Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Top-5 Cities To Visit in Europe

Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the world. It is varied and complex with a wide variety of landscapes and scenery found across the continent. There are a lot of interesting destinations in Europe. From historic architecture to varied culture and traditions, well-preserved cultural heritage, efficient infrastructure, are only some of the reasons why Europe is visited by more than 480 millions of international visitors every year.



Being a major tourist destination for centuries, there are always a huge choice of accommodation in any countries in Europe. Its sky traffic is considered to be one of the busiest in the world due to a lot of international flights every now and then. Be sure to plan your trip ahead to have the most of your vacation in Europe. International airlines especially from the United States like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer connected and direct flights to any destinations in Europe.



Here are the Top-5 Cities not to miss when visiting Europe:



Paris, France



Known as the "City of Light" and the "Capital of Fashion", Paris has been one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. It is the capital and largest city of France located on the river Seine. Paris has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors. The Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Assemblée Nationale, Pantheon, Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower are only some of its famous landmarks.

the gray sky in Paris with Eiffel Tower, its iconic symbol. Taken during my Europe tour last August 2010.



Berlin, Germany



This is one of the 16 states of Germany and also its capital and largest city. Berlin is a world city in terms of culture, media politics and science. It is also home to renowned universities, orchestras, museums and celebrities. No wonder Berlin is comparable to other European capital cities like Paris and London.



Sights not to miss include Gendarmenmarkt with its Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) plus the Konzerthaus (Opera House), Berliner Fernsehturm, Bundestag (German Parliament Building), Berliner Dom, Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, Museumsinsel, Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and many more. Also include in your list the Brandenburg Gate, the most iconic landmark not only in Berlin but in Germany as a whole. It also has beautiful parks and gardens.



the Brandenburg gate, Berlin's most famous landmark. taken during my visit last Feb. 2011.


London, United Kingdom



Being the capital city of England and United Kingdom, London is one of the great "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.



Famous sights and landmarks include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament), Trafalgar Square and its museums and galleries and parks and gardens.



Prague, Czech Republic



Prague is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe. It has a lot of historical and cultural sites to visit. The extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992.



The must-see attractions include the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, The Old and New Town, Strahov Monastery, Prague City Gallery, Kafka Museum, Prague Dancing House (Fred and Ginger Building) and Vyšehrad. Of course there are still a lot of sights worth to see.



view of Prague from the Prague Castle.taken during my second visit last July 2011.



Rome, Italy



The fascinating capital city of Italy, known as the Eternal City. Rome has been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations has exerted a huge influence over the world in its c. 2,500 years of existence. It is the famed city of the Roman Empire.



St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica in the background. taken during my visit last August 2010.



The Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Capitoline Museums, the Pantheon, Piazza della Repubblica, Foro Romano, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica are only some of its famous sights to see and experience.

Friday, August 26, 2011

I Love Green Clean Bavaria

This is one of the reasons why I love Germany especially in the state of Bavaria. It is a clean country with so many beautiful landscapes and scenery around. Bavaria is the largest federal state of Germany, located in the southeast of the country. Its location near the Alps plus Lederhosen and Dirndl tradition, the sausages and lots of beer made Bavaria as the top tourist destination in Germany.



I read before in a travel book that due to the love of cars of German people, they planted a lot of trees to make the air and surrounding cleaner. That is also the reason why you see a lot of trees in Germany especially in the Bavarian region. Most farmers and even ordinary people in Bavaria are using composter. The composts are being used in their farms and gardens. We also have a compost pit in our garden.



I love the landscape in Bavaria with its green surroundings and beautiful hills. This is one of the reasons why I feel in love with this region. This image was taken while we were on our way to Augsburg last 2009.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary

Let's go travel again some cities in Europe again. This time I am sharing a bit about Budapest. And yes, I am happy to see Budapest last weekend. It is the capital of Hungary and considered to be one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities.



The snapshot you see below is the Parliament Building in Budapest, also known as The Hungarian Parliament Building. It is called in Hungarian as Országház which literally means "country house". It is currently the largest building in Hungary. It is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. It is a popular tourist destination of Budapest being a notable landmark of Hungary.



This image was taken as we were in Castle Hill, located just across the building.



The Castle Hill - District I of Buda, the oldest part of the city containing the eponymous Castle and many of Budapest's best-known attractions (Fishermen’s Bastion, Labyrinth and Mathias Church).



The Parliament Building (Országház) is a neogothic jewel, beautifully situated overlooking the Danube. One day visit in Budapest is not enough to see everything. I wish to visit this city again to go inside the Parliament building.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Fountain in Trocadero, Paris

This is one of the fountains that I love in Paris, France. The fountains located in front of Trocadero (Trocadéro in France) from across the Eiffel tower and Seine River are huge beautiful one. I am thinking if commercial pumps are being used here to continue pumping water to form these beautiful fountains.



The site of Palais de Chaillot is located in the Trocadéro. This is also one of the sites where you can have a good view of Eiffel Tower.



For sure, you can easily find Trocadéro because it is just across Eiffel Tower.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Prague's Top Must-Sees

Prague is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe. It has a lot of historical and cultural sites to visit. The extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992.



From anywhere around the globe, especially if you are in Europe, Prague is very accessible by any means of transportation depending from where you depart. There are a number of airlines that offer cheap flights from any destinations going to Prague. Transportation such as by train, by bus or by car depending on your choice and departure place is also available.



Here are some of the must-see attractions in Prague:



Charles Bridge



This is one of Prague's famous sites. It is a historical bridge that crosses the Moldau or Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. The Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. It was originally called as the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge but since 1870 it has been called as the "Charles Bridge". It is an avenue of 30 mostly baroque statues and statuaries.



the Charles bridge during my second visit last July 2011.



During the day, it is a bustling place of trade and entertainment, as musicians busk and artists sell their paintings and jewelry.



Prague Castle



This is one of the best areas to see the panorama of Prague. According to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle in the world is the Prague Castle. It is about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide.



Inside the castle compound is the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral. The Castle Picture Gallery, the beautiful Royal Garden and several palaces and museums are located in the castle compound.



The Old Town



You can see numerous historical buildings and monuments in the Old Town. The Gothic Týn Church, the mural-covered Storch building, the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock and the Jan Hus monument are located in this part of Prague.



the pure Gothic Týn Church in the background. You can also take a view of the famous Astronomical Clock on the left side of the image here. Also taken during my second visit in Prague.



The New Town



The main attraction in the New Town or Nové město is the Wenceslas Square. During my first visit in Prague last 2008, this part of Prague was under construction. I finally had the chance to see it in my second visit last July of this year. This commercial square has a lot of stalls, shops and restaurants. The National Museum and the monument of Wenceslas are also located in the New Town.



The Lennon Wall, Vyšehrad Castle and Cemetery, the Dancing House, Malá Strana, the vaulted Gothic Old New Synagogue are some of the other sights that are also worth to see.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Foro di Traiano, Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy

I want to go back to Rome again! I will do that by simply looking at the images I took during my visit last August 2010. That to the help of digital camera and photography where we can always travel back in time.



I believed I have not shared yet about Forum Traiani (Latin name), called in English as Trajan's Forum or Foro di Traiano in Italian. This ancient structure in Rome, Italy was said to be constructed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus.



It is quite interesting seeing these historical remains in Rome. No wonder, it is called "The Grandeur of Rome". What a truly amazing city!





The Basilica Ulpia lies at the north end of the piazza, which was cobbled with rectangular blocks of white marble and decorated by a large equestrian statue of Trajan. You can also see the Trajan's Column on the left side of the image here.



historical ruins of the Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy. taken during my visit with a friend named Nonna last August 2010.



This forum was constructed on the order of Emperor Trajan with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which ended in 106. The Fasti Ostienses states that the Forum was inaugurated in 112, while Trajan's Column was erected and then inaugurated in 113.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Munich Sightseeing: Things Not to Miss

This is one of the beautiful cities to visit in Germany not only due to its location near the Alps but also due to its noted architecture and culture. Munich, called in German as München, is the capital city of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. It is the most livable city in 2010 as ranked by Monocle.



Here are some of the sights and things not to miss when visiting Munich. Quick travel tip: Plan your trip ahead, for sure you can find cheap accommodations and flights to Germany.



Marienplatz



Located in the city centre, the Marienplatz or Mary's Square is the central square in Munich and one of the main hang-outs of tourists. The Old and New Town Hall is also located in this area. The Mariensäule or Marian column which gave Marienplatz its name, was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation is also located in this square. Don't miss to watch the Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall.



a lot of people watched the Glockenspiel in the new Town Hall tower in Marienplatz during our visit this month.



Olympiapark



An Olympic Park which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It now serve as a venue for cultural, social, and religious events. If you want to have a good view of Munich city, you can go up to its Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) which is 291 meters in height.



Frauenkirche



Known as the Cathedral of Our Lady in English, it is a landmark and the most iconic symbol of Munich. You can climb the stairs to the south tower to have a unique view of Munich and the nearby Alps.



Nymphenburg Palace



Known as Schloss Nymphenburg in German, it is a Baroque palace and was the main summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria. The palace, together with its park, is now one of the most famous sights of Munich.



If you want to get away with the busy city centre, you can have a more relaxing atmosphere in this area. Schloss Nymphenburg is accessible by Munich public transport's tram number 17. This line passes through the city centre, including Stachus and the main train station.



Oktoberfest during our visit last 2008.

Oktoberfest



Considered as the biggest fair in the world with more than 5 million people attending every year, Oktoberfest is one of the best experience you can have when visiting Munich. It is a 16-18 day festival held in Theresienwiese, called for short as Wiesn, which is located near Munich's center.



Oktoberfest is considered to be an important part of Bavaria culture. The first Oktoberfest took place on the 12 October 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.



This year's Oktoberfest celebration will take place from September 17 to October 3.



Hofbräuhaus



Don't miss to visit one of the famous beer hall in Munich. You can try Bavarian dishes such as roast pork, pork knuckle, and sausages such as Weisswurst in Hofbräuhaus. You can also try its wheat beer, wine and Helles, served in a mass. While dining and drinking, you can also hear traditional Bavarian music inside.



Hofbräuhaus, during our second visit lately this month.



There are still other sights to see and to experience in Munich. Visiting its museums and castles nearby, shopping and entertainment are only some of it. There are also airlines that offers cheap flights to Munich and its nearby cities like Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin and many more.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

8 Years in Europe

Time flies-by so fast nowadays. I have been living in Europe for 8 years now. I found my second home in this continent and I am quite happy and contented about it. For almost 8 years now, I am also happily married to my loving and kind husband. I just remember makemypromisering.com because I wanted a new ring for our 8th wedding anniversary. I found very nice ones in this site. Just tonight, hubby was also asking me what I like for my birthday since it is coming soon. I told him that I don't need anything but probably a little wish. My friends in facebook are already sending their birthday greetings and wishes. Aahhh, it is nice to have a lot of friends around. Thank you so much for all your greetings. I truly appreciate it.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy

It's been almost a year now since my first visit in Rome, Italy. It was one of the most interesting trip I had in Europe. Rome, the capital city of Italy has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors like me. A three-day visit is not enough to see everything there but I am very happy and contented that I was in Rome once in my life.

One of the sights we visited was the Arch of Constantine, known in Italian as Arco di Costantino. Like the Arch of Triumph in Paris, France or the Siegestor in Munich, Germany, the Arch of Constantine is also a triumphal arch in Rome. It is located between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

taken last August 2010 during my visit together with Nonna, a friend from the U.S.

It was erected to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the latest of the existing triumphal arches in Rome, from which it differs by spolia, the extensive re-use of parts of earlier buildings.

The arch is 21 m high, 25.9 m wide and 7.4 m deep. It has three archways, the central one being 11.5 m high and 6.5 m wide, the lateral archways 7.4 m by 3.4 m each. The top (called attic) is brickwork reveted with marble. A staircase formed in the thickness of the arch is entered from a door at some height from the ground, in the end towards the Palatine Hill. wikipedia

Monday, August 1, 2011

From Europe to the World

It's a small world after all! Yes, it is truly a small world. If you want to get hold or have a contact with your family and friends anywhere around the world, it is very easy nowadays. Through the use of conference call equipment or the help of internet you can already make a video call, voice call or chat online and have a contact with your friends and love onesanytime and anywhere. There are also these so called social networks like facebook, myspace, friendster, netlog and many others, where you can find photos and images of your family and friends.

Whether you are in Europe, Asia or any part of the globe, getting a contact with anyone is already possible. Thanks to the invention of our modern technology like computers, internet, cellphones, television, etcetera, it made our lives easier and more convenient.

Wolfstein Castle Ruins in Neumarkt OPf, Bavaria, Germany

It's almost a year now since my friend from Des Moines, Iowa made a visit in Europe. One of the countries she visited was Germany. I accompanied her to Wolfstein Castle, a castle ruins in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) in the state of Bavaria, Germany. We had fun during our visit in this castle ruins.

With regards to the history of the castle, It is said that its exact origin is not so clear. Around 1120 a certain Ulrich v. Wolfstein who belong to a noble class has said to have his seat here but proofs have been missing. Only with the Sulzbürger Gottfried II was clearly proven the first Burgherr or king of the castle. Since 1283, he called the castle Wolfstein.

You can find more information of the castle in the URL below. Sad to say, it is in German language.

the bridge going to the entrance of the castle. This was taken last August 2010. I have been to this castle for a lot of times already.

the tower of the castle and the ruins around it.

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