The City Hall of Gyor, Hungary

It is almost two years now since I visited Hungary.  I and a friend went there with a group of German tourist from Germany. One of the places we visited is Gyor, written in Hungarian as Győr.

The City Hall of Gyor, Hungary. Taken during our visit last August 2013.

The City Hall of Gyor is a beautiful Neoclassical building across the street from the railway station. Its square was recently rebuilt in September 2008 with paving stones of Italian marble. There are also two identical baroque gardens in the square. It is best to visit City Hall at night, when everything is lit up in gold lights. 

This city is actually not included in our tour. I am glad that our hotel is  located  near  the City  Hall. It might not be the best hotel but with that cheap trip we booked in Hungary, I don't want to complain anymore.  Besides  I had an enjoyable trip with my friend Jean  to those places. It was indeed a very memorable trip!

Let's go back to Madrid, Spain

I had a conversation with a friend today about traveling in Europe. She was asking me if I want to go back to Madrid..I simply answered, yes of course but it is not my priority at the moment because I already visited  that city twice. I stayed three weeks there  during  my second visit.

I still want to go back to Madrid and experience it again. Only time could tell when?  I met some good friends in this city and I want to see them again. It was such wonderful and enjoyable moments I spent with these lovely people. I am saying hello  and also sending my warm regards to them.

Of all the cities I visited in Europe,  it is only in Madrid that I  explored most. What  can you do when you stayed there for three weeks but to keep on exploring it everyday. I also had some sidetrips to the nearby cities like Avila, Guadalajara, Alcala de Henares, El Escorial, Aranjuez and Segovia.  I simply love Madrid and Spain as a whole!

Puerta del Sol during my  second visit last March 2012. You can see the Bear and the Madroño Tree, heraldic symbol of Madrid on the left side of this photo.

The Seville Cathedral in Seville, Andalusia

One of the cities we visited in the region of Andalusia in Spain was Seville. I love this city although we did not really explored all of the sights there. A day sightseeing is not enough to see everything especially when visiting a big city like Seville. This city is the lovely capital of Andalusia region.

One of the sights we visited was the Seville Cathedral. Our tour inside was already included in our 7-day trip to Spain. It is known as the Cathedral of St. Mary of the See or Catedral de Santa María de la Sede in Spanish. It claimed to be the third largest church in the world and the largest Gothic Cathedral as well.

It was a great feeling for me seeing wondrous and historical architecture like this. I was truly amazed by this building.

The interior of the Seville Cathedral in Andalusia, Spain. It was truly a great experience visiting this city especially going inside this magnificent building. Truly amazing!

The Door of the Prince.

These images were taken during our 7-day trip to Spain last December 2011.

Passau, A European City

Passau, Passau! I am trying to remember how many times did I already visited this city. I got it now! I was there for the fourth time last summer 2010. I also had the chance to always pass this city for a lot of times. Passau is truly a European city and I always  love visiting  it.

It is famous for the name,  "The Three River City" or known as  "Dreiflüssestadt" because the Danube is joined at Passau by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north. What I love most in this city is its  Cathedral known as  the St. Stephen's Dom. I love its architecture especially its interior.

Just sharing these snapshots I took   during my last visit in August 2010.

I wish everyone a great month of August 2012! Cheers!

The interior of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau.

The tower of the Rathaus or City Hall of Passau.

Europastadt Passau which means Europe City Passau.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Beautiful Church in Freystadt, Bavaria

I was browsing some images this morning and found some photos during our day sightseeing in Freystadt. This town is located in the district of Neumarkt near the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in Bavaria, Germany. It was one weekend last 2010 when we decided to drive around and visit places nearby.

the beautiful dome of the Mariahilfkirche in Freystadt.

One of the sights we visited in Freystadt was its beautiful church. It is named Mariahilfkirche, called in English as Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We decided to go inside the church and lit some candles. I also took some images from inside which you see below. I was amazed by the carvings and architecture of this building. Some parts of it especially the altar are painted with gold and silver. I am not quite sure if the statues inside were also decorated with Rainbow Obsidian Beads because they also look beautiful.

This Pilgrimage church has High Barouqe architecture. Located nearby is a Franciscan Monastery. I wish to find more information about this church to share in my blogs.

view of the Mariahilfkirche in the west side.

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.

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.

A Visit to Verona, Italy

It was a wonderful time we had as I and some good friends visited Verona last summer 2011. It was a long drive from Germany and was quite tiresome but we also had fun. It was truly a memorable experience.

Verona is a city in the region of Veneto in northern Italy. It is considered to be one of the major tourist destination in this part of Italy. Upon arriving this city, we took a walk around it especially in its old town. One of the sights we visited was the Arena in Verona, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.

You have to know that due to its urban structure and architecture, Verona is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Arena di Verona during our visit last July 2011.

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 Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, Austria

This was my third visit in Salzburg, Austria but it was the first time for me to go to the castle. Hohensalzburg is a castle atop the Festungsberg mountain. Its name literally means "High Salzburg Fortress". If I have to translate Hohensalzburg one by one, it actually consist of three German words, Hohe means high, Salz is salt and Burg, a fortress.

There are a lot of sights to visit in Salzburg. Its Old Town for example is a must to see because it belong to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This city is also the birthplace of the famous musician and composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The view of Hohensalzburg at the Cathedral Square. This monument with a man on top of it was still not there during my first visit in 2008. I am not quite sure but I did not see this in my first visit. The construction of the fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein.

a souvenir shop in Salzburg, Austria. This was taken during my third visit last July 2011.

Skywatch Friday
Shadow Shot Sunday
Sunday Snapshot
Weekend Reflection
Scenic Sunday

View of Salzburg City from Hohensalzburg Castle

The best way of looking around Salzburg is to climb on Hohensalzburg castle. From there, you can have a breathtaking view especially of the Historic Center of the city of Salzburg which also belong to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Last July 2011 was already my third visit to this Austrian city. I find it always interesting would love to come back again and again. I hope you are all having a wonderful start of 2012. Cheers!

view of the historic center of salzburg from one of the fortress' windows. It was during my third visit in Salzburg when I had the chance to go up to the castle.

Salzburg is on the banks of the Salzach River, at the northern boundary of the Alps. The mountains to Salzburg's south contrast with the rolling plains to the north. The closest alpine peak—the 1972 m Untersberg—is only a few kilometres from the city centre. The Altstadt, or "old town", is dominated by its baroque towers and churches and the massive Festung Hohensalzburg.

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.

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.

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