Sights Not to Miss When Visiting Dresden, Germany

Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen), Germany. Due to its rococo and baroque architecture, the city center is called as a Jewel Box. There are a lot of things not to miss when visiting this city.

Frauenkirche

It is also called as the Church of Our Lady, it is considered to be the main historical heart of the city. It was completely destroyed during WWII, and has now been reopened. The City of Coventry, which was raided by the Allied Air Force in WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of the church.

The historical Frauenkirche in Dresden. such an amazing architecture! taken during our trip last May 2011.

Zwinger Palace

This is the most perfect example of Late Baroque architecture in Germany. It was built in 1710-28 by the architect Pöppelmann in cooperation with the sculptor Permoser. It features a nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell pavilion and famous art collections. Don't miss to visit the "Rüstkammer" and the "Alte Meister" in Zwinger Palace.

Semper Opera House

Considered to be the most famous opera house in Germany; it houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world's oldest and best-known orchestras. It was Built by Gottfried Semper between 1838 and 1841.

The Semper Opera House. Taken during our visit last May 2011.

Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes)

This is the biggest porcelain painting of the world that shows almost all Saxon princesses and kings on their horses and splendid parade uniforms. This is also the location of a very romantic Christmas market with a big fireplace held every winter time.

It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last preserved tournament place contained in a European castle.

The Albertinum Museum, New Synagogue, Elbe Valley, Dresden Baroque Quarter, Royal Palace are only some of the other interesting sights in Dresden.

Don't miss to browse in advance your Flights to Germany in order to avail of affordable prices. Cheap airlines to Germany include Air Berlin, Ryanair, TUI Fly and Easyjet.

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Going to Spain in December

Mission accomplished again! We had been planning to book a trip to Spain since two weeks ago. After a final decision, I finally booked today our trip to Spain. There are a lot of interesting places that are included in the trip. The plane ticket, 4-star hotel, breakfast, dinner, tour guide and sightseeing to different places are also included in that 8-day trip.

It is always nice to see different places in the world. I am quite happy that despite being jobless, I still always have the chance to visit places. Thanks to all my donors and sponsors..lol! Talking about rv financing, why not if I can only afford it. Driving an rv anywhere in Europe for adventure and sightseeing is quite interesting. I will see if I will win the lottery next week. I will surely buy one... wink! Somebody's dreaming in the middle of the day.

Enjoy your weekend folks!

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Preparing My Travel Gadgets

I am slowly packing for our incoming trip. Some more days and I will seeing one of the historical countries in Eurasia. I also need to pack my travel gadgets before the end of the week. A few days ago, I was looking for my rechargeable batteries to get it ready. Sad to say, I only found a few ones. I will also be bringing my laptop. I did not bought it in clearance laptops section. That's why it was a bit expensive. Other gadgets that I still need to pack are my cameras, charges, cellphones, cardreader, pens and journals and an extension wire. I am almost ready with packing. For sure, this will be another great trip in Turkey.

Time for me to sign-off. Today is quite a long day but I am very happy and satisfied with it especially after accomplishing a lot of things. Have a lovely evening Europe!

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View of Budapest from the Citadel

Citadel is a fortress located on the top of the strategic Gellért Hill in Budapest, Hungary. From there you can see a very good panoramic view of the whole city of Budapest, its eight bridges and the famous Danube river.

taken during our visit last August 2011.

The fortress was built in 1851 by Julius Jacob von Haynau, a commander of the Habsburg Monarchy, and designed by Emánuel Zita and Ferenc Kasselik, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. It occupies almost the entire 235 metres high plateau. The fortress is a U-shaped structure built about a central courtyard, being 220 metres long, 60 metres wide, and 4 metres tall. It had a complement of sixty cannons.

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Thailand Holiday- Things to See and to Experience

This is one of the beautiful countries to visit in southeast Asia. In fact Thailand is the major tourist destination in this part of Asia. Of course there are reasons for that. Its great food, lively nightlife, beautiful pristine beaches, thick jungle, interesting architecture like its beautiful temples, rich culture...what else you can ask for as a tourist.

In consideration about Thailand weather, it depends on the season of the year that you are travelling. From heat-waves to monsoons. just prepare yourself for any situation. With regards to weather, the best time of the year to visit Thailand is from November to February. There are relatively mild temperatures during this times.

Thailand is famous for its crystal blue warm waters and lovely white beaches. These attract millions of visitors every year from the different parts of the globe. Famous beach resorts can be found in Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samet and Ko Samui. Snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, water skiing are the possible beach activities you can do.

Tasting Thai cuisine is one of the best things you can do in Thailand. Don't you know that the food alone is a reason enough to visit Thailand? Just remember that Thai food has deserved a reputation for being spicy. If you don't like hot food, better say no if they ask you. Don't miss the famous pad thai or Thai fried noodles.

A visit to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is worth it. It is usually the start of many visitors' itineraries. Being a modern city and rich cultural heritage, this has always been a must-visit in Thailand. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Jim Thompson's House, are only a fraction of possible sights you could visit.

If you love shopping, Thailand can be a shopping paradise for you. Many visitors to Bangkok spend much of their time in the countless markets and malls. Clothing, Thai silk, and all sorts of handicrafts are always good buys since they are cheap. Don't forget to put in your itinerary the best-known Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.

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My Top Places to Visit in Fiji

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in this planet. I have a dream and wish to see some of those in the future when time and finances are available. Included in my travel wishlist is Fiji. I can imagine Fiji down under the globe. To make it sure, I just took a look of my small globe and world map and saw Fiji near the countries of Samoa to the east, Vanuatu to the west, Tuvalu to the north, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, Tonga to the east and what else peeps? It is located in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean.

To understand Fiji weather is not so difficult since it is a tropical marine nation. It simply means that it is located near the equator with warm climate throughout the year.

Below are some of the top places I wish to see in Fiji

Suva is the capital of Fiji since 1877. It is located on southeast coast of the "main island" of Fiji, Viti Levu. It is the the major commercial and political centre of this country. I will for sure want to visit its Municipal Market and would love to try their tropical fruits. The Municipal Market seems to be a good place to shop for arts and crafts. I would love to buy here some Fiji souvenirs. If I have more time, I would like to go inside the Fiji Museum.

Another interesting place to visit is Nadi. It is the main and largest island of Fiji and known to be the main tourist spot in this country. For sure, I would like to see some of its famous sites. The Hindu Temple, the Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant and maybe and overnight in Newtown Beach. A short shopping for souvenirs at the Nadi Town market is also worth it.

Rakiraki in Fiji by Ryan H.

The image of Rakiraki above is such a priceless landscape. It reminds of our home in the Philippines where you can see nice beaches and sea, blue sky and hills around. This town is also famous for its tourism and agriculture. I would love to see Navatu Rock in Vitawa, the island of Nananu-i-Ra and the quite creepy tomb of Ratu Udre Udre.

As a nature lover, I would like to have a relaxing trip in Nausori town which is dubbed as "the Paradise of the Green". A visit to Naq Kuti Mandir temple, Rewa Bridge, Korovou town and maybe a stay in Bau Beach is quite interesting. Experiencing the natural beauty of this town is also relaxing and meditating.

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The Huge Beer Barrel in Hofbräuhaus in Munich

After doing some errands this afternoon like grocery shopping and household chores, I am finally back online. Those beer barrels inside the famous Hofbräuhaus are huge enough to hold thousands of liters of beer. It is made of wood and not stainless steel barrels. This is not really the biggest beer barrel I had seen. The biggest one I saw was inside Heidelberg castle during my visit with friends last November 2010.

Just letting you know that Hofbräuhaus has the second largest beer tent in Oktoberfest. It is named Hofbräu-Festzelt. I just remember this since Oktoberfest is fast approaching soon. Its own brew is the only beer served in their tent.

This year's Oktobest last 17 days and will take place from September 17 to October 3. I might see you there!

taken during my third visit with friends last August 2011.

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Cruising in Danube by Esztergom, Hungary

Our cruise in Danube river from Esztergom to Visegrad was included in our Hungary trip last August 2011. It was a wonderful cruise seeing beautiful landscapes and nature around. Don't you know that Danube River, called in German as Donau is the second longest river in Europe next to Volga? Yes, it is and I am happy and contented to once again experience a cruise in this famous river of Europe.

Esztergom, a city in northern Hungary. It is a historical city located 46 km north-west of the capital Budapest. It is known to be the capital of Hungary from the 10th till the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the royal seat to Buda.

Danube river in Esztergom, Hungary. The image here is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church cathedral in Hungary. This was taken during our cruise last August 2011.

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The Fisherman's Bastion in Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary

I am trying to remember again the trip we had in Budapest, Hungary. It was quite a short trip but it is very nice and interesting. One of the sights we visited and experienced is the Castle Hill. It is located in Buda on the western side of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. Some hours of stay in this sight is not enough but at least I was there and I truly enjoyed our sightseeing.

The Fisherman's Bastion, called in Hungarian as Halászbástya, is a perfect site to have a good view of the Hungarian Parliament. It is a large white tower and lookout terrace complex you see hanging over the side of Castle Hill beneath the Mátyás Church. It was built between 1890-1905, and is named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars.

It was hot in Budapest during our visit. Good that there are kiosks that sells ice cream in there. It was perfect during that hot summer season. Below is an image during our visit last August 2011.

The Fisherman's Bastion in Castle Hill in Budapest

The mounted statue between the bastion and the church is King Stephan (Istvan in Hungarian) the first king of Hungary (crowned about 1000.) He was declared a saint for his efforts in bringing Christianity to Hungary. He carries the apostolic cross with two crossbars – a symbol granted him by the Pope.

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Spain Sightseeing- Places to Visit

We received last week a new issue of a magazine that also advertise travel and trips. It featured an 8-day holiday in Spain with most everything included in it. The cheap flight, 4-star hotel, breakfast, dinner and the tours to the different places especially in the Andalusian region and the tourist guide is also included in the holiday package. It was so far the cheapest vacation package I ever saw in going to Spain.

Here are the places that are included in this holiday package.

Madrid

Visiting the capital and largest city of Spain is a must especially if its your first time to visit this country. Don't you know that Madrid is the third largest city in the European Union after London and Berlin? It is also one of the world's major global cities.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712) containing some of Spain's historical archives, the Teatro Real (Royal theatre), the Buen Retiro park, founded in 1631,Golden Triangle of Art, d Almudena Cathedral are only some of its famous sights and landmarks.

If you have the chance, don't forget to miss one of the famous Flamenco Shows in Corral de la Moreria. It is considered to be one of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world.

You can find cheap airlines flying to Barajas International Airport, the nearest airport in the city.

Granada

It is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is home to the magnificent La Alhambra Palace which is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alhambra is a Moorish palace and citadel in Granada. It is one of the most famous items from the Islamic historical legacy that makes Granada a hot spot among cultural and tourist cities in Spain.

Don't miss to visit the Albayzín neighbourhood, the Cathedral of Granada, Royal Gate (Puerta Real, Royal Chapel of Granada, La Charterhouse and some other more.

Sevilla (Seville)

This is the fascinating capital city of the region of Andalusia. Seville or Sevilla is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain.

The Cathedral of Maria dela Sede, the Torre del Oro, the Plaza de España, the Palace of San Telmo, the Metropol Parasol are among the interesting sights to see.

Toledo

Due to its extensive cultural and monumental heritage, the Old City of Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. This is one of the historical cities in Spain. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192BC.

The Cathedral of Toledo, the Museo Victorio Macho, Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, Plaza de Zocodover, the Sinagoga El Transito should not be missed.

Toledo, Spain

Cordoba

The ancient city of Cordoba is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic quarter of Cordoba is a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mosque-Cathedral.

The La Mezquita, Plaza del Potro, Viana Palace, Medina Azahara, Puente Romano, Torre de la Calahorra are only some of the must-sees in this city. There are also alot of gardens, parks and natural environments in Cordova.

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Visit to Baby Hanna in Schierling

This is a special post for today and the story goes this way. I was talking to our neighbor last Wednesday last week. I was telling her that hubby will be a grandpa soon. It was around in the morning that time. At around lunch time, I received a call that someone already gave birth. I was quite happy and excited about the good news. When I mentioned it to hubby as he arrived from work that afternoon, I can see the sunshine in his face. He was so happy because he is finally a Grandpa, so I did!



It is time for me to slowly search for a nice personalized christening gift. Last weekend, I bought some clothes for baby Hanna. We also had the chance to visit them in Schierling, a municipality in the district of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. It is quite a nice place and I believed that it is a good place to raise a child, rather than in big cities like Regensburg. It was a wonderful day seeing one of the big miracles in this world, a new baby was born! Welcome to the world Hanna!



How sweet and beautiful she is in the image here!

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