Maan's Travels

Please proceed to my new blog address

2010-08-27T06:15:00.002+08:00

This blog is no longer updated. Please proceed to my new travel blog:

ProudlyFilipina.com joins Go Negosyo Women Entrepreneurs Summit

2009-02-12T07:56:00.000+08:00

Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan! (The biggest women negosyo event of the year!)

March being Women’s Month, Go Negosyo is holding a summit for women entrepreneurs entitled Babae, Yaman Ka ng Bayan! The event will be held at the World Trade Center on March 2, 2009. A woman empowering event, the summit will include forums to help the Pinay reach her full potential as a person and as an entrepreneur.

Read more on how you can join us here.

International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima Philippine Visit 2009

2009-02-10T03:04:00.000+08:00

Link

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T02:04:00.000+08:00

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman is a hard-bound coffee-table book paying tribute to the women of the Philippines that features striking photos of the Filipina captured in the different facets of her womanhood:a caring mother, a hobby enthusiast, a spiritual person, a determinate athlete, a professional or a simple citizen.

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

On every page, the reader will get a hint of why the country is so much indebted to its women : the virtues of the Filipina reveal themselves as we can see her create a piece of art, perform on stage or in the sports arena, harvest rice, demonstrate on the street, or simply attend to her children.

The book was painstakingly produced by Louis Paul Heussaff, CEO of Supply Oilfield Services, as a testament to diversity’s feat, vividly presenting the different faces of a Filipina’s womanhood. No one can understand a filipina more than this french national married to a wonderful Pinay herself.

A collection of over 200 photographs, a myriad faces of the Filipina are highlighted in this beautifully designed book. The Manila urbanite finds her place alongside women from the remote hills of Sabtang. Celebrities, artists, politicians and ordinary women are presented in these photographs which highlight the elegance, determination, devotion, sensibility and individuality of the Filipina.

The book is sold at Amazon for $295 (Php 14,500) but thru the kindess of the publisher, it will be made available to proudly filipina members only for Php 1,500 ($30) for a limited time. You can pre-order the book by contacting us here, and you can pick this up during the launch on Dec. 27. For those outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, we shall inform you of the courier charges.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Sugar overload? Swig some pure Neem Extract! Nature’s cure for Diabetes

2008-08-30T05:36:00.000+08:00

By: Rissa Calica-Gimenez

One of the ancient home remedies for balancing high blood sugar or diabetes is just as close and down-to-earth as your garden. read more at http://www.proudlyfilipina.com

What's New at ProudlyFilipina.com

2008-08-29T00:42:00.000+08:00

Hello All Proud to be Filipinas!

Once again we would like to invite you to register and join the new online magazine and Social Network for Filipinas all over the world.

We have a lot of interesting reads, from Caren's "Second Generation Entrepreneurs" where she mentions that 420 women go out and start their own businesses and most of them are growing revenues, profits and creating more jobs than the businesses itself!

---to Rissa's new natural health find, "Sugar overload? Swig some pure Neem Extract! Nature’s cure for Diabetes" Find out the secret brew in ProudlyFilipina.com

Corrine Blogs about her craving for "Ensaymada" but she says that "When I think or say Ensaymada I do not mean I am craving for sweets but for the comfort of what I am missing" . Isn't that sweet!

You will all be inspired by Lella's Halo Halong Halo, A heavenly mix of things that make life worth savoring.

Join us and comment on the various ongoing Forum topics such as Living with Extended Family, Dealing with your mother in law, Top Attractions in Europe and many more! Create your own thread and let everyone else join the fun!

We hope to see you there. Just hit Register, type your name and email then get your free account activated.

http://www.proudlyfilipina.com

Visit My other blogs

2007-12-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

Please visit my other blogs :

Maan's Travels (on Word Press): I am now using Word Press for my travel related blog, plese visit this for updates.

Spa and Wellness Blog (new) : Experiences, Observations, Information on the spa and wellness Industry

Maan's Pilgrim Site : A collection of my various religious pilgrimage trips - photos, insights, experiences.

Maan's Ramblings : This is actually my main blog discussing anything under the sun. Usually shows the various events I attended, reunions and parties to update schoolmates, friends and relatives as well as thoughts and experiences - my actual online journal.

Maan's Multiply Site: Another ramblings and musings blog but I mainly use it for the photos. Easier to upload dozens of them.

Catholic Pilgrim Blog

2007-07-17T15:06:00.000+08:00

I have moved my religious blog, Catholic Pilgrim to a new domain and this time using Wordpress. Please check it out at:

http://catholicpilgrim.org

Serious Prattle : My new personal blog

2007-07-11T23:17:00.000+08:00

I was so 'sawa' with my old personal ramblings site so decided to shift to a new one using word press. Yup, wordpress is a lot better than blogger so please do visit my new space at:

http://seriousprattle.com

An improvised Ref

2006-08-16T22:02:00.000+08:00

There was no refrigerator in our hotel room at Rocamadour but we needed to keep some food stuff cool so we placed them outside the balcony and the following morning, it was chilled! :)

To the Grotto right after Check-in

2006-08-14T23:21:00.000+08:00

Arrival at Lourdes

2006-08-14T23:03:00.000+08:00

Off to Lourdes via Toulouse

2006-08-14T22:48:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour Train

2006-08-14T22:11:00.000+08:00

roc 3 chateaux dinner

2006-08-14T22:06:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour: Chateau Level

2006-08-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour

2006-08-14T16:01:00.000+08:00

Dinner at the chateau level

2006-08-14T13:50:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour (Chapel of the Black Virgin, St Amadour)

2006-08-14T10:34:00.000+08:00

may 29 roc c

2006-08-14T05:19:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour: Sanctuary level (May 29, 2006)

2006-08-13T22:03:00.000+08:00

At the sanctuary level overlooking the Dordogne valley.

The chateau on the third level taken from the sanctuary plain.

Copy of the Miraculous black Madonna of Racamadour housed in the main basilica.

May 29, 2006 : Rocamadour

2006-08-13T21:12:00.000+08:00

Rocamadour is a historic shrine perched on a limestone cliff. It tells a story of religious belief and human endeavour.
Looking out over the gorge of the River Alzou, this city devoted to the Virgin Mary has remained for over nine hundred years a symbol of faith and hope.

We arrived Rocamadour after an hours drive from Brive (taxi cost around 75 euros) around late afternoon.

We immediately checked in at Hotel Grand Beau Site, a best western hotel which apparently is the best lodging in the whole place with excellent location.

Our room overlooks the Dordogne Valley.

We were famished so off we headed looking for a place to take some very late lunch. I think that was around 4pm or so.

I immediately took my seat outside the balcony of this resto but bebeth found it too cold and besides it started to rain so we ordered our pizza inside.
I immediately took my seat at the balcony of this pizza resto which overlooks the lush greenery of the valley but bebeth found it too cold and besdies it started to rain so just decided to take our meal inside.

I had to take a photo of our meal because I found the cutter unique - it's a tiny hammer!

We saw the tourist train go by while we finished our pizza. I took note of this for I made sure we will not leave the city without trying this.

We finished the late lunch around close to 530pm and apparently the only lift which goes up the sanctuary grounds closes at 6pm. We made a dash for it so as not to waste time and make the most of the 3 euros fee to use the lift, otherwise it will be a more than 200 step climb and I don't intend to do that.
The lift or ascenseur was built inside a cave which was just right across our hotel.

Right after we went around the next level we came back exactly 6pm and looked around the shops which were all starting to close except one - wher they sell lovely jewelries and stuff.
The quality was really good so we bought a couple of them.
We found out later that the man who operated the lift, who hails from Sardinia, is the husband of the woman who sold us the trinkets! Truly a small city :)

Brive La Gaillarde

2006-08-13T20:53:00.000+08:00

From the Paris train station (think its Gare d' Austerlitz) we started to take the Eurail for Brive La Gaillarde, which from my research seems to be the nearest train stop to our main destination Rocamadour.

It took me quite a while trying to determine how to get to that mountain region. i learned there was a local train station but transport is unreliable and few so just to be sure I decided to stop at Brive and take a taxi to Roc.

I tried reserving a cab from our hotel in Paris since from past travel reviews it seems one has to always pre-book. Fortunately though we were assured that it will not be a problem during that time.

Bebeth and I wanted to leave our luggage at the Brive station so we can take a look around the city.

Unfortunately, the left luggage section was down at the basement without benefit of a lift nor an escalator. We wanted to preserve our energy for the weeks to come so opted to just take photos around the train station area.

We already reserved our seats here for our train to Lourdes.

Brive which owes its nickname La Caillarde – the bold - to the courage displayed by its citizens on the many occasions when it was besieged, is an active town in the Correze alluvial plain, in the middle of the rich Brive basin, where market gardening and orchards prosper.

Located at the crossroads of Bas-Limousin (Lower Limousin), Perigord and the Quercy causses (limestone plateaux), the town Is an important railway junction with a thriving book fair has taken place annually in the Georges Brassens hall since 1982.

Brive is an excellent example of concentric urban expansion, with the old quarter St Martins Collegiate Church as its centre.

Musee de Louvre (June 16, 2006)

2006-08-06T21:39:00.000+08:00

My flight to NY was early evening but we still managed to insert a visit to Louvre. Bebeth has not yet seen it and I wanted to check out further the remaining tracks of the Da Vinci Novel.
Note: This leg was after our almost 23rd day of travel around France, Belgium, Germany and Austria.

I just had time to have a photo at the Inverted Pyramid, the three famous works of art Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace and Mona Lisa of course plus the Virgin of the Rocks made famous by Dan Browns novel.

After an hour more or less I had to run back to the hotel, took a very quick lunch and ran off to the airport. Bebeth stayed on still her flight to manila was much later than mine.
Royal Palace Grounds (Palais Royale)

The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) is said to be the largest museum in the world.

Built as a fortified royal palace for Philip Augustus in the centre of Paris and in the axis of the Champs-Élysées, parts of it were first opened to the public as a museum on November 8, 1793, during the French Revolution. The central courtyard, occupied by the Louvre Pyramid built in 1989, serves as the main entrance to the museum.

The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Here we explore the history of this extraordinary edifice and of the museum that has occupied it since 1793.

The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

The monument is a triumphal arch in Paris. It is located on the Place du Carrousel, just to the west of the Louvre. Designed by Charles Percier and Pierre Léonard Fontaine, the arch was built between 1806-1808 by the Emperor Napoleon I as a pastiche of the Arch of Septimus Severus in Rome. It was commissioned to commemorate France's military victories in 1805. It was originally surmounted by the famous horses of Saint Mark's Cathedral in Venice, looted by Napoleon, but these were returned there in 1815. They were replaced by a quadriga sculpted by Baron François Joseph Bosio, depicting Peace riding in a triumphal chariot, led by gilded Victories on either side; the composition commemorates the Restoration of the Bourbons following Napoleon's downfall.

The Inverted Pyramid

I actually never noticed this the past times I have visited the museum but after reading and watching the Dan Brown Novel, I had to find where it was!

La Pyramide Inversée (The Inverted Pyramid) is a skylight constructed in an underground shopping mall in front of the Museum. It may be thought of as a smaller sibling of the more famous Louvre Pyramid proper, yet turned "upside down": its upturned base is easily overlooked from outside. Directly below the tip of the downwards-pointing glass pyramid, a small stone pyramid (about one meter/three feet high) is stationed on the floor, as if mirroring the larger structure above: The tips of the two pyramids almost touch.

La Pyramide Inversée was designed by architects I.M. Pei, Cobb Freed and Partners, and installed as part of the Phase II government renovation of the Louvre Museum. It was completed in 1993. In 1995, it was a finalist in the Benedictus Awards, described by the jury as "a remarkable anti-structure … a symbolic use of technology … a piece of sculpture. It was meant as an object but it is an object to transmit light."

The Inverted Pyramid rose to sudden fame in 2003–2004 because it figures prominently on the concluding pages of Dan Brown's international bestseller The Da Vinci Code. The author, or rather the protagonist of his novel, reads esoteric symbolism into the two pyramids: The Inverted Pyramid is perceived as a Chalice, a feminine symbol, whereas the stone pyramid below is interpreted as a Blade, a masculine symbol: the whole structure could thus express the union of the genders. Moreover, Brown's protagonist concludes that the tiny stone pyramid is actually only the apex of a larger pyramid (possibly the same size as the inverted pyramid above).

It should be noted, however, that the now-famous description provided in the novel is not in all respects accurate (irrespective of the claim that the stone pyramid "protrudes up through the floor" rather than simply sitting on top of the floor). On one point, Brown's description is indeed self-contradictory. He rightly describes the stone pyramid as being three feet tall and "almost touching" La Pyramide Inversée above, yet he also says that the tip of the pyramid is suspended "six feet above the floor": If so, there would necessarily be three feet between the tips of the pyramids, in which case they could hardly be described as "almost touching" one another. Actually the tip of La Pyramide Inversée is closer to the floor than six feet (rather, as noted above, 4.5 feet), so that it does indeed hover right above the tip of the three-feet stone pyramid below.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

The winged goddess of Victory standing on the prow of a ship overlooked the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on the island of Samothrace.

The sculpture was offered by the citizens of Rhodes in commemoration of a naval victory in the early second century BC.

The monument combines a theatrical stance, vigorous movement, and billowing drapery of the Greek sculpture and refers to the Classical period-prefiguring the baroque aestheticism of the Pergamene sculptors.

According to the Louvre website "This exceptional monument was unearthed in 1863 on the small island of Samothrace in the northwest Aegean.

It was discovered by Charles Champoiseau, French Vice-Consul to Adrianople (Turkey). The goddess of Victory (Nike, in Greek) is shown in the form of a winged woman standing on the prow of a ship, braced against the strong wind blowing through her garments.

With her right hand cupped around her mouth, she announced the event she was dedicated to commemorate. The colossal work was placed in a rock niche that had been dug into a hill; it overlooked the theater of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.

This niche may also have contained a pool filled with water in which the ship appeared to float. Given its placement, the work was meant to be viewed from the front left-hand side; this explains the disparity in sculpting technique, the right side of the body being much less detailed. The highly theatrical presentation-combined with the goddess's monumentality, wide wingspan, and the vigor of her forward-thrusting body-reinforces the reality of the scene. "

Venus de Milo

Sometimes known as Aphrodite, godess of love, the graceful statue has intrigued and fascinated many since its discovery on the island of Melos in 1820.

Some people wonder if she is Aphrodite, who was often portrayed half-naked, or the sea goddess Amphitrite, who was venerated on Milo.

The sculpture reflects research during the late Hellenistic Period - basically classical , with new features such as the spiral composition, the positioning in space, and the fall of the drapery over the hips.

" The Venus de Milo was discovered in 1820 on the island of Melos (Milo in modern Greek) in the south-western Cyclades. The Marquis de Rivière presented it to Louis XVIII, who donated it to the Louvre the following year.

The statue won instant and lasting fame. Essentially two blocks of marble, it is comprised of several parts which were sculpted separately (bust, legs, left arm and foot) then fixed with vertical pegs, a technique which was fairly common in the Greek world (especially in the Cyclades, where this work was produced around 100 BC). The goddess originally wore metal jewelry — bracelet, earrings, and headband — of which only the fixation holes remain. The marble may have been embellished with (now faded) polychromy. The arms were never found. "

Virgin of the Rocks

One of the minor paintings in Louvre but took a center stage when the novel Da Vinci code came out.

The museum curator in this novel kept a most important key at the back of this painting.

This work of art was commissioned by the Confraternité of the Immaculate Conception for a vault of the church San Francesco Grande in Milan. It seems however that there were two such paintings done and the original one maybe kept in London.

The second version (that in London) would have been painted under the control of Léonard by Ambrogio de Predis between 1495 and 1508 to replace the original one.

An ambiguous iconography The comparison of the two versions of the Virgin to the rocks shows well ambiguities of the iconographic program of the first, which was commented on much by the specialists.

The identity of the characters can indeed appear obscure because of absence of attributes and the preeminence of the small Jean saint, placed at the sides of the Virgin, designated by the finger of the Gabriel archangel and blessed by Jesus.

The traditional desert where the meeting held on the two children of divine design is, is replaced by a supernatural decoration of cave and rocks, water and plants.

It is the mystery of the Incarnation which is celebrated, through the role of Mary and that of the Precursor, which is considered according to a tradition florentine a playmate of Jesus, who was already aware of the sacrifice to come.

This prefiguration of Passion seems also contained in the representation of the chasm at the edge of which the Child and in the vegetation symbolic system is held which surrounds it (aconite, palms, iris).

Mona Lisa

Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del GiocondoBetween 1503 and 1506

Unlike the past years, the Mona Lisa painting is now well guarded and fenced from the ever growing curious crowd.

Photos are a no no unlike before but of course I still managed to steal a shot :)

Under the Pyramid
(Napoleon Hall)

Escalator going up the 1st floor where the more popular masterpieces.

The Louvre Pyramid is a large glass pyramid commissioned by then French president François Mitterrand.

The pyramid itself reaches a height of 20.6 metres (about 70 feet); its square base has sides of 35 metres (115 feet). The pyramid covers the Louvre entresol and forms part of the new entrance into the museum
All over this vast complex, one can see the influence of the pyramid.

From the outside fountain....

from all sides.....

Succeding photos taken inside the main museum, some shots stolen for in many places photography is foridden.

Jardin de Luxembourg

2006-08-06T21:12:00.000+08:00

Jardin de Luxembourg seems to be the most popular Park in Paris. It is located near Sorbonne University in the 5th district.

At the center of the park is the Grand Bassin, an octagonal pond where children can rent small remote-controlled boats.

Around the pond are nice lawns and alleys, all laid out in a geometrical pattern. Numerous statues including the Statue of the patroness of Paris, Saint-Geneviève - adorn the park. This is also one of the parks where you can just get hold of one of the many chairs and take it to the exact spot where you want to sit.

Palais du Luxembourg was constructed at the north end of the Jardin du Luxembourg. It was built for Marie de Medicis, mother of Louis XIII who was of Italian descent thus the architect, Salomon de Brosse designed the palace in a Florentine style.

During the French Revolution, the palace served as a prison and as the headquarters of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. It currently houses the French Senate.

The Arch from Champs!

2006-08-06T15:16:00.000+08:00

I had lots of photos in the past of Paris' important monument, Arch of Triumph but it was only now that I was able to get one right from the elegant Champs Elysees, the widest and biggest avenue that side of town.

While Bebeth and I were crossing Champs, I suddenly remembered to take out my camera and get this chance amidst the traffic. My amiga was hesitant for we were right smack in the middle of the cars wheezing in and out but we did it!

The Arch of Triumph was ommissioned in by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars and one can also find the tomb of the unknown soldier where every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic would lay a wreath.

This is also the starting point of a military parade every Bastille Day (July 14).

I can still remember that the french heroine Marianne is also carved in one of its walls. How can I forget that when we share similar names :)

The photo below gives you a nearer shot of the famous landmark.

We also chanced upon these seemingly french veterans preparing to March to the Arch for what occasion we don't know.

May 27: St. Sulpice

2006-06-02T05:42:00.000+08:00

Of all the scenes in the Da Vinci film, next to the Louvre, this church seemed to be the most interesting so Bebeth and I went to check out the site. Photo below shows the facade of the church. There was sort of a flea market of sorts going on in the area this time.

The famous so called obelisk below which according to authorities isnt really one.

Rose line? hmmm they say not although Dan Brown states it is so.

How I spent my birthday in my favorite city

2006-05-28T05:50:00.000+08:00

Bebeth and I planned to hear mass at the chapel of Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac so off we went to check out the mass. There were lots of people inside the chapel since there was an ongoing mass. The next one would be at half past noon so we decided to check out the Le Grand Epicerie just beside the chapel. I bought some food stuff here last night.

That photo above was the last we took since the store people disallowed us from further taking photos.

I told bebeth maybe we should visit the Church of St. Ignace just across the street since it was closed when I visited yesterday. We went inside and checked out the schedule of masses and apparently the last mass was at 11am. Tough luck I thought. We sat down to pray and I closed my eyes and intently talked with St. Ignatius of Loyola who I didnt know much about inspite being an Atenean.

I opened my eyes when I heard a bell rang. A priest was going to the altar to say mass! It was 12noon and there was no mass scheduled! But I guess this was St. Ignatius gift to me. Had we attended the mass at Rue de Bac it would have been difficult to concentrate with the crowd. Here it was very solemn as there were just a few of us.

After the mass I took photos of some paintings depicting important times in the life of St. Ignatius. A gracious lady who served during the mass explained some of them to me such as the time Jesus himself manifested himself to the saint as well as the Blessed Mother who dictated to him the rules.

Some other photos in collage form. Most were taken in the Opera area, a busy, posh place in the city.

We had dinner in one of our favorite restos in Paris. Bebeth and I also had dinner here in 2002. I discovered the place when Ceciilia, dad's friend treated us here decades back.

Paris at last!

2006-05-26T05:04:00.000+08:00

Yes I am back in my favorite city at last!

Its been four years since I last visited Paris. In the past I would usually visit once or twice with my parents.

This european trip was not planned but I guess its dad's gift to me. I left manila right after dad's first death anniversary. First day is all for myself since tomorrow bebeth arrives.

We are booked in Hotel Gotty Opera. I specifically asked our travel agent in Paris to book me near the Opera so I can just walk to blvd hausmman and other nearby places.

Right after I showered and napped a bit (hardly slept on the plane), off I walked to the direction of my favorite street, boulevard hausmman :) (thats where the big shops are).

Well guess what, as usual I got lost and ended up at the Bourse! So as not to feel I have wasted my time and energy walking to the opposite direction, I took the photo of the bourse itself :)

After asking some kind french people the direction of Boul Haussman, I was able to get to the big avenue itself.

By this time, my feet were complaining and stomach grumbling for it must have been mid afternoon.

Before I went up the 6th floor where the cafe is located, I just had to take a photo of the beatiful interiors of the supposedly biggest store in Europe (Germans would claim though that the biggest is Ka De Ve in West Berlin). Below is its famous dome.

Compared to Berlin's Ka De Ve, they allow tourists to take photo inside Galeries Lafayette.

When I reached the sixth floor, I immediately went to the self-service shop and got myself some turkey (which really looked like cubed chicken) and rice and a truly sinful Tiramisu gelato for dessert.

Why do you think I had to walk a long way to get to this great grand dept store to eat?? Check out the scenery just outside my window while taking lunch.

Yes its the Eiffel Tower. Actually the other side looked more elegant but everyone was huddled on that corner I couldnt find a space to take photos. Maybe the succeeding days will see if I we can take some meal again in the same place.

After my meal, my feet can no longer stand walking a few more to the metro. I took a cab for the Miraculous Medal Chapel hoping to hear mass. Will write about the church later in my Pilgrims blog.

Unfortunately there were not afternoon or evening masses, considering its a religious holiday!

Off I went to buy some cheese and ham for my breakfast at the nearby Le Grand Epicerie after which I proceeded to walk to the Eglise Saint Ignace, which Fr Nebres told me about. He said that I should watch out for the sign for it looks like just one of the shops.

Tough luch, the church was closed! Again this is a religous holiday! No mass, maybe the priests were also on vacation :)

A few steps away was the Centre Sevres if the Jesuit order. I wanted to go in but I rememered Fr Nebres saying it was only for males so I just took the photo of the signage.

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Took the Metro this time at Rue de Sevres- Babylon and bought the 10 tickets carnet which the late Jee taught me the last time I visited Paris. I used to buy the carte orange but she said the cartes of 10 is more realistic.

No I didnt get lost inside the metro, but since I had to change lines, it took me ages to find the right 'correspondance'!!!

Back to the hotel early evening with the sun still up and my whole body aching from the whole day of walking. I actually passed by two stores to buy fruits, milk, water juice, soda and cheese again for breakfst since they serve only continental.

Thats all for today, till tomorrow folks!

Learnings from decades of Travel

2006-04-03T04:24:00.000+08:00

Travel has always been a passion and my dream is to one day write about this, in a book or better yet a travel column. The gemini in me might not have the patience to finish a book whereas the demands of short articles in a column would fit me to a T.

Since I don't have either of those chances, I decided to share some travel gems in this blog for the meantime.

Europe has always been a favorite region, for its culture and history. Most of those travels were in groups that my dad used to organize locally but many of our unforgettable adventures were during our solo trip (as in with my dad and mom or at times with a few friends).

Some of learnings from those trips are :

1. Always expect the Unexpected (A favorite saying of my dad)

No matter how far and detailed your travel plans have been, you must expect that something may turn bad or not the way you planned it to be. Strikes are normal during late spring to summer when tourists start arriving. We have experienced this often in France and Italy. From the airport porter (no one to carry the luggages), to the plane crew (pilots deliberately slowing down the taxi so that passengers from connecting flight will not catch the next plane) to bus drivers going on strike so missed the motorcoach which will bring us to our hotel.

Farmers also often go on strike so they sometimes block the highway and traffic would surely mount.

Other unexpected moments would be:

A beautiful monument was under consturction so you wont be able to get in or even take a good photo
A museum happen to be closed on the day you arrive,
There are no eateries on that part of the highway you are driving through so miss lunch (usually in Spain)
Losing all the photos you took because of the xray machine or thief or all of sudden yoru camera just chose to conk out
Lost or misrouted suitcase

2. You can lose everything except your PMT - Passport, Money and Ticket (plane)

Usually its best to keep in tucked somewhere inside your clothes. I keep them in an inside money belt. I have another money belt for loose change which is either over my blouse (if I wear a jacket) or inside but outside my jeans so I can easily get whatever is inside, which usually includes a ballpen and some paper plus some credit cards.

3. Keep all your valuable stuff in your hand carry. Never check them in just in case you lose your suitcase.

4. Always bring your hotel's business card with all the contact numbers. In case you get lost esp when you are with a group, it will be easier to show this to the cab driver.

5. When you try to ask for directions, or flight connection details in the airport, or ask an important question related to your travel whether at the airport, hotel or anywhere during your journey. Don't be content with asking only one person. They sometimes give different answers. It is imperative you double check.

6. Keep your luggages locked inside the room when you get out even when you are sleeping. Put a chair on the back of the door just to make sure no one gets in while you sleep.

You never can tell if chamber maids will start snooping on the contents of your luggage when you are out
One time while one of our companions was asleep (in a four star hotel), maybe someone sneaked in and tried getting her passport. She found this when she woke up right outside her door.

7. Dont dispaly your valuables on top of a table in a public restaurant/place eg videocam, digital stuff. Keep it inside the bag.

We were eating in one of the Wienerwald restaurants in Frankfurt one time, my mom and i stepped out to check some of the items on sale in a nearby market when we went back inside, the waiters were all upset and running around and one approached me saying all is under control for the police are coming. Some guy grabbed my video on top of the table and ran!

Tower of Belém

2005-12-27T10:49:00.000+08:00

The Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. It is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world and one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Portugal

Although I have seen this famous landmark a couple of times, the only photo I could get hold of right now is during the time of its restoration during the years 1997-1998.

The tower has served various purposes since inception, from a customs post, telegraph office and even lighthouse. It also became a political prison, with its storerooms transformed into dungeons.

At present, it is cultural icon, a symbol of Portugal, and it provides a valuable glimpse into the country's relations with other cultures and civilisations.

In 1983 UNESCO declared the Tower of Belém as "World Heritage Cultural Site".

Foquet's : The famous and elegant Paris Cafe

2005-12-26T06:51:00.000+08:00

Known to be the most elegant cafe in Paris, Foquet's is located along the equally famous Champs Elysees and is a great place for people-watching.

This is definitely on the see-and-be-seen arena. Fouquet's was founded in 1901 and has been collecting anecdotes since then.

It is known to be a celebrity favorite and has attracted Chaplin, Chevalier, Dietrich, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Jackie Onassis (their photos line the walls inside the cafe).

The premier cafe on the Champs-Elysées sits behind a barricade of potted flowers at the edge of the sidewalk.

Although this is a full-fledged restaurant, with a regal dining room on the second floor, most guests come by just for a glass of wine, coffee, or sandwich just as Hani and I did during this particular visit to Paris.

Hani's parents wanted her to experience this much talked about cafe so I accompanied her for some drinks. She was the one who took my photo in this post. Yes there are two coca colas on the table but of course I had to order some red wine in paris (which incidentally I wasnt able to finish). It was early spring then so most of the guests stayed inside.

Ice Grotto, Mt Titlis Switzerland

2005-12-26T06:12:00.000+08:00

Inside the remarkable Ice Grotto with dad. The Ice Grotto is a man-made ‘eternal ice’ cave tunnelled out of the glacier located within the grounds of Mt. Titlis, the highest peak in Cenral Switzerland.

Hua Hin Resort, Thailand

2005-11-27T02:00:00.000+08:00

A lovely resort, Hua Hin, just three hours away from Bangkok. The Royal family chose to live here away from the traffic and smog of the country's capital.

Didnt have much time to enjoy the place for the Wellness Summit i attended had activities till the evening.

So near yet so far, our cry as we watch the beckoning pristine white sands and blue water. I was able to savor though, the world famous thai massage right in front of the hotel. There are dozens and dozens of massage places offering full body, foot and a host of other services at very affordable prices. A much recommended one is The Blue Elephant massage place where I was able to relax with their great foot massage. Lots of expats patronized the clean parlor with very efficient staff. Its located right across the Hilton.

Photo above was taken at Sofitel where the last day lunch was held. One day I hope to again visit and this time try the famous Chiva Som resort.

The Most Scenic Train Ride in Europe

2005-02-06T14:04:00.000+08:00

flammyrdalclear

The first time I went to Norway during the month of October with my parents, we flew straight to Oslo. After checking in at the very elegant Continental hotel we sat down and started studying the places we will be visiting. I suddenly came across an item in the hotel’s tourist book, which mentioned that the most scenic rail route in Europe is the train ride from Oslo to Bergen with a detour to Flam, Gundvangen, Stalheim and Voss and that the trip has an opportunity for a relaxing Fjords tour.

Early the following day, we took the train from the Oslo Central Station. The train ride from Oslo to Bergen is a 300-mile length of track, passing through 200 tunnels and 18 miles of snow sheds in addition to crossing more than 300 bridges.

After only half an hour of travel I noticed that the whole surrounding was already covered with snow. Our first stop was Finse, the highest elevation (4,267 ft.) above sea level of the entire Oslo-Bergen line. In Finse, workers were stationed permanently to remove the snow on the tracks nine months each year and repair the snow sheds between Oslo and Finse. The scenery changes from ice glaciers, ski resorts, waterfalls and fast gushing rivers.

Our next stop was at Myrdal where we had to transfer to another train, the famous “Flam Line” for a twelve and a half mile travel which gave us a most breathtaking view of nature at its best. The train journey from Myrdal to Flam is a railway experience unparalleled in Europe. The journey from Myrdal to Flam took about 45 minutes, and the train traveled slowly and even stopped at the most scenic spots to ensure that we experienced the full impact of glorious nature.

The railways had the greatest incline of any Norwegian track at 5.5 degrees in one stretch. This line is really a masterpiece in engineering I would say. The descent is so steep that the train takes a longer time to go downhill than it does to go up. It had five different braking systems, anyone of which is enough to stop the train.

Along one stretch, the mountainside is so steep that the train has to go through reverse tunnels and the track in one particular half mile run goes on five different levels. When we reached the finest scenic spot, the train proceeded slowly then stopped in order for us to have the best view of the magnificent scenery.

We passed a total of 21 hairpin bends. In two places, the train stopped for several minutes so we can get off and walk closer to an enormous raging waterfall that cascaded close to the train. The force of the gushing water is such music to hear and admire. This is such a great photo spot that everyone just had to get out and capture the postcard pretty scenery.

We then proceeded down and stopped at Flam to take lunch. Temperature here was below 11 degrees centigrade. Flåm lies in a sheltered position at the end of the Aurland Fjord. This arm of the Sognefjord penetrates inland 200km and is thus Norway's longest. The climate here is warm and pleasant, as can be seen by the many orchards After lunch and a brief rest, we boarded a fjord boat on Sognefjord, for a most relaxing and beautiful fjords cruise along the unspoiled coastal mountains. The Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway – a gigantic chasm that goes through 180 kilometers into the country and plunges to the awesome depth of 1300 meters. The cruise ended in Gundvangen where we took a bus to Voss via the famous Stalheim mountain resort.

In Voss, we transferred to another train that brought us to Bergen. Bergen is another beautiful tourist attraction, the cultural center of Norway.

St. Gilgen

2005-02-06T01:53:00.000+08:00

St Gilgen

St. Gilgen is a leading lakeside resort just outside Salzburg and lying at the edge of Wolfgangsee. It is also the birthplace of Mozart's mother, Anna and where his sister Nanerl settled after her marriage to a baron.

Photo above is the Rathaus or Townhall. Right beside it are the houses of the Mozart's mother and sister and a few meters away is the peaceful lake of the town. Some of the Sound of Music lake scenes were also taken in this place.

St. Gilgen today is the playground for the city's new aristocracy: the fashionable and wealthy who maintain mountain villas here

Berlin Wall

2005-02-05T04:00:00.000+08:00

Berlin Wall

Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall is the single most important symbol of Germany's former division. We were fortunate to still have seen the wall two years before it was torn down in 1989.

The Berlin Wall was a long barrier separating West Berlin from East Berlin and the surrounding territory of East Germany. Its intent was to restrict access between West Berlin and East Germany.

During the Wall's existence there were around 5,000 successful escapes into West Berlin; 192 people were killed trying to cross and around 200 were seriously injured. Early successful escapes involved people jumping the initial barbed wire or leaping out of apartment windows along the line. These quickly ended.

Other successful escape attempts included 57 people who escaped through a 145 metre long (475 feet) tunnel dug by West Berliners, on October 3, 4 and 5, 1964; and two escapes made by sliding along aerial runways (one by two men, one by a family). One man drove a very low sports car underneath a barricade. One of the last escapes occurred when two men flew fixed wing ultralights across the Wall to rescue their brother.

The most notorious failed attempt was by Peter Fechter who was shot and left to bleed to death in full view of the western media, on August 17, 1962. The last person to be shot trying to cross the border was Chris Gueffroy on February 6, 1989.

Lower left photo shows cross markers where bodies of people who have unsuccessfully escaped were buried.

Photo above right, is the Brandenburg gate. The Brandenburg Gate is a triumphal arch (a structure in the shape of a monumental gate, usually built to celebrate a victory in war), the symbol of Berlin, Germany. Located on the Pariser Platz, it is the only remaining one of the series of gates through which one entered Berlin.

Capernaum

2005-02-05T03:55:00.000+08:00

Synagogue, Capernaum

Capernaum is located 2.5 miles from where the Jordan enters the Sea of Galilee. It was a customs station on the way to Damascus and the residence of high Roman officer.

As Jesus was not understood in Nazareth, and first attempt on HIs life was made here, He turned his back on his city went to Caparneum and made it His second native city.

Capernamum then became the centre of His activities for about 20 months. Here Jesus preached to the people and manifested His goodness and omnipotence by by many miracles.

Capernaum is the home of St. Peter. Hesus taught here in the synagogue (shown in the photo), delivered a man of an unclean spirit and healed Peter's mother-in-law. Here, He also healed the centurion's servant and the palsied man when he was let down through the roof, raised Jarius' daughter from the dead, healed the woman who had an issue of blood, as well as two blind men, and the son of a noblemen, and multitude of others.

Jesus cursed the city of Capernaum for being ungrateful. Today it is no more than a heap of rubble beside the lake shore. One important edifice left is the now famous Capernaum synagogue.

Sukkienice, Crakow (Poland)

2005-02-05T03:50:00.000+08:00

Sukkienice, Cracow

The Cloth Hall
Sukiennice

The Main Market Square is dominated by the great Cloth Hall at its centre.

Originally designed in the 13th century during the reign of Prince Boleslaw the Bashful. At first they were simply stone shops with lanes in between.

In the 14th century, during the reign of King Casimir the Great the Cloth Hall was rebuilt. A stone building with a Gothic roof was erected. The entrance to this led to arcades built from bricks which remain unchanged to the present day.

Star of Bethlehem

2005-02-05T03:47:00.001+08:00

nativity

It is believed that Jesus was born on this spot where a symbolic star is now placed. This can be found right under the altar in the Church of Annunciation but on the Greek Orthodox part of the complex. One has to go down the basement of the Church main altar to visit and kiss the star.

The Catholic Church is located on another building.

Vigeland Park, Oslo

2005-02-05T03:47:00.000+08:00

Vigeland Park

Vigeland is a Sculpture park in Oslo, Norway with statues made by Gustav Vigeland, depicting all phases of life.

The park contains 192 sculptures with more than 600 figures, all modeled in full size by Vigeland.

This was the first time I visited Norway with my parents and the two barkadas of mom. It was autumn then and the trees were starting to shed their leaves.

The Alhambra

2005-02-05T03:44:00.000+08:00

Alhambra

The Alhambra is a walled city and fortress in Granada, Spain. It was built during the last Islamic sultanate on the Iberian peninsula, the Nasrid Dynasty (1238-1492). The palace is lavishly decorated with stone and wood carvings and tile patterns on most of the ceilings, walls, and floors. Islamic art does not use representations of living beings, but heavily uses geometric patterns, especially symmetric (repeating) patterns.

The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold.

But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an alcazaba (fortress), an alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many distinctive features of the monument.

Vaduz, Lichtenstein

2005-02-05T03:43:00.000+08:00

Vaduz

Vaduz is the capital of the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.

Vaduz Castle, the most prominent landmark of the town, is the residence of the Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. The former farming town, known mainly for its excellent wine, has become a location for internationally recognized industry and trade, banks, and various service enterprises and many shopping opportunities.

The castle can be seen atop the hill.

Generalife Gardens, Granada

2005-02-05T03:42:00.000+08:00

Generalife Gardens

The Generalife Gardens surround the beautiful Casas Reales in the Alhambra complex in Granada, southern Spain.

The meaning of Generalife, "the garden of lofty paradise," certainly fits the wonderful orchards, pastures, and flower beds. In the 13th century, the Generalife served as the country estate of the Nasrid kings. Here, the kings would escape to enjoy themselves high above the city (closer to the heavens). One feature that was particularly intriguing in the gardens was the system of running water. From the Escalera del Agua, leading to the highest point of the gardens, there is a small stream of water that flows down to the remainder of the gardens.

The sight of these gardens are truly refreshing.

Plaza de España, Sevilla

2005-02-05T03:40:00.000+08:00

Sevilla Plaza Mayor

An impressive work of Seville's best known modernist style architect, Hannibal Gonzalez, the plaza was made for the "Ibero-American Exposition 1929" and is located in the center of "Maria-Luisa-Park", forming a semi-circle around an artificial lake.

The two highly individual towers at its both extremes and the great ceramic ornaments which symbolize the provinces of Spain make it one of the most characteristical buildings in town.

Incidentally, Seville is the home of the legendary 'Don Juan'.

It was my birthday when we went around the city. Would like to go back to this place again. Its my favorite among the various cities in southern spain which I visited. We stayed a couple of days but then most of those days were spent going around the World Expo held that year in this city.

Pergammon Museum, East Berlin

2005-02-05T03:39:00.000+08:00

Pergamonn

The Pergamon Museum is one of the museums on the Museum Island in Berlin. Its one of the best museums I have seen in all my travels.

It took 10 years to build this edifice and houses original-sized, reconstructed monumental buildings such as the Pergamon Altar (photo above), the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate, all consisting of parts transported from the original excavation sites.

All those gigantic antique excavacations will surely leave your awed and breathless, specially the humongous Ishtar gate.

Auschwitz, Poland

2005-02-05T03:38:00.000+08:00

Auswitz

All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. It was established by the Nazis in 1940, in the suburbs of the city of Oswiecim which, like other parts of Poland, was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. The name of the city of Oswiecim was changed to Auschwitz, which became the name of the camp as well.

I think I saw in some of my readings and even on TV that some people affiliated with the Nazi were even denying the existence of these camps.

Over the following years, the camp was expanded and consisted of three main parts: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz. It also had over 40 sub-camps.

At first, Poles were imprisoned and died in the camp. Afterwards, Soviet prisoners of war, Gypsies, and prisoners of other nationalities were also incarcerated there. Beginning in 1942, the camp became the site of the greatest mass murder in the history of humanity, which was committed against the European Jews as part of Hitler's plan for the complete destruction of that people.

The majority of the Jewish men, women and children deported to Auschwitz were sent to their deaths in the Birkenau gas chambers immediately after arrival. At the end of the war, in an effort to remove the traces of the crimes they had committed, the SS began dismantling and razing the gas chambers, crematoria, and other buildings, as well as burning documents.

The old man in the photo above was our guide who was actually a survivor of the gas chamber murders. He lived to tell the visitors the horrible tales done by the Nazis to the Jews.

2005-02-05T03:35:00.000+08:00

Mt of Olives

Prague: Old Town Square

2005-01-24T02:30:00.000+08:00

Prague

Old Town Square (Staromìstské námìstí)

Being Prague's heart since the 10th century and its main market place until the beginning of the 20th century, the spacious 1.7 hectare Old Town Square has been the scene of great events, both glorious and tragic. There are beautiful pastel-coloured buildings of Romanesque or Gothic origin with fascinating house signs. Some of the most prominent examples include the Kinský Palace, the House of the Stone Bell and the Štorch House. Today, the Old Town Square offers visitors a tourist information office, number of restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries.

Been here twice but on the second time, it was freezing cold and windy that I left my camera in the bus. I just accompanied our colleagues who have not yet seen the place. Wanted to stay longer to watch the clock tower with 'soldiers' coming out to signal the next hour.

Prague: Charles Bridge and Powder Gate

2005-01-23T03:33:00.000+08:00

Prague

Czechs are West Slavs, as are Poles and Slovaks. The capital Prague is often called The Heart of Europe. There are about 10 million people in the Czech Republic and about 1.3 million people in Prague. Western part of the Czech Republic is called Bohemia, eastern Moravia.

Charles Bridge

The most famous bridge in Prague was completed in about 1400. It is really nice walk across the bridge. You could admire Baroque statuary, grand views up and down the river. There is an army of tourists squeezing on the bridge in summer the whole day. To have the bridge to yourself you should get there by about 8 am. In summer you can climb up into the two towers at the ends of the bridge.

Powder Gate (Prašná brána),

This was constructed in 1475 on the place of a former early Gothic tower. In the 15th century, it had no more its defence function and became rather a representative tower of the most important town of the Czech Kingdom - the Old Town of Prague.

Most likely, it was the reason why a century older Charles Bridge tower was used as its model.

The tower was built in the neighbourhood of a Royal Court, which used to be situated on the place of today`s adjacent Municipal House. With some interruptions, the kings dwelled in that former palace from 1383 up 1783. at that time, King Vladislav of Jagiello moved back to the Prague Castle and the palace remained abandoned. It was a cause of the interruption of works on the Powder Tower and was only provisionally roofed.

In the 17th century, it served as a store for gunpowder and since then, it has a present name. The radical reconstruction of the tower was performed in the 80s of the 19th century.

Poseidon's Temple :Greece

2005-01-22T16:37:00.000+08:00

Poseidon's Temple

Poseidon's Temple is found at Cape Sounion, just outside Athens.

It is located almost at the center of the island and myth has it that Poseidon exchanged his Temple at Delphi with the one that Apollon had at Kalavria in Poros. The Temple of Poseidon is of the Dorian order and it has six columns on its short side and 12 columns on its long side.

If my memory serves me right, there are three important temples, Poseidon, Acropolis and one more which forms an iscosceles triangle.

2005-01-21T03:00:00.000+08:00

Montserrat, Spain

Located in the province of Barcelona, the mountain called Montserrat is the setting for the pilgrimage shrine (the basilica housing the image of St. Mary), a monastery, and service area for visitors

The Montserrat Virgin was found in a cave on top of the mountain in the 800's. It was a site of pilgrimage and a monastery was founded there several hundred years later. If you make it up the mountain by 10 AM, there is a service in the cathedral featuring the best boys choir in all of europe. The monastery is so high up that you can see planes flying far below. The beauty of the cathedral, the mountains, and the music is overwhelming. The first sound is the choir. The second is the church bells calling to service. The third is the choir and the fourth sound is the choir and congregation

2005-01-21T02:59:00.000+08:00

scene of "I'm sixteen" song

The Sound of Music Pavillon: can be found at Hellbrunn Palace today, in the movie it was still located at Leopoldskron Palace. One of the most famous and romantic scenes was filmed here: 'I am 16 going on 17'.

I saw some young people posing inside the pavillion singing the famous song :) I actually have some other photos standing on the bench inside just like the Liezel in the movie :)

Do, Re, Mi.....

2005-01-21T02:58:00.000+08:00

scene of "Do Re Mi"

Mirabell Gardens : Location scene where Maria and the children sing 'Do-Re-Mi'

Von Trapp Palace

2005-01-21T02:57:00.000+08:00

Leopoldstron, Salzburg

Above photo shows the Leopoldskron Palace: the façade facing the lake represented the von Trapp residence from the famous Sound of Music movie shot in Salzburg.

It is the movie which made this lovely city famous all over the world.

2005-01-21T02:56:00.000+08:00

Mozart grave, Salzburg

Mt. Titlis

2005-01-21T02:55:00.000+08:00

Mt. Titlis

Mt. Titlis is the highest peak in Central Switzerland.

It is famous for being reached by the world's first revolving cable car, which was completed in 1992 and is still one of the few on the planet. The Titlis station (3028m) has restaurants tourist attractions and amazing views. On a good day you want to head straigth oudside. To the 3239 m summit, it's about a 45-minute hike. It doesn't look far but at this altitude you need to take it slowly.

To get to Mt. Titlis, coming from Lucerne with the Lucerne-Stans-Engelberg-Train within one hour to Engelberg. At Engelberg you take the cable car that brings you to the top of Mt Titlis.

The very first step into the technical exploitation of Mount Titlis took place with the opening of the funicular railway from Engelberg to Gerschnialp in 1913. By 1927, Trübsee station had been made accessible and winter sports had become very important for Engelberg. Finally, in 1967, the opening of the aerial cable car Stand - Titlis Glacier Station took place. Its exploitation made Engelberg a tourist resort with great snow certainty.

Today, Engelberg is one of Switzerland's ten leading tourist resorts. Thanks to the world innovation Rotair, the revolving aerial cable cars up to Titlis Glacier Station, its unique hiking and skiing domain, its beautiful new golf course, its excellent infrastructure for sports in general and its great accessibility, Engelberg has become a byword for European holiday destinations.

2005-01-21T02:52:00.000+08:00

Our Lady of Macarena, Sevilla

The Church in Sevilla, Spain, is home to the most adored religious image in all of Andalucía, the 17th-century Virgen de la Esperanza (Hope) sculpture. Commonly known simply as La Macarena, she is the patron saint of bullfighters and the city's supreme representation of the grieving, yet hoping, mother of Christ. The church's museum displays the holy lady's rich vestments and other lavish Semana Santa accoutrements.

The face of the Virgin with a tear is one of the most beautiful scuplture I have seen of the Blessed Mother.

Yes its where the famous song "Macarena" emanated from. Well the song referred to the city not the church in the city:)

2005-01-21T02:51:00.000+08:00

Via Crucis, Jerusalem

2005-01-21T02:50:00.000+08:00

Aegena, Greece

Aegina is one of the islands in the Saronic Gulf, just outside Athens. Many Athenians have summerhouses on this pretty island, and it is a perfect destination for whose who want a nice holiday by the sea and also do a bit of sightseeing.

The people of this island have always been involved with the sea: either as fishermen, sailors or shipbuilders. Some are also farmers, and they grow olives, pistachio nuts and fruit.
According to mythology, Aegina was a beautiful princess with whom Zeus fell in love with. In order to be alone with her, he took her to this unin-habited island, and they had a son, Aeacus, who became the first king.

The villages and surroundings on Aegina are lovely, so it is well worth it to explore the island.Because of its important position in antiquity there are still many ancient sites to see, the most famous being the temple of Athena Aphaia from the 6th century BC.

2005-01-21T02:49:00.000+08:00

Sacher hotel, Vienna

The world famous Sacher Torte originated in this hotel in Vienna named Hotel Sacher.

It is situated opposite the Viennese State Opera in the heart of the century old cultural and historical city. A few minutes walk from museums, The Hofburg, The Spanish Riding School and across the famous Ringstrasse.

The Hotel Sacher is a favorite meeting place for the city's high society, artists, and politicians. The hotel Sacher in Vienna - opened in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, son of the creator of the Original Sacher-Torte - is an Austrian institution. Histories and anecdotes about the legendary personalities of the Hotel Sacher abound.

The Sacher Torte is a scrumptious dessert made of two chocolate cake layers separated by apricot jam with a chocolate glaze over the top and sides of the cake. You can find it in many european restos in metro manila esp Schwarzwalder.

We tried it the first time we visited Vienna a few years before this trip but I think it was too sweet for me so this time, we preferred to just have a photo :)

The famous Leaning Tower

2005-01-21T02:46:00.000+08:00

PISA

The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in the august of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain.

In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since its beginning, but now we know that it is not so. The Tower was designed to be "vertical" and started to incline during its construction.

A year prior to this visit, the tower was under construction since they were trying to lessen the incline lest it falls all over the place.

The main piazza where the leaning tower can be found is a pedestrian place. All vehicles are asked to park outside. Actually this is only the main attraction of the city.

By the way, no one knows who architect of the tower is up to now.

La Cité: The Walled City of Carcassone

2005-01-21T02:36:00.000+08:00

carcassone

The Walled City of Carcassonne is known first and foremost as a fortified medieval town; but this rocky outcrop has been occupied by man since the 6th century B.C., first as a gaul settlement, then as a Roman town fitted with ramparts as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D.On the western face of this primitive fortification rests the castle, built in the 12th century.

There is a town centre in Carcasson which is a modern city. If one wants to visit the walled city, one has to watch out for the sign "La Cite". We had been here a couple of times and in the past some of our bus drivers get lost missing the turn. During the time that dad didnt accompany me, I made sure I watched out for the important sign lest the driver leads us to the centre town.

2005-01-19T15:31:00.000+08:00

salzburg soundofmusic

Hammerfest: The Northermost Town in the World

2005-01-17T03:34:00.000+08:00

Hammerfest

Dad and I made sure we got our certificate of Membership at the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society which can only be found in the northermost town in the world, Hammerfest.

The city lies 70° 39' 48" north and achieved its town status on the 7th of July 1789, making it the oldest town in northern Norway. The town was founded because of its natural harbour, something which is equally important today for Hammerfests economic foundation. Despite its geographical position, Hammerfest has maintained its international connections. As early as 1852, the first international measurement of the earths circumference was completed in Hammerfest, and in 1891 Hammerfest was the first town in northern Europe with electric street lighting.

Today Hammerfest is a modern town with an open and unique town atmosphere, where the town square and harbour are its natural meeting places. Hammerfest is an important communication centre in the county of Finnmark, and this makes it an ideal starting point for coastal and other scenic excursions in the county

My favorite city in Germany's Romantic Route

2005-01-17T02:14:00.000+08:00

Rothenburg ob de Tauber, Germany

One of our most memorable trips in Germany was the romantic road tour. I think we started in Wurzburg and ended in Munich. The most picturesque among the places along the route was Rothernburg ob de Tauber thats why we chose to stay here overnight.

In English, the city's name is translated as Red castle on the Tauber and its renowned as the finest example of an authentic medieval town in all of Germany.

The old Town Square is adorned with fountains and flowers, and watchtowers built to keep a lookout for marauding enemies punctuate formidable walls. Half-timbered houses lean against one another along narrow cobbled lanes.

Even the old McDonalds eatery was built with medieval decors. The photo shows me with a german actor who was right outside the play house.

One day I would like to spend christmas in this city they also call 'christmas town'.

Iloilo City

2005-01-17T02:04:00.000+08:00

Century Bell, Iloilo

Iloilo, a province rich in historical and cultural attractions, home of the famous Dinagyang festival (every4th weekend of January), stately mansions, majestic century-old churches, unspoiled countrysides and exotic delicacies.

2005-01-17T01:42:00.000+08:00

Changing of the guards, East Berlin

Cafe Gambrinus, Naples

2005-01-17T01:36:00.000+08:00

Gambrinus, Naples

Naples is a city that prides itself on coffee—believes itself to be the sole arbiter of what sets a magnificent brew apart from the swill they serve in the rest of the world.

The Caffè Gambrinus is on the ground floor of the large building that houses the Naples Prefecture at Piazza Plebiscito. One entrance is on that large square, itself; the main entrance is on Piazza Trieste e Trento (still known to many as Piazza San Ferdinando, named for the church on that square).

Gambrinus is a few yards away from the Royal Palace, the San Carlo opera house, and the Galleria Umberto. It is at the beginning of two of the most famous streets in Naples: via Toledo (also known as via Roma) and via Chiaia, the main street that joined the downtown area of 1900 to the western part of the city. Gambrinus, thus, was the crossroads where music, art, and politics came together in the late 1800s to sit together and have a coffee and maybe a brandy or two. In other words, a watering-hole for intellectuals.

Gambrinus was born as, simply, il Gran Caffè on its current premises in the 1860s. By the 1890s, with the great rebuilding of Naples, it turned into the Caffè Gambrinus, using the name of the "patron saint of beer," that name deriving from Jan Primus (John I), a 13th–century Burgundy prince. Thus, Gambrinus, like other establishments of its kind was and remains a place where you do more than just drink coffee.

Monet's Garden, Giverny

2005-01-17T01:34:00.000+08:00

Monet's Garden

Part of Claude Monet's famous garden in Giverny, France.

Monet's Garden is actually composed of two parts - one is the orchard and the other the Water Garden.

The land is divided into flowerbeds where flower clumps of different heights create volume. Fruit trees or ornamental trees dominate the climbing roses, the long -stemmed hollyhocks and the coloured banks of annuals. Monet mixed the simplest flowers (daisies and poppies) with the most rare varieties.

The water garden is full of asymmetries and curves. It is inspired by the Japanese gardens that Monet knew from the prints he collected avidly.

Floriade 1992

2005-01-17T01:33:00.000+08:00

Floriade

Floriade, the grand horticulture show is held only every ten years. We were able to witness the beautiful grand parade held each September in Amsterdam prior to visiting the Floriade and we also marvelled at the awesome flowers displayed at Keukenhof gardens that was why we were determined to see the grandest display of all which showed hundreds of hectares of all varieties of flowers and plants.

I sacrificed bringing my two heavy SLR cameras just to capture the beauty of all the flowers.

The 1992 Floriade held in 1992 in Zoetermeer, Netherlands.

Fontainebleau Castle

2005-01-17T01:23:00.000+08:00

Fontainbleau Castle, France

Fontainbleau is a small village just south of Paris surrounded by forests. Its main attraction is the 16th century castle which is actually the first renaissance building outside Italy.

The castle was built from 16th until the 18th century. In the 16th century, Francois I transformed the castle into a Renaissance palace decorated by Florentine artists. The castle was made into a national museum since 1870.

2005-01-17T01:21:00.000+08:00

Hidden nook at Sonia's Garden

Place de la Concorde

2005-01-17T01:13:00.000+08:00

Place de la Concorde, Paris

At 8 hectares, the octagonal Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. It is situated between the Tuileries and the Champs-Elysées.

A guillotine was installed at the center of the square and in a time span of only a couple of years, 1119 people were beheaded here. Amongst them many famous people like King Louis XVI, Marie-Antionette, and revolutionary Robespierre, just to name a few.

After the revolution the square was renamed several times until 1830, when it was given the current name 'Place de la Concorde'.

In the 19th century the 3200 years old obelisk from the temple of Ramses II at Thebes was installed at the center of the Place de la Concorde. It is a 23 meters tall monolith in pink granite and weighs approximately 230 tons.

At each corner of the octagonal square is a statue representing a French city: Bordeaux, Brest, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Rouen and Strasbourg.

From the Place de la Concorde you can see the Arc de Triomphe (west), the Madeleine (north), the Tuileries (east) and, across the Seine, the Assemblée Nationale (south).

2005-01-17T01:04:00.000+08:00

mom and I in Paris

Heroes' Square, Budapest

2005-01-16T01:53:00.000+08:00

Budapest, Hungary

This was our first trip to Hungary when it was still under the communist rule. We just took a day trip from Vienna. Photo above is at the massive Heroes' Square one of the capital's main attractions.

Built in 1896 to celebrate the millennium of the Hungarian conquest of the Carparthian Basin, Heroes' Square is a vast and grandiose symbol of 19th-century Hungarian nationalism.

An imposing 36-metre high column which supports the winged figure of the Archangel Gabriel (György Zala 1896) is encircled on its pedestal by statues of the seven conquering Magyar tribal chiefs on horseback. Behind, are two semi-circular colonnades housing the statues of the most famous rulers in Hungarian history.

The stone tablet in front of the main column, which on ceremonial occasions is guarded by soldiers, commemorates those who died for national freedom and independence. The square is flanked on either side by the Szépmüvészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Múcsarnok (Palace of Art).

Salamanca, Spain

2005-01-16T01:12:00.000+08:00

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

A city full of labyrinthine streets located on the right bank of the Tormes River, Salamanca is a little over three hours northwest of Madrid. With three separate universities, it seems like most of the 180,000 residents are either students or professors

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor,shown above, one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain, was constructed during the reign of Felipe V. It is the central meeting point in the city and is always buzzing with activity.

A perfect square with multiple exits on each side, the Plaza Mayor leads you in all directions of the city. Beginning around 8pm, the area around the Plaza starts to buzz with activity as people take a stroll, return from class, or buy groceries for their dinner. By midnight the bars and clubs begin to fill and Salamanca comes alive. With unique clubs such as Camelot, which is located in an old church, and everything from typical college bars to upscale clubs, you could go to a different place every night without ever visiting the same place twice!

My third portrait in paris

2005-01-15T07:03:00.000+08:00

Place du Tertre 2002

Bebeth and I brought Vince to Place du Tertre since he has never seen the place yet. Also its a favorite spot since it overlooks all of Paris and the atmosphere is just fun at all times.

Cant help but sit down again for another portrait after almost ten years :) this time though I tried the colored charcoal version. In my last portrait it was mom taking my photo. This time she is gone so bebeth tried capturing my smile while the artist draws her impression.

Cannes

2005-01-15T01:46:00.000+08:00

Cannes

Photo above taken near the beach and Festival Palace in Cannes, France. Nothing much to see in the place except the beach and festival place plus some casinos.

2005-01-15T01:29:00.000+08:00

Pink Palace, Monaco

Posing in front of the 253 room Pink Palace where Monaco's Royal Family stays.

The Breathtaking Amalfi Coast

2005-01-14T01:27:00.000+08:00

Amalfi Coast

After several decades of travel, finally I was able to see the Amalfi Coast last 2002. My dad never included it in his itinerary since we usually leave spring or summer and tourists he said would be overflowing then. Also prices would be sky high.

Amalfi Coast has a mixture of history and nature, all to discover; from the Cathedral of Amalfi, to the villas in Ravello and the numerous churches built during the historical period of Amalfi's Republic.

Bebeth and I decided to take a limousine to be able to appreciate what they say is the most beautiful coastline in the world. At least we were able to stop to take photos and admire the view whenever we wanted to to.

The L'Aligot dish

2005-01-14T01:22:00.000+08:00

aligot

This was a really special dish we partook during early dinner in Rodez. Apparently it is a speciality of the mid-pyrenees region. L'Aligot is a potato-based, garlicky and good, halfway between mashed potato and fondue. It's best accompanied by a large glass of wine. We took it as a side dish together with some roast chicken.

By the way, for the breakfast the following day we had a wide assortment of cheese and most of them were variations of blue cheese since Roquefort is just the next city.

We were told not to take that much since it is really heavy without seeming so. Hope I will be able to try it again sometime in the future.

Mt. of Temptation

2005-01-02T04:09:00.000+08:00

Mt. Temptation

Just off Jericho, it is believed Jesus was tempted by Satan in these mountains when he fasted for 40 days and nights.

Had a photo with two bedouin natives.

Nazaré, Portugal

2005-01-02T04:07:00.000+08:00

Nazare with Mom

Nazaré is the most famous fishing village in Portugal

It consists of two sections: the fishing quarter and the Sítio, the almost exclusively residential upper town. Near the beach you'll find handcraft shops, markets, restaurants, hotels, and boardinghouses. The main square opens directly onto the sea, and narrow streets lead to the smaller squares, evoking a medina in a Moorish village. consists of two sections: the fishing quarter and the Sítio, the almost exclusively residential upper town. Near the beach you'll find handcraft shops, markets, restaurants, hotels, and boardinghouses. The main square opens directly onto the sea, and narrow streets lead to the smaller squares, evoking a medina in a Moorish village.

Rome's Jubilee Bus

2005-01-02T04:06:00.000+08:00

Rome's Jubilee Bus

During the Jubilee Year (2000), Rome expected throngs of crowds, much more than the usual tourists. Because of this, they did not allow tourist buses to ply the whole area around the Vatican which was a huge area encompassing a wide range of historical sites such as the Forum and various major Basilicas.

The government though came out with so called Jubilee buses which the tourists can take to go around the city. For the first time, we had to take walking tours which of course limited the sights one could see.

Photo shows our group riding one of these buses.

Paestum

2005-01-02T04:05:00.000+08:00

Paestum

No I am not in Greece but in Italy!

Paestum, or Poseidonia, is an ancient Greek, and later Roman city. It is famous for its Greek temples, generally recognised as being the best preserved doric temples in the world. It is located on the coastal plains
South of the Amalfi coast, some 80 km S. of Naples.

Paestum is the Roman name of the city. The original Greek name was Poseidonia.

Only a fraction of the original extension of the city has been excavated, just around the ancient city centre with the temples and public buildings.

The city was the northernmost Greek settlement in Italy, just 8 km from the River Sele that formed the borderline between Greek and Etruscan domination.

Paestum and the surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ravello, Italy

2005-01-02T04:02:00.000+08:00

View from Ravello

High atop a promontory above the sea, Ravello is one of the most romatnic spot along the Amalfi Coast, frequented by intellectuals and artists from Gore Vidal to Tennessee Williams.

Vernon, France

2005-01-02T03:59:00.000+08:00

Vernon. France

Bebeth, Vince and I were planning to go to Giverny but when we checked the train schedule, there is apparently no train which stops there. One has to go down Vernon and take the bus or cab for Giverny. This is how we discovered this less known but lovely place.

The left photo below shows me and Bebeth asking an old man how to get to Giverny. Vince took that photo. He kept insisting the house of Monet and the Gardens are still closed that time of year since spring has not yet officially begun.

Good thing we stayed on, took lunch, and strolled around the city till we saw a cab who was willing to take us to Giverny. The gardens and house were opened!

Place du Tertre, Paris

2005-01-02T03:58:00.000+08:00

Portrait, Place du Tertre, Paris 93

Its a place where budding artists congregate and offer their services to tourists. The surrounding is lively, colorful and fun. You can see varioius types of paintings, portaits, modern art, as various cafe's surround the place. An old man plays the accordion, while some tourist haggles with the artist on the cost of one portrait - depending on the medium used charcoal, color or even oil.

The first time I had one made, must be a decade prior to this visit, I had the cheapest done - in brown charcoal and more of a caricature. I cant find that paper right now. This time, I had to sit for at least half an hour to have this charcoal done. Was quite a sum but worth the experience.

Mom took my photo while sitting for this artist.

Lovely Positano

2005-01-01T03:57:00.000+08:00

Positano

Fell in love with the place after I watched 'Only You' starring Marissa Tomei. Its a tiny village perched on the side of a rolling mountain, truly picturesque as it overlooks the bay of naples.

When Bebeth and I planned for a european trip, I insisted on doing the south of Italy since my past travels never had a chance to pass by this route. My priority was actually the Amalfi coast but then upon research, I stumbled again on Positano.

Its practically a pedestrian place, with narrow winding streets. Its actually a tourist haven in the summer thats why we went at the right time supposedly, just at the start of spring. Unfortunately it was also the easter season, holy week having started early so that weekend most hotels were full packed.

Many natives would recommend La Cambuso restaurant so we tried it. I believe its too commercialized. The best meal we took was in Il Fornillo, very near the hotel we stayed in at the upper portion of Positano.

One day, given the chance, I would like to go back and this time stay at the top of the line hotel at the lower portion of the village. No its not Le Sireneuse which was featured in the movie but San Pietro.

Tromso, Norway

2005-01-01T03:55:00.000+08:00

Tromso

Tromoso lies midway between the Arctic Circle and North Cape. The sun never shines two months in each year but another two months gives provides perpetual light (midnight sun). Tromso is Norway's largest fishing village and houses the northernmost University town in the world.

This lovely city located on northern norway is also known as the Paris of the North.

Lugano, Switzerland

2005-01-01T03:54:00.000+08:00

At the Park admiring Lake Lugano

Coming from Italy, we headed by motorway to Lugano passing by the S. Gottard tunnel.

Surrounded by mountains and a splendid lake, Lugano brings together all the characteristics of a metropolis
of great style, despite maintaining the traits of a small city. Most particular and striking is the large pedestrian area, which contains the historic centre, full of splendid buildings.

It rained in the isle of Capri

2005-01-01T03:46:00.000+08:00

At the Piazzetta or square in Capri, Italy

When I originally tried doing our itinerary for the south of Italy, I had wanted to stay overnight in Capri to be able to see much of the famous island.

However in the course of my research, I stumbled upon the picturesque Positano and no way will I skip that and relegate it to a day trip. In other words, Capri had to be sacrificed. Unfortunately when we arrived, it had been raining as you can see from the photo taken by bebeth. Had to wear my hood to keep my head dry but the rains will not stop us taking photos. You will never know if we can ever return.

We had to hire a cab which turned out to be a rip-off so we can go around, otherwise we get totally drenched. We took a ferry from Sorrento to reach Capri.

The island of Capri, having no natural port, was accessible only from a small beach -probably one of the reasons emperor Tiberius preferred it, but necessity required the building of a port. To the west, at Point Vivara, the ruins of the ancient Roman port, giving direct access to the Imperial Villa of Palazzo a mare, are still visible.

Despite the intermittent rain, I insisted on seeing the Blue Grotto. Had always dreamed of going here for ages and no rain will stop me :) We were able to see it thats for sure, but not riding the traditional boat inside the cave. Apparently the boats are not allowed to ply the waters when weather is not good.

I hope one day we can return here, this time concentrating on the piazzetta and the beatiful Ana Capri.

Rodez

2004-12-31T03:52:00.000+08:00

Rodez Cathedral

In my many years of travel, there were less known touristy places such as Rodez which I felt lucky enough to be able to visit. We came from southern france en route to Paris but had to stay overnight in the suburbs of Rodez. Didnt have much time to stroll around the city except for the Cathedral.

Rodez is situated in the heart of the Aveyron and the capital of the Rouergue. Lying in the centre of a triangle formed by Toulouse, Montpellier and Clermont-Ferrand, its geographical location makes it the focus of local representatives’ attention.

I hope to be able to visit the city one day and this time try to find the quaint old town they say is a sight to behold.

Nevers

2004-12-31T03:49:00.000+08:00

Chapel at St. Gildard, Never

This was the place where the body of St. Bernadette Soubirous was lain before she was buried. Its located in a tiny chapel inside the Church complex of St. Gildard, Never (France).

The incorrupt body of St. Bernadette can be found inside the church. She died at age 18 thats why you will see a lovely woman dressed in a nuns habit, seemingly sleeping inside a glass coffin in the altar.

Nevers is around three hours from Paris.

My Trip to North Pole

2004-12-30T03:42:00.000+08:00

maan glacier tour

In my several decades of travel since I was 5 years old, there are various favorites, and unforgettable experiences and places, too long to put in one post. One particular place which always stuck to mind, is our adventure to north pole. Dad is very adventurous like me and he made sure we visited the top of the world, which is North Cape. That will be the subject of a different blog.

When I checked the map though, I noticed a higher place which was Spitsbergen. I was curious and to cut the long story short, we flew to this place locally known as Svalbard. I almost didnt see the beauty of the glaciers in north pole for after going out of the airport all I saw was mud road and wildnerness! I wanted to turn back but dad said we need to go on. The rest is history - flora, fauna, wild birds, polar bears and the ice age. Quite a different and unforgettable experience.

Macao

2004-12-29T03:40:00.001+08:00

Old town square in Macao

When Bebette suggested visiting the place I readliy agreed. We almost didnt make it since we both woke up late. We planned to leave early morning so we can see a lot. Noon time I decided we go and we did! I didnt see a lot but was impressed at the changes I saw since I last visited which was eons ago.

I think I was 10 yrs old when dad brought me here the first time. I remembered taking a small hydrofoil. Today one takes a huge fast ferry. Bebette and I took a cab to go to the last island whose name I cant remember right now so we can take lunch at Fernando's a famous authentic portuguese eatery. Unfortunately being labor day, even the owner went on vacation so it was closed! We took another cab to bring us to Shangri la for our much delayed meal.

After late lunch, some tea with scones and lingering awhile, we headed to the old town. I loved the ambiance of the place, very european. I think its called plaza senador. There was no more time to visite the famous St. Paul ruins, although I have seen that in the past. At least I was able to see one church near the square. I was able to buy some souvenirs and one comfortable sandal.

Honkong April-May 2004

2004-12-29T03:08:00.000+08:00

Lai Kwan Fong with Bebette

This was my last foreign trip to date. I knew my friend Bebette may leave her job soon and didnt know then where she will go next so decided to visit her in Honkong. It was the first time I visited the country after the dreaded SARS scare. Despite the several times I had been to this country it was the first time I got to see Lan Kwai Fong, the jazz place which livens up only starting late at night. Its a fun place, great to people watch, very much lighted and full of expats.

I was also able to visit Macao again during this trip. Its so different from the last time I visited with dad when I was still a kid. Carol was supposed to meet up with us but she had dinner with the family and their place was an hours away from honkong island.