Short Update

I am trying to lose weight but it seems that it is very difficult to do it. I just need a will power and determination to do it but sometimes I just find it difficult. I love food and cooking and I can't avoid to say no to party invitations.

I also bought a Mat Tape last time so that I can start to do some exercise and work-out at home. Believed me guys, I haven't open the mat yet. One day, I believed I can still try my best to slowly get rid of excess weight. I am hoping.

I just need to regain my energy now after being sick with cough and colds for a weeks. I am thankful that I am feeling better now. Cheers!

I Miss The Sunset in South Cebu

This is one thing I miss when I am home in the Philippines. The beautiful sunset that I can watch from our terrace is truly a spectacular scene for me. Its beautiful setting over the horizon with its colorful rays that touch the blue sea is truly amazing! I feel like looking in a kaleidoscope when I a see a colorful pattern of the sunrays that goes down the horizon. Truly a phenomenon!

I hope to go home soon once again to  unwind, relax, recharge  and simply feel at home! There is really no place like home! Agree with me folks? Have a nice day!

The spectacular view from our home in Cebu City. I truly miss this phenomenon!

Don't Miss These Sights in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. With the combined ancient and modern atmosphere, this city has been an interesting tourist destination not only in the United Kingdom but in whole of Europe as well. Even Edinburgh has become one of Britain's cosmopolitan and creative centers, it remains a deeply traditional, historical place. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995.

Edinburgh, Scotland. Taken by my friend Edong.

Edinburgh has been a tourist destination for centuries. That is the reason why there is a huge choice of accommodation available for travellers. You can  for sure find  cheap flights  when flying to this city. Be sure to plan and book  your trip in advance to avail of cheaper prices.

Here are a few sights not to miss during your visit:

1) EDINBURGH CASTLE
This majestic fortress castle, which dates back to at least the 12th century, dominates the city skyline. The site of centuries of British history, it now houses a wide array of galleries, collections, and attractions, including the Scottish War Museum, historical re-enactors, and purportedly one headless ghost. It's also the site of the incredible Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival of traditional pipes and drums that takes place every August.


2) GRASSMARKET, OLD TOWN
The Grassmarket section of Edinburgh's Old Town is the home of many of the city's grand old historical pubs and a traditional Scottish restaurant or two. Sit down and have a pint of ale, or even a stiff shot of Scotch whisky with the locals. While you're at it, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal -- if you're brave enough, they might even let you sample the haggis!

3) ARTHUR'S SEAT
A gentle hike to the top of a now-dormant volcano just east of the city brings you to Arthur's Seat, home to the remains of an iron-age fort and some of the most magnificent views of Edinburgh.

4) THE EDINBURGH ZOO
A trip to the Edinburgh Zoo is worthwhile just to see the famous Penguin Parade, when the zoo's penguins leave their enclosure for a stroll around the grounds. But the zoo also boasts a world-class collection of animal species, including their newly-arrived sun bears, Somnang and Rotana.

5) EDINBURGH'S CAMERA OBSCURA
Inside a Victorian tower in Edinburgh's Castle Hill district you'll find a 150-year-old example of the camera obscura: an optical marvel that focuses light from the top of the tower to a glass dish below, providing a unique 360-degree view of the city. The complex also offers an assortment of other attractions geared towards families, including a magic gallery, an observation deck, the "World of Illusions", and new light vortex.


Don't miss to include Edinburgh in your upcoming European trips. For sure you will have memorable moments during your visit there. For cheap  airfares to this city, browse for  British Airways flights  anytime of the year. The earlier,  the better! Have a safe and sound trip!

The Beautiful Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona!! One of the cities that I longed to visit in Spain. I was finally there! There are a lot of wonderful sights in this city and Park Güell is one of it.It is one of the beautiful parks I visited in Europe. After our first stop which is the Sagrada Familia, we proceeded to this lovely park of Barcelona.

Park Güell is a garden complex with architectural elements situated on the hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and was built from 1900 to 1914.

The so-called Terrace at Park Güell. From there you can  have a  nice view of the city.

view of Barcelona from the terrace of Park Güell. You can  also see the  two buildings at the entrance of this park. These photos were taken during our recent visit last July 14, 2012.

The large cross at the Park's high-point offers the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. It is possible to view the main city in panorama, with the Sagrada Família and the Montjuïc area visible at a distance.

The park supports a wide variety of wildlife, notably several of the non-native species of parrot found in the Barcelona area. Other birds can be seen from the park, with records including Short-toed eagle. The park also supports a population of Hummingbird hawk moths.

Going Back To School

Another week is here. I really need to go to sleep once this post is done. I have been planning to go back to school and maybe take health related studies next year. This is still tentative and I am still finalizing it. I am just thinking how I look like when wearing one of those best cherokee scrubs. Feeling like a nurse when wearing it...hmm. Two of my sisters are nurses and the other one is soon to graduate next year. Am I going to be a nurse too? Or maybe a nursing aid or caregiver? Let me decide on that early next year. For now, I am still continuing one of dreams which is travelling when time and money are available. Going back to school will surely a challenge for me.

Have a nice week to all! Goodnight peeps!

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.

Supporting England at the 2012 Olympics: Football

Whether you’re a football fan or not, you’re going to have heard of Old Trafford. One of the most memorable stadiums on English soil and home to Manchester United, it doesn’t just host their home team’s games.

This summer, it’s also playing host to some of the 2012 London Olympics football matches, along with Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and several other sites all over the UK. As with every Olympic venue, it’s of upmost importance to plan your journey wisely if you’re hoping to catch an Olympic football match at Old Trafford; making sure you have your tickets booked, finding a hotel near Old Trafford (why travel long distances when you don’t have to?) and researching the area for quality food and drink that doesn’t have to break the bank.

Europe Football  Championship  2012.

Luckily, the ground isn’t too far from Manchester city centre, which opens up several options that you wouldn’t ordinarily have, meaning you don’t have to opt for a takeaway if you don’t want to. The Old Trafford metrolink tram stop is less than 10 minutes walk from the stadium which means you have access to hundreds of excellent multinational eateries all over the city.

The University of Manchester  during  my visit last 2008.

Why not try your hand at Japanese cuisine at Sapporo Teppanyaki in Castlefield – there, you can sample sushi, sashimi or one of many flavoursome noodle dishes. For European tastebuds, an Italian restaurant such as Stresa or the Mediterranean fusion restaurant, Twisted Med might be right up your street. For a taste of home, try the Lowry Restaurant – only 15 minutes walk from the ground and offering the chance to catch a theatre production whilst you’re there. Or, for the less adventurous, a good ol’ pub lunch could be more in order. Trusty, wholesome pub grub will never be too far away and even if it is, take a walk up Sir Matt Busby Way for battered fish and chips.