our visit last April 2011.

While the other parts of Europe are still having winter during this time, a multicoloured festival under the sun will be taking place in this beautiful town of Menton. The parade of "Golden Fruit" will take place from February 17 to March 7, 2012.

St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, Ireland- St. Patrick Day is celebrated around the world but its celebration in Ireland is very special and unique because this is where its history started. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and he was the one who brought Christianity to this country particularly in Heaton Celts 1500 years ago. Christians and non-Christians from around the world visit Ireland to witness and participate this famous festival. It will take place from March 16-19, 2012. Don't miss to watch its highlight, the St. Patrick's Day Parade on the 17th of March.

London 2012 Olympic Games- This is one of the highlights for this year's event. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in London, England, UK from July 27 to August 12, 2012. London defeated Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York City during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore last July 6, 2005.

view of Big Ben and the London Parliament as the London eye was ascending. It was a wonderful experience riding this wheel. Taken during my 3-weeks vacation in England last 2008.

For sure, many of you had already booked your flights and tickets for this event. I believed many are still looking for cheap flights and accommodation to London at this time. Try your luck in searching for low-cost airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair, Air Berlin, Germanwings and many more.

Oktoberbest in Munich, Germany- known as one of the most famous events in Germany and also the world's largest festival, this Bavarian culture is visited by 5 million people from all corners of the world every year. Don't miss to taste some of the German beers and the German delicacies such as Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Steckerlfisch...I guess I have to stop mentioning about food right now because it just makes me hungry. It is held in Theresienwiese in Munich from September 22 to October 7, 2012. If possible reserve your seats earlier in one of the many beertents in Oktoberfest.

one of the beer tents in Oktoberfest during our visit last 2010.

Semana Santa in Andalusia, Spain- You can pick some of the big cities in the region of Andalusia to witness its famous Holy Week festival known as Semana Santa. Seville, the capital city of Andalusia and Granada are very famous for this religious celebrations. Semana Santa is one of the famous traditional event in whole of Spain. Don't fail to witness the processions of paso and other religious sculptures.

Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain during our trip last December 2011.

The South Gate of the Agora in Ephesus, Turkey

2012-01-07T23:01:00.003+01:00

If you are planning to visit Turkey, you might want to include the ancient Greek city of Ephesus in your itinerary. This is one of the very interesting and historical sights in Turkey. The ruins of Ephesus are a favorite international and local tourist attraction. I had never seen such ruins as big as Ephesus.

One of the impressing historical sights there is the south gate of the Agora which is also known as the gate of Mazeus and Mythridates. They were the ones who erected this gate for their emperor, Augustus, who gave them their freedom. It is located near the Library of Celsus.

Today's archaeological site lies 3 kilometers southwest of the town of Selçuk, in the Selçuk district of İzmir Province, Turkey.

taken during our 10-days vacation in Turkey last September 2011.

At the right side of this gate, you can find the information that says below,

"The richly ornamented gate was financed by the imperial freedmen Mazaeus and Mithridates in 2 B.C. The refined articulation of the southern facade with alternating projecting and re-entrant elements, as well as the use of arches and beams, was repeated in the original side wings of the building. Statues of the imperial family stood on the inscribed attic zone. The unadorned northern side was connected to the Agora Hall. The re-erection of the gate (1982-1988) was made possible by Anton Kallinger-Prskawetz."

Walking on the Narrow Alleys of Toledo, Spain

2012-01-06T19:41:00.003+01:00

I remember some words from an acquaintance I met in Las Vegas during my visit last 2008. He said that there are a lot of narrow streets in Europe. That is very true but we have to understand that there are a lot of historical places in Europe and these narrow streets and alleys especially in the old city centers were already made during the medieval period or even older times.

This is also true in Toledo, Spain. In its historical city center you can find labyrinths of narrow alleys. I find it very interesting as we walked on those alleys during our sightseeing tour. Toledo is a very nice place especially its old city center. Its setting on a mountaintop surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River made it very romantic. I thought I can only see it on books or in the internet but I was really there. That trip in Toledo was really a memorable one for me.

Don't miss to visit its famous sights such as the Cathedral of Toledo, the Alcazar and the Zocodover. You have to know that the Historic City of Toledo belongs to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

an alley near the Zocodover, a central market place in Toledo. This was taken during our trip last December 2011.

another alley in its historic center. This is one of the alleys we walked through during our sightseeing tour. I love Toledo!

Remembering Alhambra in Granada, Spain

2012-01-03T20:08:00.003+01:00

I was trying to select randomly the pictures to be posted here. And yes, I was able to browse the files from my recent Spain trip last December 2011. I am trying to remember Alhambra again. Now I understand how did Washington Irving felt as he left Alhambra....a melancholic goodbye as he was leaving this place. I just received yesterday the book that I I ordered online. It was written by Washington Irving. It is entitled "Tales of the Alhambra". According to our knowledgeable tour guide named Lothar, Alhambra had inspired Irving to write this book. Irving actually lived in the palace while writing the book and was instrumental in reintroducing the site to Western audiences. This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories. I just started reading some pages and it was truly very interesting.

I also felt a bit melancholic after leaving Spain after our 8-days trip from Dec. 5-12, 2011. My heart was captured by the beauty of this country. I am just thankful that once in my life I was there and I hope to come back and visit other places in Spain.

The Alhambra (literally means "the red one") is a palace and fortress complex located in the Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada in al-Andalus, occupying the top of the hill of the Assabica on the southeastern border of the city of Granada.

The Court of la Acequia.

Fountains and flowing water are a common feature around the Alhambra, they are particularly prevalent in the Palacio de Generalife.

taken during our tour in Alhambra last Dec. 8, 2011.

The Palacio de Generalife ( literally, "Architect's Garden") was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid Emirs (Kings) of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now beside the city of Granada in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain.

Edinburgh in my Travel Wishlist 2012

2011-12-30T15:22:00.009+01:00

2011 has been a blessed and fulfilling year for me. I have so many things to be thankful of. It is so far the most-traveled year I have in history. I am hoping that 2012 will be a more fulfilling year with more travels and trips in many parts of the globe especially in Europe. Included in my travel wishlist for 2012 is to visit Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.

Everything must be planned when I will visit Edinburgh next year including the top sights that I will be seeing, the apartment rentals that I will be staying, travel tips and guides and other helpful information about this city. I am also planning to stay in one of the holiday cottages offered by HomeAway.co.uk. They offer various holiday accommodation depending on your type, needs and budget. This is one of the best ways to save money. You can also have more space especially when traveling with your whole family.

There are a lot of things to experience when visiting Scotland's capital city. Top sights and landmarks include the Edinburgh Castle, Mary King's Close, the Scottish Parliament, Abbey and Palace of Holyroodhouse, Gladstone's Land, Royal Botanic Garden and many more. Worth to see museums and galleries in Edinburgh are the Museum of Scotland, Royal Museum, the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Fruitmarket Gallery.

the Scott monument in Edinburgh. Thanks to my former colleague, Dong for this image.

For those who love shopping, don't miss to visit Princes Street which is the main shopping area in the city centre. If you want to shop to a large number of upmarket chains and independent stores George street is the perfect one for you.

I can't wait to spend one of those memorable Edinburgh holidays next year. I am quite sure this will be a trip full of wonderful experiences. Visiting this city will surely bring a lot of fun and excitement to every guest and tourist.

I wish everyone a happy New Year! More travels for us to come next year!

Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid, Spain

2011-12-27T23:11:00.003+01:00

Christmas parties are over but we have to bear in mind that Christmas happens everyday. No matter how it is. I just home that everyone had a wonderful one especially during Christmas Eve.

I guess it is time to share another travel experience. I am starting with Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, commonly known as Las Ventas. Its is a famous bullring in Madrid, Spain. This is one of the sights we visited during our Spain trip recently. Our bus had a short stop here. I guess a 15- minutes stop. It is better than nothing. At least I have some images of it.

According to our tour guide Las Ventas can occupy 25,000 people. It is located in the Guindalera quarter of the district of Salamanca. It was inaugurated on June 17, 1931.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, Spain during our visit last Dec. 10, 2011. This bullring was designed by the architect José Espeliú in the Neo-Mudéjar (Moorish) style with ceramic incrustations.

Sightseeing in Andalusia, Spain

2011-12-26T15:45:00.000+01:00

Vacation is over for this year. The last one I had was in Spain particularly in the region of Andalusia. It is a stunning region truly worth to visit in Spain. It is located in the south of the Iberian peninsula.

We had an all-inclusive holiday package during that vacation and it was really cheap. Included in that holiday package were the flights, hotels, tourist guides, hotel transfers, breakfast and dinner, trips to the different places in Andalusia and the entrance to some museums and churches. Until now, I can't really get those places we visited out of my head. It was truly a wonderful and memorable vacation for me. So far, the best travel I had this year.

Here are some of the interesting places we visited in Andalusia, Spain.

Seville- known as Sevilla in Spanish, it is not only the capital but also the regent queen of the region of Andalusia. It is also the cultural and financial center of Southern Spain. Our sigthseeing tour in Seville took only around a half day. Not so much time to see and to experience everything but at least we visited some noted sights in this city.

Among the few sights we visited were the Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda, The Jewish Quarter or Barrio Santa Cruz, Plaza de España, the Alcazar (but only outside) and some other more.

the entrance to the Cathedral of Seville. This is a very amazing architecture in Sevilla.

Cordoba- This is a beautiful city. Cordoba was once the capital of of a Roman province, the capital of an Arab State (Al-Andalus) and a Caliphate. I cannot forget the beauty of architecture of Mezquita, the biggest attraction in Cordoba and a truly must-see building. We did had a tour inside this building and I was truly amazed by its history and beauty. The Mezquita is a massive former mosque-turned-cathedral famed for its "forest" of columns topped with Islamic-style red and white striped arches. Another best known facet of the city is its Roman bridge.

the interior of Mezquita, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba, during our visit last December 6, 2011. such a lovely architecture!

Other Roman remains include the Roman Temple, the Theatre, Mausoleum, the Colonial Forum, the Forum Adiectum, an amphitheater and the remains of the Palace of the Emperor Maximian in the Archaeological site of Cercadilla, among others.

The historic center of Cordoba is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Granada- I can never forget Granada especially after our visit to Alhambra, a palace and fortress occupying the top of the hill of the Assabica on the southeastern border of the city. This place is truly a must to see when visiting Granada. The Alhambra is an Arabic word which literally means "the red one". It is also called as "The Red Fortress."

The view of the Alhambra from the Generalife. I love this place!

There are a lot of things I experienced in Granada. The visit to the different sights like the Plaza Isabel la Catolica, the Cathedral of Granada, the Generalife,the Alcaiceria, the Puerta and other sights in this city simply added excitements to our sightseeing.

We also had the chance to visit Albayzín by night and was able to witness a flamenco dance in this area. It was quite interesting. The highlight of our holiday was the visit to Spain's capital, Madrid and a day trip to Toledo city.

After that 8-days trip we had this month, I am planning to visit Spain again in the future. I was even browsing for cheap airlines going to Barcelona, Malaga or any destination in Spain. I actually found some affordable Easyjet flights to various airports for January 2012. I am thinking of booking it this week or before the end of the month.

Christmas in Europe 2011

2011-12-25T23:56:00.002+01:00

It's been eight long years now since I am celebrating Christmas in Europe. It is always great and I am thankful for everything. I am also very thankful to all my family and friends who are always around celebrating with us. Thank you so much for your love and goodness. I truly appreciate everything. There are just a lot of things to be thankful this year. I hope that the year 2012 will bring us more success, love, peace, happiness and good health too!

Lastly, I would like to greet a Happy Birthday to my BFF Jesus! Once again Merry Christmas and and a Happy New Year to one and all!

A Baby is born on the manger and mankind was save!
Happy Holidays to one and all!

Visit to Ephesus, Turkey

2011-12-23T20:40:00.004+01:00

The dream of visiting Turkey especially in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus finally came true. It was last September this year when we had a 10-days vacation in this country.

Ephesus is a very interesting ruins located near Selcuk in Izmir, Turkey. It was amazing how they did those architecture during those ancient times.

The image you see here are the latrines in Ephesus and you can still see it today. These are actually public toilets of the city and our tour guide said that there was an entrance fee to use them during those times. There were still no hydraulic hose or pumps during those times but the people of Ephesus still had a good source of water to supply to the people living in this ancient city. The latrines were part of the Scholastica Baths and built in the 1C AD. There was a drainage system under the toilets.

Ephesus is truly a must when visiting Turkey. Such a fascinating historic place to see!

Christmas Greetings To Everyone

2011-12-23T16:10:00.004+01:00

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
~Ada V. Hendricks

Have a Very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year 2012!

Keep your Christmas-heart open all the year round.
~Jessica Archmint

Shopping in Neumarkt

2011-12-22T23:00:00.003+01:00

I guess some of you might still be busy for a last minute Christmas shopping. Not for me! I am finally done today after a little shopping in Neumarkt. I did not really find what I want but I bought almost the same stuff that I have been looking for. For my last minute New Year's shopping, I wanted a yoga block next week. I already have a yoga mat, a CD for training and even a yoga book. I am good to go for a real diet starting 2012. I believed I can do it this time. I just need to get rid of those excess pounds that I gained since living here in Europe.

The shopping I had in Neumarkt today was quite good. Besides getting some discounts I also had fun shopping under the snowy rainy day. Once the snow hits the ground, it melts immediately. Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Sigthseeing in Cordova, Spain

2011-12-22T14:54:00.000+01:00

In so many places and countries I visited in Europe and other parts of the world, I would say, Spain is different and simply unique for me. I really can’t get that place out of my head! It’s really stunning!

One of the places we visited there is Cordoba. It is a city in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. Since our hotel was located in Granada that time, we need to ride a bus in going to Cordoba. If I am not mistaken, it is around 200 km away from Granada.

The Gate located near the historic Roman bridge in Cordoba City. I was happy and contented to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site like Cordoba. We were there last Dec. 6, 2011.

The highlight of our visit to this city was the tour we had inside the Mezquita, the Cathedral and former Great Mosque of Córdoba. A day of visit in a lovely city like Cordoba is not enough to see everything. At least, I had the chance to visit and experience it. Who knows I will be there again someday.

walking along the shopping street of Cordoba looking for souvenirs.

It has been estimated that in the 10th century and beginning of the 11th century, Córdoba was the most populous city in the world, and during these centuries became the intellectual center of Europe. Today it is a moderately-sized modern city; its population in 2008 was 325,453.

Christmas Market in Regensburg, Germany

2011-12-21T14:37:00.003+01:00

Now is the time for Christmas markets in Germany and in some other places in the world. I have been to some Christmas markets in Europe and I always love it. This year, I visited some of these markets in Germany and yes in Madrid, Spain also.

It was my second time to visit the Christmas market in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany last Dec. 20, 2011. It is not so big compared to the one in Nuremberg but it is fine. Visiting have fun visiting it to. As usual you can find a lot of Christmas decors and ornaments, handmade items, toys, books, nutcrackers, variety of German foods and many others in any Christmas markets in Europe.

It is always good to see and to experience the custom and tradition of a certain place or country.

the Christmas Market in Regensburg, Germany during our visit last Dec. 20, 2011. You can see the towers of St. Peter's Cathedral in the background.

Christmas decors in one of the stalls in Regensburg.

Shopping in Madrid, Spain

2011-12-15T20:11:00.002+01:00

Visiting Madrid without shopping can be a boring experience especially for women. I hope you agree with me ladies. As we were still in Granada, we were already asking if there is an El Corte Ingles (The English Cut) department store nearby.

Finally during our visit to Madrid on our 6th day of trip to Spain, we finally had the chance to go inside El Corte Ingles. I was looking for puma coupons before we left to Madrid but I was not able to find one. My friend was also searching for Burberry bags but the El Corte Ingles where we went to in Madrid don't have it. The saleslady told us that they have it in their main department store. We were not able to go there due to shortage of time. I just bought a winter cap in this famous department store in Spain. Of course, I did bought some souvenirs from postcards to magnet, Spain travel guide, shot glass and some shirts.

I love Spain's capital city and I wish to go back there sometime in the future. The image here is one of the department stores of El Corte Ingles in Madrid.

Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy

2011-12-08T19:51:00.000+01:00

A friend of mine was asking me last time to mention to her if I can find a cheap trip to Rome, Italy. I found one but at the time I called the travel agency, it was already fully booked. Around two weeks ago she told me that she finally booked a trip to Rome. I am very glad for her because she can finally visit the so-called "Eternal City".

I had been to Rome last August 2010. It was only a 4-days visit including the flights and the sightseeing and I still find it too short to see everything. At least, I finally visited and experience the capital city of Italy.

One of the sights we visited was the Trajan's Forum, called in Italian as Foro di Traiano. It is an ancient structure in Rome, Italy and known as the last of the Imperial fora. It was constructed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus.

Trajan's Column on the far left of the photo..I took it during our visit last Aug. 2010.

This forum was constructed on the order of Emperor Trajan with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which ended in 106. The Fasti Ostienses states that the Forum was inaugurated in 112, while Trajan's Column was erected and then inaugurated in 113.

To build this monumental complex, extensive excavations were required: workers eliminated the sides of the Quirinal and Capitoline (Campidoglio) Hills, which closed the valley occupied by the Imperial forums toward the Campus Martius.

the plan of Trajan's Forum.

Delightful Christmas Markets I Visited in Europe

2011-12-01T19:34:00.012+01:00

December is finally here! This means that the holiday season is also starting. It is one of the best seasons of the year to visit Europe and experience the beautiful Christmas markets. If you are planning to visit the most interesting Christmas markets in this continent, you better start finding for cheap flights to any Europe cities that host Christmas markets. There are always affordable offers you can find online.

Christmas markets has been a tradition in Germany, Austria and the Alsace region where it was first mentioned and said to have been originated. It is now held and celebrated in the different parts of the world.

Here are a few of the most interesting Christmas markets I visited in Europe.

Leeds, England

I did not expected that the Christmas market in Leeds started so early that time. I was there on the second week of November last 2008 and their market was already opened. It is a German Christmas market and there you will find traditional German delicacies. On offer include gluhwein, snitzels, soups and goulash, stollen, gingerbread, bratwurst sausages, roasted nuts and many others.

This year's ‘Christkindelmarkt’ is held in Millennium Square from November 11 to December 18, 2011. I had a great time in Leeds during my trip. I booked a very cheap flight during my England holiday last 2008.

I am happy to be in Leeds last 2008.

Strasbourg, France

Since living in Europe, I was dreaming to visit Strasbourg. Finally that dream came true after our visit last December 2010. It was again another perfect time to experience one of the oldest Christmas markets in history.

Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik is held around its cathedral since 1570. Over the years, the cities’ reputation has grown throughout Europe. It attracts a large number of tourists not only from Europe but from other corners of the planet as well. The market takes place annually. This year's market started last November 26 until December 31.

I had a wonderful time in Strasbourg last year. I had only a short sightseeing there but I truly enjoyed it. Don't also miss to visit the markets in Place Kléber, Place Broglie and Place du Marché aux cochons de lait.

a market stall in front of Strasbourg Cathedral. I love this place.

Zurich, Switzerland

I had the chance to visit Switzerland's largest city last December 2010. It was a perfect time to witness the biggest indoor Christmas market in Europe. It is located inside the main train station of Zurich. There are over 160 decorated stalls in that covered Christmas market. You can also find inside a majestic Christmas tree which is decorated with over 5,000 crystals.

During our walk in the Old Town, stalls can also be found. Along the river Limmat, some stalls were also standing. They are selling goods of various kinds.

That visit in Zurich's Christmas markets was a delightful experience. This year's event will take place on December 3-21, 2011.

the imposing Zwarovski Christmas tree in the main station of Zurich. I was there!

Nuremberg, Germany

One of the world's most famous Christmas market is finally opened. This year's celebration started last November 25 and will last until the 24th of December. The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is held every year in the Hauptmarkt or main square. It is located just in front of Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady.

As usual you will find various goods on over 180 wooden booths in Nuremberg, Germany's "Number One Christmas City". Traditional Christmas goods such as spicy gingerbread, mulled wine, roast sausages, Zwetschgenmännle (little prune people), toys, Christmas decorations and arts and crafts are found there. Don't miss to taste the famous Nuremberg bratwurst.

One of Nuremberg's stalls that sells the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, a kind of sausage.
An image I took last 2008.

There are still other Christmas markets I visited in Europe especially in Germany. I was also in Salzburg, Gut Aiderbichl, Regensburg, Birmingham, Neumarkt i.d. Oberpfalz and a lot more. If you are planning to catch up with these special events in Europe, be sure to read first the airline reviews online. Sometimes you can also find related articles about Christmas markets in Europe.

Visit to Strasbourg, France

2011-11-30T17:01:00.005+01:00

I was thinking if Strasbourg once belong to Germany. The name doesn't sound like French but German instead. I need to research about this in the future. It's been almost year now since we visited this city. It is located near the border of German and is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in eastern France. It is also the official seat of the European Parliament.

We only had some hours sightseeing in this city which is not enough to see everything there. At least we were able to see some of its sights. Among the few of its interesting sights include;

-Its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its astronomical clock.
-The Château de Pourtalès
-The Barrage Vauban
-Place du Marché aux Cochons de Lait.
-Place Kléber
-Parks like the Parc de l'Orangerie
-Museums like The Musée des Beaux-Arts, The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame

Etymology of Strasbourg:

The city's Gallicized name is of Germanic origin and means "Town (at the crossing) of roads". The modern Stras- is cognate to the German Straße / Strasse which itself is derived from Latin strata ("street"), while -bourg (French for "village") is cognate to the German -burg ("fortress, town, citadel") and English borough. So the whole name would be roughly translated into English as "Fortress on the Street."
wikipedia.org

the famous Gothic Cathedral in Strasbourg.

the Christmas market in front of the Cathedral square. You can also see the interesting and historical houses in this city.

These images were taken during our visit last December 6, 2010.

Open Air Museum in Neusath-Perschen, Germany

2011-11-24T14:11:00.007+01:00

The Open Air Museum, known in German as Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum Neusath-Perschen in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria is a museum that offers an insight into a country and farming life of earlier days in Germany.

Visiting this museum requires around 2-3 hours walk depending on how you do your sightseeing. Just like me who loves to take a lot of pictures, it surely took me around three hours. You can find 50 re-erected buildings in the compound. There you can find how people lived, worked and built according to their region and social standing. During your tour, you will be passing “Stiftland Village” through “Waldler Village” to “Millvalley” and on to “Jura Village”,
– from the “four-side-farm” (yard in square-form) via the herdsmen’s cottage to the squire’s estate, from the chapel to the inn.

It was so far a very interesting sightseeing we had in this museum. Here are images I took during our visit last May 2009.

The group of the buildings in the “Naabvalley Village” representing Central Upper Palatinate, where agricultural handcrafts and farm trading are demonstrated, completes the walk
around. Here is also located a Raiffeisenware-house and a blacksmith forge.

in one of the houses at the Open Air Museum in Neusath-Perschen.

I guess this is a sort of a horse-carriage during those times.

The houses were originally occupied by farmers, smallholders, peasants, day labourers, weavers, herdsmen, millers, huntsmen and nobles. The buildings, which could no longer
be kept on their original sites, have been erected in the museum as cultural and historic evidence.

My Europe Travel 2011

2011-11-21T18:35:00.007+01:00

I am very happy and contented with the travels and trips I experienced this year. I was able to visit again a lot of interesting cities and countries in Europe. It was so far, the most-travelled year I have. Before year 2011 ends, I want to make a roll-call of the wonderful places I visited in Europe this year.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

I thought it was only a dream. That dream of visiting one of the world's famous cities finally came true. When you talk about Monte Carlo, you will also mean its widely known casino and its prominence.

the world's famous Monte Carlo casino in Monaco. Taken during our trip last April 2011.

I also had the chance to see some of the famous sites in Monaco. Among the few are the St. Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco Ville and the Prince Palace (not enough time to go inside), the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium (from outside), La Condamine, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and a lot more.

The nearest airport is the Nice Côte-d'Azur International which is around 40 kilometers away from the city-centre in neighboring France. There are always cheap flights to Nice depending on the time of your visit and how early you book it.

Côte d'Azur, France

This is so far one of the beautiful coastlines I visited in Europe. Côte d'Azur, commonly known in English as the French Riviera is truly a fantastic place for me. Among the places we passed-by and visited here last spring were Nice, Cannes, Antibes and the nearby city Menton. I love especially Nice, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes département. The French Riviera coastline is 560 miles long and consists of both sand and shingle beaches.

I still wish to go back to Côte d'Azur someday.

the Promenade in Nice, France from our trip last spring 2011.

Berlin, Germany

Germany's capital is truly one of the best and most interesting cities to visit in Europe. Since I had already visited London and Paris, I can say that Berlin is comparable to these world cities. Among the few sights I experienced in Berlin are the Brandenburger Tor, Siegessäule (Berlin's Victory Column), Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower), the Gendarmenmarkt with the German and French Cathedrals, the Reichstag or Parliament building, Potsdamer Platz, Kurfürstendamm, Rotes Rathaus (City Hall) and many more.

Berlin has two operational airports, the Tegel International Airport and the Schönefeld airport. The latter is the base for most low-cost airlines. Another airport, the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport is expected to open on June 2012, the third airport in this city.

the most famous landmark not only in Berlin but in whole of Germany as well, the Brandenburg Gate. I was there last winter of February 2011. No more snow that time but it was very very cold.

Budapest, Hungary

It was so far one of the most enjoyable trip I had in Europe. My summer trip to Hungary with a friend named Jean was truly awesome. We did not only see some of the sights in Budapest but also visited other places in Hungary. Among the few are Szentendre, Gyor, Visegrad, Esztergom, Herend, Lake Balaton and Siofok.

One of the best experience I had was the cruise from Esztergom to Visegrad.

the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest on the bank of Danube River. This is one of the European cities I visited last August 2011.

My Europe travel experience for 2011 will be continued soon! I am thankful for this very wonderful and blissful year despite of some trials in my life. I am also hoping for more travels in 2012. In God's will!

Velburg's 600th Foundation Anniversary

2011-11-20T14:06:00.000+01:00

It was an awesome festival we witnessed last 2010 in Velburg. That time the town had its 600th foundation anniversary. The festival was not so big but they had group of participants which were very interesting especially on how they performed street dancing. I am happy to witnessed that event which I believed would only happen once in a lifetime.

This town is located in Neumarkt district in Bavaria, Germany. Here are some images I took last June 2010.

some of the participants of the festival parade.

the beautiful Town Hall of Velburg with its clock.

Stopping-by in Salzburg Designer Outlet

2011-11-18T22:27:00.004+01:00

It was a cold July morning when we stopped at Salzburg Designer Outlet. You might be thinking we went shopping there. Not really! After a long three hours drive from Bavaria, Germany to Salzburg, Austria, we really need to stop. Perfect timing that we saw a Mc Donald restaurant adjacent to this outlet. You know where to go first when nature is calling you. That was my first destination inside Mc Donald. If we had more time to go inside this Designer Outlet, for sure I will also have an empty shopping cart. I also know for sure, this outlet don't also have medical carts. Probably in our next trip to Salzburg, we can stop-by there again.

After taking our breakfast and personal needs in Mcdo, we drove to the city center of Salzburg for some hours sightseeing. And yes, we did saw and experienced a lot. It was so far a nice trip with friends.

The Town Hall of Győr, Hungary

2011-11-18T16:19:00.004+01:00

It was a very memorable trip we had in Hungary last summer of this year. We did not only visited a lot of places but we did also experience a lot of things which are always worth remembering. Probably, that is one treasure that we can keep after seeing or visiting a certain place, the fun, experiences and most of all the memories.

Győr, called in German as Raab is located halfway between Budapest and Vienna. This is where our hotel is located during our five days trip to Hungary. Gyor is also one of the old towns in this country.

I have below a photograph of the Town Hall of Győr.

The Városháza or Town Hall at night. One of the images I took as we had a night stroll in Gyor last August 2011.

The Town Hall called as Városháza in Hungarian, has a Neo-Baroque architecture. It boasts a 190 ft or 58 meter- high tower. It has a U-shaped form and was built in 1896-98. Concerts and other programs are often performed in its magnificent festival hall.

Thanksgiving is Almost Coming

2011-11-17T23:51:00.002+01:00

The celebration of the Thanksgiving for the Americans is almost coming. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Some American friends told me that there will be a lot of sales and promotions in almost all of the stores especially in the U.S. I heard from a friend that computers, Televisions, External hard disk drives and other electronics and gadgets will be also on sale. In fact a lot of products and goods will be on sale especially during Black Friday shopping. I want to ask if they are selling this so-called Maxtor. I just need one for hubby's pc.

The Thanksgiving is the equivalent to the Erntedankfest or Harvest festival in Germany. It is usually celebrated every month of October. Other countries in the world are also celebrating its own harvest festival depending on the time where they are having their main harvest.

It is always nice to be thankful for all the blessings and good things we received. I hope that we will also not forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Autumn in Hohenfels, Germany

2011-11-13T23:38:00.002+01:00

I am quite very sleepy now. Before I sight-off tonight, let me share to you first this very beautiful view of Hohenfels, a town in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria. What a lovely autumn sunny day we had today!

Have a wonderful week to all!

You can see in the background the St. Ulrich Church in Hohenfels, Bavaria. This is just a little town but it is peaceful and beautiful.

Overnight in Hilton Zurich

2011-11-10T16:34:00.003+01:00

What can you say about autumn season? Typical weather in our place is cold, very cold and sometimes freezing cold. Any complain about that. It is also getting dark at around 5:00pm. We have to accept this fact especially if we are living in a land where this weather is typical. No matter what we are still here to savour and enjoy life!

That is one of the reason why I am sharing a bit about our trip to Zurich, Switzerland last year. It was almost a year now since we had a trip to this city. It was a great one because for less money we stayed in one of the good hotels there. I cannot complain because that trip cost only around 159.00 Euros including a room in Hilton Zurich, bus trip (back and forth from Regensburg, Germany) and sightseeing in Strasbourg and Zurich as well. Breakfast in Hilton hotel was also included.

We were able to visit two cities in two European countries, that was amazing.

our room in Hilton Zurich. not really that big but enough for an overnight sleep. somebody's smiling out there! lol!

the entrance to the hotel..This was taken during our trip last December 2010.

eDreams Launches New Facebook Travel Game

2011-11-08T13:47:00.000+01:00

Online travel agency eDreams has launched an innovative travel game on their Facebook Page. Participants are invited to add kilos to their rivals’ suitcases and keep their own luggage as light as they can, in a race for a fun prize: a trip for 4 to Madrid and Kiev.

Barcelona, Spain – October 31rd, 2011 – Today eDreams launched a new travel game on their Facebook Page in which players invite their friends to help them with their virtual luggage and try to win the race by adding kilograms to rival suitcases.

Participants will start with a virtual suitcase that weighs more than they can take on the plane with them, and they will try to make it lighter by inviting their friends to carry a few kilos. With every invitation they send, the players will be able to subtract a kilogram from the weight of their suitcase. Whenever an invited friend joins the game, the players will receive kilograms they can add to rival suitcases. The weight can be added right away or just before the game, bringing a strategy element to it.

The game will last for two weeks and winners get a round trip for four from London to Madrid in the first week (31st October - 7 November) and another trip for 4 from London to Kiev in the second week (7 November - 14th November).

With this game, eDreams is offering not only 2 fun trips for two groups of friends, but also a few hours of fun. Players get the chance to show off both their strategy skills, as well as their popularity among Facebook friends, as the game will be won by the player with the most helpful and active friends.

The 8 round trip tickets up for grabs in the first two weeks of November are offered by Air Europa (trip to Madrid) and Aerosvit Airlines (trip to Kiev).

About eDreams eDreams (http://www.edreams.com) is one of the largest independent European online travel agencies. The company is based in Barcelona, Spain and offers services in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Chile, India, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Switzerland, USA, and the global English-speaking markets through their web properties: edreams.es, edreams.it, edreams.fr, edreams.pt, edreams.de, edreams.co.uk, au.edreams.com, edreamsviagens.com.br, ca.edreams.com, cl.edreams.com, edreams.in, edreams.pe, edreams.ch, edreams.net and edreams.com.

The company offers a large selection of flights, hotels and vacation packages at competitive prices and makes them available to its clients through booking engines with the latest pricing and search technology. Permira acquired eDreams from the previous majority stakeholder, TA
Associates, in August of 2010.

8 Years Anniversary in Europe

2011-11-07T15:27:00.002+01:00

This year marks my 8 years of living as a Pinay expat in Europe. I can't imagine that time is really passing-by very quickly. Last month was also the celebration of our 8th years wedding anniversary. So far life has been good to us. I can't thank enough for having a simple but good life in Europe. Sometimes there are trials coming our way but we always find solutions to it.

I did not ask anything for our 8th wedding anniversary. I have everything what I need in life. I know some of you are giving gift baskets for your anniversary. Why not besides it is also a wonderful present. Probably in our 10th anniversary, I will already demand something from hubby. Just kidding folks. Have a lovely Monday!

For those couples who are celebrating their wedding anniversaries around the globe this month, have a blessed and wonderful one! Here are some tulips fro you.

Europe Travel in San Remo, Italy

2011-11-05T14:12:00.001+01:00

Almost seven months had past since I stepped on this city. It is located on the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy. San Remo is indeed a famous tourist destination in Italian Riviera considering its location and for hosting numerous cultural events.

Our sightseeing in this city is not too long. I guess around three hours only. One thing I cannot forgot here was our lunch in one of the local Italian restaurants. I love the seafoods that I ordered in that restaurant. I am trying to find if I took some photos from the foods that I ordered. All the drinks were also included plus two bottles of wine. If you want you can drink all the 2 bottles but I know for sure if you are not a hard drinker, you will surely get tipsy like what happened to my friend. If I am not mistaken we paid 15.00 Euros each. It was worth the price because the foods were very delicious. I can't remember the name of that restaurant.

Our tour guide showed us some of the main sights in San Remo including the Villa Nobel. It is the house of Alfred Nobel where he lived the last year of his life. The building can be visited with a guided tour but since we don't have much time to go there, we just passed-by along the house.

After our short sightseeing in San Remo, we proceeded to Menton and spent the rest of the afternoon there. More updates to come soon!

the shopping center in San Remo during our visit last April 2011.

You can always see clothesline on the windows..This is how they are drying their clothes. Why not, in fact it is one way of taking care of Mother Nature instead of using a dryer.

a bakery and cafeteria in San Remo, a lovely place along the Mediterranean coast.

Visit To Warwick Castle in England

2011-11-01T14:05:00.003+01:00

It was exactly three years ago when I had the chance to visit Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England. This is a medieval castle located on a bend on the River Avon. This is where I spent the All Saints Day last Nov. 1, 2008. Thanks to my friend Loloy from UK for touring me here.

The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 within or adjacent to the Anglo-Saxon burh of Warwick. It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978.

a black and white photo I took when we visited it last Nov. 1, 2008.

while on our way to the main entrance of the castle..you can see a lot of pumpkins laying everywhere inside the castle compound.

Halloween in Frankenstein Castle

2011-10-30T22:28:00.005+01:00

It was quite a long drive but it was worth it. It was my first time visiting and spending Halloween in Frankenstein Castle. Thanks to good friends for taking me there. I did not expected too much people visiting the castle. You cannot really go directly to the castle. You have to go instead to Pfungstadt in the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg in the state of Hesse. At the back of Toom Baumarkt, you can take the shuttel bus for around 15 minutes ride going on top of the hill where castle is located.

In the castle compound, you can see some kiosks selling Halloween stuffs. There is also a small beer tent and a restaurant inside. I am imagining how interesting it is to have one of this Restaurant Cook Jobs. Would you believe that the restaurant was so busy this afternoon. I guess there are thousands of visitors who visit the castle for the whole duration of the Halloween celebration.

taken inside the castle compound this afternoon (Oct. 30, 2011).

Frankenstein Castle is a hilltop castle about 5 km south of Darmstadt in Germany. Modern claims of the castle having an influence on the work of Mary Shelley remain controversial.

A Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

2011-10-29T21:40:00.002+02:00

I can't imagine how many tourists were at the Grand Bazaar during our visit last time. Would you believe that this bazaar is visited by thousands of people including locals and tourists each day. It is said that it attracts between 250,000 and half a million visitors daily.

As I entered this place last time, all that I said was a huge WOW! I can't believe that this bazaar is so large that a day-visit is not enough. You can find everything in this place.

Don't you know that The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world? It has more than 58 covered streets and over 4,000 shops.

Below are some of the images I took during our visit last September 2011. such a very interesting place!..and yes, especially for those who love shopping.

The grand bazaar began construction in 1455 and opened in 1461. It is well known for its jewellery, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.

Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by the type of goods, with special areas for leather coats, gold jewelry and the like.

Walking in Hohenfels, Germany

2011-10-29T19:12:00.003+02:00

It is always nice to go walking around in Hohenfels. This is especially true if the weather is nice. I sometimes carry my jansport backpack especially during summer season. I put inside my camera, a bottle of water, cellphone and other personal belongings.

This municipality belongs to the district of Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate part of Bavaria. Hohenfels became a training area for the United States in 1951. In December 2005 it was officially named the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC).

This is one of the beautiful images I have in this beautiful place. You can see the tower of St. Ulrich Church and the hill where the Hohenfels castle ruins are found. Now, only the castle tower is visible.

Cruising in Amsterdam Canals

2011-10-29T18:34:00.003+02:00

It seems like yesterday when we visited Amsterdam. It is the largest city and the capital of Netherlands. It is one of the historical cities in Europe and has one of the largest historic centers registering about 7,000 historic buildings.

During our visit last summer 2010, we took a cruise which started near Heineken Experience, a famous brewery in Amsterdam. The cruise was very interesting. It is one of the best thing to see most of the city especially in seeing its historical canals. Due to its over one hundred kilometers of canals, Amsterdam is named as the "Venice of the North."

I and my friend Nonna, had the chance to cruise the Amsterdam canals last August 2010.

The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, are put on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

I want to book a holiday to the Caribbean

2011-10-28T13:59:00.005+02:00

If I still have the chance and the finances to travel before the end of 2011, I will for sure do it. And you know where it is? I want to book a holiday to the Caribbean. There are lot of beautiful places to spend a holiday in the Caribbean region. With the all year round good weather in this part of the world, this has been a famous getaway for many tourists from around the globe.

Here are the top places I would love to visit and experience in this region,

Barbados

This is one of the best bet to spend a holiday especially during winter season in Europe. Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches and numerous deluxe resorts. It has also a lot of historical sites to visit. This so-called "Little Britain of the Caribbean" uses English as its official language. This simply means that travelling to Barbados is easy and convenient due to the fact that English is widely spoken here.

Don't miss the Atlantic Submarine and Segways Tours in Barbados. Surfing and diving are also some of the famous watersports in this area. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, you can go nightclubbing at the beach bars.

palm trees, water and blue sky... a perfect place to spend a vacation during cold winter days.

Antigua

I am looking to go to Antigua in my next vacation. Why not? I was dreaming to go to Turkey, Hungary, England, France, Austria, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic and some other countries and it did slowly come true. Coupled with hardwork and determination, I was able to visit different places in these countries.

Many tourists enjoyed their vacation in Antigua. It is considered to be a beautiful vacation getaway not only because of its peaceful surroundings but also because of its nice beaches and interesting island culture. Feel free to include scuba diving and sailing in your itinerary. Don't miss to visit Nelson's Dockyard as well.

a beautiful church in Antigua.

Cuba

I had received a lot of travel packages to Cuba. I cannot book it this year because I already booked other places to visit. I wish to include it in my 2012 travel itinerary.

a lovely beach in Cuba.

Cuba is the largest and most populous island in the Carribean. With its tropical climate, Cuba has been a major tourist destination in this region. Clubbing, going to the beach, a tour in the countryside, are only some of the activities you can do there. Expect to hear a lot of Carlos Santana music everywhere. If you have the chance, go visit Tropicana. Also taste the different fresh juices in the markets.

One of these days, I know I will step on the beautiful places in the Caribbean.

Sights Not to Miss When Visiting Rome, Italy

2011-10-24T23:18:00.008+02:00

There are a lot to see in this capital city of Italy. Rome known as "Eternal City", is the largest city in Italy. It is the famed city of the Roman Empire. It has been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever. It has been the millenium-long centre of power, culture and religion that influence the world with its around 2,500 years of existence.

Rome has been one of the most visited cities in Europe. It has two international airports, the Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport and the Ciampino International Airport. The first one is the modern and large main airport of Rome and is well connected to the center of the city by public transportation. The latter is the city's low-cost airline airport usually serving discount airlines in Europe. This is one advantage if you are from Europe because you can always find cheap flights from any European cities to Rome.

There are a lot of sights to see in Rome. Here are a few ones which should be included in your list.

Vatican City

I guess I don't need to elaborate too much about Vatican City. My sister once asked me , if she has the chance to visit Rome, she wants to see and hear the mass presided by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica. Sad to say, I was not able to hear the mass there and did not have the chance to see the Pope. Maybe in my next visit.

This is the so-called city within the city and known as the world's smallest state. The State of the City of Vatican is located within the city of Rome. The St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, St. Peter's Piazza, Vatican Museum, are among the main sites you need to see and experience in this city. We don't have a lot of time going to Castel Sant'Angelo which is very near this area.

Don't miss to climb up to the cupola of St. Peter's.. From there , you can have a good view of the city.

the obelisk in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. One of my travel wishlist was fulfilled after our visit there last August 2010.

The Colosseum

This is also one of the must-see in ancient Rome which is considered to be the most famous of the Roman landmarks . It is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre which can hold up to 50,000 spectators during those times. Gladiatorial combats and animal fights were ones held in this amphitheatre.

There is entrance when going inside the Colosseo.

I am happy to be there once in my life. I would love to visit this sight again in the future.

The Colosseum when completed measured 48 m high, 188 m in length, and 156 m in width. The wooden arena floor was 86 m by 54 m, and covered by sand.

The Roman Forum

This is one of the reasons why I still want to go back to Rome. Me and my friend Nonna were not able to go inside the Roman Forum, its name in Italian because of limited time. We only had a glance of it from outside.

The Foro Romano, as it is called in Italian, with its hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. It is normally a very interesting historical site. It is also not so crowded than the Colosseum. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.

The Trevi Fountain

This is considered to be one of the most fountains in the world. The Trevi fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. It is located near the Spanish Steps, also a famous sight in this city.

During my visit last year, me and my friend threw coins in the fountain. I only threw a euro coin believing that I will be able to visit Rome again in the future. At that time I still did not know about the legend of the "three coins". A current interpretation is that two coins will lead to a new romance and three will ensure either a marriage or divorce. Another reported version of this legend is that it is lucky to throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.

The famous and beautiful Trevi fountain during our visit last August 2010.

The Pantheon

This was once a temple of the gods. Now it is a Catholic Church in Rome. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

The Pantheon was under repair during our visit last summer 2010.

The building is circular with a portico of three ranks of huge granite Corinthian columns (eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda, which is under a coffered, concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky.

There are still a myriad of sights to see in Rome. The ones I shared here are just a few among the most interesting ones.

Wonderful Trip to Ephesus, Turkey

2011-10-19T23:24:00.004+02:00

Hubby was asking tonight if Ephesus was once a Greek city. He said that he read somewhere that it is. He finally found the travel flyer that says, Ephesus was once an ancient Greek city.

It was truly a wonderful and interesting trip we had in Ephesus. It is on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province in Turkey. No wonder an online friend told me that there are more ruins in Ephesus as in Greek today. The ruins in Ephesus are truly amazing. The architecture during those times are truly a work of engineering considering that they still don't have the modern machinery and equipments like what we are using now.

the library of Celsus in Ephesus..We visited this historical site last September 23, 2011.

There were a lot of international and local tourists at the time we visited Ephesus last September 2011. Partly owing to its easy access from Adnan Menderes Airport and via the port of Kuşadasi, this archaeological site is now a favorite destination of both local and international tourists.

striking a pose in Ephesus. In my background is the Theater of Ephesus. It was like taking a journey back in the past..a must-visit place when visiting Turkey.

Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation. The Gospel of John may have been written here. The city was the site of several 5th century Christian Councils, see Council of Ephesus. It is also the site of a large gladiators' graveyard.

Autumn in Buckingham Palace, London, England

2011-10-13T12:08:00.002+02:00

It's almost three years now since my three weeks trip in England. One of the sights that my friend showed me is Buckingham Palace. At this time, the palace is closed to public visitors. Another friend also mentioned that it is good to visit Buckingham Palace in August because you can go inside it.

Buckingham Palace is located in the city of Westminster and the London home and primary residence of the British monarch.

taken during our visit last October 29, 2008.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building which forms the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705 on a site which had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was subsequently acquired by George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, and known as "The Queen's House". During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, forming three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official royal palace of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

Finally Got My Travel Books

2011-10-13T10:35:00.002+02:00

While browsing online looking for Energy speaker seller, I ended searching another thing. I saw this book in a friend's house some weeks ago. I borrowed it from her because as I was scanning its pages, I found a lot of interesting places to visit. Finally last Monday evening while browsing online in amazon.com, I found this travel book. Sad to say, it is not available at the moment. I browsed another site and found the same book. I ordered it immediately. Today, the 501 Must-visit Destinations travel book was finally delivered to our home. It is a hard-cover and I found out that its original cost is 25.00 Sterling pounds. I bought it for 12.95 Euros and shipping was free of charge. I am quite happy with this book. It will give me more ideas of an interesting travel destinations especially in Europe.

Another Visit to Boleslawiec, Poland

2011-10-12T14:51:00.008+02:00

Boleslawiec is a medieval town in Lower Silesian Voivodship, Poland. Pottery making is a long tradition in this town, thus being named as a as Miasto Ceramiki or "Ceramics City".

It was my second visit to this famous pottery town in Poland. My first visit was last May 2011. It was purely a pottery shopping trip. This time, we had the chance to have some sightseeing in its town center.

It was raining so hard when we drove to Poland last October 8, 2011 at 5:00 am. Together with some friends, we were very thankful that we arrived there and came home safely too. It was quite an adventure trip. My friend drove outside of Germany for the first time. I knew that she can do it. I admired her courage driving there.

Together with friends, I am quite happy and contented during our trip. It was a very adventurous trip and was full of surprises. One of these days, I will share some of the exciting experience we had there.

Here are some of the images I took during our visit.

a fountain taken in one of the squares in the town of Boleslawiec, Poland.

a church with Jesus statue in front. This is where we parked during our short sightseeing.

beautiful potteries in Boleslawiec. taken in one of the shops we visited there. I love what I got from this pottery town.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites To Visit in Bavaria, Germany

2011-10-08T14:36:00.000+02:00

If I am not mistaken, there are about 36 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. Five of which are located in the German state of Bavaria. Also called as Bayern in German, Bavaria is the largest federal state among the 16 states of Germany. If you look on the map, it is located on the south-east part of the country.

Depending on the time of the year you are visiting, you can always find cheap flights to Germany. Airlines such as Easyjet, Tuifly, Ryanair, Air Berlin are among the few that offer affordable fare to Germany. International travellers who wish to visit Bavaria should have no problems to book a flight in Munich, Nuremberg, Memmingen and even in Frankfurt airport.

Below are the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can visit in Bavaria.

The Town of Bamberg

I love this beautiful town of Bamberg. It is located in the Upper Franconian region in Bavaria. Due to its historical architecture and well-preserved heritage the whole town of Bamberg is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Among the intersting sites to see are; the Bamberg Cathedral, the Altes Rathaus or the Old Town Hall, the Klein-Venedig or the Little Venice, Alte Hofhaltung and the Michaelsberg Abbey.

The Little Venice (Klein Venedig) in Bamberg, Germany. I took this image during our visit last October 2010.

The Würzburg (Wuerzburg) Residence

This is considered to be the most beautiful compact example of South German Baroque palace architecture. It was the seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops, built between 1720 and 1744. The building was dubbed the "nicest parsonage in Europe" by Napoleon. A stroll through the palace ground is a must for art lovers and nature lovers alike.

I have been to this city for a lot of times already and I always love it.

The Würzburg Residence is a palace in Wuerzburg southern Germany. This was taken during my second visit last August 2011.

The Pilgrimage Church of Wies

This is regarded as one of the most perfect example of Bavarian rococo. The "pilgrims church of the Scourged Saviour" (Wieskirche) is located at the foot of the Alps in the municipality of Steingaden in the Weilheim-Schongau district, Bavaria, Germany.

The Wieskirche was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.

Limes Germanicus

The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian boundary wall Limes is one of the most outstanding archaeological monuments in Central Europe as evidence of the Roman era and its culture about 2000 years ago.

The German "Limes" Road runs close to the Upper Germanic-Rhaenian Limes from the Rhine to the area of Regensburg in the Danube. Along the 550 km road, there are well-preserved Roma relics restorations, excavations, and reconstructions.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.

The Regensburg Cathedral and the Danube river on the foreground with the Museum ship. This is one of my favorite cities in Bavaria. I was there a lot of times.

The Old Town of Regensburg and the Stadtamhof

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006. The 2000 years old Roman city of Regensburg is located in the northern most point of the Danube. It bears many treasures of Roman and Gothic architecture since it was not destroyed during World War II. The Regensburg Cathedral, the town hall, the princely palace of Thurn and Taxis, the Romanesque sacral buildings, are among the most architectural monuments of the City. The centuries old stone bridge is to be counted among the masterpieces of European bridge architecture. With its colourful houses and the street cafes, this Danube metropolis is also known as "Italy's northern most city".

The Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary

2011-10-07T13:54:00.005+02:00

I remembered one of the tourists who was with us during our trip to Budapest last August. She said that she was fascinated about this part of Budapest which is the Heroes' Square. Hősök tere, as it is called in Hungarian is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hungary, rich with historic and political connotations. It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of an extensive World Heritage site), next to City Park.

the Millennium Monument, in front of it is a large stone cenotaph surrounded by an ornamental iron chain.

taken during our visit last August.

Hősök tere is surrounded by two important buildings, Museum of Fine Arts on the left and Palace of Art (or more accurately Hall of Art) on the right. On the other side it faces Andrassy Avenue which has two buildings looking at the square — one is residential and the other one is the embassy of Serbia (former Yugoslavian embassy where Imre Nagy secured sanctuary in 1956).

Staying in A Hotel in Kumburgaz, Istanbul

2011-10-04T15:22:00.003+02:00

This is a nice place where we stayed in Kumburgaz. It is a wonderful place on the Marmara sea, about 60 km far from the centre of Istanbul. Our 5-star hotel have some bars inside and outside of the premises. Of course, you can see there used bar equipment. I love this place especially that it is located on the seaside. You can see the floating bar of the Artemis Princess Hotel in my image there. I remembered walking at the beach during our stay in this hotel.

Overall, I would say that it was a memorable and exciting trip we had in Turkey.

Visit to Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) in Istanbul, Turkey

2011-10-02T19:33:00.000+02:00

It was a superb trip we had in Turkey last September 2011. The 10-day trip was worth it. We did visited a lot of historical sites in the different places in Turkey. One of it was Istanbul, the most populous city in this country. It is also the cultural and financial center of Turkey. Istanbul was one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2010.

One of the interesting sites we visited in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, literally means "Holy Wisdom" and called in Turkish as Ayasofya. It was once an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque and now a museum. It is famous for its massive dome and the it is considered as the epitome of Byzantine architecture.

It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site, the previous two having both been destroyed by rioters. It was designed by the Greek scientists Isidore of Miletus, a physicist, and Anthemius of Tralles, a mathematician.

Never miss this place when visiting Istanbul. It's truly worthy to visit. There is an entrance fee when going inside. If I am not mistaken, it cost 20 Turkish lira, around 10 Euros.

the Fountain (Şadırvan) for ritual ablutions in the left side front of Hagia Sophia. It was once an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque

Interior view of the Hagia Sophia, taken during our visit last September 20, 2011.

Sights Not to Miss When Visiting Dresden, Germany

2011-09-30T21:12:00.005+02:00

Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen), Germany. Due to its rococo and baroque architecture, the city center is called as a Jewel Box. There are a lot of things not to miss when visiting this city.

Frauenkirche

It is also called as the Church of Our Lady, it is considered to be the main historical heart of the city. It was completely destroyed during WWII, and has now been reopened. The City of Coventry, which was raided by the Allied Air Force in WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of the church.

The historical Frauenkirche in Dresden. such an amazing architecture! taken during our trip last May 2011.

Zwinger Palace

This is the most perfect example of Late Baroque architecture in Germany. It was built in 1710-28 by the architect Pöppelmann in cooperation with the sculptor Permoser. It features a nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell pavilion and famous art collections. Don't miss to visit the "Rüstkammer" and the "Alte Meister" in Zwinger Palace.

Semper Opera House

Considered to be the most famous opera house in Germany; it houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world's oldest and best-known orchestras. It was Built by Gottfried Semper between 1838 and 1841.

The Semper Opera House. Taken during our visit last May 2011.

Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes)

This is the biggest porcelain painting of the world that shows almost all Saxon princesses and kings on their horses and splendid parade uniforms. This is also the location of a very romantic Christmas market with a big fireplace held every winter time.

It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last preserved tournament place contained in a European castle.

The Albertinum Museum, New Synagogue, Elbe Valley, Dresden Baroque Quarter, Royal Palace are only some of the other interesting sights in Dresden.

Don't miss to browse in advance your Flights to Germany in order to avail of affordable prices. Cheap airlines to Germany include Air Berlin, Ryanair, TUI Fly and Easyjet.

Going to Spain in December

2011-09-16T14:30:00.003+02:00

Mission accomplished again! We had been planning to book a trip to Spain since two weeks ago. After a final decision, I finally booked today our trip to Spain. There are a lot of interesting places that are included in the trip. The plane ticket, 4-star hotel, breakfast, dinner, tour guide and sightseeing to different places are also included in that 8-day trip.

It is always nice to see different places in the world. I am quite happy that despite being jobless, I still always have the chance to visit places. Thanks to all my donors and sponsors..lol! Talking about rv financing, why not if I can only afford it. Driving an rv anywhere in Europe for adventure and sightseeing is quite interesting. I will see if I will win the lottery next week. I will surely buy one... wink! Somebody's dreaming in the middle of the day.

Enjoy your weekend folks!

Preparing My Travel Gadgets

2011-09-14T23:11:00.002+02:00

I am slowly packing for our incoming trip. Some more days and I will seeing one of the historical countries in Eurasia. I also need to pack my travel gadgets before the end of the week. A few days ago, I was looking for my rechargeable batteries to get it ready. Sad to say, I only found a few ones. I will also be bringing my laptop. I did not bought it in clearance laptops section. That's why it was a bit expensive. Other gadgets that I still need to pack are my cameras, charges, cellphones, cardreader, pens and journals and an extension wire. I am almost ready with packing. For sure, this will be another great trip in Turkey.

Time for me to sign-off. Today is quite a long day but I am very happy and satisfied with it especially after accomplishing a lot of things. Have a lovely evening Europe!

View of Budapest from the Citadel

2011-09-14T23:02:00.002+02:00

Citadel is a fortress located on the top of the strategic Gellért Hill in Budapest, Hungary. From there you can see a very good panoramic view of the whole city of Budapest, its eight bridges and the famous Danube river.

taken during our visit last August 2011.

The fortress was built in 1851 by Julius Jacob von Haynau, a commander of the Habsburg Monarchy, and designed by Emánuel Zita and Ferenc Kasselik, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. It occupies almost the entire 235 metres high plateau. The fortress is a U-shaped structure built about a central courtyard, being 220 metres long, 60 metres wide, and 4 metres tall. It had a complement of sixty cannons.

Thailand Holiday- Things to See and to Experience

2011-09-13T14:59:00.006+02:00

This is one of the beautiful countries to visit in southeast Asia. In fact Thailand is the major tourist destination in this part of Asia. Of course there are reasons for that. Its great food, lively nightlife, beautiful pristine beaches, thick jungle, interesting architecture like its beautiful temples, rich culture...what else you can ask for as a tourist.

In consideration about Thailand weather, it depends on the season of the year that you are travelling. From heat-waves to monsoons. just prepare yourself for any situation. With regards to weather, the best time of the year to visit Thailand is from November to February. There are relatively mild temperatures during this times.

Thailand is famous for its crystal blue warm waters and lovely white beaches. These attract millions of visitors every year from the different parts of the globe. Famous beach resorts can be found in Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samet and Ko Samui. Snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, water skiing are the possible beach activities you can do.

Tasting Thai cuisine is one of the best things you can do in Thailand. Don't you know that the food alone is a reason enough to visit Thailand? Just remember that Thai food has deserved a reputation for being spicy. If you don't like hot food, better say no if they ask you. Don't miss the famous pad thai or Thai fried noodles.

A visit to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is worth it. It is usually the start of many visitors' itineraries. Being a modern city and rich cultural heritage, this has always been a must-visit in Thailand. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Jim Thompson's House, are only a fraction of possible sights you could visit.

If you love shopping, Thailand can be a shopping paradise for you. Many visitors to Bangkok spend much of their time in the countless markets and malls. Clothing, Thai silk, and all sorts of handicrafts are always good buys since they are cheap. Don't forget to put in your itinerary the best-known Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.

My Top Places to Visit in Fiji

2011-09-12T12:41:00.004+02:00

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in this planet. I have a dream and wish to see some of those in the future when time and finances are available. Included in my travel wishlist is Fiji. I can imagine Fiji down under the globe. To make it sure, I just took a look of my small globe and world map and saw Fiji near the countries of Samoa to the east, Vanuatu to the west, Tuvalu to the north, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, Tonga to the east and what else peeps? It is located in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean.

To understand Fiji weather is not so difficult since it is a tropical marine nation. It simply means that it is located near the equator with warm climate throughout the year.

Below are some of the top places I wish to see in Fiji

Suva is the capital of Fiji since 1877. It is located on southeast coast of the "main island" of Fiji, Viti Levu. It is the the major commercial and political centre of this country. I will for sure want to visit its Municipal Market and would love to try their tropical fruits. The Municipal Market seems to be a good place to shop for arts and crafts. I would love to buy here some Fiji souvenirs. If I have more time, I would like to go inside the Fiji Museum.

Another interesting place to visit is Nadi. It is the main and largest island of Fiji and known to be the main tourist spot in this country. For sure, I would like to see some of its famous sites. The Hindu Temple, the Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant and maybe and overnight in Newtown Beach. A short shopping for souvenirs at the Nadi Town market is also worth it.

Rakiraki in Fiji by Ryan H.

The image of Rakiraki above is such a priceless landscape. It reminds of our home in the Philippines where you can see nice beaches and sea, blue sky and hills around. This town is also famous for its tourism and agriculture. I would love to see Navatu Rock in Vitawa, the island of Nananu-i-Ra and the quite creepy tomb of Ratu Udre Udre.

As a nature lover, I would like to have a relaxing trip in Nausori town which is dubbed as "the Paradise of the Green". A visit to Naq Kuti Mandir temple, Rewa Bridge, Korovou town and maybe a stay in Bau Beach is quite interesting. Experiencing the natural beauty of this town is also relaxing and meditating.

The Huge Beer Barrel in Hofbräuhaus in Munich

2011-09-09T22:54:00.006+02:00

After doing some errands this afternoon like grocery shopping and household chores, I am finally back online. Those beer barrels inside the famous Hofbräuhaus are huge enough to hold thousands of liters of beer. It is made of wood and not stainless steel barrels. This is not really the biggest beer barrel I had seen. The biggest one I saw was inside Heidelberg castle during my visit with friends last November 2010.

Just letting you know that Hofbräuhaus has the second largest beer tent in Oktoberfest. It is named Hofbräu-Festzelt. I just remember this since Oktoberfest is fast approaching soon. Its own brew is the only beer served in their tent.

This year's Oktobest last 17 days and will take place from September 17 to October 3. I might see you there!

taken during my third visit with friends last August 2011.

Cruising in Danube by Esztergom, Hungary

2011-09-09T12:01:00.003+02:00

Our cruise in Danube river from Esztergom to Visegrad was included in our Hungary trip last August 2011. It was a wonderful cruise seeing beautiful landscapes and nature around. Don't you know that Danube River, called in German as Donau is the second longest river in Europe next to Volga? Yes, it is and I am happy and contented to once again experience a cruise in this famous river of Europe.

Esztergom, a city in northern Hungary. It is a historical city located 46 km north-west of the capital Budapest. It is known to be the capital of Hungary from the 10th till the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the royal seat to Buda.

Danube river in Esztergom, Hungary. The image here is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church cathedral in Hungary. This was taken during our cruise last August 2011.

The Fisherman's Bastion in Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary

2011-09-05T14:23:00.000+02:00

I am trying to remember again the trip we had in Budapest, Hungary. It was quite a short trip but it is very nice and interesting. One of the sights we visited and experienced is the Castle Hill. It is located in Buda on the western side of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. Some hours of stay in this sight is not enough but at least I was there and I truly enjoyed our sightseeing.

The Fisherman's Bastion, called in Hungarian as Halászbástya, is a perfect site to have a good view of the Hungarian Parliament. It is a large white tower and lookout terrace complex you see hanging over the side of Castle Hill beneath the Mátyás Church. It was built between 1890-1905, and is named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars.

It was hot in Budapest during our visit. Good that there are kiosks that sells ice cream in there. It was perfect during that hot summer season. Below is an image during our visit last August 2011.

The Fisherman's Bastion in Castle Hill in Budapest

The mounted statue between the bastion and the church is King Stephan (Istvan in Hungarian) the first king of Hungary (crowned about 1000.) He was declared a saint for his efforts in bringing Christianity to Hungary. He carries the apostolic cross with two crossbars – a symbol granted him by the Pope.

Spain Sightseeing- Places to Visit

2011-09-03T18:13:00.000+02:00

We received last week a new issue of a magazine that also advertise travel and trips. It featured an 8-day holiday in Spain with most everything included in it. The cheap flight, 4-star hotel, breakfast, dinner and the tours to the different places especially in the Andalusian region and the tourist guide is also included in the holiday package. It was so far the cheapest vacation package I ever saw in going to Spain.

Here are the places that are included in this holiday package.

Madrid

Visiting the capital and largest city of Spain is a must especially if its your first time to visit this country. Don't you know that Madrid is the third largest city in the European Union after London and Berlin? It is also one of the world's major global cities.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712) containing some of Spain's historical archives, the Teatro Real (Royal theatre), the Buen Retiro park, founded in 1631,Golden Triangle of Art, d Almudena Cathedral are only some of its famous sights and landmarks.

If you have the chance, don't forget to miss one of the famous Flamenco Shows in Corral de la Moreria. It is considered to be one of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world.

You can find cheap airlines flying to Barajas International Airport, the nearest airport in the city.

Granada

It is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is home to the magnificent La Alhambra Palace which is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alhambra is a Moorish palace and citadel in Granada. It is one of the most famous items from the Islamic historical legacy that makes Granada a hot spot among cultural and tourist cities in Spain.

Don't miss to visit the Albayzín neighbourhood, the Cathedral of Granada, Royal Gate (Puerta Real, Royal Chapel of Granada, La Charterhouse and some other more.

Sevilla (Seville)

This is the fascinating capital city of the region of Andalusia. Seville or Sevilla is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain.

The Cathedral of Maria dela Sede, the Torre del Oro, the Plaza de España, the Palace of San Telmo, the Metropol Parasol are among the interesting sights to see.

Toledo

Due to its extensive cultural and monumental heritage, the Old City of Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. This is one of the historical cities in Spain. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192BC.

The Cathedral of Toledo, the Museo Victorio Macho, Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, Plaza de Zocodover, the Sinagoga El Transito should not be missed.

Toledo, Spain

Cordoba

The ancient city of Cordoba is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic quarter of Cordoba is a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mosque-Cathedral.

The La Mezquita, Plaza del Potro, Viana Palace, Medina Azahara, Puente Romano, Torre de la Calahorra are only some of the must-sees in this city. There are also alot of gardens, parks and natural environments in Cordova.

Visit to Baby Hanna in Schierling

2011-09-01T10:28:00.006+02:00

This is a special post for today and the story goes this way. I was talking to our neighbor last Wednesday last week. I was telling her that hubby will be a grandpa soon. It was around in the morning that time. At around lunch time, I received a call that someone already gave birth. I was quite happy and excited about the good news. When I mentioned it to hubby as he arrived from work that afternoon, I can see the sunshine in his face. He was so happy because he is finally a Grandpa, so I did!

It is time for me to slowly search for a nice personalized christening gift. Last weekend, I bought some clothes for baby Hanna. We also had the chance to visit them in Schierling, a municipality in the district of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. It is quite a nice place and I believed that it is a good place to raise a child, rather than in big cities like Regensburg. It was a wonderful day seeing one of the big miracles in this world, a new baby was born! Welcome to the world Hanna!

How sweet and beautiful she is in the image here!

Top-5 Cities To Visit in Europe

2011-08-31T19:35:00.007+02:00

Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the world. It is varied and complex with a wide variety of landscapes and scenery found across the continent. There are a lot of interesting destinations in Europe. From historic architecture to varied culture and traditions, well-preserved cultural heritage, efficient infrastructure, are only some of the reasons why Europe is visited by more than 480 millions of international visitors every year.

Being a major tourist destination for centuries, there are always a huge choice of accommodation in any countries in Europe. Its sky traffic is considered to be one of the busiest in the world due to a lot of international flights every now and then. Be sure to plan your trip ahead to have the most of your vacation in Europe. International airlines especially from the United States like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer connected and direct flights to any destinations in Europe.

Here are the Top-5 Cities not to miss when visiting Europe:

Paris, France

Known as the "City of Light" and the "Capital of Fashion", Paris has been one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. It is the capital and largest city of France located on the river Seine. Paris has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors. The Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Assemblée Nationale, Pantheon, Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower are only some of its famous landmarks.

the gray sky in Paris with Eiffel Tower, its iconic symbol. Taken during my Europe tour last August 2010.

Berlin, Germany

This is one of the 16 states of Germany and also its capital and largest city. Berlin is a world city in terms of culture, media politics and science. It is also home to renowned universities, orchestras, museums and celebrities. No wonder Berlin is comparable to other European capital cities like Paris and London.

Sights not to miss include Gendarmenmarkt with its Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) plus the Konzerthaus (Opera House), Berliner Fernsehturm, Bundestag (German Parliament Building), Berliner Dom, Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, Museumsinsel, Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and many more. Also include in your list the Brandenburg Gate, the most iconic landmark not only in Berlin but in Germany as a whole. It also has beautiful parks and gardens.

the Brandenburg gate, Berlin's most famous landmark. taken during my visit last Feb. 2011.

London, United Kingdom

Being the capital city of England and United Kingdom, London is one of the great "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

Famous sights and landmarks include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament), Trafalgar Square and its museums and galleries and parks and gardens.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe. It has a lot of historical and cultural sites to visit. The extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992.

The must-see attractions include the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, The Old and New Town, Strahov Monastery, Prague City Gallery, Kafka Museum, Prague Dancing House (Fred and Ginger Building) and Vyšehrad. Of course there are still a lot of sights worth to see.

view of Prague from the Prague Castle.taken during my second visit last July 2011.

Rome, Italy

The fascinating capital city of Italy, known as the Eternal City. Rome has been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations has exerted a huge influence over the world in its c. 2,500 years of existence. It is the famed city of the Roman Empire.

St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica in the background. taken during my visit last August 2010.

The Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Capitoline Museums, the Pantheon, Piazza della Repubblica, Foro Romano, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica are only some of its famous sights to see and experience.

I Love Green Clean Bavaria

2011-08-26T14:47:00.004+02:00

This is one of the reasons why I love Germany especially in the state of Bavaria. It is a clean country with so many beautiful landscapes and scenery around. Bavaria is the largest federal state of Germany, located in the southeast of the country. Its location near the Alps plus Lederhosen and Dirndl tradition, the sausages and lots of beer made Bavaria as the top tourist destination in Germany.

I read before in a travel book that due to the love of cars of German people, they planted a lot of trees to make the air and surrounding cleaner. That is also the reason why you see a lot of trees in Germany especially in the Bavarian region. Most farmers and even ordinary people in Bavaria are using composter. The composts are being used in their farms and gardens. We also have a compost pit in our garden.

I love the landscape in Bavaria with its green surroundings and beautiful hills. This is one of the reasons why I feel in love with this region. This image was taken while we were on our way to Augsburg last 2009.

The Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary

2011-08-25T14:30:00.000+02:00

Let's go travel again some cities in Europe again. This time I am sharing a bit about Budapest. And yes, I am happy to see Budapest last weekend. It is the capital of Hungary and considered to be one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities.

The snapshot you see below is the Parliament Building in Budapest, also known as The Hungarian Parliament Building. It is called in Hungarian as Országház which literally means "country house". It is currently the largest building in Hungary. It is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. It is a popular tourist destination of Budapest being a notable landmark of Hungary.

This image was taken as we were in Castle Hill, located just across the building.

The Castle Hill - District I of Buda, the oldest part of the city containing the eponymous Castle and many of Budapest's best-known attractions (Fishermen’s Bastion, Labyrinth and Mathias Church).

The Parliament Building (Országház) is a neogothic jewel, beautifully situated overlooking the Danube. One day visit in Budapest is not enough to see everything. I wish to visit this city again to go inside the Parliament building.

The Fountain in Trocadero, Paris

2011-08-24T19:36:00.002+02:00

This is one of the fountains that I love in Paris, France. The fountains located in front of Trocadero (Trocadéro in France) from across the Eiffel tower and Seine River are huge beautiful one. I am thinking if commercial pumps are being used here to continue pumping water to form these beautiful fountains.

The site of Palais de Chaillot is located in the Trocadéro. This is also one of the sites where you can have a good view of Eiffel Tower.

For sure, you can easily find Trocadéro because it is just across Eiffel Tower.

Prague's Top Must-Sees

2011-08-23T13:17:00.000+02:00

Prague is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe. It has a lot of historical and cultural sites to visit. The extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992.

From anywhere around the globe, especially if you are in Europe, Prague is very accessible by any means of transportation depending from where you depart. There are a number of airlines that offer cheap flights from any destinations going to Prague. Transportation such as by train, by bus or by car depending on your choice and departure place is also available.

Here are some of the must-see attractions in Prague:

Charles Bridge

This is one of Prague's famous sites. It is a historical bridge that crosses the Moldau or Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. The Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. It was originally called as the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge but since 1870 it has been called as the "Charles Bridge". It is an avenue of 30 mostly baroque statues and statuaries.

the Charles bridge during my second visit last July 2011.

During the day, it is a bustling place of trade and entertainment, as musicians busk and artists sell their paintings and jewelry.

Prague Castle

This is one of the best areas to see the panorama of Prague. According to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle in the world is the Prague Castle. It is about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide.

Inside the castle compound is the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral. The Castle Picture Gallery, the beautiful Royal Garden and several palaces and museums are located in the castle compound.

The Old Town

You can see numerous historical buildings and monuments in the Old Town. The Gothic Týn Church, the mural-covered Storch building, the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock and the Jan Hus monument are located in this part of Prague.

the pure Gothic Týn Church in the background. You can also take a view of the famous Astronomical Clock on the left side of the image here. Also taken during my second visit in Prague.

The New Town

The main attraction in the New Town or Nové město is the Wenceslas Square. During my first visit in Prague last 2008, this part of Prague was under construction. I finally had the chance to see it in my second visit last July of this year. This commercial square has a lot of stalls, shops and restaurants. The National Museum and the monument of Wenceslas are also located in the New Town.

The Lennon Wall, Vyšehrad Castle and Cemetery, the Dancing House, Malá Strana, the vaulted Gothic Old New Synagogue are some of the other sights that are also worth to see.

Foro di Traiano, Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy

2011-08-14T11:56:00.009+02:00

I want to go back to Rome again! I will do that by simply looking at the images I took during my visit last August 2010. That to the help of digital camera and photography where we can always travel back in time.

I believed I have not shared yet about Forum Traiani (Latin name), called in English as Trajan's Forum or Foro di Traiano in Italian. This ancient structure in Rome, Italy was said to be constructed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus.

It is quite interesting seeing these historical remains in Rome. No wonder, it is called "The Grandeur of Rome". What a truly amazing city!

The Basilica Ulpia lies at the north end of the piazza, which was cobbled with rectangular blocks of white marble and decorated by a large equestrian statue of Trajan. You can also see the Trajan's Column on the left side of the image here.

historical ruins of the Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy. taken during my visit with a friend named Nonna last August 2010.

Munich Sightseeing: Things Not to Miss

2011-08-05T17:30:00.000+02:00

This is one of the beautiful cities to visit in Germany not only due to its location near the Alps but also due to its noted architecture and culture. Munich, called in German as München, is the capital city of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. It is the most livable city in 2010 as ranked by Monocle.

Here are some of the sights and things not to miss when visiting Munich. Quick travel tip: Plan your trip ahead, for sure you can find cheap accommodations and flights to Germany.

Marienplatz

Located in the city centre, the Marienplatz or Mary's Square is the central square in Munich and one of the main hang-outs of tourists. The Old and New Town Hall is also located in this area. The Mariensäule or Marian column which gave Marienplatz its name, was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation is also located in this square. Don't miss to watch the Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall.

a lot of people watched the Glockenspiel in the new Town Hall tower in Marienplatz during our visit this month.

Olympiapark

An Olympic Park which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It now serve as a venue for cultural, social, and religious events. If you want to have a good view of Munich city, you can go up to its Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) which is 291 meters in height.

Frauenkirche

Known as the Cathedral of Our Lady in English, it is a landmark and the most iconic symbol of Munich. You can climb the stairs to the south tower to have a unique view of Munich and the nearby Alps.

Nymphenburg Palace

Known as Schloss Nymphenburg in German, it is a Baroque palace and was the main summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria. The palace, together with its park, is now one of the most famous sights of Munich.

If you want to get away with the busy city centre, you can have a more relaxing atmosphere in this area. Schloss Nymphenburg is accessible by Munich public transport's tram number 17. This line passes through the city centre, including Stachus and the main train station.

Oktoberfest during our visit last 2008.

Oktoberfest

Considered as the biggest fair in the world with more than 5 million people attending every year, Oktoberfest is one of the best experience you can have when visiting Munich. It is a 16-18 day festival held in Theresienwiese, called for short as Wiesn, which is located near Munich's center.

Oktoberfest is considered to be an important part of Bavaria culture. The first Oktoberfest took place on the 12 October 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

This year's Oktoberfest celebration will take place from September 17 to October 3.

Hofbräuhaus

Don't miss to visit one of the famous beer hall in Munich. You can try Bavarian dishes such as roast pork, pork knuckle, and sausages such as Weisswurst in Hofbräuhaus. You can also try its wheat beer, wine and Helles, served in a mass. While dining and drinking, you can also hear traditional Bavarian music inside.

Hofbräuhaus, during our second visit lately this month.

There are still other sights to see and to experience in Munich. Visiting its museums and castles nearby, shopping and entertainment are only some of it. There are also airlines that offers cheap flights to Munich and its nearby cities like Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin and many more.

8 Years in Europe

2011-08-03T00:19:00.002+02:00

Time flies-by so fast nowadays. I have been living in Europe for 8 years now. I found my second home in this continent and I am quite happy and contented about it. For almost 8 years now, I am also happily married to my loving and kind husband. I just remember makemypromisering.com because I wanted a new ring for our 8th wedding anniversary. I found very nice ones in this site. Just tonight, hubby was also asking me what I like for my birthday since it is coming soon. I told him that I don't need anything but probably a little wish. My friends in facebook are already sending their birthday greetings and wishes. Aahhh, it is nice to have a lot of friends around. Thank you so much for all your greetings. I truly appreciate it.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy

2011-08-03T00:06:00.002+02:00

It's been almost a year now since my first visit in Rome, Italy. It was one of the most interesting trip I had in Europe. Rome, the capital city of Italy has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors like me. A three-day visit is not enough to see everything there but I am very happy and contented that I was in Rome once in my life.

One of the sights we visited was the Arch of Constantine, known in Italian as Arco di Costantino. Like the Arch of Triumph in Paris, France or the Siegestor in Munich, Germany, the Arch of Constantine is also a triumphal arch in Rome. It is located between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

taken last August 2010 during my visit together with Nonna, a friend from the U.S.

It was erected to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the latest of the existing triumphal arches in Rome, from which it differs by spolia, the extensive re-use of parts of earlier buildings.

The arch is 21 m high, 25.9 m wide and 7.4 m deep. It has three archways, the central one being 11.5 m high and 6.5 m wide, the lateral archways 7.4 m by 3.4 m each. The top (called attic) is brickwork reveted with marble. A staircase formed in the thickness of the arch is entered from a door at some height from the ground, in the end towards the Palatine Hill. wikipedia

From Europe to the World

2011-08-01T23:01:00.002+02:00

It's a small world after all! Yes, it is truly a small world. If you want to get hold or have a contact with your family and friends anywhere around the world, it is very easy nowadays. Through the use of conference call equipment or the help of internet you can already make a video call, voice call or chat online and have a contact with your friends and love onesanytime and anywhere. There are also these so called social networks like facebook, myspace, friendster, netlog and many others, where you can find photos and images of your family and friends.

Whether you are in Europe, Asia or any part of the globe, getting a contact with anyone is already possible. Thanks to the invention of our modern technology like computers, internet, cellphones, television, etcetera, it made our lives easier and more convenient.

Wolfstein Castle Ruins in Neumarkt OPf, Bavaria, Germany

2011-08-01T20:52:00.005+02:00

It's almost a year now since my friend from Des Moines, Iowa made a visit in Europe. One of the countries she visited was Germany. I accompanied her to Wolfstein Castle, a castle ruins in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) in the state of Bavaria, Germany. We had fun during our visit in this castle ruins.

With regards to the history of the castle, It is said that its exact origin is not so clear. Around 1120 a certain Ulrich v. Wolfstein who belong to a noble class has said to have his seat here but proofs have been missing. Only with the Sulzbürger Gottfried II was clearly proven the first Burgherr or king of the castle. Since 1283, he called the castle Wolfstein.

You can find more information of the castle in the URL below. Sad to say, it is in German language.

the bridge going to the entrance of the castle. This was taken last August 2010. I have been to this castle for a lot of times already.

the tower of the castle and the ruins around it.

Beautiful Places to Spend Your Honeymoon

2011-07-22T12:52:00.008+02:00

Still planning where and what type of honeymoon you want to spend? For newly wed couple, honeymoon is something that you are always dreaming for a long time and you always wanted it to be unforgettable. Even before the wedding, it is already included in your plans.

There are a lot of beautiful places on earth to spend a special and memorable honeymoon. You can surely find affordable Honeymoon Packages especially if you plan your it ahead of time.

the Eiffel Tower in Paris, considered to be the most iconic landmark in this city. Taken during my second visit last summer 2010.

Paris, France

I remembered someone who wish to spend their honeymoon in Europe this summer. One of the cities they wish to visit is Paris. Being one of the most romantic cities in the world, spending a honeymoon in Paris is truly an unforgettable experience. A romantic walk in Champs Elysees, a cruise in Seine river, a dinner on top of Eiffel Tower restaurant are only some of the wonderful things you can experience in Paris.

Maldives

I remember hubby's colleague telling me that he always wanted to go to Maldives. Why not? It is a beautiful place to spend a holiday especially for honeymooners. Maldives is an archipelago in the southern part of Asia which lie south-southwest of India. It has beautiful white fine sand beaches with crystal clear waters. If you want to have an adventurous honeymoon, you can do diving and snorkelling in its abundant underwater life.

people riding a gondola in Venice. I took this image during my third visit three weeks ago.

Venice, Italy

It is one considered to be one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. That is also the reason why I always keep on coming back to Venice. How romantic it is to take a gondola ride along the narrow canals of Venice with singing gondoliers! A stroll in its famous St. Mark's square or seeing the works of Michelangelo in some of the city's top art galleries. Shopping is also a great experience in Venice. For honeymooners, Venice is simply a perfect place!

Sydney, Australia

This is the most cosmopolitan city in Australia and considered to be one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. For this reason spending a honeymoon down under Australia's largest and oldest city is quite an interesting experience. A walk to its national parks or sand beaches, a visit to the famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are only some of things you can do in this city.

Designer Outlet in Salzburg

2011-07-22T00:04:00.004+02:00

You might be thinking that I went shopping again. Not this time. There was a story behind it. We happened to stop-by in this part of Salzburg because somebody wanted to eat in MCDonald. It happend that it is just adjacent to this mall. I saw the sign Salzburg Designer Outlet. I always hear advertisements over the radio about this luxury store. Good to know that we did not go inside the store or else I might ended finding rocawear for hubby.

Salzburg Designer Outlet offers a mix of top designer, high street and sports brands. As the sign says here that you can avail of 30 to 70 % discounts all year round of the various designer brands in this store. That is quite an interesting shopping experience.

Riding Gondola in Venice, Italy

2011-07-21T23:01:00.004+02:00

It was the reason why I always wanted to go back to Venice, Italy. I had been to this city twice but was not able to ride a gondola. Finally during my third visit last July 3, 2011 I finally experienced it.

How much does a gondola ride cost? I asked about five gondoliers and they answered me almost the same. A ride for about 30 minutes costs 80.00 Euros maximum 6 people. A forty five minutes ride range from 120-150 Euros. If you are alone or two or three people, that is quite expensive. I heard somebody talking last time that he don't want to ride a gondola because it is very expensive. For me it is quite different. That is the reason why I went back there. Besides the experience of riding a gondola is for me priceless. Every tourist has its own wants and goals when visiting a certain place and I always respect it.

For now, I am quite happy and contented because of a gondola ride experience. I still want to visit Venice in the future. That is to witness its famous Carnival of Venice.

a narrow canal in Venice. One of the canals we passed-by during our gondola ride.

Gondolas parked at their moorings.

Holiday Parks U.K. versus Holidays in Europe

2011-07-11T22:51:00.004+02:00

When considering holidays in Europe, most people make the automatic assumption that the continental mainland, or perhaps a Mediterranean island, is the obvious choice of location. However, the fact is that we are all Europeans, at least currently, and so perhaps the holiday parks UK provided by operators like Park Resorts should be considered as part of the mix. Here we look at some of the advantages of taking a break in holiday parks UK versus heading off to mainland Europe.

The primary criteria for many when booking the annual summer holiday is the chance for some more or less guaranteed sun. On this front, it must be said that at first glance, continental Europe appears to have the advantage over the average UK holiday parks. However, when you start to consider this issue, the advantages of blazing sunshine are not all so obvious.

There is often quite a narrow threshold between nice sunshine and simply being too hot. How many times have you waited for weeks for your holiday, and then hours at the airport, to arrive at a Mediterranean location and find yourself perspiring like mad! We’ll return again to the issue of airport travel shortly, but first there are several other reasons why good weather is not necessarily being baking hot.

The cost of sun cream, if you are to adequately protect yourself from the risk of skin cancer, can really rack up over the course of a two week holiday. Add to this the inevitability of insect bites at night when staying in a hot country, and holidays in the U.K. may start to seem more appealing – although it should be noted that a holiday in many parts of Scotland after mid-May can rival any location in the world for insect bites, courtesy of the midges.

The real crunch issue has got to be the cost and hassle of travelling abroad, and this is all down to the chaos and restrictions of modern air travel. On top of the official travel time, there are the inevitable delays, not to mention those stages of the journey where you are simply expected to queue for prolonged periods. Security restrictions, and the demise of duty free, have made the whole process far less appealing than in the past. To top it all off, the leg room available on modern budget flights can turn a few hours into a physical ordeal that is truly uncomfortable. So here’s to the British summer, jackets and umbrellas, and proper pints of bitter!

The Advantages of Touring Europe by River Cruise

2011-07-11T22:30:00.005+02:00

A European River cruise is being recognised by an increasing number of people as one of the best ways to explore much of central Europe. The river cruise holidays provided by operators like Avalon Cruises can provide excellent access to the famous food, wine and culture of different regions of countries like France and Germany. What’s more, many of the popular European river cruise routes take in several countries, as is the case with a trip along the Danube.

A river cruise along the Danube can provide an introduction to countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. The ability to visit some or all of these countries in just a couple of weeks, while unpacking your luggage only once, is one of the major advantages of the European river cruise.

River cruise boats can provide luxurious accommodation and fine dining facilities just as you would expect of a luxury ocean going ship, but in a more intimate environment. With hundreds, rather than thousands of passengers on board, you’ll get a better chance to get to know the crew, and your fellow passengers, if you so desire. Crucially, when you disembark from the boat in the afternoon or evening, it will not be in the company of a horde of thousands.

Travelling by river cruise most often means that you disembark right in the heart of towns and cities, as the basis of wealth and development in so many settlements is based around a close relationship with major rivers. Contrast this with the inconvenience of arriving in an airport, which will more often than not be on the outskirts of town. Flight delays, baggage problems and waiting for transfers are a standard part of modern air travel, after which there is the time taken by the transfer journey itself, followed by checking in to your accommodation. Add to this the expense of air travel, transfers and multiple hotels and B & B’s, and it soon becomes apparent that it is not only far more comfortable and stress-free to tour Europe by river cruise, but also more cost effective.

Several antipodean friends have visited over the last few years, with the determined intention of ‘doing Europe’, only to find that a whistle stop tour by plane results in mainly experiencing airports, taxis and accommodation, with just a few hours spent actually exploring the place. If only they had been able to book a river cruise!

The standard European river cruise will provide guided tours for most of the places visited, allowing you to make the most of limited time and see the major tourist attractions. Since you will be in the company of no more than a few hundred fellow passengers, it is also easy enough to escape the throng, and enjoy the excitement of exploring a little part of Europe yourself, far away from beachside tourist traps.

Window Shopping at Debenhams Mall in Birmingham, England

2011-07-09T22:47:00.003+02:00

Do you love shopping? If you happen to visit Birmingham in England in the future, don't miss to visit Debenhams. It is a famous British retailer operating under a department store in UK, Ireland and Denmark.

I had the chance to visit its store in Birmingham during my three weeks holiday in England that time. I don't remember seeing color ink cartridges during my window shopping in that mall. I just enjoyed looking around with a friend.

I found out that Debenhams has franchise stores in the Philippines. Here are the locations of it;
Makati City, Glorietta 4, Rustans Department Store
Mandaluyong City, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Quezon City, TriNoma Mall
Santa Rosa, Laguna, Paseo de Santa Rosa Mall
Davao City, Abreeza Ayala Mall (soon to open)

Debenhams in Birmingham, England during my visit last November 2005.

Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany

2011-07-09T22:33:00.000+02:00

If you want to watch the annual International Film Festival in Berlin, also known as Berlinale, the nearest train station to go is the Potsdamer Platz. Also known as Potsdam Square, this is one of the most important public square in Berlin. The building of the Sony Center is also located near this square.

I remember waiting for a friend here. He and her wife picked me up in one of the intersections in this square. After that, we spend the night in a coffee shop chatting with each other. It was quite a good evening!

The traffic light tower with watch in the background. taken during my visit last February 2011.

Importance of Travel Insurance

2011-07-09T16:03:00.004+02:00

I believed you are very familiar about travel insurance especially when you go for a trip or vacation out of the country. Travel insurance is a medium to minimize the financial risks of traveling. These risks may include illness, accidents, lost baggage, missed flights, canceled tours, emergency evacuation, getting your body home if you die and some other more.

Nowadays there are a lot of insurance agencies online that offer any forms of insurance from travel insurance to life insurance, accident insurance, car insurance, home insurance, etcetera. This is one advantage of internet and computer because at the comfort of your home, you can already browse for anything.

To all fellow travelers out there, insurance might be a good deal for you especially if you travel. For some, it might be not. If you want to have a peace of mind when you travel getting one is always good.

The Beautiful Nice in French Riviera

2011-07-08T15:57:00.000+02:00

Nice is truly a very nice place! Nice is the capital of the Côte d'Azur, known in English as French Riviera. It extends along the Bay of Angels. No wonder this city is so beautiful that millions of tourists visit it every year.

Nice is one of the most renowned cities in France. When you think about Nice, you would also mean thinking about it famous spot, the Promenade des Anglais or Promenade of the English. I am very happy walking on this famous promenade which runs along the sea-side.

taken during our trip last April 2011. such a very nice place.!

The Birthhouse of Mozart in Salzburg, Austria

2011-07-06T20:43:00.004+02:00

It was one of the greatest birth announcements in the classical music world! The birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I believed you are very familiar with this name. A famous composer and musician who composed over 600 works. I am happy to visit the birthplace of this famous classical composer.

The yellow house you see in the image here was taken during my second visit in Salzburg, Austria. Mozart's birthplace at Getreidegasse 9 in Salzburg is now a museum that displays his music instruments, portraits and letters from the Mozart family. The famous exhibits include Mozart's child violin, his concert violin, his clavichord and the harpsichord.

My Europe Travel in Venice, Italy

2011-07-04T22:31:00.004+02:00

I had the chance to visit Venice again for the third time. You know why I came back there last weekend? The main reason is to ride the gondola. For me, this is one of the great experience when visiting Venice. The price depends on long you want to ride the gondola. A 30-minutes ride costs 80.00 Euros up to six persons. From 120-150 Euros, you can have a 45 minutes ride. I guess it is not too bad especially if you want to see the narrow canals and want to see more of Venice.

Venice is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. I say so because I had been there thrice and I always love it. That is also one of the reasons why Venice is always flocked with tourists every day.

Venice seems to be a small city but it is not.It is made of different districts and visiting it in a day or two is not enough. If you happen to visit Venice, be sure to visit its famous square, the St. Mark's Square.

More updates and images in my future posts.

gondolas in Venice, Italy during my third visit last July 3, 2011.

the Campanilla or Bell tower in the background.

Visiting Finland-Things To Do and See

2011-06-28T17:24:00.005+02:00

Are you planning to visit the so-called home country of Santa Claus? Or probably, you don't have any idea what country it is? Finns claim that the mythical mountain of Korvatunturi as the home of Santa Claus. That is the reason why a lot of tourists are visiting the region of Lapland due to its so-called Christmas with Santa Claus. I guess some of you are already thinking about Finland holidays after knowing the above information.

Where is Finland exactly located? It is a Nordic country located in northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west,Russia in the east and Norway in the north.Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.

Here are some of the few things you can do and see in Finland;

Festivals

For those who love dance and music, visiting Finland's music festivals during summer is another wonderful experience. This country hosts various notable music festivals like the Ruisrock in Turku, Tangomarkkinat in Seinäjoki,Nummirock in Nummijärvi and many more.

Castle Sightseeing

Do you love fairytale? Don't miss to seeing Finland's notable castles. You might want to witness an Opera Festival held at the Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna. It is known to be Finland's most atmospheric castle. You might also want to visit the oldest castle in this country, the Hämeenlinna Castle in Hämeenlinna.

skyline of Helsinki.

City Break in Helsinki

This is the capital and largest city of Finland. A city break in Helsinki can be an unforgettable experience for every tourist and visitor. It is also accessible because there are always flights from major cities in Europe to this city. Whether you want to do sightseeing in its cityscape, experience its culture by visiting the famous National Museum of Finland, a walk or hike in its several parks, a relaxing outdoor along its many lakes, enjoy the nightlife in its various pubs, nightclubs and bars, you can have everything you want to experience in this city. Shopping is also a good experience but be reminded that it is quite expensive here.

The best time to visit Helsinki is during summer season in July.

Explore its Lakes and Forests

Finland is a country with thousands of lakes and islands. Can you imagine a country like that? For sure, exploring its lake especially for nature lovers is a very refreshing experience. The fourth largest lake in Europe is found in Finland, the Saimaa.

Finland is considered to be the largest forested area in Europe. This is perfect for walking and hiking. Just be careful that you don't get lost in its forest but sometimes there are trails to follow. The colourful Autumn season is also a worthwhile experience. Outdoor activities like swimming, fishing or canoeing are also great during high-summer season.

These are only a few things to do and see when visiting Finland. Don't forget to search for special holiday packages, city breaks and special offers for your next trip to to this beautiful country.

Sightseeing in Europe- Top Art Galleries To Visit

2011-06-27T13:31:00.004+02:00

One of the best experience when touring Europe is to visit its top galleries and museums. Whether you are in Germany, France, England, Austria, Belgium, Italy or any European countries, there are always interesting and fine galleries to explore. The travel and book pr experts from Taylor Herring made a research about these worth to see museums in Europe.

1) Gemaldegalerie, Berlin

Gemaldegalerie, Berlin has possibly the finest collection of European paintings in Germany, displaying works by such great artists as, Rembrandt, Dürer and Raphael.

inside the Louvre Museum in Paris France during our visit last summer 2010.

2) The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre Museum or Musée du Louvre, in Paris, is one of the most renowned and largest museums in the world. The museum is part of the Louvre Palace, and houses 35,000 pieces of historic and contemporary artwork.

some collections inside the Louvre during my first visit last March 2009.

3) The Musée d'Orsay, Paris

The Musée d'Orsay, Paris has a superior assortment of impressionist and 19th century French paintings. It houses many works from the masters, such as van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet.

4) The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna is one of the foremost museums on the globe. It accommodates a number of historic paintings, as well as an exceptional assortment of European works of art.

5) Contemporary British gallery in Chelsea, London

The Contemporary British gallery in Chelsea, London, England displays works of art from both well-known and up-and-coming British artists. Perfectly situated in the middle of London, on King’s Road, Chelsea, this unique gallery boasts spacious rooms and high ceilings.

6) The Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The Victoria and Albert Museum of London has made history all over the world with its rare offerings. The popular gallery contains exhibits from some of the most notorious painters on the globe. The current works of art are from the modern era with paintings from such controversial artists as Ray and Aalto.

7) The Federal Republic of Germany Art Hall

The Federal Republic of Germany Art Hall is one of the premiere galleries on earth. Housed by Germany’s oldest structure, the stunning exhibits rotate on a continual basis, which tempts art lovers to visit often. Gallery employees work diligently to provide the appropriate ambience to the building and the pieces of art with high style and low lights.

8) Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels is Belgium's leading Museum. It contains a superior compilation of Flemish paintings, including Jacques Louis David's famous "Death of Marat.”

9) The Fitzwilliam Gallery of Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Gallery of Cambridge is a flourishing museum. It features Wartime art with images from both world wars. There are also many works of art on exhibit painted by World War II soldiers.

10) The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh is the leading Art Museum in Scotland. It houses a superior assortment of European paintings, including the "Madonna of the roses" by Sandro Botticelli.

European Jazz Festivals- Where To Experience It

2011-06-27T08:16:00.003+02:00

Many jazz aficionados do not know that there are many jazz festivals taking place each year, in various European countries and towns. They are well-organized events that attract some of the best talents in the business.

The following are some of the best and most popular European live jazz festivals showcased
across the region:

Konfrontationen Nickelsdorf, Austria

This jazz festival was started in 1980 in the town of Nickelsdorf which is located near the border of Hungary. Ever since this festival started it has attracted the top talents from America, Europe and Japan, making it a virtual Mecca for improvised jazz music. This place can be described as a small village and the festival takes place outdoors. It is organized by the Nickelsdorf Jazz Gallery.

Varna Jazz Festival, Bulgaria

This festival was started in 1992 and it happens in Varna, which is a small city located in Bulgaria near the Black Sea. It is the largest Jazz festival in Bulgaria and it attracts talent mostly from around Europe. It takes place for 3 days and it is held in the courtyard of the Archeological museum. The director of this festival is a gentleman by the name of Anatoly Vapirov, who is also an accomplished saxophonist.

Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon, Austria

This town is located in Austria, near the Czech border. This jazz festival started in 1986 and has managed to become a highly acclaimed European Jazz festival. The focus of this festival is improvisation, at the same time this festival is also known for so called hybrid music. This would be jazz fused with other forms of music. The primary concerts are done at the Jazzatelier Ulrichsberg building, however there are other venues showcasing special music projects.

Vilnius Jazz Festival, Lithuania

Vilnius is a town situated in Lithuania and it started a jazz festival back in 1988. The first reason for starting this festival was an act of rebellion against the former Soviet Union. It was a way for Lithuania to show its differences with the Soviet Union. Even though this festival has political roots, it has grown to become an astounding jazz festival, attracting talent from all over the world. It is known for its highly creative and ambitious talents, stretching musical improvisation to its limits. This festival is ultimately linked to the growth of a distinctive style of jazz known as Vilnius jazz.

Special thanks to the The Pen Company for gathering the list of interesting jazz festivals in Europe.

Interesting Cities To Visit in England

2011-06-26T16:55:00.004+02:00

It's been almost three years now since I had a three weeks holiday tour in England. It is one of the most memorable and stunning trip I had in Europe. I was able to visit beautiful and interesting places there. There are a lot of worth-seeing towns and cities to visit in England. Here are some of it.

I was very lucky to witness the Lord Mayor's Parade in London last November 2008. This parade only takes place when there is a new mayor being elected in office.

LONDON

A megacity that is worth-visiting. It is comparable with other global cities in Europe like Paris in France and Berlin, Germany. London is the largest city and the capital of England and United Kingdom. I was able to visit this city twice during my 3-weeks England vacation. During my first visit, me and my friend stayed in a cheap apartments near Marylebone station.

I had seen some of its famous sights like the Tower Bridge, London Eye, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Big Ben and the Parliament , Trafalgar Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, Madame Tussaud, Piccadilly Circus and a lot more.

I wish I can witness the 2012 Olympics in England. I need to save money for that.

The Council House, headquarters of Birmingham City Council. taken during my visit last November 2008.

BIRMINGHAM

The city where I had the chance to visit for a lot of times. Birmingham is an industrial city in West Midlands in Great Britain. It is also the second largest city outside of London in terms of population .

There are a lot of things to do and to experience in this city. A cruise in Birmingham canals, shopping in its famous mall named the Bullring, visiting its museums and galleries, clubbing in Britain's most popular clubs, are only some of the activities you can do in Birmingham.

MANCHESTER

I am always thinking of Manchester United everytime I remember Manchester. I always see this Football Team in Television and that was also the reason why I want to visit this city last 2008. I did not really saw much of Manchester because a day-visit in this city is just not enough to see everything. At least, I saw some of its landmark like the Manchester Town Hall, the University of Manchester, the Wheel of Manchester (a huge Ferris wheel), the Piccadilly and some other more.

Manchester is famous worldwide for its football clubs like the Manchester United and Manchester City.

LEEDS

My visit to this city was quite memorable because I was able to witness the Christmas market held last 2008. Leeds is a beautiful city located in West Yorkshire, England. This city is also considered to be UK's largest centre for business, legal and financial outside of London.

For some Leeds might not be a traditional tourist destination but it has still a lot to give to to its visitors. I am happy and contented to see and experience some of its sights. The Town Hall, Millennium Square, Victoria Quarter, Kirkgate Market and Corn Exchange are only some of the interesting sights I visited there.

I considered England as one of the best travel destinations in Europe. Some other places and sights I visited there include the Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle, Stratford Upon Avon, Yorkshire, Knaresborough, Northfield and Harrogate. I am still trying to remember the others. Special thanks to all my friends for everything like accommodation, tours, food and most of all their kindness and hospitality.

Worth To Visit State Capital Cities of Germany

2011-06-25T18:00:00.007+02:00

Germany is a beautiful and diverse country. It promises you of the most interesting travel experiences in Europe being a unified, wealthy and industrial country. Many of the architectural and historical treasures were lost during World War II but many and even most has been restored.

Germany has sixteen states and each state has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors. Whether you want to spend your holiday to see and experience Oktoberfest, the famous and biggest festival in the world held annually in Munich, Rhineland wine festival, the Fasching or carnival in Mainz, Cologne and Düsseldorf-the opportunities for celebration are endless.

You can actually find budget holidays to Germany. There are also this so-called Tailor Made holiday to guide you on where, what and when to spend your vacation not only in Germany but also in any European countries. Depending on the seasons of the year, visiting this country and experience its culture and tradition can be a fascinating and superb vacation.

Here are some of the most interesting capital cities to visit in Germany.

Munich

This city is the capital of the state of Bayern or Bavaria and the third largest city of Germany. It is considered to be one of the great cultural centers of Europe due to its exuberant atmosphere and vitality. Some of its expressing sights include the Frauenkirche- the symbol of Munich with its huge onion-domed towers that dominate the city, the Marienplatz which is a famous square in the city center of Munich, English Garden, Olympiapark, Deutsches Museum and a lot more.

Neuschwanstein castle in Schwangau in Bavaria, Germany. taken during my third winter visit last January 2011.

Munich is surrounded with fascinating landscapes. You might want to take a trekking trip at the Bavarian Alps. How about a visit to the famous fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the Neuschwanstein Castle located in Schwangau. It is not so far from Munich.

Munich is simply one of my favorite cities in Germany.

Berlin

I find Germany's capital and biggest city very interesting. It is a huge city and visiting it for a day or two to explore everything is not enough. My friends from Berlin told me that I need around a month to see most of Berlin. It is a world and international city that ranks along with Paris and London.

Some famous sights include, the Bundestag, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Gendarmenmarkt and a lot more. I just can't enumerate everything. Berlin can offer everything from shopping to night life, cinemas, restaurants, museums, galleries, churches and cathedrals-just name it and Berlin have it all.

Stuttgart

The capital city of Baden-Württemberg, one of the 16 states of Germany is also well-worth to visit. I had been to this city last year and I love it. I had also witnessed the Cansttater Wasen, the second largest fun-fair in the world next to Oktoberfest in Munich. It was totally a very nice trip I had here last year.

Canstatter festival, the famous fair held annually in Stuttgart, Germany.

Don't miss to visit some of its famous sights; the New Palace and Old Palace, its Market Hall, Main Train Station, Schlossplatz or Castle Square, Domkirche St. Eberhard (St. Eberhard's Cathedral Church) and so many more. If you love cars, you might also want to go inside the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums. There are also beautiful gardens and parks in the area.

Wiesbaden

I thought before that Frankfurt is the capital city of the German State Hesse until I visited Wiesbaden last November 2010. This city is very famous for its spas. It is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. Its name literally means "meadow baths". If you like saunaing and wellness you really have to plan one day for relaxing at the Kaiser-Friedrich Therme in the city center. This old spa (clothing free) lets you feel like Caesar with its old roman frescoes and its four saunas, swimming pool and whirlpools. Enjoy it!

Don't miss to visit the Kurhaus, the most attractive building in Wiesbaden.

The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in Dresden. taken during our visit last May 2011.

Dresden

A very beautiful capital of the state of the Free State of Saxony (Sachsen). I finally had the chance to visit it last month. As usual a day visit here is not enough to see and explore everything. At least I am glad and contented to see some of its main sights. The famous Semperoper (Semper Opera House), the beautiful Zwinger Palace, the Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady, Fürstenzug or Parade of the Royals, Albertinum Museum are only some of its interesting sights to see.

There are still a lot of interesting and charming capital cities to visit in Germany. Watch it out in my future posts.

Top Baltic Cities To Visit

2011-06-24T15:02:00.002+02:00

I found a very cheap trip to the Baltic regions last month. It is a combination of a bus and cruise trips. For only 499.00 Euros for 6 days, I believed this is already very cheap. Included in the trip are all the tours in different Baltic cities I mentioned below, breakfasts and dinners during the duration of the 6-day trip, cruise, hotel, tour guides in Riga and Vilnius.

The Baltic regions have a lot of sights and attractions for all its tourists and visitors. I am sad not to partake in this trip because during this time, we will be having a 10-day holiday in Turkey.

Riga

This city is said to be the major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial centre of the Baltics. Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic States. This city is also known to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. As usual, the Old Town is always the centre of attraction. The best way to see it is by foot. Here, you can see a lot of historical buildings and monuments like the Town Hall, St. Peter's Church, House of Blackheads, Riga Castle are only some of its attractions. Riga is also known for having the best nightlife in Europe. It sounds very inviting!

Tallinn

This is the capital city of Estonia. Being selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2011, Tallinn only shows and proves that its has a lot of interesting tourism activities to share to its guests and visitors. Alone the Medieval Old Town which is excellently preserved is already a must to see when visiting this city. It also belongs to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some other interesting architectural and historical sites are, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the mythical Toompea Hill, the square in the heart of the Old City named Raekoja Plats, Raekoda or Town Hall, the City wall and so many more. Outside of the Old City has also varied attractions.

Some other evens like the music festivals and sports events are worth to see and experience. If you love beaches, Tallinn has also nice ones. Be careful because some are not recommended for swimming.

Vilnius

The largest and capital city of Lithuania. The fast development of Vilnius has made it to become a modern European city. Along with Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, Vilnius was selected as a 2009 European Capital of Culture. It is another city in the Baltic region that is proud to show of what it has. You need to see its historical Old Town, the Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Castle, St. Peter's and Paul's Church, European Park, National Museum of Lithuania and other attractions that might be of interest to you. Throughout the year, there are a variety of cultural, music, cinema, theatre, art, and fashion festivals taking place in Vilnius.

Sightseeing in other places like Hamburg in Germany , Klaipeda and Kaunas in Lithuania are also included in this trip.

Alternative Christmas Markets To Visit in Europe

2011-06-23T10:13:00.004+02:00

Are you planning to make a holiday in Europe this coming holiday season? The month of June is almost ending which also means that you still have enough time to plan and to save for a Christmas holiday in Europe. Don't miss to visit any of the most interesting and captivating holiday celebrations in this continent.

the Christmas Market in Birmingham, England during my vacation last 2008.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair

Visitors will enjoy the small village atmosphere offered within the heart of the busy city center. Picturesque wooden chalets offer traditional hand crafted items ranging from jewelry to candles. The lights, sounds and smells of this imported market will delight all who take the time to stroll through the area. The market offers traditional German spice mulled wine, bratwursts and German beers, all to be enjoyed while meandering through the chalets of the hard working artisans.

Christkindelmarkt, Leeds

The Christmas Market in Leeds is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. The traditional wooden stalls, holiday greenery, Christmas carousel for the children and the colorful lights all create a beautiful and festive air in the city center. Christkindelmarkt offers over 40 wooden chalet stalls, housing some of the most wonderful artisans and traders of authentic German fare. From hand crafted toys, Christmas cards and traditional German food, among many UK gift fairs to visit this Christmas, Leeds is sure to leave you with a festive heart.

Basel Christmas Market

At the center of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas region is Basel. Each year the city of Rhine out does itself in the scope of its market. Old town is transformed into a winter wonderland, boasting the longest illuminated Christmas street in Europe. More than a hundred pine trees border the street and are strung with twinkling lights to guide visitors to the stalls and chalets of working craftsmen.

Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market offers 123 wooden chalets full of unique hand crafted items. The Market offers everything you could wish to make your Christmas a true delight, from wooden toys to Christmas crackers and gold jewelry. Festive food and drink are offered alongside decorations, jewelry, toys and crafts in such abundance that it could take the whole evening to see even half of the wonderful items offered in this truly original Christmas Market.

Canterbury's Traditional Christmas Market

While strolling through Canterbury’s Market you can enjoy a glass of German mulled wine and listen to the traditional Christmas music. Make sure to take a moment to enjoy the gingerbread hearts and roasted almonds as you are dazzled by the artisans offering hand crafted toys, glass ornaments and many other traditional Christmas gifts.

Special thanks to our event and festival pr experts from Taylor Herring for compiling this alternative Christmas markets for you to visit in Europe.

The Fountain in Trocadero, Paris

2011-06-21T12:48:00.000+02:00

If you want to see the Palais de Chaillot, you need to go to the Trocadero area. It is located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. In front of this building, you can see a beautiful fountain. Place du Trocadero derives its name from a Spanish fortress which the French conquered in 1823.

the beautiful fountains in Trocadero. This was taken during my second visit in Paris last August 2010.

The hill of the Trocadéro is the hill of Chaillot, a former village.

Romancing at a luxury hotel in Sardinia

2011-06-20T15:23:00.004+02:00

Sardinia has historically enticed and charmed its visitors, from the Romans, Catalans and Italians who previously ruled there to countless poets and artists seeking respite and inspiration. In his 1920’s novel The Sea and Sardinia, Gerbert Lawrence wrote of the island ‘This is a place on earth that remains outside time and history’. A big claim, and the hotels, restaurants and bars are definite clues that Sardinia has entered the twenty first century, but somehow the magical quality described by Lawrence endures (ignoring the plastic beach loungers).
Traditional villages and fairytale harbours from a seemingly different age decorate the ancient landscape, which won me over as soon as we arrived. The ancient geology is softened by rosemary bushes; wild figs and nuts growing in secluded groves. We found secret swimming spots and hideaways for picnics, the azure water deliciously warm to boot. The addition of tranquil spas, quaint harbour side restaurants and tastefully designed, luxury hotels in Sardinia (for the most part) add to rather than detract from the charm of the island, rendering it the closest things you’ll find in Europe to a secluded paradise.

Despite not being moved outside of time completely, Sardinia at least made me slow down a bit. Sipping coffee in the beautifully crafted harbour streets I did indeed take a nice deep breath out. Having visited Italy many times I was pleasantly surprised to find a stunning natural beauty and pace of life in Sardinia which is completely removed from the bustle and gusto of the mainland. Italy’s elegant, mysterious little sister island has a temperament and character of her own. And the wonderful thing is that far from being all beauty and no brains, Sardinia has culture and history that gives the mainland a run for its money. Walks inland lead to ruins and monuments from a variety of different ages and civilizations, small islands off the coasts providing the setting for magical daytrips.

The hotel was also spot on, mixing aspects of the traditional Sardinian vibe and classic service with all the luxury of contemporary comfort. The private beach for guests was a huge bonus and took away any hassle in terms of getting ready for and travelling to beaches. Our sea view from the private balcony was postcard perfect, and I found myself loosing hours sitting out there and taking in the view(alright, I might have been napping). Jacuzzis and personal butlers were also on offer, not to mention the array of tempting treats which laid in wait at the hotel’s spa.
The richness of the land and pristine quality of the water provide for a Sardinian cuisine which is colourful, fresh and irresistible. Lobster, tuna, squid and mussels are all freshly caught. Impressed by the food, I enquired to discover that the island boasts its own organically grown vegetables, beans, nuts and fruit which were used in the hotel menu. There was certainly a great balance being struck between fresh, innovative ideas and timeless tradition.

The Beautiful Beach in Nice, France

2011-06-19T20:18:00.003+02:00

I thought I can only see images of Nice in the internet or in travel books. I finally visited it and its name truly reflects itself. Nice la Belle which means Nice the Beautiful is truly a very interesting city in France. Its white sand beaches is adorable and perfect for swimming. Of course you don't use underwater metal detectors when you go swimming unless you are treasure hunting under the sea. A half-day sightseeing in Nice is not enough to see everything. At least, I was able to stepped on its land and saw part of it. I hope to visit it once again in the future and maybe have the chance to enjoy and relax on its white sand beach. This place is just lovely!

Here is an image taken during our visit two months ago.

View from Our Holel in Pietra Ligure, Italy

2011-06-17T18:58:00.000+02:00

This is the view that I always see in the morning. Isn't it nice? I am always reminded of my home when I see this scenery especially the view of the sea. We stayed here for 6 days last April 2011 during our trip to the Italian Riviera, French Riviera and Monaco.

Pietra Ligure is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Savona in the Italian region Liguria, located about 60 km southwest of Genoa and about 20 km southwest of Savona.

Passing-By at Milan, Italy

2011-06-16T22:53:00.003+02:00

April, May, June...It's been two months now since we passed-by at Milan, Italy. Last April 15, 2011, we began our 6-day holiday in some Italian places, France and Monaco. It was one of the most beautiful trip I had in Europe. Of course, I did had a travel insurance for that trip but not an SSDI. It is actually a different thing.

I wish to visit this so-called financial capital of Italy, hopefully next year. Milan is the capital of the region Lombardy. I found this city interesting because I saw some travel images of my friends who visited it before. At least, I was able to stepped on its land when we did had a short break in one of its gas station.

My Euro Travel in San Remo, Italy

2011-06-16T08:20:00.000+02:00

San Remo, also written as Sanremo, is a city which is best known as a tourist destination in Italy. It is located in the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy. The city center of San Remo is quite small that it is very easy to explore by foot. We had a memorable and enjoyable trip to this city especially when we took our lunch in one of its restaurants. The food were good and quite cheap.

Due to its location near the Mediterranean Sea, San Remo has a very nice warm weather almost all year round. It has warm days but always be prepared to wear a warmer or sweater during chilly nights. San Remo is also very famous for its production of the extra virgin grade olive oil.

It was a very nice trip we had in this city.

The San Remo casino, an architectural masterpiece right in the centre of town. It was built in 1905 and an example of liberty style building.

some of the old but historical and interesting buildings located near the church of San Siro in San Remo. These images were taken during our trip last April 2011.

Europe's Most Beautiful Castles

2011-06-15T19:14:00.004+02:00

There is something unusual about visiting a castle. Perhaps it brings out the inner child and day dreams of royalty and knights in shining armor. Perhaps it is the exquisite craftsmanship that has lasted for so many hundreds of years. Perhaps it is the immaculate settings on which you find them. Whatever the case is, if you are on a quest to visit a castle during your Europe tours, here are some that you cannot miss.

Neuschwanstein castle during my third visit last January 2011.

Neuschwanstein Castle- Bavaria, Germany

This is considered to be the most photographed building in Germany. It is also the most lavishly romantic castle in the German-speaking world. The fairytale castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria was used as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner. It was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Gothic Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. Its construction begun in 1869 and was said to be completed in 1892. It was actually unfinished because of King Ludwig's II death.

You will be amazed by the architecture of this castle. Its antique furniture and fixtures inside especially the ones in the bedroom of King Ludwig are truly beautiful. I wish I can take pictures of it but it is not allowed. This is so far the most beautiful castle I visited in Germany.

Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Mont Saint-Michel sits atop a small island in the Normandy region of France. This magnificent structure was built, at first, as an abbey in 708. It became a Norman stronghold in the 900’s and has played a significant role in the lives of people such as William the Conqueror.

Lincoln Castle – Lincoln, England

Lincoln Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century on top of an old Roman fort. The strategic importance of this place was the main reason for its construction. Today, Lincoln Castle is one of the best preserved castles in England. It is a beautifully constructed building that has served many purposes in its history. Today, open as a museum, you can see one of the original Magna Carta documents signed by King John.

Chateau de Chambord – Loire, France

This stunning castle dates back to the year 1519 when construction began. The building was completed in 1547. King Francois I had the chateau constructed as a place to spend his “off” time. There are 440 rooms in the structure and nearly the same amount of fireplaces. In total, there are 84 staircases throughout the structure and each floor contains vaulted ceiling hallways that are in the shape of a cross. While the building is not the standard fort type castle, it marks the period when castles became a luxury and not a stronghold.

Leeds Castle – Kent, England

With nearly a thousand year history, Leeds Castle is a must-see. This fortress castle was constructed in 1119 as was occupied as a residence until 1974. The castle is complete with a moat and wonderful stone architecture. It is now available to hire as a castle venue and celebrities have been known to marry there. The castle is also available as venue for conferences, concerts and use in cinema, TV and radio. The grounds are beautiful and a garden maze can be experienced when visiting.

Segovia Castle (Alcazar Segovia) – Segovia, Spain

Segovia Castle, as it stands today, was built before 1120. On this same spot an Arab fort stood as well as a Roman stronghold. This impressive castle, built high above the city, is of typical medieval styling. It is one of the largest attractions in the area.

Experience The Four Famous German Festivals

2011-06-13T23:38:00.005+02:00

I believed I am very lucky to witness and experience some of the most famous and fabulous festivals in Germany. If you have the chance to visit Germany, don't miss the events and festivals that you might only experience once in your lifetime.

the very famous Oktoberfest in Munich. taken during my visit last September 2010.

1. Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest is an enormous two week beer festival held in Munich, Germany. Starting in late September until the first Sunday in October, this world famous celebration offers amusement rides, parades with brass bands and delicious Bavarian cuisine. Beer tents are everywhere! Oktoberfest is a colorful and exciting extravaganza. Last 2010 marked the 200th anniversary of its beginning. This popular German tradition annually hosts over 6 million visitors worldwide on the more than 100 acres Theresienwiese. All ages enjoy Oktoberfest!

2. Carneval in Germany

Carneval, also called the “Fifth Season” in Germany, is a festival celebrated throughout the many regions of Germany. Each region’s celebrations are unique to the area. Carneval begins six days prior to the fasting period of the Lenten season which begins with Ash Wednesday. This time is used to celebrate with feasting, parades and floats, dancing in the streets and costume balls. The most popular parade is the televised Rose Monday Parade in Cologne.

The Carneval in Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf are among the famous ones in Germany.

The Berlinale Palace, the venue for the International Film Festival . Taken during my visit last February 2011.

3. International Film Festival in Berlin

International film lovers flock to Berlin every year for the International Film Festival. Over 400 films, with many premiers, from around the world are highlighted during the Berlin International Film Festival. Known as Berlinale, this is one of the most important European film festivals, besides Cannes and Venice. Over 200,000 people attend the star-studded parties and special events annually. If you love movies, this is one festival you do not want to miss. Located at Potsdamer Platz, it is easy to get there using the subway/metro. A free shuttle bus is also offered.

Don't forget to bring a lot of Euro currency in Berlin. If not, you can also get a caxton fx card for all your shopping needs. This city is a great place for shopping, entertainment, dining, cinema, concerts and opera.

4. Love Parade

Would you love to be part of a huge mass of music lovers dancing in the streets? Love Parade is an enormous dance party held in July in Berlin, Germany. DJs from around the world come together to participate in this all-nighter. Get plenty of sleep before the party because this is one weekend where you will not want to miss a thing. Local nightclubs and restaurants stay open all night. Not for the fainthearted, however, the Love Parade has been known to get wild!

Thanks to the food and drinks PR from Taylorherring.com for this interesting post.

Rainy Summer Days in Paris, France

2011-06-11T19:05:00.000+02:00

It was summer season last year, when we visited Paris, the capital and largest city in France. My shoes were wet as we walked down to some of the main sights in this global city. Paris known as the "The City of Lights" is truly one of the must to see when visiting Europe.

I was glad again to visit one of the world's leading business and cultural centres. Paris is always an interesting city for me.

The Eiffel Tower, the famous and most iconic symbol of Paris. You see how gray the sky was during our visit last August 2010. My first visit in this city was last March 2009.