Watching TFC Channel in Madrid

This would probably one thing I will miss when I will leave Spain. I am already used to watch TFC channel in the apartment that I am staying in this city. TFC is a Filipino Television channel located worldwide. I like watching these so-called Teleserye in Filipino which are also known as soap operas. I don't have a TFC channel in Germany and I will find a way to watch it. I just remember that I can also watch it online.

This is the advantage of our modern technology now. With the advent of computers and internet, you can already watch news, movies, shows and entertainment online. If you are familiar or know what is hdmi, you can watch movies from the internet by connecting the hdmi cable to your bigger LED Television. I don't have to worry about TFC because I can also watch it online back at home in Germany.

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A Tour Inside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain

During my first visit in Madrid last December 2011, I already saw this stadium. Finally last Monday, March 26, 2012, I already had the chance to have a tour inside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It was a great experience being inside one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was inaugurated on 14 December 1947. It is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol and has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators. Formerly known as El Bernabeu, it was renamed in in honour of their former chairman Santiago Bernabéu Yeste.

Our tour lasted around 3 hours including shopping in its souvenir shop. We did saw and experienced a lot including its history.

Awards and trophies inside the museum in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. I was there!

It has hosted the European Cup final on four occasions: in 1957, 1969, 1980, and the UEFA Champions League Final in 2010. The finals for the 1964 European Nations' Cup and the 1982 World Cup have also been held at the Bernabéu.

a view of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium from inside during our tour last March 26, 2012.

The stadium is served by its own metro station along the Line 10 called Santiago Bernabéu. It is also served by bus routes 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 147 and 150.

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Exploring Guadalajara, Spain

I am still in Spain and currently staying in Sol, Madrid. The weather is currently sunny but you can still feel the cold breeze. Yesterday, I went exploring Guadalajara. It is a city and municipality in Castile La Mancha in Spain. From Atocha train station in Madrid and riding the Cercanias train, it took around an hour to reach this city .

As I went around Guadalajara, I saw a lot of historical monuments, stores and shops and many other interesting things. I went in one of the stores there and saw nice motorcycle boots. Sad to say, shopping is not included in my list.

Among the sights that I saw were the bridge across the river Henares, the Palacio del Infantado, the Church of San Ginés, the Church of Saint Mary, the Panteon de la Duquesa de Sevillano and other historical sites in Guadalajara.

It was so far a nice trip I had in this city yesterday.

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The Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Islas Filipinas, Madrid, Spain

I am currently in Madrid and had the chance to explore Spain's capital city. I did not knew it until a friend told me that Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines has a statue in Madrid, Spain. I was challenged after knowing that Dr. Rizal really has a monument in this city. Being a traveller and exploreR, I did not hesitated to go to Islas Filipinas alone. I rode the Metro from Sol going to Islas Filipinas. With the help of the map, I finally found the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal last Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

The statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Islas Filipinas in Madrid, Spain. I was there!

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Sightseeing in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Let's go travel the world again. I had the pleasure to travel some of the interesting destinations in Europe. This time I will bring you to one of the lovely towns in England. Almost four years had past since my last visit in England. One of the interesting places I visited during my three weeks trip there was Stratford-Upon-Avon. I love this historic town in south Warwickshire. It is truly a worth-to-visit one.

My trip to England was not actually planned. I just found one of those cheap flights online while browsing the internet. I also decided to go there because one of my friends invited me to visit England.

There are a lot of affordable flights when you want to go for a holiday to any destination in the United Kingdom. You can also find affordable British Airways flights when flying to England. International BA flights originate from London Heathrow and a number of routes from London Gatwick and Manchester.

Here are some of the sights I visited when I was in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Shakespeare's Birthplace- It is amazing how this house was preserved and can be visited until now. This is a must-see when visiting the town. It is located in Henley Street, one of the town's oldest street. It is the home of the famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare. You can also found a garden in the area.

Shakespeare's birthhouse during our visit last November 2008.

Holy Trinity Church- If you want to see the burial of William Shakespeare, you have to visit this church. I am honoured to visit even just the tomb of Shakespeare and his immediate family. Entrance is free inside the church but but those viewing the grave are asked to make a donation. I guess to forgot to give when I was there.

A Walk to the Waterside & Southern Lane- This is one thing I loved during our visit in the town. The are runs from the foot of Bridge Street that crosses River Avon to Holy Trinity Church and leads directly off Sheep Street and Scholars Lane. It runs alongside the River Avon and offers access to the Waterside Theatre and all areas of the RST. We did not see any street performers in the areabecause it was winter when we visited it. It is only during summer months when you often see street performers performing to the public on the lawns.

A bridge that crosses River Avon.

We also passed-by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Clock Tower and a walk to the Sheep Street. I still wish to go to Stratford to visit Ann Hathaway's Cottage. We were not able to go to this romantic cottage due to lack of time. We also missed the Falstaff Experience there. So far, it was an interesting trip we had in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

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Economic Crisis in Europe- What's The Best Investment To Do

Economic and financial Crisis is happening everywhere now not only in Europe but in many countries around the world. Greece for example is currently experiencing financial difficulties. Without the help of European Union countries, it might go bankrupt already. I heard over hte news that other EU candidates for bankruptcy are Italy, Spain and last year was Ireland.

During this time of economic crisis what do you think would be the best investment? If you have to ask me, I believed investing on gold and silver bullion bars is one of the best thing to do. Besides these metals are always appreciating. Sad to say, I can't afford to buy these kind of precious metals right now. Probably when I will win the lottery, I will start buying it.

I guess that is all for now. I wish everyone a lovely day! I love the very nice weather in Madrid, Spain! I am quite excited to meet new friends later.

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Touring Troy, Turkey

I guess you are very familiar about the dangerous computer virus called Trojan Horse or Trojan Virus. A Trojan Horse derives its name from the Trojan War. Legend has it that King Odysseus built a Trojan Horse as a gift to the city of Troy to signify surrender. He then ordered the Greek army to retreat and left the ‘gift’ outside the city gates. However it turned out that the Horse had more than 40 soldiers hidden in its belly. Once inside the city of Troy, these soldiers snuck out and opened the gates for their fellow soldiers who went on to attack the unsuspecting city with iron weapons.

It is an honor for me to visit this historical place named Troy in Turkey. I thought I can only see it on postcards or images in the internet but I was really there. Our tour guide explained to us about Troy, also called as Ilion and Troia in Greek, Wilusa in Hittite or Truva in Turkish.

Troia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998.

Troy was a city, both factual and legendary, located in northwest Anatolia in what is now Turkey, southeast of the Dardanelles and beside Mount Ida. It is best known for being the setting of the Trojan War described in the Greek Epic Cycle and especially in the Iliad, one of the two epic poems attributed to Homer. Metrical evidence from the Iliad and the Odyssey seems to show that the name Ἴλιον (Ilion) formerly began with a digamma: Ϝίλιον (Wilion). This was later supported by the Hittite form Wilusa.

A new city called Ilium was founded on the site in the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. It flourished until the establishment of Constantinople and declined gradually during the Byzantine era.

The Trojan Horse during our vacation in Turkey last September 2011.

In 1865, English archaeologist Frank Calvert excavated trial trenches in a field he had bought from a local farmer at Hisarlık, and in 1868, Heinrich Schliemann, wealthy German businessman and archaeologist, also began excavating in the area after a chance meeting with Calvert in Çanakkale. These excavations revealed several cities built in succession. Schliemann was at first skeptical about the identification of Hissarlik with Troy, but was persuaded by Calvert and took over Calvert's excavations on the eastern half of the Hissarlik site, which was on Calvert's property. Troy VII has been identified with the Hittite Wilusa, the probable origin of the Greek Ἴλιον, and is generally (but not conclusively) identified with Homeric Troy. continue reading here.

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Top Europe Summer Destinations

I was talking with some friends this week about travelling in Europe. Some are asking me what top cities I can recommend to visit here this coming summer season. I told them that there are a lot of wonderful places and cities to visit and to explore in this continent. One friend was even asking me to help them find some cheap flights to any Europe destination because some of her friends from the United States will be visiting her from May to June this year. I gave her some links of the airlines where I usually book my flights when I go travelling in Europe.

For those who have not decided yet which cities to visit, here are some that I can recommend to you.

Paris- This is only one thing I can say to you. If you are spending a holiday in Europe, put Paris in your number one list. Don't you know that Paris is the number one tourist destination in the world with over 45 millions of visitors every year? Feel free to include yourself in one of these millions.

Never miss to visit the most famous landmarks of Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum,Moulin Rouge and many more. These are only some of the most iconic landmarks that made Paris always the top must-see city in Europe and in the world world.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Seine River. I was happy to visit Paris for the second time last summer 2010.

Paris being the "Capital of Fashion" is the favourite shopping destination of many. It is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics. To name a few are Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, Chanel, Christian Dior, etc. If you love shopping, Paris is the perfect place for you to go!

Madrid- I don't know why I fall in love with this city. I just admired its own charm and beauty. This is also the reason why I am visiting it again this month. This time I will be staying in Spain's capital for 6 long weeks. For sure I can explore more of the city and its surrounding towns and cities.

I had the chance to visit Madrid last December 2011. We only had a day-sightseeing there. Although we saw and experienced a lot, I still feel that some things are missing. I want to go inside its the famous Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center. I want to lit a candle in Catedral de la Almudena, explore Palacio Real and its gardens, I want to take pictures of Plaza de Cibeles during the night and many more.

The Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain during our visit last December 2011.

Don't miss to go to Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza de España because you will see and experience a lot in these areas. The El Retiro Park, Parque del Capricho, Templo de Debod, La Casa de Campo, Royal Botanical Garden are only of the most beautiful parks to visit in Madrid.

London- Some friends are asking me if I can help them find cheap flights to London especially this coming 2012 Olympic Games which will be held in this city. I told them that they should book it earlier to have it cheaper. Due to this event, London will be flocked with visitors and tourists worldwide and most had already their trips booked a year ago. If you are lucky enough, you might still be able to find cheap flights and accommodation to London or nearby places during this time.

The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, Piccadilly Circus and St Paul's Cathedral are only some of the famous sights not to miss when visiting the capital city of both England and United Kingdom.

the famous neon signage at The Piccadilly Circus in London. I love this place, taken last October 2008.

Rome- The so-called "Eternal City" is also very worthy to visit. I find all the historical architectures in this city very amazing! Rome is one of Europe's most visited city. It is also one of the most influential and beautiful capitals of this continent.

St. Peter's Square and the St. Peter's Basilica with its dome on the left side. I was there last August 2010.

Among its famous sights are the Vatican City with its famous St. Peter's Basilica at St. Peter's Square, The Colosseum, the Castel Sant'Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the Spanish Steps, Piazza della Republica, Piazza Navona and many many more.

Other cities worth to experience when you are in Europe are Brussels, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Zurich, Venice, Milan and many others.

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Get Your Thrills at These Top UK Theme Parks

Rides have come a long way from the carrousels and spinning tea cups of yesteryear. Today’s theme parks are action packed and designed to thrill you to the core. England has some pretty exciting theme parks, all with new adventures opening in 2012, so if you’re looking for chills and thrills head over to these top UK theme parks.

Alton Towers: One of the best known of the UK’s theme parks is Alton Towers in Staffordshire. This is a great park to visit with the whole family, with thrilling rides for the adults and older kids, a water park to cool off on hot summer days, and rides for the wee ones too. The park has an on site hotel, but many people find that renting a holiday cottage just off the site is the best way to go – both for budget and relaxation. There are lots of big holiday cottages located close to the park so that you and your family can have fun during the day and then lay back and relax in privacy in the evening.

Alton Towers Ride. photo credit Flickr

Thorpe Park: If you are a major thrill seekers then Thorpe Park is the place for you. This park is designed to scare your socks off with roller coasters galore, making it the perfect adult getaway. This year Thorpe Park will be opening its newest ride, The Swarm, which is billed as the tallest winged rollercoaster in Europe! This is not the place for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach – only the strong will survive......

Legoland Windsor: If you’re looking for something a little more subdued head over to Legoland Windsor in Berkshire. This park is filled with Lego themes rides and activities and is THE place to bring your building obsessed little ones. This is the 2nd most visit park in the UK, after Alton Towers, so you can rest assured that it is well set up to cater for all your needs. Though the park is aimed at 3-12 year olds, the whole family will be entertained by the rides, shows, and Lego workshops offered, not to mention dazzled by the unimaginably intricate Lego models set throughout the park.

Legoland Windsor. photo credit: Flickr

If you’re thinking of heading to any of these parks this summer why not consider staying in a holiday cottage nearby? Visit Sykes Cottages for a great selection of reasonably priced UK holiday cottages.

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Ibiza’s Relaxed Hotspots

There have been many, many words written about Ibiza’s party scene, and recently, just as many about the other side of Ibiza. But if the latter is what appeals to you, where the best places to stay are and what can you expect when on holidays to Ibiza?

Sandy Puerto San Miguel

If it is tranquillity you are after, you could do a lot worse than heading to Puerto San Miguel and its secluded beach. The beach is surrounded by pine trees and steep hills which are perfect for walking if you want to get a bit active on cheap Ibiza holidays. The steep cliffs that surround the beach make the water very still and safe to swim in, perfect for families with young children or unconfident swimmers.

Self Contained Cala Llonga

Approximately 10km north of Ibiza Town sits the secluded and self contained resort of Cala Llonga, which from humble beginnings as a small fishing village has quickly become a family friendly resort that is shielded from the shenanigans that goes on in the islands most lively resorts. Of course, if you want to experience the high life for a night or two, you are perfectly placed to do so, but if not, just lay back and let all of your worries float away!

Ibiza, Spain. photo by Nextlevels

Rugged Santa Eulària

Not all of Ibiza is golden beach. The town of Santa Eularia is distinguishable thanks to Puig de Missa, the imposing hill behind the resort which dominates the skyline and provides the visitor with an idea of the sort of holiday to expect here. On top sits the Church of our Lady of Jesus which is lit up at night and provides quite a view. There are restaurants (in fact Calle San Vicente is a street full of nothing but restaurants), bars – not over-the-top bars that are common elsewhere on the island, mind – and a lovely street which runs right down to the waters edge. The beach is still the focal point though, which will not doubt please sun worshippers.

Ibiza deserves it reputation as a party capital. But like most other places in the region, it has a lot more to offer than just the 18-30 type cheap holidays. If you want a relaxing destination, consider what Ibiza can offer before you dismiss it out of hand. You will not be disappointed.

Written by Ricky Durrance for Beat the Brochure.

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Galerie de la Reine Koninginne in Brussels, Belgium

I am trying to think what to share here today. I just browsed and browsed my photo albums in my external hard drive and found this interesting building in Brussels, Belgium. You can see the name of this building because I also took an image of it. This is the Galerie de la Reine Koninginne, also known in French as The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and in Dutch, it is called Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen.

We just happened to pass-by here while looking for the travel agency where we booked our bus tour to Amsterdam, Netherlands. This building is actually a glazed shopping arcade in Brussels. I guess the shops were still not open during the time we were there. It was still so early for such shopping arcade to open at 7:00 a.m.

I guess I have to stop now because the tour guide for our bus trip to Amsterdam is already coming. Just kidding folks. We really don't have have the chance to explore the interior of this building. I would love to do it in my next visit there.

Goodnight folks and I am hoping for more travels this year. In God's will!

The Royal Galeries of Saint-Hubert during our visit last August 2010.

The gallery consists of two major sections, each more than 100 meters in length (respectively called Galerie du Roi / Koningsgalerij, meaning King's Gallery, and Galerie de la Reine / Koninginnegalerij, meaning Queen's Gallery), and a smaller side gallery (Galerie des Princes / Prinsengalerij, meaning Gallery of the Princes). The main sections (King and Queen's Gallery) are separated by a colonnade at the point where the Rue des Bouchers / Beenhouwersstraat crosses the gallery complex. wikipedia.

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Countdown to Spain

Thanks God that my migraine is over now. Still not 100% okey but I am glad that I am feeling better now compared to yesterday. I guess my migraine attack was caused by the drastic change of weather.

Back to main topic..I am also starting my countdown to Spain. Six more sleeps and I will be flying to Spain soon. Of course I am quite excited about this trip. I guess I have more time to experience more of the culture and tradition of the Spaniards. It will be a 6-weeks stay and I will be staying most of the time in Madrid. I am also planning to do some side trips in the nearby towns and cities near the capital city.

I am also happy to share about the progress of my diet plan. I actually started it last weekend. I found out that I already lose almost 2 kilos. If you want to know more on how to lose weight, feel free to click here. I hope I can continue this diet plan when I am in Spain. I love Spanish foods. I tasted some during our trip there last December 2011.

Here is a snapshot of one of my favorite, some anchovies with lemon. I love it.

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