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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Singapore In My Travel Wishlist

It is always nice to travel and travel when I only can but I need to consider some things before spending a trip or a vacation. First and foremost, I need to consider my budget. Time is not a problem for me because I am always on the go unless if there are other appointments or trips.

There are a lot of places and countries that are included in my travel wishlist. One of these is Singapore. The other day, I was exchanging messages through facebook with my friend who is currently living and working in Singapore. I told her that if I can find one of those cheap flights to Singapore in Autumn this year, I would surely book it to visit this country.

I already have a list on what to do when visiting one of the most prosperous countries in the world and that is Singapore.

I want to ride the Singapore Flyer- I can't believed that I had the pleasure to ride Europe's highest ferris wheel, the London Eye. If I will visit Singapore, I would surely love to experience the highest and the world’s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer. It is 165 meters high surpassing both the Star of Nanchang (160 m) and London Eye (135 m). From there, I would love to see the beautiful cityscape of Singapore.

The Merlion in Singapore. taken by my sister during her 3-months stay in Singapore.

Visit to Singapore Botanical Gardens- This is a perfect place to go for nature-lovers like me. I love gardening and nature and seeing this sight in Singapore will truly make sense for me. I would love to see their selection and wide variety of flora and fauna. I hope a visitor or tourist is allowed to take pictures inside.

Southern Ridges Walk- I believed I can handle a nine-kilometer stroll across the hills of southern Singapore. It is not only an active and outdoor trip but I will also have the chance to see the nature around this area. I would prefer an afternoon walk there so that I can witness the stunning setting down of the sun. Some friends who visited Singapore told me that it is a very safe place to visit. Besides most of the tail in Southern Ridges Walk is lit at night until midnight or beyond. Anyone want to go walking with me there?

Singapore River Cruise- This is one thing I would surely do when visiting Singapore. If I was able to do it in Seine River in Paris or in Danube River in Germany and Austria or in Bosphorus in Turkey and even a Canal Cruise in Venice, I can surely do it in Singapore also. I guess the 60 minutes New River Experience and the 40 minutes Singapore River Experience would be perfect. I believed taking a cruise there is also one of the best ways to see some if not most of the sights in Singapore.

Seeing The Sights in Boleslawiec, Poland

It was quite an adventure when we visited this pottery town of Boleslawiec in Poland. Together with some friend, we drove from Bavaria, Germany going to Boleslawiec. It was quite a long drive but we never had a dull moment.

The town of Boleslawiec in southwestern Poland is very famous for its ceramics and pottery. We only had a short sightseeing in this town and it was worth-it.

The colorful buildings in the town of Boleslawiec during my second visit last October 2011.

The Giralda of Seville Cathedral in Spain

I miss this place. I had so much fun and enjoyment with my friend while walking around in this city. Seville is truly a must-see when visiting Andalusia, one of the regions in Spain.

The tower you see below is called the Giralda. It is a is a former minaret that was converted to a bell tower for the Cathedral of Seville in Seville. The tower is 104.5 m (343 ft) in height and it was one of the most important symbols in the medieval city.

When visiting Seville, don't miss to go inside its Cathedral. You will be amazed by its arts and architecture. Spain still hunts me and wish to visit it again next year!

The Giralda, a famous tower in Seville's Cathedral. I am happy to be there last December 7, 2011.

The tower was begun under the architect Ahmad Ben Baso in 1184. After Ben Baso's death, other architects continued work on the tower. An architect named Jabir (or Geber) is also often credited with the tower's design. The tower was completed March 10, 1198 with the installation of copper spheres on the tower's top.

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain

Visiting Spain is so far the most highlight of my trips this year. It was another dream come true. One of the places we visited in Spain was Seville, known as Sevilla in Spanish. The Plaza de España or "Spain Square" is one of sights we saw and experienced.

I was amazed by the beauty and the architecture of this square. There was a very memorable experience that happened here. It is better not to say it. If I have the courage later I might share it. It was not really bad just something exciting and shameful..lol! It just happened due to the call of nature. I guess you have an idea now.

Below is an image of this beautiful square in Seville, Spain. I love this place! I love Spain!

1929 Exposition Building at the Plaza, during our visit last Dec. 7, 2011.

It is a plaza located in the Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park), in Seville It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It is a landmark example of the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture.

Spain Trip Coming Soon

I believed this is one good way of ending the year, a trip to Spain. Two weeks ago, I finally have the confirmation for our trip after being fully paid. A week from now, me and friend will be finally spending a short holiday to one of the famous tourist destinations in Europe. I am thankful that another travel wishlist is soon to materialize.

The Alhambra in Granada, Andalucia in Spain. We will be visiting this palace and fortress during our trip. Thanks to my friend Claudia for this image.

The trip is not so expensive compared to the ones I see on travel catalogs and in the internet. I have been browsing for cheap airline tickets to Spain the past months but I always find expensive ones. The cheapest I found the past few months is around 400.00 Euros and this is only for plan ticket. With the one we booked last time, an 8-day trip cost only 608.00 Euros. Included in this price are the return plane ticket, hotels for 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and the trips to the different places and cities everyday for the duration of the trip.

I need to slowly pack this week. Seven night from now, we will be flying. Thank you dear Lord for this trip. See you soon Spain.

More on itineraries and updates of the places that we will be visiting in my Euro Travel blog.

A Visit to Landshut, Germany

I am trying to remember the exact date when we visited Landshut. While browsing my images and looking for the date when it was taken, I found out that we visited this city last July 4, 2009. It was a wonderful trip we had because we were able to witness its famous festival called the Landshuter Hochzeit or Landshut Wedding. This festival only takes place every four years. It means that the next festival will take place on July 2013.

Landshut, a city in the state of Bavaria is located in the south-east of Germany, belonging to both Eastern and Southern Bavaria. It is situated on the banks of Isar River. This city is famous for its Gothic architecture located in its historic city center. Most of it were not destroyed during the World War II attacks.

I want to visit again the next Landshuter Hochzeit festival in 2013.

you can participants of the Landshut Wedding wearing Medieval costumes.

the Church of Saint Martin featuring the world's tallest brick tower.

Hundertwasser, Vienna, Austria

I thought I can only see images of the Hundertwasser in the internet. During our short stop-over in Vienna, Austria last August of this year, I had the chance to finally see it in person. If you are familiar about Friedensreich Hundertwasser, you might probably have an idea how this house was created. He is an Austrian artist who had this idea of building such architecture. With the help of architect Joseph Krawina who is also his co-co-author this building was materialized.

Don't miss it when visiting Vienna.

This expressionist landmark of Vienna is located in the Landstraße district on the corner of Kegelgasse and Löwengasse. The Hundertwasserhaus is now an apartment house in Vienna, Austria.

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.

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.

The Liberty Bridge Accross Danube River in Budapest

Time truly runs so fast. It's been almost a month now since we visited Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. It was only a short trip but we had seen and experienced a lot of sights. The highlight of our visit was the fireworks during the National Holiday in Hungary.

The image you see below is the Liberty Bridge, called in Hungarian as Szabadság híd. It is sometimes Freedom Bridge. It connects Buda and Pest across the River Danube. It is the third southernmost public road bridge in Budapest, located at the southern end of the City Centre.

Szabadság híd or Liberty Bridge during our visit last Aug. 20, 2011

Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria

It was during my third visit in Salzburg, Austria when I had the chance to go inside the Hohensalzburg Castle. The Festung Hohensalzburg which literally means "High Salzburg Fortress" is located on top of the Festungsberg mountain. It is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe with a a length of 250 m (820 ft) and a width of 150 m (490 ft).

From the you can have breath-taking views of Salzburg and the Alps. Inside the fortress is a museum of medieval weapons, life on the fortress, and torture instruments. Since we don't have so much time to hike up to the Fortress, we took the funicular. A family ticket cost 24.30 Euros.

Festung Hohensalzburg during my third visit last July 2011.
Construction of the fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein.

panorama of Salzburg from the Hohensalzburg Castle..taken last July 2011.

A Visit to Vatican City

It was summer 2010 when I had the chance to visit Rome. Together with Nonna, a friend from the U.S., we also visited Vatican City and landed in St. Peter's Square, the famous square in Vatican. Piazza San Pietro, as it is called in Italian, is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

We also had the chance to climb to the cupola of the Basilica. To reach the cupola, one must to climb 320 steps after taking the elevator. People especially the elderly who have ailments and heart problems must be aware of this. We had a great experience as we visited this part of Rome.

St. Peter's Square and the St. Peter's Basilica in the background. taken last August 2010.

Visit to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

I once visited Rome in Italy. Me and my friend Nonna had a great time seeing the amazing wonders of architecture in Rome last summer 2010. One of the sights we visited was the Colosseum, an Amphitheater in this city.

The Colosseum's original Latin name was Amphitheatrum Flavium, often anglicized as Flavian Amphitheater. The building was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty, hence its original name, after the reign of Emperor Nero.

Travel souvenirs

This is one thing I do everytime I travel. I always buy with me some travel souvenirs from magnet to postcards, travel books, shot glass and anything that I like. These stuffs remind me the different places I had been to. Here is an image I took from Hofbräuhaus Souvenir shop in Munich, Germany.

taken last August 2010 during our visit to Munich, Germany

White Beach in Panglao Island, Visayas, Philippines

This is one of the islands that I love in the Philippines. I had been to Panglao Island twice already and if given the chance in the future, I still want to go back there. Panglao is an island located in Central Visayas. It is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. It is considered to be one of the top tourist destination in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful dive spots and its coral reefs.

The first time I visited Panglao island was in 2006. Last February of this year, we went back there again. Here is an image I took during my second visit. This is the beautiful while beach of Bohol Beach Club. This is such a priceless view!

Panglao has a terrain that range from plain, hilly to mountainous. Panglao is made of Maribojoc Limestone, the youngest of the limestone units found in the western area of Bohol. The limestone composition halted the development of an airport as coralline limestone is soluble which causes formation of caves and sinkholes. One interesting geological feature found in the island is the Hinagdanan Cave which has an underground water source. The cave is an important water source as the island has no rivers or lakes. A tourism spot that the island of Panglao boast is the BOHOL BEACH CLUB. It features a 1.5 kilometer beach shoreline that provides a pristine beauty of what the island offers. It also boasts of the presence of one of the most beautiful dive spots that carries a glimpse of an awesome sea world treat. more about Panglao here