Can't Wait for Spring and Do Gardening!

Hello lovely people in this universe! How have you been doing out there? I hope everything is doing great especially during the past two months of 2016. So far, I can't complain for now.  I seldom complain anyway because I  believed  life has been good to me,  living simply and happily. Thanks to my family and friends for all their inspirations. Above all, thanks be to God for everything!

Lovely yellow tulips in the backyard during spring season.

I am just  happy because I cannot wait for my favorite time of the year, the spring season. Last weekend,  when I visited the backyard, I found out that the first spring flowers like crocus are slowly blooming. Sad to say, it snowed last Monday and I hope  that they are not frozen. I need to see them again this weekend.

Various kinds of tulips in our backyard.  I am getting excited to see them again.

Last Tuesday, it was not snowing and today  the weather was friendlier. There was sunshine and  everytime when the sun is shining,  I felt happiness in between. I grew up in the tropics and there is always sunshine everyday.

I am getting excited for the spring time. I can't wait to do some gardening and see the first spring flowers like tulips, narcissus, crocus, hyacinths and daffodils. 

For now, let me share some  spring flowers to brighten your day. Cheers and all the best for the month  of March.  Take care folks!

Plants and Flowers in the Garden Needs Rain

Hello folks! How's everyone doing? I hope you are having a wonderful start of the seventh month of the year.  So far, so good for me and I am grateful about it.  There is only one thing I wish to pour down and it is rain.

Pink Roses look  great after the rain last month.  It was still not so hot during the first week up to the third  week of June.

The weather is really hot this week. It seems that Sahara loves to visit us and gives us  hot summer.  Temperature ranges  up to 39 degree Celsius  the past days in and around our place. I am really sad everytime I see some plants and flowers dying in the backyard.

Red Dianthus in the garden. I have other colors  also like pink and white.

I am watering it everyday but due to the tremendous heat, some plants are getting bad and are dying. The flowers that are currently blooming are also getting dry so fast. Usually some flowers takes for a week to remain in bloom but this heat  really is shorting its blooming for some days only.

Yellow Lilium flowers. Some are gone now.

I hope rain will pour soon to keep the  garden alive and kicking again.  Watering it everyday will not equal the amount of  water that is coming from the  rain. I am crossing my fingers..so help me God and send your rain please!

I wish everyone a wonderful week ahead and a great month of July. Take care folks and have a good time!

Spring Time is Gardening Time

Hey folks! How are things going on in there! I just look at the calendar and it seems that the month of March is almost over.  Yes, three more days to go and I am ready to face another month of the year. I can't wait for the weather to really be nice and friendly.  Today was  a gloomy and rainy weather.  It was raining the entire day and outside is  still  cold.  This is typical spring weather since Mother Nature needs rain and more rain.

I can't  wait to see these tulips in my garden again.

Since it is spring season now, I can't wait to hit the garden again and do some clean-up and gardening. Some flowers are  already blooming  in our garden especially the crocus.  The tulips are slowly growing too. In two or three weeks, I believed they will be in full bloom.

Lovely tulips from last year's spring.

Spring  is one of my favorite seasons of the year.  This season refers to the ideas of rebirth, resurrection and  regrowth.  This is the time to see lives and nature growing again. The plants and the trees start to bear flowers, leaves and branches. It is simply a season to rejoice for a new life and beginnings.

I can't wait  to see more flowers and green environment so soon again. This is the reason why  I so love spring  season. Most of all spring time is gardening time!

I wish everyone a wonderful spring season! Cheers and take care everyone!

Who tell the Crocus to Come back on Spring Time

The weather was just lovely today!  It was not so cold and the sun was shining.  I  woke-up quite late this morning. For some reasons, I don't want to  come out from my warm bed.  I was actually awake at around 7:00 in the morning but decided to go back to sleep again.

After taking my brunch, I decided to go out and went to our garden.  I was so happy seeing the first spring flowers.

Such a lovely and amazing beauty of nature..Crocuses or croci are blossoming now in our garden. Look a crocus visited by a bumble bee. I felt  good when  I was looking at this priceless creatures this noon time.

 You might be wondering who is always telling the crocus or croci to blossom every spring time?  This is indeed a miracle done by up  above! I always admire the beauty of nature when seeing things like these.  They are like balsam to my soul and spirit. This is also the reason why I love garden works.

I also found out that  other plants such as tulips are slowly growing.  The leaves of the roses, hyacinth, spring roses and other flowers are  also slowly sprouting.  I can't wait to see everything blossoming in our garden.

Here is a brief description of crocus;

The cup-shaped, solitary, salverform flower tapers off into a narrow tube. Their colors vary enormously, although lilac, mauve, yellow, and white are predominant. The grass-like, ensiform leaf  shows generally a white central stripe along the leaf axis. The leaf margin is entire. Crocuses typically have three stamens.

Hello Autumn!

I gladly  say goodbye summer because I can already breath the fresh autumn  air! It is finally here! Our calendar  tells me   that today is  officially the beginning of autumn season. Our American and Canadian friends call it  "fall".

This is one of my favorite time of the year because the surrounding gets  very attractive and colourful. The leaves of the trees turn  to yellow, orange, brown, red, pinkish, gold and other lovely colors you can imagine! I simply love the coloured autumn foliage!

Colorful leaves of a cherry tree during autumn in Germany.

During fall season, the temperature gets slowly cold especially during the night. The days are shorter and the nights get slowly longer. This is also the time when we need to slowly get ready for cold winter.

No matter what season it is we are having at the moment, we should learn to enjoy the beauty that nature has given us!  Enjoy this beautiful autumn season! I will surely do!

A forest near our area.

"The word autumn comes from the Old French word autompne (automne in modern French), and was later normalised to the original Latin word autumnus. There are rare examples of its use as early as the 12th century, but it became common by the 16th century."

It Was Cold in Oakland, California

I is almost a year now since my last vacation in the United States. I would like to thank good friends and my dear family for making it happened. I truly appreciate all and I am forever grateful for your goodness!

I was browsing some travel albums awhile ago and found some photos from Oakland. This city is a major West Coast port city and the busiest port for San Francisco Bay and all of Northern California.

Church in Oakland. Sept. 2013.

It was quite chilly when we arrived that early morning in Oakland. There was a plan that day why we landed in Oakland. My sister's sister-in-law is working in that area. She brought us with her planning to take us to the next city where we should be meeting my schoolmate. Since her training did not push through, we ended up going to the University of Berkeley. I and my sister had a walk around the university campus.

Lake Meritt during our walk.

Before that, we also did a bit sightseeing in Oakland. We also did a walk around Lake Merritt while waiting for our friend.  Some things  we plan did not happened that day but I am glad that it was still a beautiful and enjoyable one!

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!

Trip to 3 European Countries is Over

How's everyone doing? I hope you are all doing great! It seems that I was away here for some weeks. I am  back because my recent trip is finally over! That was so far another wonderful trip in Europe.  We visited three countries including France, Andorra  and  Spain.

A street in Andorra la Vella, the capital city of Andorra. taken last July 7, 2013.

I still feel until now I am still having a so-called buslag (not jetlag since we did not take the plane for that trip). It was a bus trip and so far was truly a memorable one. We visited  many places in these  3 countries. I gathered again so many experiences, met nice persons, learned about the  countries'  people, culture, traditions and historical facts.

The Shrine in Lourdes during my recent travel last July 8, 2013.

Lourdes is a small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes said to have occurred in 1858 to Bernadette Soubirous. At that time, the most prominent feature of the town was the fortified castle that rises up from a rocky escarpment at its centre.

I have so many things to share but sometimes time is just not enough. Besides with the many offline jobs that are also waiting to be done
, my time is just not enough to go more often online.

I wish to share some of many of my experiences from my recent trip in Andorra, Spain and France. These are so far wonderful countries to visit in Europe with many things to offer to its guests and visitors.

Just enjoy watching the  snapshots I took from this travel. Have a nice day!

Visit to Mainau Island in Baden-Württemberg

I know for sure there are millions of flowers blooming again in Insel Mainau, the German name for Mainau Island. Spring flowers like tulips, narcissus and daffodils can still be found at this time of the year. Oceans of cheerful, sweet- scented, colourful spring flowers entice its outdoors again. From the end of March, more than a million tulips, narcissi and hyacinths line the Spring Avenue and fill the flowerbeds on Mainau Island.

The palace gardens at Mainau were mainly created by Lennart Bernadotte. This was taken during our visit last July  2012.

varieties of flowers can be seen in Insel Mainau especially during spring and summer season.

I always love visiting parks and garden like Mainau Island. Last summer 2012, I had the chance to go there with a bus trip. It costs 35.00 Euros per person starting in Regensburg, Germany but the boat and entrance to the island is not included in that trip. As far as I can remember, we paid almost 30.00 Euros for the entrance and boat ride going to the island.

That was a wonderful and relaxing walk we had around the island  seeing the beauty of nature.

The Bays in Croatia

It seems like yesterday when I had a trip to Croatia. I just looked at the calendar the exact date when I was there. After 2 hours of sightseeing in Maribor, Slovenia, our bus drove to our hotel in Tuhelj, Croatia. We arrived at around 8:00 PM there. We did an overnight in Terme Tuhelj, a wellness center and hotel in this place of the same name. Our tour guide said that it is the largest Sauna World in Croatia. This wellness hotel offers SPAeVITA care and beauty centre where the guests can enjoy various group air whirling programmes, thermal mud, honey or salt treatments, wide range of massages and facial and body treatments.

Some of the places located along the bay in Croatia  during our road trip with the bus from  Biograd na Moru j to Dubrovnik, Croatia. last April 1 2, 2013.

During that 9-day trip in Southeast Europe, also called as the Balkan Peninsula, we were able to visit 5 countries. Included are Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

That was quite a tiring trip with the bus everyday but if you see places like the bays in Croatia, your tiresome will surely be compensated.

Overall, I can say that I gained a lot of unforgettable memories during that trip. The lovely places I seen  from those 5 countries will always remain in my memory. Thanks to the digital cameras we have now  where   we can always turn back the past by simply looking at the travel photos.

A lovely town we passed-by during our trip to Croatia last April 2013.

 Some of the places we visited in Croatia  were Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Biograd na Moru, Tuhelj, the National park in Krka and Rastoke in Slunj.

These are only some of the snapshots I took from Croatia. I wish to know the exact location of  these photos.  This is the reason why I ordered a camera with GPS so that I know the exact location where a certain picture is located.

Souvenirs from Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz is not really a big city  since Liechtenstein is also a small  country. Vaduz is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament. I had a short sightseeing there last month. One of things I did was buying souvenirs. Since most of the souvenirs are expensive, I only ended up buying  some postcards, a shot glasses and fridge magnet.  Imagine a postcard cost 1.00 euro..huhu! That was really expensive.  I spend a total of 25.00 euros only for souvenirs.

I am happy that finally I visited Liechtenstein and its capital city.

Souvenirs from Vaduz during my trip last March 2013.

I guess  I only bought 3 postcards from this city. That was quite expensive. lol!

I Was in Vatican City

I want to visit Vatican City again to witness the Pope Benedict XVI's last audience. After the Pope resigned on his position as the Head of the Catholic Church last week, I was saddened by the news  but I respect his decision.

I was in Rome with a friend last summer  2010. We also visited Vatican City and went inside the St. Peter's cathedral. In fact, we also climbed the dome of the cathedral. From there, you will have a great view of the city of  Rome and its surroundings. That was one of the highlights during my travels in 2010. I hope I can visit it again.

St. Peter's Cathedral during our visit last August 2010.

Remembering Madrid, Spain's Capital City

I had a quick exchange of messages from a friend  in Madrid this afternoon. She was asking me when I am going back to Madrid. I replied when I have a budget, I will immediately go back there.  I love Madrid and so far visiting Spain's capital city is history for me. You know why? this is the only capital city in Europe where I stayed for  three weeks and where I explored most of its corners. It was a long story why it happened.

Here are some images I took during my trip to Madrid almost a year ago. I believed one day, I will be visiting it again.

View of Alcala Street and Gran Via Street. This is where I walk many times in going around the city.

Street sign in Gran Via Street. I was there!

Fasching, Carnival Photos from Germany

Fasching, Karneval, carnival!  I believed you  know what these words mean. Other countries  celebrate the same festival almost the same way. I witnessed some of it in the towns of Bavaria, Germany.  I always love watching this festival and hope next time, I can already witness the big ones like in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz.

Here are some of the carnival photos I took from last year's carnival parade.

A float during the Faschingszug or carnival parade in Hemau, Germany. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

The group of the Liberty statue in Hemau's Carnival parade. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

The vampire group of dracula. Are there really vampires?. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

Visiting Leeds, England

It's  always nice to reminisce  one of the interesting cities I visited in England.  I  am  grateful and will always  thank my good friend and  "kababayan" (a  Filipino word that can be translated as compatriots) named Ros or Arot for touring me in this city. It was in  autumn or fall 2008 when I  had the chance to visit England for 3 weeks. One of the cities  I visited was Leeds.

I  did not made it to witness the Christmas market in Leeds but I was in the area where it is held every year.  It was still did not opened when I was there.  Like any other Christmas markets in the UK, it is also a traditional German Christmas Market.  It is  saying, "A little piece of Germany in the heart of  Leeds City Center". At least,  I did experienced  the illuminated  lights on the streets  and the colourful Christmas  trees inside the famous Victoria Quarter and other shops in this city. The  festive atmosphere  of the coming holiday season can already  be  felt  at the month  of November.

The Millennium Square in Leeds, where the Christmas market is held each year.

The Christmas market market consists of over 40 wooden chalet stalls from authentic German traders providing a wide range of seasonal gift ideas for everyone including; handcrafted toys, jewellery, Christmas cards and festive decorations, speciality foods and traditional German delicacies such as gluhwein, bratwurst sausages and many more.

The illuminated  and  fully decorated  streets in Leeds when I visited it  last November 2008. Despite of the rainy weather, you can still see a lot of people on the street.

Beautiful But Dangerous

If you are my friend in facebook, you might probably know all the messages I posted in my FB wall. I am not talking about a person who is beautiful but dangerous here. I am careful when talking about that. Lessons were learned from the pass until now. Sometimes you cannot trust a person and it is better to keep things by myself unless otherwise when my duty obliged me to do so.

I am actually talking about snow here. Yesterday, when I went shopping in the nearby town, the weather was quite good when I left home. The snow was still not so hard. On my way home, the snow gets harder and the streets were already filled with snow. I really tried my best to drive carefully but sometimes when you are up and down on a hill filled with snow, you can't avoid to slip.

the road  I passed yesterday. It was all filled with  snow. Winter time is beautiful but sometimes it is just too dangerous.

 Winter tired really don't help all the time especially when the road is icy ans slippery. I am thankful that I arrived home safely. I heard over the news this morning that there were around a thousand of accidents that happened during the snow fall yesterday. That is quite sad.

To everyone out there, I am just reminding you to be extra careful when driving during snow time. There is no better driver when it comes to it. Take care and be safe!

The Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas

Have you been to Las Vegas? If you love shoppping, I believed you this  is the perfect place for you to go in Vegas. It is located in Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It is also one of the largest enclosed malls worldwide with over 250 stores.

I remember going there with some friends. One friend who was visiting frrom Iowa, wanted to go to Zara store inside Fashion Show Mall. We've been going around the store and this friend from Iowa were trying to try some clothes but she can't find her right size. I guess she is just to small and no adult sire could fit her.

The highlights  of this mall  is its, elevated stage, a fashion runaway and The Cloud. You can find branded and signature stores inside this mall. I guess it is up for you to find out if you visit  Vegas in the future. For sure, you will have fun shopping there!

The Cloud in Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas Strip. I love this place!

interior of the mall.

Prague, Czech Republic for the Second Time

I remember a friend who mentioned that she wanted to visit Prague when she travels here in Europe. She actually fulfilled her dream visiting Europe but was quite saddened when she missed to visit Prague. I guess, she don't need to regret because we let her stepped on Czech Republic.

Dreaming to visit a lot of cities and countries in Europe is really great! But we have to consider our time and budget. Agree with me folks? I am happy visiting Prague for the second time. I was actually invited by a friend to guide her mother-in-law an husband during their trip in this city. It was honor for me showing beautiful cities in Europe.

Prague is Czech Republic's capital and for me it is a beautiful city to visit and experience. It is the one of the largest cities in Central Europe has served as the capital of the historic region of Bohemia for centuries.

There are a lot of sights to see there including the Old Town, the  Prague Castle, Charles Bridge,  the New Town, Lesser Town and many more.

One of the bridges in Prague. You can see Prague Castle from afar.

Prague State Opera House.

I Love The Fountains of Bellagio

This is one of the shows  I love in Las Vegas, the Fountains of Bellagio. It is located in front of the Bellagio Hotel and you can watch it for free. It is visible from the street and you can watch it in any neighboring structures. The shows takes place every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings. Starting 8:00 P.M. to midnight, it starts every 15 minutes.

Don't miss watching it when you are in Las Vegas.

The famous free show in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas

Are you visiting Las Vegas? I just did and just came back home in Europe two weeks ago. During my first visit in this city last 2008, I did not have the chance to go up there.  During my second visit, I finally went  up there. I was so happy and contented.

Stratosphere is a tower, a hotel and entertainment place located in Las Vegas Boulevard.  This tower is the tallest observation tower and the tallest structure in Las Vegas.  It is also the 9th tallest free standing structure in the United States. Its  current height is 1,149 ft  or 350 m.

Its attractions include The Big Shot, Insanity the Ride, and the SkyJump Las Vegas.

On top of the tower, you can have a fantastic 360 degrees view   of Las Vegas. I truly enjoyed my visit there! Cheers!

The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada. I finally  had the chance to go up on top of it.
I took this image as we where on our way to the Stratosphere. I love my vacation in the US for the second time!