Showing posts with label Europe Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe Travel. Show all posts

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Monument of Diego Velazquez in front of Prado Museum in Madrid

It is a nice experience visiting one of the finest museums in the world. During my three weeks stay in Madrid, Spain last March 2012, I had the chance to go inside its famous museum, the Prado Museum.

The statue of Spain's famous painter, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázque is found in front of the Prado Museum. He was a Spanish painter who was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV. He was an individualistic artist of the contemporary Baroque period, important as a portrait artist.

A closer shot of Velazquez during our visit to the Prado museum last March 2012. I finally had the chance to go inside the museum. Sad to say  taking pictures inside is forbidden.

Birth name:  Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez
Born:  June 6, 1599
Seville, Spain
Died:  August 6, 1660 (aged 61)
Madrid, Spain
Nationality:  Spanish
Field:  Painting
Movement:  Baroque
Works:  Las Meninas, 1656
Rokeby Venus, 1644–1648
The Surrender of Breda, 1634–1635
The Monument of  Diego Velazquez in front of Prado Museum.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Photo of the Day-Puerta del Sol, Madrid

I can't exactly remember how many times I was in Puerta del Sol in Madrid. This is where we usually ride the Metro train and the Cercanias wherever we go. I noticed that the "Gate of the Sun" is the most busiest square in Madrid, Spain's capital city. You can find there musicians, street artists and performers, live shows and of course many tourists and locals.

Here is a snapshot   taken in Puerta del Sol, Madrid.

Puerta del Sol Madrid  during my second visit in Spain's capital. The statue of Charles III in front of the House of the Post Office.

Friday, June 15, 2012

View of Big Ben and the Parliament from London Eye Capsule

This is not really a good shot. What can you do with an ordinary point and shoot camera. My other canon camera did not work that time. The lens won't open anymore but now I already had it fixed and it work again. This photo doesn't really matter to me. The mos important thing is, I have some photo memories during my trip to London last 2008.

I was alone riding  London Eye that afternoon. It was raining hard and really very cold because it was autumn time in England. It was a sort of an adventure for me going alone sometimes in London. Experiencing London Eye was a great one feeling especially when you are on the very top and have a  breathtaking view of the whole city. It was simply amazing!

The Big Ben and the Parliament when I was inside the capsule of London Eye.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

This Floating Chinese Restaurant in Amsterdam

We just saw this floating Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam when a had a canal cruise  in this city. It is actually called the Sea Palace. This pagoda-style restaurant is located near the center of Amsterdam near the Central Station.

We don't have the chance to go inside and taste their food. Our friend who lives in Holland brought us to another Asian restaurant and we did not regret going inside  because the food and the ambiance were  good. I can't exactly remember the name of that restaurant.

I read some  reviews online about Sea Palace. Others had bad experiences and some had  nice ones. I might try it in my next visit to this city.

The Sea Palace in Amsterdam during our canal cruise last August 2010.

Friday, June 1, 2012

I Love This Breathtaking View of Monaco

Over a year had passed since my visit to this beautiful place. It was another dream come true when I visited Monaco. I thought I can only see it in internet or in a travel book but I was really there. I might not able to experience everything in this city state but I believed I am lucky enough to be there.

The breathtaking view of Monaco during our trip last April 2011.

The principality of Monaco or the city-state Monaco lies in between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east.

This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is almost entirely urban.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

View From Our Hotel in Layos, Spain

We spent three nights in a hotel in Layos, Spain during our trip last December 2011. It was so far a very memorable trip and I am missing all the time. From our hotel window, you can see a lot of olive trees. I guess thousands and thousands of it.

From Layos, we had some trips  going to Madrid and Toledo that time.

Layos is a municipality in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.

the beautiful view from our hotel window. I love watching the olive trees.

A Day Trip to Prague, Czech Republic

Some friends were requesting me to search for cheap train tickets going to Prague. Departing from  in Parsberg train station, it is quite a long trip and the tickets were so expensive.  It was between 459.00 to 579.00 Euros for five persons depending on the date you are leaving. Sometimes last minute tickets are just so expensive.

There are sometimes bus trip going to  Prague. This is what we did during my first visit there last 2009. The bus trip only cost around 38.00 Euros. That is quite  cheap and the tour guide is already included.

My second day trip to Czech  Republic's capital city was last July  2011. I  escorted my friend's relative who had a vacation in Europe that time. The trip was quite  good especially that I showed to them most of the sights in Prague.

One of the bridges in Prague. This was taken last July 2011 when we were on our way to Prague's castle.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain

I am trying to think how many times did I passed-by in this beautiful square in Madrid. The City Hall of Madrid, located in Plaza de Cibeles is a famous square in the city of Madrid, Spain. It is a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become an iconic symbol in Spain's capital city.

There is a fountain located in this square, the fountain of Cibeles. It was named after Cybele (or Ceres), Roman goddess of fertility and is seen as one of Madrid's most important symbols. The Cibeles fountain depicts the goddess, sitting on a chariot pulled by two lions.  If you have good eyes, you can see the fountain at the left side of my image below.

The Cibeles Palace or City Hall of Madrid during my 3 weeks trip to this city last March 2012.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

2012 Top Events in England

Are you visiting  England this year? You might be lucky to witness some of the great events and celebrations  during your visit. Whether you love sports, music, history or a Royal watcher,  you always have something  to do and to experience  in England.

2012 Summer Olympic Games in London-  Some of you might had already booked your international flights and accommodation  to UK's capital city to witness one of the greatest  events  this year. The  2012 Summer Olympic Games  will be held in London from  July  27 to August 12, 2012.  If you  love sports, visiting London  during this event will be a memorable experience for you.

The 2012 Summer Paralympics Games   will also take place in London, UK from August 29 to September 9, 2012.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee- If you are  a Royal watcher, this event will be a  perfect  one for you. Queen Elizabeth's  Diamond Jubilee will take place from June 2-5, 2012.  Her reign for 60 years is the second longest in history for a British  monarchy.

There will be some programs  during this celebration. A concert at Buckingham Palace, a flotilla with 1000 boats along the River Thames and the the lighting of 2012 beacons and a Big Jubilee Lunch.

The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben. This was taken during my three weeks trip in England last 2008.
World Pride- Another event which is very famous and promoted  especially for  lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. It  is organized by Interpride and  London will be the host this year. Parades and other cultural activities will take place in UK's capital. This will be a  two week festivities and will take place from June 23 – July 8, 2012. The parade around London city on July 7 will be the highlight of this event.

There are still still a lot of top events in England this year. Depending on your taste, you can always find everything in England. Be sure to book your flights and accommodation ahead of time.

I was browsing for cheap flights in Easyjet website last night and I found some cheap ones. I hope I can visit London again this year. My three weeks  vacation in England last 2008 is still not enough to see everything. Some friends are also waiting for me there.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

My Second Visit in Prague, Czech Republic

Last summer 2011 was my second visit to Czech Republic's capital city. My first visit was last September 2009.  Prague is around 3 hours drive from where we live in Bavaria, Germany.

I was invited by a friend to accompany her mother-in-law who was having a vacation that time in Europe. Some of her family members also went us. I was happy after hearing it and did not hesitated to show them Prague City. I was still quite familiar with Prague's vicinity especially the main sights to see. We have  seen most of the famous landmarks including the Old Town with Tyn Church, the astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall, Charles bridge, the Prague castle and more.

Our sightseeing tour ended with a dinner in  one of the restaurants in Prague. Thanks to my fiend's husband who was very eager to drive us to  this city.

One of the bridge towers of  the Charles Bridge during  my second visit last July 2011.

The Tyn Church with its two towers on the  right side and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock on the left-middle  side.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Snack Time at Museo del Jamon in Madrid

It was quite a tiring day that time after a very long walk. I accompanied a friend who was looking for a Traductor, the Spanish word for translator in Madrid. She needed a legal translator for her paper works and documents which she needed for Canada. After that long day, we proceeded to Museo del Jamon in Madrid. I had seen around three of these in this city and I have been to two of its shops. In fact there are five Museo del Jamon (Ham Museum) in Spain's capital city.

The one we went to was in Alcala. You can have variety of sandwiches there depending on your taste and budget. For as low as 1.00 Euro on their sandwich and a cup of coffee for another euros, you are already full because their servings are really huge considering their cheap prices.

That long day walk we had was compensated after we had a snack in this museum..lol!

The Museo del Jamon in Alcala Street, Madrid. I and my friend Peachy was there last March 27, 2012.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Watching Flamenco Dance in Albayzin, Spain

It was a wonderful night..not a so-cold winter weather during December. We had a night sightseeing on the narrow winding streets of this previously Medieval Moorish place. El Albayzin, also known as El Albaicín, it is a district in Granada in the region of Andalusia, Spain.

You can have a very nice view of Alhambra from the viewing point by the church of San Nicolas. It was truly spectacular! After that sightseeing, we proceeded to watch a flamenco show in this area.

Flamenco which is a famous dance in Andalusia, Spain is noted for its energetic, staccato style..and I did witnessed it during that night show. We did enjoyed it much. We had a glass of wine while watching it which made me more classy. I guess that Flamenco Show in Tablao Flamenco Albayzín was the highlight of our trip that night.

A dancer performing Flamenco in Albayzin. We watched it during our Andalusia trip last December 2011. I miss that region of Spain.

On November 16, 2010, UNESCO declared Flamenco one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Short Stop at Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany

My first visit to this town was in August 2004. I cannot forget that day because it was my birthday when we had a 4-days trip in this area. My second visit was last year in September where we had a short stop-over there. I love Garmisch-Partenkirchen because of its setting. The nature in this town including the mountains, hills and valleys, rivers, lakes nearby and the forest and woodlands are just so magnificent.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a famous mountain resort town in Bavaria in the southern part of Germany. The highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze (2961 m or 9714 ft.) is located nearby. This town was also the site of the Winter Olympic Games in 1936. It is also a famous holiday spot for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, having some of the best skiing areas in Germany like Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze.

The tower of the Church in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The buildings are shops and stores in this town. WE were there last September 2011.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Visit to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome

This is the dream-to-visit of many like I do! I guess I am one of those lucky ones who was able to visit the center of Catholicism, the Vatican City state. It was one of the most memorable trips I had last 2010.

The highlight of our visit to Vatican City was when we went up to the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica. As far as I can remember, it was quite a long line going there but with our patience and eagerness to climb to the top of the dome, we did succeeded in doing it. If you are on top of the dome, you can have a breath-taking view of Rome. Be careful if you want to go up there. If you are Claustrophobia or fear of having no escape and being closed in and Acrophobia, the fear of heights, going up to the Basilica's dome might not be suitable for you. You also need to climb around 320 steps to reach the cupola. I am not quite sure if there is an elevator that goes directly to it.

The interior of St. Peter's Basilica by Giovanni Paolo Pannini. I had the chance to be there last summer 2010.

St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica and the Obelisk in the background. I am very happy and contented to be there.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Shopping in El Corte Ingles, Madrid


I am quite sure, most ladies would love to go to El Corte Ingles when visiting Spain. Don't you know that this department store ranks fourth worldwide. It is also the biggest department store group in Europe. I went for an emergency shopping for winter jacket here during my second week of stay in Madrid. The weather two weeks ago was very cold that I decided to buy one because if not, I cannot really go out due to cold weather.

Spain's only remaining department store chain carries the most comprehensive collection of designers of any large store in Spain. They have everything you need from designer boutiques to grocery items, electronics and gadgets, gold and silver jewelry, sportswear, shoes, perfumes, etcetera.

Don't miss visiting any of its store when you are in Spain. Have a lovely day to all. I am getting ready for another sightseeing walk in Madrid.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Telefonica Building in Madrid, Spain

I always see this skycraper especially when I am on the terrace of the apartment I am staying in Sol, Madrid, Spain. It looks great during the night especially when it is lighted. The Telefonica building is located in Gran Via 28 and it was was designed by Ignacio de Cárdenas. It became the first skyscraper in Europe.

The Telefonica building in Madrid, Spain. I am loving my stay in Madrid.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Driving To Prague

I was invited by friends to go with them to Prague, Czech Republic last summer 2011. I did not hesitate to say yes to them because I also want to see the city for the second time. It is around three to four hours drive from where we live in Bavaria, Germany. I can't remember if my friend's husband installed an suv bike rack on their suv's roof. They have a big 8-seater Honda car which is perfect when many persons are travelling.

Since it was already my second visit to Prague, I showed them some of the sights in this city which are accessible by feet. I hope that my friend's mother-in-law had a great time during her Europe vacation. She lives in the United States of America and had some weeks holiday in Europe last summer 2011.

That road trip to Prague is not that stressful anyway since the roads and highways are in good condition. It was a great trip so far.

Day Trip to Herend, Hungary

Have you heard about Herend porcelain? Herend is actually a small town near the city of Vestprem in Hungary. It is a historical town dating back to the Roman times. We had a day trip there last summer 2011 during our 5-days trip to Hungary. It is famous for its Herend Porcelain, one of the world's largest ceramic factories, specializing in luxury hand painted and gilded porcelain. It is enough for us to only go sightseeing and window shopping because the porcelain there are really expensive. We only bought ceramic souvenirs in the area but not really in Herend.

The famous Herend porcelain in Hungary during our trip last August 2011.

The Porcelain Museum of Herend. It has been opened to visitors since 1964 and was chosen as the museum of the year 2002 in Hungary.

Cruising in Danube River in Hungary

I always love to turn back time when I travel. Through the travel images I took everytime I go for a trip, it always reminds me of the places I visited. During our trip to Hungary last summer 2011, we had a cruise in Danube River in Hungary. One of the interesting places we passed-by was Esztegom.

It is a city in northern Hungary, 46 km north-west of the capital Budapest. It lies in Komárom-Esztergom county, on the right bank of the river Danube, which forms the border with Slovakia there.

That cruise trip was quite a relaxing one while watching the nature around and the places we passed-by.

Esztergom Hungary. The opposite side of the bridge is already the border to Slovakia. I love the cruise we had there last August 2011.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Finally in Madrid Again

Thanks God for my safe trip to Madrid, Spain. I just arrived last Sunday afternoon. My friend met me at Barajas International airport. It was a sunny Sunday. This is one thing I love in Spain, its friendly weather even on winter time. When I left Germany, it was raining on our way to the airport, the opposite weather here in Spain.

After putting my baggage in my friend's house, we just made a quick relax and headed to the main city center in Sol. There we go a bit walking and met other friends. During the night we strolled the streets of Madrid and passed at Plaza de Cibeles.

Here is an image taken in the famous square of Madrid last Sunday night.

The Plaza de Cibeles at night.

The Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid.

Black Women are also Beautiful!

“Sponsored post. All opinions are mine.” I can't imagine that weekend is almost ending! And yes, it is the last weekend of the Janu...