It's Snowing in Neumarkt!

Thank goodness that we really don't have snow in our area. But be very careful because the streets are also dangerous especially when it get frozen and icy during the night. This is what they call black ice. I heard over the radio this morning that there were a lot of accidents in Bavaria due to icy road and highways. My friends are also telling the same.

I did not really see a lot of snow in our area but in the nearby towns, I witnessed it last December 2011. As we drove to Neumarkt, a municipality in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria it was snowing a bit. You can see it in my snapshot below. Not too much snow but when the weather is rainy and snowy, better be careful when driving particularly early in the morning. Most streets become icy and slippery. Drive safely folks especially to all my friends in Bavaria.

a rainy snowy day as we drove to Neumarkt last December 2011.

Visit to Pamukkale, Turkey

I thought I can only see images of Pamukkale in Turkey in the internet or in a postcard. I was so happy that we had a short stop-over here during our trip to Turkey last September 2011. It is not really included in our itinerary but since we will also be passing it on our way to Izmir, our tourist guide allowed us to have a short stop.

This amazing beauty and wonder of nature is awesome. I believed there is not even one hydraulic power unit in this area. I am wondering what is the source of power and electric there. For all you know, this natural beauty is included in the list of the World Heritage Site since 1988. Lastly, you might wonder what does Pamukkale means? It is a Turkish word which simply means "cotton castle". Truly interesting!

Kawasan falls in Badian, Cebu

If I have a choice where I have to stay this month, I would say in the Philippines! You know why, the weather is not cold because it is in the tropics, i miss the local foods there, there are celebrations that I want to attend like the Sinulog in Cebu or the Halad in Midsayap and yes I want to go to Kawasan Falls again.

Kawasan are a set of falls in the town of Badian in Cebu Province in the Philippines. I love to go trekking along the peaceful river going to Kawasan Falls. It is around 130 km southeast of Cebu City. I hope to visit this place again in my next vacation to the Philippines!

Kawasan during my third visit last January 2010.

Planning for a Trip to the Baltic States

Another year is here. It is time to plan again for some trips anywhere anytime around the world. I already have some target places and until now I am still on the process of deciding which place am I going to visit first. One of my targets is Baltic region. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in this region and I am quite sure anytime this year I can visit those places. Since the beginning of January, I already started to search for cheap flights to any of the international airports in any Baltic States. Not only that, I also read some flight reviews to know which airlines are really good and affordable to fly to this region.

Among the cities I wish to visit in the Baltic region are;

Riga- dubbed as "The Paris of the Baltics", this is the capital city of Latvia. It is also the biggest city in the Baltic States. One of the city's must to see is its Old Town which is one of the many World Heritage Sites in Europe. Its old buildings have made Riga one of the most attractive cities in Europe. There are a lot of things to experience in Riga. From its historical buildings and architecture, museums, visiting a zoo, shopping, night life, entertainment and a lot more.

Riga is accessible by train, ferry, bus or airplane depending on your point of origin especially from any parts of Europe.

Vilnius- In 2009, Lithuania's capital city was the European Capital of Culture, along with Linz, Austria. Vilnius is also known as the "Jerusalem of the North" because of the many Judaism scholars and rabbis that lived and worked in this city. Their over 700 years of their presence in Lithuania, the Jews created a rich and diverse culture in this country.

The Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage List), Vilnius Cathedral, St. Ann's Church, Gediminas Castle, National Museum of Lithuania, Three Crosses Hill and the Artilery Bastion of Vilnius Defensive Wall are only some of the imposing sights to visit.

Sadama, Tallin. photo credit Jose Rambaud

Tallinn- This is also one of the most interesting cities to visit in the Baltic States. It is a historical city dating back to the medieval times. This global city is the capital of Estonia and also its largest city. There are a lot of things to do and experience there. Its Old Town which belong to the list UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a must to see. It is also famous for its beaches and music festivals.

You have to know that along with Turku, Finland, Tallinn was a European Capital of Culture for 2011.

Other places and sights worth to see in the Baltic States are Klaipeda, Kaunas,Curonian Spit,Hill of Crosses, Parnu, Kuressaare, Saaremaa, Kuldiga, Livu Akvapark, Sigulda and many more.

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.

Have A Wonderful New Year 2012!

2011 has been a blessed and amazing year for me.
Everything was almost perfect...
my life, my family and all the people I met along the way...
the priceless and unforgettable experiences I've been through..
and all the wonderful things that happened this year.
Before 2012 comes
I would like to thank my family, friends, relatives
and anyone I met along the way..
and most of all, I would like to thank the Lord for everything
that He had given me this year.
Most especially thank you Lord for the gift of life,
the gift of nature, my faculties and abilities, all the opportunities...
There are just a lot of things to be thankful of.

I WISH EVERYONE
A HAPPY AND MORE PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR 2012!!
Good health always, love, peace and happiness
are all my wishes to all!
GOD BLESS US!

"It Depends on Us... Another year lies before us like an unwritten page, an unspent coin, an unwalked road. How the pages will read, what treasures will be gained in exchange for time, or what we find alone the way, will largely depend on us."

Esther Baldwin York

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.