Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Celebration

Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of All Hallows' Eve) is an annual holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night preceding All Hallows Day. Much like Day of the Dead celebrations, the holiday has ancient origins tied to seasonal change, harvest time, and festivals honoring the dead. Typical Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

Halloween images from Franskentein Castle.

the witches in Franskentein Castle...we had an enjoyable Halloween in this castle located in Darmstadt, Germany.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Modern Communication

Can you imagine taking back time when you send letters that will last for months before it will reach the hand of the receiver? Can you imagine travelling a hundred or thousand miles and it takes long months before you reach your destination. Can you imagine if you don't have computers, internet, telephones or cellphones at the moment?

Thanks to our modern technology today that also provides us modern communications. Thus making our lives more easier and convenient. I, myself is benefited by these gadgets. Due to the conference calling service in the internet, I can communicate with my family and friends from all over the world. I can't imagine living during the stone age. How about you? Thanks to our genius who invented all these modern equipments and gadgets that we are using now.

Dachau Concentration Camp in Bavaria, Germany

This is so far one of the horrible places during the World War II. I had my second visit here last September 2011 to accompany some friends who want to see it. As we were inside the building, I don't know what happened but the hairs on my skin began to stand out. I guess you know what I mean about it. I am not really afraid in going to this place but only to think what horrifying things did happened there during the Nazis regime was really a very sad and tragic part of history.

Dachau concentration camp was the first Nazi concentration camp opened in Germany, located on the grounds of an abandoned munitions factory near the medieval town of Dachau.

during my second visit with friends last September 2011.

Perfect Plan for Frequent Callers

This post brought to you by Net10. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nowadays, we experience how modern technologies affect and improve our living. Taking the use of modern communication like cellphones, internet and computers, this world has never reach its peak without these modern techs and gadgets.

In the area of communication especially in the use of cellphones, I can't imagine how many millions of people around the world are using this gadget. Are you aware how much money you are spending for it? Don't you know that there are ways on how to save your phone bills?

What Rob has to say

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Europe's Must-Visit Cities

Travelling is a passion and the one who get addicted will not let its charm get away. A traveler always wants to explore new places and for all of those, I too, want to share my experience of Europe’s five most unique cities. All these cities has had a history of their own and their charisma asks you to keep visiting them again and again.

Finding and booking international flights from and to any destination in Europe is very easy and convenient nowadays. There are a lot of discount airlines available for your choice. Ryanair, Easyjet, Tuifly, Air Berlin and German Wings are only some of these airlines.

The St. Paul Cathedral in London. I am happy to be there last Nov. 2008.

London:

London is no doubt the heart of United Kingdom. If you are in Europe and not visited London then you have not seen anything in Europe. London a much vibrant place is a city where you can see people from almost every country. London will soon host the Olympic Games in 2012, so lots of development work is on these days. Madame Tussaud Museums, Thames River Cruise, London Eye, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey are some of the many attractions at London. London can mesmerize any one with its magic.

Paris:

Paris, the French capital is always known for great Eiffel Tower but there is lot more apart from that wonder of the world in this city. The question of what not to do in Paris is more important than what to do. The city offers so many attractions that they are even difficult to mention. Stay in an affordable hotel in Paris but make sure it’s in the center. A walk alongside River Seine, Disney land adventure, watching a Moulin Rouge show, visit to Notre Dame or just enjoying snacks at any road side café will definitely provides you the utmost pleasure. I recommend a Paris sightseeing tour if you want to see the best attractions that Paris has to offer.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This is a snapshot during my second visit in Paris last August 2010.

Istanbul:

Istanbul, the Turkish delight is the gateway of Europe and is the only city in the world which is located in two continents i.e. Asia and Europe. The moment you stepped in Istanbul, you will mesmerized by the finest architecture on both sides of Bosphorus channel. This architecture gives you the glimpse of so many forms like Byzantine, Roman, Greek and of course Ottoman as Istanbul has seen all of these civilizations in different times. The Blue mosque, Topkapi, palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Grand Bazaar and Princess Island are some of the must visit places.

the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey during our trip last September 2011.

Barcelona:

It will be great if you end your European tour at Barcelona in Spain. Having a marvellous past this city enthrals you with its beautiful nights and bright sunny days. You can enjoy the Mediterranean climate at Barcelona which attracts sun-seekers from around the globe. Number of interesting festivals and events are on throughout the year at Barcelona which never let you weary. This city is full of life and colors and is known for his museums, Picasso’s paintings and many more.

Venice:

A European tour is incomplete without a trip to Venice. This Italian city is unique and one of its kind. Also known as ‘The Floating City’ or ‘City of Water’, Venice can easily be declared as the most romantic city of Europe. Beautiful Gothic style of architecture, its fashion galleries, music, art and cuisine thus everything is so special about Venice that one cannot afford to ignore this fantastic city.

Cruising the canals of Venice, Italy during my third visit last July 2011.

Although the European continent has much more to offer but by visiting these cities you can feel the soul of Europe. The joy which you get by having a Turkish Bath or by a quite walk at Champs Elysees Street in Paris is indescribable. Even visiting Piccadilly Circus at London or Barcelona’s old town will give you a life time experience.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines

I was able to witness this festival twice. The second time I was there was last January 2010. Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright coloured costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

I hope to see this again in my next visit to the Philippines. Here are some snapshots I took last year.

one of the contingents during the Sinulog contest held in Cebu Sports Complex.

the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country.

The festival commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Friend's Baby Shower

Hello folks! How's your Saturday? I hope you had a nice one. I had a wonderful time during a friend's baby shower today. It was my second time to attend such kind of celebration. Germans usually don't do that. Giving of presents only takes place when the baby is already born. Thanks to Filipino-American friends for inviting me. I truly enjoyed it. The baby shower for Ge was a success and I believed that she was very happy about it.

Everyone had fun during the said gathering especially the games that were played. A lot of food were also prepared by friends. The opening of the presents for the incoming baby was the highlight of the program. It was truly a wonderful and enjoyable celebration. Thanks to good friends for making it happened.

Wishing Ge a safe and sound delivery soon. God bless you!

some of the foods during the party.

the very beautiful diaper cake made by Joy.

presents for Ge's incoming baby.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Ulu Camii Mosque in Bursa, Turkey

This is one of the beautiful mosques we visited in Turkey. The Ulu Camii Mosque, also called as Bursa Grand Mosque in Bursa, Turkey was built in the Seljuk style. It was ordered by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and edificed between 1396 and 1400. The mosque has 20 domes and 2 minarets.

Our tour guide who is a Turkish told us that entrances to most of the Mosques in Turkey are free of charge. He added that sometimes, they charge entrances to Christian people. I never see security or people who are watching the mosque entrance using garretts metal detectors. I heard that some people are afraid when visiting Turkey due to security reason. For me, our trip was quite fine and in order. There were even a lot of tourists especially in Istanbul during our visit there.

One of the minarets of the Ulu Camii Mosque in Bursa. Taken during our visit last September 2011.

Ulu Cami is the largest mosque in Bursa and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture, which carried many elements from the Seljuk architecture. Ordered by Sultan Bayezid I, the mosque was designed and built by architect Ali Neccar in 1396–1400. It is a large and rectangular building, with a total of twenty domes that are arranged in four rows of five, and are supported by twelve columns. Supposedly the twenty domes were built instead of the twenty separate mosques which Sultan Bayezid I had promised for winning the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. The mosque has two minarets.

the beautiful interior of the mosque. You can find various Calligraphy on the walls.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Gift Ideas

There are a lot of parties and celebrations this month. Alone this coming weekend, we are invited to attend three parties. Two will be birthday parties and the other one is a wedding anniversary. The week after that will be a baby shower for a friend. Sometimes it is just difficult to find special gifts for special people. I am also thinking what unique christmas gift ideas for men that I will be giving to hubby. I already have something in my mind but I am still deciding whether to give it or not. Anyway, I need to slowly sign-off now. I need to slowly pack the gifts to friends this weekend.

Lastly, if you have a difficulty on what to give as presents to your friend, family, colleague, wife or husband on their special day or any celebration, it is quite easy now. Simply search it online. That's what I do sometimes and it helps.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Waiting for my Travel Books

While browsing the internet yesterday, I finally found the travel book that I wanted. I browsed first in amazon.com but the book that I want is not available. I love to read travel books. Everytime I visit a certain place, I see to it that I also buy a travel guide book from that place. I borrowed this book entitled 501 Must-Visit Destinations. Since I love to travel, I find this book helpful because it shares a lot of interesting places to see around the world. I made a mistake of the first order. Instead of buying the book I mentioned above, I also ordered 501 Must-Visit Cities. I ended up ordering another one, the 501 Must-Visit Destinations.

I am quite excited to read about these two books. Hopefully tomorrow, my orders will come. The good thing is, buecher.de charge no shipping within Germany. I ´save some bucks from it.

Special thanks to my friend Jo for lending me the 501 Must-Visit Destinations. It just inspire me to travel more when finances are available.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Florida Holiday- Things to Do and to See

The Fall season is getting very cold now. It simply means that winter is almost here. If you have the chance to spend a vacation, what place you want to go? If you ask me, I would love to go to Florida. You know why? It is a popular winter destination due to its warm climate. This is the reason why it is called as "The Sunshine State" in the United States.

Florida is located in the most south-eastern state in the United States of America. It is also know for its beautiful landscape, amazing them parks, gorgeous beaches and interesting cities. No wonder it became a popular winter destination not only for Americans but also from tourists all over the world.

Plan in advance your vacation in Florida. I am quite sure, you can search for affordable flights to Florida. Among the few airlines that offer cheap flights are American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. This is the advantage of our modern technology using computer and internet. You can always browse for your vacation and holidays in any time of the day at the comfort of your home.

Travellers out there, here are some tips of what to do and see when visiting the Sunshine State of Florida.

Visit Florida's Theme Parks

You can visit here the Disney World, the biggest and most renowned theme park in the world . Some of the world's best known theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld are located there. The world class water parks to see and to experience are the Sea World, Islands of Adventure and the Wet and Wild.

Disneyland in Anaheim CA during our visit last 2008. I wish to visit the theme parks in Florida in the future.

Go To The Beach

Florida is famous for its beautiful fine white beaches. Its warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches attracts millions of visitors every year. Some of the best beaches include the West Palm Beach, Panama City Beach and Daytona Beach but I would also love to experience a day in Miami Beach.

Miami
Take a Cruise

This is one thing I would especially love to experience when I visit Florida in the future. Cruising in a luxury ship going to the Caribbean would be a fascinating experience. You can leave in the port of Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Canaveral.

See and Experience

You need to see the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex, Space Shuttle Launch, Gatorland, the numerous Florida Lighthouses, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Salvador Dali Museum and other interesting sights in this country.

Some outdoor activities worth to experience are diving, hiking and backpacking and fishing. Florida is also well-known for its lively night life. Regardless of preference Florida has something to offer for any kind of traveler like you and me.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Another Weekend Trip to Poland and Czech Republic

I should not be going but I cannot say no to friends especially when it is about travel and trips..lol! I will finally be seeing Poland for the second time and will be stepping the soil of Czech Republic for the fifth time. My first visit was last May 2011 in Poland. It was a pottery shopping in its so-called "ceramic city", Boleslawiec. This time I will not go for shopping but more on sightseeing. I also want to see this time the old city or city center of Boleslawiec.

On our second day, we will be visiting Karlovy Vary, known in English as Charles Bath or Karlsbad in German. This is the famous spa town in Czech Republic. I hope we can also stop-by at Marienbad, also known as Mariánské Lázně, also a famous spa town near Karlovy Vary.

I guess that's all for now folks. I am quite sleepy now. I will be waking up very early tomorrow. Praying for our safe and sound trip to these places.

Happy weekend everyone. Stay safe too!

pottery decors in one of the stores we visited in Boleslawiec, Poland last May 2011.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Buffet Dining in Turkey

Vacation is over! I am back to reality again. It was another superb vacation we had especially that we saw a lot of historical ruins in Turkey. One of the things that I miss were the foods being served on the table. Our breakfast and dinner are always buffet. There were a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables salads, Turkish pastries and other delicacies on the tables.

There were dinners that are not included in our holiday package. Sometimes we go to a Turkish restaurant in Kumburgaz, Istanbul. Some of the restaurants along the road were already closed. Sometimes, you can find signs that says used restaurant equipment for sale. Of course this is in Turkish language. I sometimes asked our tour guide about some Turkish terms.

I wish I can go back again in Turkey in the future. The image you see here was taken in our 5-star hotel in Kumburgaz, the Artemis Princess Hotel.

Monday, October 3, 2011

A Walk in Golden October

It's been some weeks now since I did not had a walk with hubby. We were on a short vacation for one and a half weeks in Turkey and the past weeks were also busy ones. Since the weather was so friendly during the start of golden October, we finally took the chance to go walking around. October is already the start of Autumn in Germany and in most countries in Europe. The leaves on the trees are slowly turning to yellow, orange, red, purple, brown and other colors. This is another season of the year that also I love due to its colorful surroundings.

I am just hoping that we will get more sunny and friendly weather this month. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful month of October. Enjoy and stay safe all the time.

Here are some images I took during our walk this afternoon and yesterday.

the walking and biking way, far away from the main road. it is safer to walk here.

the surroundings are getting colorful now. I love Bavaria, Germany!

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