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.

Memorable Vacation in Budapest

Hello folks! It is time to update this blog again. I was away for a couple of days for a short trip in Hungary and Austria. The highlight of the trip was the fireworks on the banks of Danube in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was again a wonderful and memorable trip. There is only a sad news after that trip. I noticed that I gained more weight again. I guess one of the best ways to eliminate those excess pounds is to take diet pills. The trip had good foods. Imagine a buffet breakfast and dinner which are all included in that trip. Those are the reasons why I gained extra pounds again. I also brought with me some snacks for everyday consumption especially when we go to different places. I thought I can lose weight everytime I go for a trip because I keep on walking but it is the other way around. At least, we had fun and truly had a nice trip that time.

panorama of Budapest taken from the Citadel. The Citadel was built as a military fortress on the highest point of Budapest’s city centre by Habsburg Austria, following the 1848-49 Revolution.

I finally had the chance to visit Budapest last weekend. It is quite an interesting city full of history.

Winter in Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in Germany. It was commissioned by the so-called Bavarian mad king named King Ludwig II. This castle was the inspiration of Disneyland' Sleeping Beauty castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a hill in Hohenschwangau near Fuessen (written as Füssen in German). I had been to this castle thrice and I always love it.

image taken during my second visit last November 2010. This is what you see upon entering the main entrance of the castle.

Weekend Trip To Italy

It seems that I was not able to update this blog for some days now. I am finally back and hope to give you more updates. I had a weekend trip to Italy last weekend with friends. It was a nice trip especially after all the shopping and sightseeing we had in some of the cities in Italy.

As we arrived last Saturday, we did some capodimonte shopping first. After that we proceeded to Verona, a city in the Veneto region in northern Italy. We spend the whole day last Sunday in Venice, one of the most visited cities in Italy.

The Bell tower in Saint Mark's Basilica..You can also see the Saint Mark's Basilica in the background at the left side. This is the so-called St. Mark's square or Piazza San Marco.

Verona Arena the famous sight in Verona, Italy.

Flower Markets Worth To Visit in Europe

If you love flowers just like me, for sure you also love visiting flower markets. Here are some of the most interesting flower markets to visit in Europe.

1) Neuenheimer Marketplatz in Heidelberg, Germany

This flower market is nestled in Neuenheim, just across the river from Heidelberg. The market is only open twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visitors will want to be at the market soon after it opens at 7 a.m., to get the best selection of flowers. Cameras and picture taking is encouraged, as growers display their wares with beaming pride.


2) Columbia Road Flower Market in London

Columbia Road is a world famous flower market in London. It is open just one day a week, on Sunday mornings and early afternoons. The narrow Victorian street becomes a bustling market of traders, with the shops selling homewares, garden candles and unique, quirky handmade welcome mats. Visitors will want to meander from cart to cart and seek the best deals, before deciding upon final purchases. Be sure to bring a camera along, to capture the dazzling beauty of the fresh flowers that line the street.

3) The Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to the only floating flower market in the world! It ranks amongst the top must see markets in all of Europe. The floating flower market is located on the Singel Canal and stalls are located in houseboats along the canal. Known for the wide variety of bulbs, the floating market offers tulips and a plethora of other bulbs. The market ships all over the world, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty all year round.

4) Flower Market on the Seine in Paris

The oldest flower market in Paris is located in the shadow of Notre Dame and Saint Chappelle, the famous stained glass chapel. The market lines both sides of the narrow street, and offers a profuse selection of cut flowers, greenery, and potted plants. The ornamental plants hang from baskets and are a blaze of colors and textured foliage. There is no lack of flowers and plant material that can be used to enhance a patio, balcony, or side garden. Cut flowers can be taken back to a place of lodging and enjoyed for the duration of the stay in Paris.

Our backyard also looks like a flower market. My friend who visited us last month told me that our garden is like a flower shop because you can see a lot of flowers around, flower pots and garden decors are scattered everywhere. I am glad that the single garden door we ordered last time was already delivered. I am hoping for our garden terrace to be finished soon.

Interesting Garden and Plant Shows in Europe

Some of these garden and plants shows were already over. Some are still going on and some are about to come. To all nature lovers out there who are traveling in Europe in 2011, you still have the chance to visit some of these garden and plant shows all year long throughout Europe. Thanks to the garden experts for compiling the list below.


1) Floralies Internationales, Geneva, Switzerland

There are still garden and plant shows to visit in Europe as winter approaches. The Floralies Internationales from November 14 to November 23 is held inside the Palexpo Exhibition Centre. The temperatures outside will be between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit but the floral arrangements by exhibitors from all over the world will make it seem like spring inside the Exhibition Centre.

2) Wicklow Gardens Festival, County Wicklow, Ireland

Travelers who want to see gardens in Ireland have a great opportunity to do so during the Wicklow Gardens Festival from April to September. The gardens that can be visited during the festival are not usually open to the public. Ireland’s Heritage Properties are also on display during the festival. Houses and gardens all over County Wicklow can be visited during the festival. Visitors can see Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford and then travel north to see the Powerscourt House and Gardens in Enniskerry. Travelers who go west from Enniskerry will come to Russborough House and its gardens.

3) International Violet Meeting, Toulouse, France

Toulouse is known as the world capital of violets. The “pink city” hosted the International Violet Meeting last February 5 and February 6. Botanists, scientists and violet growers from all over the world came to the city to share their knowledge. People who have no professional connection to the world of violets got a lot from this show. There were exhibitions and other attractions centered around flowers. Admission to the show was free.


4) Holland Flowers Festival, Zwaagdijk-Oost, The Netherlands

Flower lovers had seen many more types of flowers durinr their travel to the Netherlands for the Holland Flower Festival last February 23 to February 27. The show’s venue was filled with hundreds of kinds of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, narcissus, irises and crocuses. Early bird tickets and group discounts were available for this show

5) Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show, Malvern, Worcestershire, England

This show in September marks the end of the gardening year and the approach of autumn. Representatives from more than 100 nurseries will have displays here. You can also find garden decors and accessories during the show.

Nature lovers will likely find a plant or garden show to visit in most European countries no matter what time of year they travel to Europe.

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.

Sightseeing in Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is the 6th largest city in Germany. It is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. We had a sightseeing in this city last October 2010. Like any other big German cities, it is full of historical buildings, architecture and monuments that are worthy to see and experience.

striking a pose at the Schlossplatz or the castle square in Stuttgart, Germany. The buildings on the background is the Neues Schloss (the New Castle), completed in 1807. It has a Baroque/Classicism architecture ; reconstructed with modern interior. It currently houses government offices.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Paris

This is the The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This was taken in August 2010 during my second visit in Paris, France. It is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France.

I am letting you know that taking pictures are forbidden inside the Basilica.

It is a popular landmark of Paris. The basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. is built of travertine stone quarried in Château-Landon (Seine-et-Marne), France. This stone constantly exudes calcite, which ensures that the basilica remains white even with weathering and pollution.

London Eye Experience

Memories are forever! Do you believe in these words guys? As long as my mind is still working good, I believed I can always remember experiences and happenings that took place in my life. This is true especially good memories like travelling in interesting cities in Europe.
Visiting London without riding the famous London Eye is quite boring. That is the reason why I tried my best to experience it even I am alone. Anyway, a short topic about rack mount computer might be featured in my WWW site in the future.

I can still remember, it was a rainy afternoon when I rode alone in London Eye. My friends from this city had to go to work that time. From there, you can see a good view of London. Sights like the Parliament, Millenium Bridge, Big Ben are visible from above. I wish to visit this city in the future again...in God's will!

This image was taken during my trip in London last 2008.

Sightseeing in Strasbourg, France

When I visited Brussels, Belgium, one of the seat of European Union Parliament, I was at the same time thinking to visit Strasbourg in France. I am happy that it did came true. We had a trip there last December 2010 to see and experience especially their famous Christmas market.

Straßburg or Strassburg (in German), called in English as Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in north-eastern France. I found this historical city very charming and interesting. It is located near the border of Germany.

view of the historical Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany, across from the German town Kehl.

Strasbourg's historic city centre, the Grande Île ("Grand Island"), was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city centre. Strasbourg is fused into the Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has been a bridge of unity between France and Germany for centuries, especially through the University of Strasbourg, currently the largest in France, and the co-existence of Catholic and Protestant culture.

The Flags

These are some flags in the European Parliament in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. I had the chance to visit it last summer 2010. I took a photo of it after seeing the flag of Germany.

Road Sign

This is a road sign in Belgium. We were on the motorway as I took this image last August 2010. Belgium is the only country in Europe where I see lights on their highways. I guess, it would be nice driving here during the night. We were on our way from Brussels to Amsterdam during this trip.

Cheese, Cheese and More Cheeses

Sometimes, I already forget English terms and grammar. This is the problem when I started to learn, speak and understand German language. But I am happy that I can already basically speak and understand German. I was asking awhile ago about the plural of cheese. It is cheeses, right? Oh yeah, I got it right! This is the reason why I am sharing cheese, cheese and more cheeses here!

This was taken during our trip in Amsterdam this year and a part of it was seeing a cheese factory and how this yummy cheeses are made.

The lady who was explaining how cheeses are made told us that some of these cheeses are already 20 years old. The first thing I asked her immediately was; Can we still eat those old centuries cheeses? The answer is a big NO! That's all for my travel experience from Amsterdam for now!

Random Image from Rome, Italy

It is a great experience visiting the city that is the dream of many including me. Rome which has been given a nickname, "Eternal City" is truly a wonderful place to visit. It's history spans now for around 2,500 years. It is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city.

Here is an image of Vatican City in Rome taken during our visit last August 2010. You can see the famous San Pietro or St. Peter's Square on the left side of the image.

taken as we where on top of the cupola of St. Peter's Cathedral in Vatican City, Rome.

Scotland's Best Golf Courses

There is no experience that can compare to playing golf on Scotland’s 4 best golf courses. The home of golf as the modern world understands it began in this beautiful land. Scotland is one of the most unique cultures in the world and playing the game of golf here is a fantastic journey. Kings have wiled hours away and servants have found golf a restful pastime. Golf is a game that knows a multiple of social levels and genders. Man, matching his mind and skill against the land, the elements and the game.

1) Kingsbarns Golf Link, St Andrews Fife

This is a breath taking resort by the sea. Savor the vastness of the Ocean while you drive a hole in one. Use links with St Andrews and Fife, one of the world’s most exclusive golf resorts. Relaxing, exhilarating the country of Scotland is a must play golfing adventure. Find the place of your golfing dreams; play in the land of golf’s birth – try staying in a golf hotel in Fife near the course. In this environment golf takes on a different feeling, a meaning that is part of the land itself.

2) Downfield Golf Club, Dundee

This beautiful course overlooks the picturesque coastal area with light house and moor. The lovely championship golf course located along Scotland’s beautiful coast looking up on the Firth of Clyde. Tranquillity is a motivation from playing golf in this beautiful land, green hills extending into the sea.

3) Muir

Muir, established in the 1774, this exclusive membership in the golfing world is the longest running golf club in the modern world. This Scottish club established the original 13 rules of the game. Playing on this golf course the elements are always your challenge as you play in the solace of windswept trees. Sea land and green plateaus are the signatures of this gorgeous golf resorts backdrop.

4) Rosemount Course, Blairegowrie Perthshire

The lush grass and beautiful tree lined fairway where Silver Birch and lovely Pines stand as witness to a golfers great achievements or failures. This course with its spectacular landscaping gives the added chance to play at Lansdowne.

A golfing holiday is a wonderful way to polish your game. Scotland’s four best golf courses have developed over the years adding impressive changes to the facilities and defining the game the world loves so well. Take a golfing holiday at any one of these beautiful golfing resorts. The Scottish have trained and cultivated the game and the greens, making Scotland like no other place in the world to play golf.

Photos by: Mccheek

Visiting Rome, Italy

I believed I am lucky enough to visit the domicile of the head of the Catholic Church. Visiting Vatican City especially Saint Peter's Cathedral is a great moment for me. It was truly a memory that I can keep forever. I am very thankful that I was given the chance to visit this beautiful city. It was a dream put into reality and it is just unbelievable. Here is an image of me and my friend during our visit last month of August, 2010.

taken in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

Goodbye Rome! Goodbye Nonna!

Another weekend is here! I can't believed that we are already on the last weekend of August. Time truly flies-by so fast. The Europe adventure that me and friend spent together is also over. We drove her to Nuremberg airport this morning for her trip back to the United States tomorrow at 7:00 AM. It was a great time with Nonna. I can't also imagine that I had seen her again after around 12 years maybe. I can't exactly remember but the last time I saw her in our home town was more than ten years ago. Me and hubby were grateful of her visit. We believed that she had a great time during her three weeks vacation here in Europe.

It is also time to say goodbye to Rome, the first city that me and Nonna did visited during our Europe tour. Here is an image of me in front of one of the famous sights and architecture in Rome, Italy, the Colosseum or Colosseo.

such an amazing work of Roman architecture and engineering!

Travel Update

It seems that this is a continuation of my previous post. I am just giving you a quick update about our Europe adventure for the past days. To make the story short, I want to share some of the cities that we had already visited in Europe. To name a few are Rome, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Cologne, Bonn and some other more to come. I believed my friend from the United States has enjoyed our Europe escapade. Anyway, she told me some of her personal stories including beautiful diamond engagement rings. In fact, she is wearing one right now and I love it. I do agree that most women love to have such kind of engagement ring before they get married. More stories to come soon about our Europe tour in my other travel sites. Goodnight and take care peeps!