Cruise: What’s it all about?

Some people believe that cruise holidays are not for them - or at least that’s until they try it. It can take some persuasion to get onto a ship for a week or more, as the thought of this huge vessel becoming your bedroom, lounge, dining room, cinema and gym for a prolonged length of time can be a little overwhelming. But as the converted will say, it’s worth a try: and that’s why so many tour operators have introduced short taster cruises to try and win over the non-believers.

Taster cruises are typically one or two nights long, sailing from a UK port to nearby locations such as Paris or Brussels. Customers have the chance to alight there and spend a day exploring the city, before getting back on board for the short jaunt back to familiar shores. It’s short, sharp and sweet, but many taster cruises include a full array of sumptuous cuisine and high-octane entertainment - after all, it’s designed to offer a taste of cruising, and these are certainly the highlights.

For the more confident cruiser there are countless itineraries taking in a vast range of destinations. For instance, take Thomas Cook cruises. 2012 is shaping up to be another superb year that’s packed with varied itineraries across a range of liners, from the long-established P&O Cruises to the younger and more innovative Royal Caribbean International, which brings exciting new onboard activities into the fray with surf parks, rock climbing walls and top-notch entertainment.

A cruise lets you take in a vast range of destinations and makes the most of the journey in-between too. Where else can you wake up in a new destination every morning, and while away the time at sea by relaxing on deck, working out in the gym or dining in style? Whatever your opinion of cruise holidays, it’s certainly worth a shot.

Go Crazy in Crete

Greece has its fair share of top-notch party hotspots (Kos, Zante or Rhodes anyone?) but there’s nothing quite like a trip to Crete. Aside from the fact it’s the biggest island in Greece - giving you plenty of things to see and do should you come here for anything other than the clubs and pubs - Malia holidays are among the best in the clubbing calendar.

Not only did Malia get the star status when it became the setting for Inbetweeners: The Movie, the main strip is also one of the biggest in the Mediterranean. So regardless of what you’re here for - whether it’s rock clubs, sports bars or all-night clubs - there really is a night out for everyone. And this year, it’s hotting up to be something seriously special.

The line-up of clubbing holidays 2012 is nothing short of epic, and Malia is right in there with the best of them. It’s got the biggest names across the music industry from RnB and Hip hop to dance and house. And, like any clubbing hotspot, it’s got plenty of room for fun-filled foam parties and the inevitable 80s disco too. After all, a week without Wham! is like fish but no chips.

And then there’s the beach. The bars spill right onto this stretch of gorgeous golden sand, so you won’t have far to go for a refreshing cocktail. Here you’ve got everything from sunbeds and parasols to jet skis and pedalos. And when your appetite kicks in there’s a pretty tasty range of snacks to feast on. Mexican, Chinese, Indian, the obligatory burger and a bit of Greek cuisine too - it’s all here.

Malia is all about round-the-clock fun with like-minded company and some of the best nightlife in the Med. One thing’s for sure, it’s bound to satisfy any appetite!

Memorable Birthday Parties

I would like to make a last minute greeting  first. Happy Mother's Day to all lovely and wonderful mothers out there especially to my ever dearest Mama. Thank you so much for everything and God bless all mothers in this planet earth!

It is not only a memorable weekend because of the two parties I attended but also a celebration to  the greatest heroes of all times, that is a celebration  honoring  our beloved Mothers. Truly a wonderful weekend!

Last night, we attended a birthday party of a friend's daughter who just turned 7. The celebration was a blast and I believed everyone truly enjoyed it. Foods were great and delicious. Most  of the foods being served were Filipino dishes. Thanks to the hard work of  Pouyan's mother who did most of the preparations. You did a great job Elsa! Keep it up!

Foods during Pouyan's 7th birthday party last May 12, 2012.

Another birthday celebration was also held this afternoon. It was Dreanna's 4th birthday. It was normally a birthday party for children but since we were invited for a jewelry presentation, we also attended the banquet. The birthday celebrant together  with other children  had a wonderful time and lots of fun with all the games they had.  Sumptuous  dishes were also served. Most of the ladies did not only enjoy looking and shopping  the jewelry and accessories  but also  love the eating part.

Thanks Joanna for the invitation. I  had a great time and lots of fun with the other ladies.

Dreanna's 4th birthday dated May 13, 2012.

To Pouyan and Dreanna, I wish you both a bright future and may your mothers' good wishes for you will come true.  Wishing you also good  health, love and happiness! God bless you both and your family!

2012 Top Events in England

Are you visiting  England this year? You might be lucky to witness some of the great events and celebrations  during your visit. Whether you love sports, music, history or a Royal watcher,  you always have something  to do and to experience  in England.

2012 Summer Olympic Games in London-  Some of you might had already booked your international flights and accommodation  to UK's capital city to witness one of the greatest  events  this year. The  2012 Summer Olympic Games  will be held in London from  July  27 to August 12, 2012.  If you  love sports, visiting London  during this event will be a memorable experience for you.

The 2012 Summer Paralympics Games   will also take place in London, UK from August 29 to September 9, 2012.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee- If you are  a Royal watcher, this event will be a  perfect  one for you. Queen Elizabeth's  Diamond Jubilee will take place from June 2-5, 2012.  Her reign for 60 years is the second longest in history for a British  monarchy.

There will be some programs  during this celebration. A concert at Buckingham Palace, a flotilla with 1000 boats along the River Thames and the the lighting of 2012 beacons and a Big Jubilee Lunch.

The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben. This was taken during my three weeks trip in England last 2008.

World Pride- Another event which is very famous and promoted  especially for  lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. It  is organized by Interpride and  London will be the host this year. Parades and other cultural activities will take place in UK's capital. This will be a  two week festivities and will take place from June 23 – July 8, 2012. The parade around London city on July 7 will be the highlight of this event.

There are still still a lot of top events in England this year. Depending on your taste, you can always find everything in England. Be sure to book your flights and accommodation ahead of time.

I was browsing for cheap flights in Easyjet website last night and I found some cheap ones. I hope I can visit London again this year. My three weeks  vacation in England last 2008 is still not enough to see everything. Some friends are also waiting for me there.

My Second Visit in Prague, Czech Republic

Last summer 2011 was my second visit to Czech Republic's capital city. My first visit was last September 2009.  Prague is around 3 hours drive from where we live in Bavaria, Germany.

I was invited by a friend to accompany her mother-in-law who was having a vacation that time in Europe. Some of her family members also went us. I was happy after hearing it and did not hesitated to show them Prague City. I was still quite familiar with Prague's vicinity especially the main sights to see. We have  seen most of the famous landmarks including the Old Town with Tyn Church, the astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall, Charles bridge, the Prague castle and more.

Our sightseeing tour ended with a dinner in  one of the restaurants in Prague. Thanks to my fiend's husband who was very eager to drive us to  this city.

One of the bridge towers of  the Charles Bridge during  my second visit last July 2011.

The Tyn Church with its two towers on the  right side and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock on the left-middle  side.

Plan to Go Home

It is still not confirmed but I  hope to see my family back home in the Philippines next year. I am still waiting for my sponsors to pay for my trip on that  said vacation. Just kidding volks!  We are really planning to go home again when financial matters are present.

The fantastic view of the sea from our terrace. I miss this place.

My last vacation was  from November 2009 to February 2010.  Quite long huh! I long to see my parents again, my siblings and their children and of course my friends and former classmates. One of my nephews already requested for a jigsaw puzzle as present. I will for sure send some balikbayan boxes again.

The fantastic view of the sea from our terrace. I miss this place.
I  also miss watching the sunset from our terrace and the view of the beautiful  blue sky and blue sea. I hope this wish will come true next year..in God's will! Have a wonderful weekend to all!

Cebu City's Skyline from Taoist Temple

If you are at Taoist Temple, you can have a very nice view of   Cebu City.  Dubbed as the "Queen City of the South" and also the second city in the Philippines after Manila, there are a lot  of  sights to see and to experience in this city.

Among the famous sights are the Santo Nino Basilica, Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Colon Street, Lapu-lapu Monument  and more.

This was taken during my last vacation in  Cebu last 2010. You can see the Waterfront hotel  with its three blue towers. The port of Cebu is also visible in this image.

 

Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, Cebu City, Philippines. This was already my fourth visit in this famous sight in Cebu.