The Atocha Railway Station in Madrid, Spain

It was quite a long drive from Granada to Madrid. After 5 days of sightseeing in the Andalusian region of Spain, we headed near Madrid. It is around 400 km and it took us around five hours driving with the bus including the stops we took in between. Actually our hotel was in Layos, a municipality located in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.

During our 6th day in Spain, we drove again with the bus to Madrid. Our first stop was in Atocha Railway Station to fulfill the calling of nature. I guess you know what I meant with this.

The Madrid Atocha Railway Station is the largest railway station in Madrid. If I am not mistaken, this is the only railway station I had been to in Europe with an interior garden or plant show inside. That is quite interesting because I enjoyed watching it while we were inside.

It was so far a wonderful trip we had in Madrid. I know I will come back to this city next time. Here are some snapshots I took during our short stop-over in Atocha.

the turtles in Atocha's garden during our visit last December 10, 2011.

the interior of Atocha railway station in Madrid. You can find some shops, restaurants and coffee bars inside.

the garden inside the Atocha Railway station.

The Atocha Railway station is the primary station serving commuter trains (Cercanías), intercity and regional trains from the south, and the AVE high speed trains from Barcelona (Catalonia), Saragosse (Aragon), Seville (Andalusia) and Valencia (Levante Region). These train services are run by the Spanish national rail company, Renfe. wikipedia.

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Top Cities That Celebrate The Best Carnival in Germany

It is Fasching time in Germany! This is the German word for carnival which they also sometimes called as Karneval nor the th Season. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Germany and witness its carnival celebration. The Faschingszug (carnival parade), the street celebrations and the Faschingball (carnival costume ball) will surely entertain you. Carnival in Germany usually begins on November 11 at 11:11 am and ends on Ash Wednesday.

Be sure to book your cheap Flights to Germany to Germany as early as you can. There are always affordable and cheap airlines you can find online. If you are coming from any European countries, you can try Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin or Tuifly. These are only some of the cheap carriers flying to any airports in Germany.

One of the carnivals I witnessed in Germany last March 2011.

Let's have fun and visit the top cities that celebrate the best carnival in Germany.

Cologne- The Carnival in Cologne is well-known for its very long tradition that dated back to the 14th century. Thousands of people in Cologne are helping hand in hand to maintain this tradition. Within the carnival period there are a lot of parties and carnival celebrations that are taking place. One of the best things to experience in Cologne is to witness the Faschingszug on Rosenmontag or the Rose Monday parade.

Mainz- The Mainz Carnival known in German as The Mainzer Fastnacht or Meenzer Fassenacht, is one of the oldest carnival in Germany. The Mainz carnival has an unusual emphasis on political and literary humor and commentary. This is always shown live on a German television. If you happen to watch it live on TV or be there yourself, you will surely have a lot of fun. As usual the various celebrations and parades with all those colourful costumes and masquerades are also the highlight of the carnival in Mainz.

a colourful float in Dietfurt's carnival in Germany.

Düsseldorf- Like any other towns and cities in Germany, the carnival in Düsseldorf also begins on the 11th of November at 11:11 am and last until Ash Wednesday. Once you visit the carnival in this metropolis, you can witness people dancing, singing, shouting, laughing and simply celebrating. The highlight of the celebration is the Rosenmontagszug or Carnival Monday Procession on February 20, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in Düsseldorf city centre. You will witness here a big parade with decorated floats and people wearing costumes with various colours, designs and motives marching on their foot through the whole city centre.

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Travel and Communication Gadget

Nowadays there are a lot of travel and communication gadgets of all kinds. Computers, cellphones, smartphones, GPS and the like, varies from styles to designs and many other features that it offer to its users and consumers. Most of these gadgets also offer web conferencing service, text and call, locator services and many more.

I remember when we were in Spain lately when my friend communicated with her family through a video chat over the internet. It seems that she was only talking to her family face to face. These gadgets can also help us during emergencies like the smartphones or cellphones. You can always call anytime and anywhere when you need help. I am very thankful with all these gadgets we are having right now. Life was never easy and convenient without these modern gadgets and equipments.

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My Europe Travel in Madrid, Spain

This is one of the most beautiful and liveliest city in Europe and also in the whole world. Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is also the third largest city in Europe after London and Berlin. It is famous for its great cultural and artistic heritage in which the El Prado museum is a very good example.

There are just a lot of things to see and experience in this city. A day of visit in this lovely city is not enough to see everything. At least I had the chance to visit it once in my lifetime and one of these days, I will surely come back there again.

Some of the sights we saw during our trip last December 2011 were the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Catedral de la Almudena,Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala and many more.

the Plaza Mayor in Madrid Spain taken last December 10, 2011.

the famous Almudena Cathedral, Catedral de la Almudena, located just in front of the Royal palace of Madrid.

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Snowing in Winter Wonderland

It was snowing again this afternoon. It did snowed last Saturday but everything melted last Sunday. I know some are happy when the snow falls down but some are not especially for those who need to wake-up early in the morning to drive to their workplace. Sometimes it is very dangerous when the roads get icy and slippery. Better be careful when driving.

For me is not a problem because I am a stay at home person. When there are no appointments or no need to go somewhere I just stay at home all the time. When the snow lies outside, I want to know the temperature too. That is the reason why I need one of those outdoor thermometers that I can place outside our door. I want to know how cold it is. I am quite sure that the snow won't melt when the temperature is below zub-zero. I love watching the white surroundings during snow time but when it is very cold outside I rather stay inside our home. At least one of my dreams come true...to experience a snowy winter wonderland.

I always love passing this road in our place in Bavaria, Germany especially when it is snowing. Isn't it like in a fantasyland?

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Rothenburg od der Tauber, A Medieval Old Town in Bavaria, Germany

I always hear this from a friend who always mentions that her brother's favorite town in Germany and in whole of Europe during his holiday lately was Rothenburg od der Tauber. I believed he felt in love with this beautiful medieval old town in Bavaria, Germany. This so-called Altstadt (old City) was not damaged during second world war bombing. In fact when you visit it, you can still see the intact wall that surrounds this lovely city.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only famous for its beauty but it is also known as the Christmas city in Germany. You can find there Christmas decors and ornaments all year round. There is also Weihnachtsmuseum or Christmas Museum worth to see in this town.

Among the interesting sights you can see are; Town wall, Plönlein, Spital bastion
St. Wolfgang's Church by the Klingentor gate (fortified church, Altes Brauhaus,Old Smithy, Old Town Hall, Christmas Museum, the Criminal Museum and many more.

The Siebersturm or Sieber Tower gate in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This was taken during my fourth visit in this town.

historical houses you can see around the area. This was taken as we were up on one of the towers in Rothenburg of der Tuaber.

The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River.

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Places to See in the Apulia Region, Italy

I had the chance to visit some cities and places in Italy. Among the few I visited include Rome, Venice, Verona, Cinque Terre, Sanremo, Pietra Ligure, Vicenza and other towns and cities we happened to pass-by during the many Italy tours I participated in the past. I know that there are a lot of interesting places to visit in Italy and there are still towns and cities I wish to visit in the future. One of it is the beautiful region of Apulia which lies in the southeastern part of Italy.

the old and historical town of Rio Maggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy during our trip last spring 2011.

There are a lot of lovely and charming towns and cities in Apulia. Here are some of the few that I wish to visit in the future.

Bari- I am happy for a friend who had a chance to take a cruise in this part of Italy. It is located on the Adriatic coast. It is the capital of Apulia and also its largest and most important city. Among the sights that I wish to visit are the Bari Vecchia,the Palazzo del Catapano, the Church of Saint Gregory, Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Cathedral of Saint Sabino. Most of all, I would like to take a walk along its waterfront.

Foggia- Being dubbed as the "granary of Italy", I believed that this city is also a worth-to-see. I would love to see its main sights including the Church of the Crosses, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fovea, the Arch of Frederick II and the Palazzo Dogana. Tasting some of its local foods is also on my list.

Lecce- I haven't been to Florence yet and visiting Lecce is also a feeling that you are in Florence. You know why? Lecce with impressive baroque buildings is dubbed as the "Florence of the South". The Obelisk, the Holy Cross Church, the Piazza S. Oronzo, the Lecce Cathedral and the Porta Napoli are only some of the interesting sights I wish to see in this city.

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The Town Hall of Birmingham, England

Thanks to the invention of digital camera where we can always easily retrieve and share photos online. I am also happy to share some travel photos with you through this blog. It been over three years now since I visited England. One of the cities where my friend showed me was Birmingham. This city is considered to the populous city in England.

What I have below is an image of Birmingham Town Hall. You might be wondering why it is lighted. It is because Christmas is almost approaching during my visit there last 2008. In fact they also a Christmas market located very near to this building.

The Town Hall is located near Victoria Square. Aside from being use as a concert hall, it is also now used as the venue for Graduation Ceremonies of Aston University every year.

The lighted Birmingham Town Hall during our visit last November 2008. You can see the embedded date in my image here.

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Not To Miss Events and Festivals When Visiting Europe in 2012

Events and festivals in Europe, these are some of the reasons why travellers, visitors and party-lovers from around the globe are visiting this continent. There are a lot of things to experience here especially the famous and colourful festivals and events that are happening from time to time in the different places and cities in Europe. Be sure to plan and book your international flights ahead of time. There are always affordable flights you can find online to any destinations in Europe.

Venice Carnival in Italy is one of the unique and colourful festivals you can witness in Europe. Here you will find participants wearing masks of various forms, colours and styles. It is simply a Venetian tradition which made it famous not only in Europe but also around the world. This year's festival will take place from February 11-21. If you want your visit to be memorable, why not buy a mask and a costume and participate in a palazzo ball.

a woman wearing a mask and costume while on a gondola ride during a Carnival in Venice. I was in Venice thrice already.

The Lemon Festival in French Riviera- This is is an annual event held every February in Menton, a town in Cote d'Azur in France. It is nicknamed "The Pearl of France". The place is famous for its mild climate and known to have 300 days of sunshine in a year. During this festival, you will witness a parade with various floats decorated with lemons and oranges of different motives, forms and designs.

Menton, France during our visit last April 2011.

While the other parts of Europe are still having winter during this time, a multicoloured festival under the sun will be taking place in this beautiful town of Menton. The parade of "Golden Fruit" will take place from February 17 to March 7, 2012.

St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, Ireland- St. Patrick Day is celebrated around the world but its celebration in Ireland is very special and unique because this is where its history started. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and he was the one who brought Christianity to this country particularly in Heaton Celts 1500 years ago. Christians and non-Christians from around the world visit Ireland to witness and participate this famous festival. It will take place from March 16-19, 2012. Don't miss to watch its highlight, the St. Patrick's Day Parade on the 17th of March.

London 2012 Olympic Games- This is one of the highlights for this year's event. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in London, England, UK from July 27 to August 12, 2012. London defeated Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York City during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore last July 6, 2005.

view of Big Ben and the London Parliament as the London eye was ascending. It was a wonderful experience riding this wheel. Taken during my 3-weeks vacation in England last 2008.

For sure, many of you had already booked your flights and tickets for this event. I believed many are still looking for cheap flights and accommodation to London at this time. Try your luck in searching for low-cost airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair, Air Berlin, Germanwings and many more.

Oktoberbest in Munich, Germany- known as one of the most famous events in Germany and also the world's largest festival, this Bavarian culture is visited by 5 million people from all corners of the world every year. Don't miss to taste some of the German beers and the German delicacies such as Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Steckerlfisch...I guess I have to stop mentioning about food right now because it just makes me hungry. It is held in Theresienwiese in Munich from September 22 to October 7, 2012. If possible reserve your seats earlier in one of the many beertents in Oktoberfest.

one of the beer tents in Oktoberfest during our visit last 2010.

Semana Santa in Andalusia, Spain- You can pick some of the big cities in the region of Andalusia to witness its famous Holy Week festival known as Semana Santa. Seville, the capital city of Andalusia and Granada are very famous for this religious celebrations. Semana Santa is one of the famous traditional event in whole of Spain. Don't fail to witness the processions of paso and other religious sculptures.

Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain during our trip last December 2011.

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The South Gate of the Agora in Ephesus, Turkey

If you are planning to visit Turkey, you might want to include the ancient Greek city of Ephesus in your itinerary. This is one of the very interesting and historical sights in Turkey. The ruins of Ephesus are a favorite international and local tourist attraction. I had never seen such ruins as big as Ephesus.

One of the impressing historical sights there is the south gate of the Agora which is also known as the gate of Mazeus and Mythridates. They were the ones who erected this gate for their emperor, Augustus, who gave them their freedom. It is located near the Library of Celsus.

Today's archaeological site lies 3 kilometers southwest of the town of Selçuk, in the Selçuk district of İzmir Province, Turkey.

taken during our 10-days vacation in Turkey last September 2011.

At the right side of this gate, you can find the information that says below,

"The richly ornamented gate was financed by the imperial freedmen Mazaeus and Mithridates in 2 B.C. The refined articulation of the southern facade with alternating projecting and re-entrant elements, as well as the use of arches and beams, was repeated in the original side wings of the building. Statues of the imperial family stood on the inscribed attic zone. The unadorned northern side was connected to the Agora Hall. The re-erection of the gate (1982-1988) was made possible by Anton Kallinger-Prskawetz."

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Walking on the Narrow Alleys of Toledo, Spain

I remember some words from an acquaintance I met in Las Vegas during my visit last 2008. He said that there are a lot of narrow streets in Europe. That is very true but we have to understand that there are a lot of historical places in Europe and these narrow streets and alleys especially in the old city centers were already made during the medieval period or even older times.

This is also true in Toledo, Spain. In its historical city center you can find labyrinths of narrow alleys. I find it very interesting as we walked on those alleys during our sightseeing tour. Toledo is a very nice place especially its old city center. Its setting on a mountaintop surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River made it very romantic. I thought I can only see it on books or in the internet but I was really there. That trip in Toledo was really a memorable one for me.

Don't miss to visit its famous sights such as the Cathedral of Toledo, the Alcazar and the Zocodover. You have to know that the Historic City of Toledo belongs to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

an alley near the Zocodover, a central market place in Toledo. This was taken during our trip last December 2011.

another alley in its historic center. This is one of the alleys we walked through during our sightseeing tour. I love Toledo!

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Remembering Alhambra in Granada, Spain

I was trying to select randomly the pictures to be posted here. And yes, I was able to browse the files from my recent Spain trip last December 2011. I am trying to remember Alhambra again. Now I understand how did Washington Irving felt as he left Alhambra....a melancholic goodbye as he was leaving this place. I just received yesterday the book that I I ordered online. It was written by Washington Irving. It is entitled "Tales of the Alhambra". According to our knowledgeable tour guide named Lothar, Alhambra had inspired Irving to write this book. Irving actually lived in the palace while writing the book and was instrumental in reintroducing the site to Western audiences. This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories. I just started reading some pages and it was truly very interesting.

I also felt a bit melancholic after leaving Spain after our 8-days trip from Dec. 5-12, 2011. My heart was captured by the beauty of this country. I am just thankful that once in my life I was there and I hope to come back and visit other places in Spain.

The Alhambra (literally means "the red one") is a palace and fortress complex located in the Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada in al-Andalus, occupying the top of the hill of the Assabica on the southeastern border of the city of Granada.

The Court of la Acequia.

Fountains and flowing water are a common feature around the Alhambra, they are particularly prevalent in the Palacio de Generalife.

taken during our tour in Alhambra last Dec. 8, 2011.

The Palacio de Generalife ( literally, "Architect's Garden") was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid Emirs (Kings) of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now beside the city of Granada in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain.

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