Finally Got My Travel Confirmation

It looks like somebody will be travelling again soon. How I really wish that I am always on the road because it is the place and  time when I see and feel myself at best.  Gone are those years when I can travel anytime and anywhere I want. Anyway  I am so grateful that inspite the full time job I am having right now, I can still  do some travels somewhere out there.

I remember my colleague telling me today that she still have 150 days before her visit to the United States of America. I  told her, that is good to know about that and I surprised her by saying  that I only have less than 60 days before my next travels.

And yes, I finally received the travel confirmation.  I would say, I am getting excited day by day that sometimes the thought every night of visiting a special place will come nearer that it makes me go to sleep so late.

I booked the plane ticket last January. I believed  the price of the ticket was already fair enough but then, when I remember the prices 12 years ago,  it seems that it is double the price already.  It does not matter most since I am really getting excited for this vacation.  I believed this will be the highlight of my travels for this year.

Lord of Travels, please always guide and protect me and all those who are traveling along the road to be safe and in good condition  in their journey.

I guess, this is all for now. I have to hit the sack before it gets too late. Take care everyone!

It Was a Fantastic Vacation!

How's things going on folks? I hope everything is fine.  So far, I am doing good and yes, I am back to work again! Sad to say,  vacation is over and I still wish I am on the other part of the globe to  explore more places.  Reality check...I need to go back to  hit the workplace again.

One co-worker  immediately asked me how  the vacation went thru? I was so excited telling her that it was indeed an awesome travel.  Honestly, I miss those years when I just travel anytime and anywhere I want. I came to a conclusion that things change from time to time  and so as our life's plans and path. It is like a wheel that goes up, side and down.  So far, I am very grateful that I can still manage most of the happenings in my life. I would say 99% of it. Thanks to my family  and friends for all the love, inspirations and motivations.

Rock-cut tombs in Myra.

It seems like yesterday when I visited Turkey and Greece. That 15-day holiday is over now. Overall that  one week round trip  in Turkey and a week cruise in Greece was all worth it. I have a lot of stories to tell about the places I visited in both  countries and I wish I have the time to share it.

It was my second visit in Turkey and I love this country. Its historic  ruins, culture, many interesting sights and especially the foods  makes me want to go back there again and again.  Among the places I visited  were Ephesus (second visit), Pergamum, Sardis, Pamukkale, Antalya, Myra, Euromos, Priene and Istanbul.

It was my first visit in Greece. I really find its islands  so amazing  especially   Santorini,  Mykonos and Rhodes. That visit to the most beautiful harbour named Symi or Simi was also fantastic.  That walk in Chios  made me sweat.  I need more time visiting Athens to climb the Acropolis but sad to say, it was holiday in the whole of Greece and the Acropolis  was closed.  That unplanned bus trip from Agios Nikolaus to Crete's capital Heraklion was quite adventurous.

I would say, if I have the chance to visit these countries again, I would surely do! Cheers and have a lovely one to everybody!

An Exceptional Vacation Destination

Broken Bow is in scenic Southeast Oklahoma at the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains and is the home of the popular Beavers Bend State Park, the Mountain Fork River, and the Broken Bow Lake. The luscious green forests with 100 foot pine trees and the crystal clear water offer a fun-filled environment for exciting outdoor activities such as trout fishing in the richly abundant waters of Mountain Fork River, mountain biking, four-wheeling, horseback riding, hunting, miniature golf, tennis, volleyball, bird watching, picnicking, and many other enjoyable choices including exploring nature on the 26-mile David Boren Hiking Trail.

Beavers Bend State Park

This outdoor lover's 3,482-acre paradise is located six miles north of Broken Bow on Highway 259A. There is a wide variety of recreational services and activities available as well as a free Nature Center with daily programs and activities for everyone and a free Museum in the Forest Heritage Center.

Broken Bow Lake

The editors of "FLW Outdoors Magazine" named this lake as one of the greatest bass fisheries in America! In addition, the trout streams are stocked throughout the year and contain two catch and release areas. With 180 miles of shoreline and 14,220 surface acres of lake, it is one of Oklahoma's most scenic and active lakes. You can canoe the rapids of the Lower Mountain Fork. You can also enjoy paddle boating, scuba diving, and river float trips.  

Cedar Creek Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course is located on-site in Beavers Bend State Park, and it requires no tee time. Just the perfect answer for an avid golfer who would like to include a round of golf on vacation! When you do your search for an outdoor adventure destination that provides relaxing privacy in a natural setting but has all the comforts of home, be sure to check out Broken Bow Lake Cabins and its spectacular surrounding area and activities. These cabins are perfect for two people wanting to spend a honeymoon or alone time or up to large groups that want to have a family reunion. You can even bring your pet!

Grateful for Another Year in my Life

Hello August! Hello everyone!  Oopps.., it seems that I am already too late to greet the greatest month for me.  But anyway, I am  very grateful that I was given another year in my life. Indeed the past years were great. It was not perfect at all but so far, I am thankful that so many wonderful things did happened to my and my family.

Thanks God for everything you had given me. Thanks God for  my family, friends, relatives, former classmates and schoolmates, acquaintances, neighbors, blogger friends, online friends and  former colleagues who remembered my special day.   Thanks for all the blessings especially for the gift of life and nature.  Indeed, there are myriads of things to be thankful of!

I did not actually celebrated my birthday with party like what I did the past years. I just went for a trip in Poland. This time, I want it differently. Not so many stress with the preparations and just  nothing to worry about. Besides, I am still on the process of recovering from my recent trip in Asia.

At  the main market square in Krakow, Poland. I love this city! One of the places I visited during my birthday trip.

The trip to Poland was a memorable one. I finally visited some of the cities I  wanted to see in this country especially Krakow or Cracow and Wroclaw.

I guess this year, there will be not much travel for me. I need to go to work again to save some money for future  travel plans and projects. Last year was  great year. I visited 22 countries plus one. Sad to say, I can no longer do it this year due to low resources.  Having been to 6 countries this year, I believed I am quite contented with it.

My wishes for my birthday; good  health always for me and my family and friends, more travels in the future, some projects to be materialized soon, peace of mind, hope to win millions of  Euros in lottery (lolz) and most of all peace in this planet earth.

I guess, that is all for now. Cheers everyone and have a great week to you!

Time to Go for a Cruise Vacation

If you're looking for a special way to impress the person you love, a chance to get away from the stress of your everyday life, or you simply have some vacation time at work that you need to use up, it might be time to take a vacation. While many adults shy away from vacations that don't involve visiting relatives, the truth is that sometimes it's important to get some time to yourself. Exploring a new place that you've never been can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and discover the world around you. You'll create some fantastic memories and have some great adventures that you'll be talking about for years to come.

The Advantage of Booking A Cruise Trip

When most people go on holiday, they buy a plane ticket to their destination, fly there, and stay at that stop for the duration of the trip. They may travel around a bit, but the cost of getting there is usually so high that they decide to stay to save money. Even if they love that location, it is the only one that they get to see. For example, they could take a flight to Punta Cana, stay in a resort, and spend each day walking along the white sand beaches or swimming in the warm, blue-green water.

A cruise, on the other hand, is far different. You are essentially going to many different locations, all at the same time. You will board the ship at a port city, so that is the first place that you get to see. Many people will even fly to the port a few days early so that their trip can include an extended time there. After the boat leaves the port, you have a day or two at sea. This can be very entertaining if you have never been on the ocean before, or at least not that far out. After traveling, you get to your first stop.

However, you are certainly not going to stay there like those who flew in. You will probably just go on a day trip. A smaller craft will take you from the cruise ship to the shore, and you can then spend a few hours there, looking around, shopping, and having a good time. You may even stay for a meal. Then you get back on the ship and it continues to your next destination. There is more entertainment on the ship - games, performances, drinks, and much else. This process repeats itself at a few different places and then the ship returns to the original port and you disembark for good.

The upside of traveling with a cruise line like Royal Holiday is that you get to see and do a lot more for your money. Rather than paying for a single trip to get you to your destination, you are paying for a continuous voyage. You are paying for transportation every single day. The downside is that this is slower than flying, but you have to think of it like your accommodations and your transportation all rolled into one. When you look at it that way, it makes more sense. Much of the traveling will happen while you are asleep, and then you get to spend your days in exciting new locations. This is just as fast - if not faster - as flying every day, and it comes with a much smaller price tag.

As you plan your next vacation, you should look at both options and decide which one is best for you. Some people do not want the excitement of moving around; they just want to go to one place and stay there until they go home, and that's fine. Most people, though, have more places on their list of places to see than they can possibly get to in the near future, so they are looking for ways to see more and do more with each trip. That is what a cruise can offer, so it may be the best choice.

Ready for my Christmas Market Trip to Domazlice, Czech Republic

Hello December! Wow, it seems like yesterday when it was November. Time truly flies by so fast now. Holiday season is  starting on the  air right now. I can already feel its breeze!   The best time of the year is inevitable now. Some more weeks and it will be Christmas  day! I hope you are  considering  Christmas everyday!

Christmas Decors  sold on Christmas Markets in Germany.

Today seems to be a busy day for me. I was doing some offline  tasks including cooking, cleaning and  folding the clean laundry. I also prepared the stuffs I need for  my  trip to Czech  Republic. I have been to this country many times but this will be my first Christmas Market trip  there visiting  Domazlice.

Christmas season is one of the  best time to visit Europe. Christmas markets are  everywhere.  This is one thing I love in this continent.

Domazlice is a town in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic. According to history, it was first recorded as a town in 1231.  This is quite a historic town and I hope I can experience interesting sights when we will visit it tomorrow.

My cameras are ready now, batteries are fully charged, snacks and drinks are already in my backpack..what else?  I need to wear good winter clothes tomorrow since I heard over the news that the temperature might drop to sub-zero.

I believed  everything is packed now. Anyway, I will be traveling with a Japanese friend this time. I am quite excited! See you soon Domazlice, Czech Republic!

Wanting to Be a Successful Travel Blogger?

I believed I am already a successful travel blogger. Having been to over 30 countries and still counting, there are some things you must consider on how to become a successful travel blogger. Here are the very important points;

First you have got to remember – before becoming a travel blogger or starting a travel blog, you should first become a regular and passionate traveler. In other case there is no point writing about stuff you didn't experienced yourself. Then go buy yourself a good camera and keep looking for unusual photo opportunities. Don't forget to write about everything you see and experiences in your journal. Yes  you read it right, because sometimes we travel to places with no wifi (there are places witn no internet in this world). Our memory is not a computer, so its better to write it down and then upload to the blog.

The Musical Fountain of Bellagio

The Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Are you visiting Las Vegas? If you do, don't miss the famous free show in front of Bellagio. The so-called Fountains of Bellagio is a choreographed water feature with performances set to light and music.

I always love watching this spectacular show when I visit Las Vegas. I am always amazed everytime I watch it.

There are a lot of shows and entertainments to see and enjoy in this city. You also witness live performers on the street. If you cross this bridge between Caesars Palace and Bellagio, you can see a lot of singers performing live on their own. I guess some got their relic guitars at Musicians friend. I give some tips sometimes especially when I see that the singer performing has really great voice.

Visiting Las Vegas is truly an enjoyable one considering all the entertainments you can experience there. I believed I am one of the lucky ones who was able to visit the "World's Gaming and Entertainment Capital." Not only once but for the second time already. I love Las Vegas!

The temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey

It was over a year now since we visited Turkey. It was so far a very interesting trip seeing some of the historical ruins in this country. I could not believed  that  Turkey has a lot of  impressive ruins to visit. Some of it are even included in  the Seven Wonders of the  Ancient World.

One of the historical sites we visited  was the Temple of Artemis. After our sightseeing  at the ruins of Ephesus, we proceeded to this area. It is actually located in this area but our bus drove a bit as we went there. It is located near the town of Selcuk  in today's Turkey.

The Temple of Artemis is also known as the Temple of Diana, a Greek  temple dedicated to the Greek goddess  Artemis. It is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient   World.

That 10-day trip we had in Turkey was truly a memorable one for me. It truly made me feel like traveling back in time seeing  some of those magnificent historic ruins in this country.

I hope to be backed there again and visit more historic  sights.

The modern site of the Temple of Artemis near Selcuk, Turkey. It is an honor for me to visit such kind of  amazing ruins.

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.

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!

Visit to the Valley of Fire in Nevada, USA

It was again a memorable and wonderful trip I had in the United States lately. There  are a lot of places that I visited during my second visit and one of it  is the Valley of Fire State Park. I felt honored to visit the first  State  Park  in Nevada, USA.  It was not a good weather when we went there because was still hot in Nevada that time but still I enjoyed our visit. The   rock formations are  truly  amazing in this park.

Thanks a lot sistah and hubby for bringing me there. I miss you guys and  hope to see you next time again.

It covers an area of almost 42,000 acres (17,000 ha) and was dedicated in 1935. It derives its name from red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays.

 

Valley of  Fire State Park  in Nevada, USA. I had the chance to visit there last September 2012.

Thanks God for My Safe Trip from US to Europe

I am thankful to be backed home safely. Thanks God for the safe and sound trip. My one month vacation in the United States is finally over. I am back to reality now, back to my simple but happy and fulfilling  life in Europe.

 I still have a lot of persons to be thankful of. These people had  made my trip to the US possible, full of memories and filled with so much fun and enjoyment. You know who you are. I will make a roll call once I am back from my Baltic trip..Yes, only two days rest from my US trip and will be off to the Baltic region again.

More updates to come when I will be backed. Take care folks!

A photo when  the plane I was boarding from Mc Carran International Airport took-off.

Sightseeing in Stanford, California

First of all,  I would like to thank the lovely ladies from California especially Brianna and  Ate Mary  for  touring us in San Francisco and other places in this area.  Despite of your busy schedules, you still managed to tour us around. I truly appreciate everything. I would say, I truly had wonderful moments with you all.

One of the places we visited in California was Stanford.  Our lovely tour guide brought us to the famous Stanford University.  Inside the university campus, one of the buildings we visited was the Memorial Church. I love the architecture  of this church especially its interior.

Some images I took from the Memorial Church are found below. 

The facade of the  Stanford Memorial Church.

The interior of the Memorial Church in Stanford University.

 Stanford Memorial Church stands at the center of the campus, and is the University’s architectural crown jewel. It was one of the earliest, and is still among the most prominent, interdenominational churches in the West. Jane Stanford built the church as a memorial to her husband, Leland. Together, Senator and Mrs. Stanford had constructed the University as a memorial to their son, Leland, Jr...http://www.stanford.edu

Travel Snapshots from San Francisco, California

Hey peeps! How are things going on? I don't have many things to say now. First, I am still not feeling well but feeling very better compared to yesterday. Thanks to sister  nurse for the medication. I would  only love to  share some snapshots I took from San Francisco, California. I love that city and wish to go back there again in the future.

At the Union Square in San Francisco.

At the Fisherman's Wharf! I love the seafood in this area.

view from the Port of San Francisco. Thanks to Brianna for suggesting to us to ride the ferry. It was a wonderful experience!

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.

This Floating Chinese Restaurant in Amsterdam

We just saw this floating Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam when a had a canal cruise  in this city. It is actually called the Sea Palace. This pagoda-style restaurant is located near the center of Amsterdam near the Central Station.

We don't have the chance to go inside and taste their food. Our friend who lives in Holland brought us to another Asian restaurant and we did not regret going inside  because the food and the ambiance were  good. I can't exactly remember the name of that restaurant.

I read some  reviews online about Sea Palace. Others had bad experiences and some had  nice ones. I might try it in my next visit to this city.

The Sea Palace in Amsterdam during our canal cruise last August 2010.

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey

Travel photos and memories! These are all the things I always have after I travel. Last September 2011, we had the chance to visit Turkey for 10 days. We might not be able to see everything in this country but at least we visited some of its famous sights. One of it was Ephesus, Turkey.

It was a sunny hot afternoon as our tour guide toured us around this famous ruin if Ephesus. Thanks to our tour guide's information when he told us that Ephesus was once a Greek city. It became later a major Roman City.

Ephesus is located in Selcuk in the Izmir province of Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era.

One of the interesting ruins we saw there was the Library of Celsus. It was built in honor of the Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. It was completed in 135 AD by Celsus’ son, Gaius Julius Aquila (consul, 110 AD).

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey during our vacation  last September 2011.

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.