London Olympics 2012 Snapshots

August is finally here! And  London Olympics 2012 is still going on.  This is truly a spectacle seeing the best  athlete in the world. I should be in the biggest sport event in history but due to other travel plans, I did not able to make it.  Besides it is not really my priority. Attending another more important  event that might happen only once in one's life is  my priority.  I am glad that my ticket to the US was already booked..yooohoo!

I was not in London but I had the chance to watch over  the television the opening of the London Olympics 2012.  Imagine staying until 2:00 am just to watch the opening ceremony. Without further adieu, let me just share the pictures I  took from the television..Thanks to zdf for covering it.

The Olympic Flame after it was all lit.

The symbol of Olympics

                                            The Olympic Stadium in London. Amazing view!

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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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Christmas in Europe 2011

It's been eight long years now since I am celebrating Christmas in Europe. It is always great and I am thankful for everything. I am also very thankful to all my family and friends who are always around celebrating with us. Thank you so much for your love and goodness. I truly appreciate everything. There are just a lot of things to be thankful this year. I hope that the year 2012 will bring us more success, love, peace, happiness and good health too!

Lastly, I would like to greet a Happy Birthday to my BFF Jesus! Once again Merry Christmas and and a Happy New Year to one and all!

A Baby is born on the manger and mankind was save!
Happy Holidays to one and all!

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Christmas Greetings To Everyone

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
~Ada V. Hendricks

Have a Very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year 2012!

Keep your Christmas-heart open all the year round.
~Jessica Archmint

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Delightful Christmas Markets I Visited in Europe

December is finally here! This means that the holiday season is also starting. It is one of the best seasons of the year to visit Europe and experience the beautiful Christmas markets. If you are planning to visit the most interesting Christmas markets in this continent, you better start finding for cheap flights to any Europe cities that host Christmas markets. There are always affordable offers you can find online.

Christmas markets has been a tradition in Germany, Austria and the Alsace region where it was first mentioned and said to have been originated. It is now held and celebrated in the different parts of the world.

Here are a few of the most interesting Christmas markets I visited in Europe.

Leeds, England

I did not expected that the Christmas market in Leeds started so early that time. I was there on the second week of November last 2008 and their market was already opened. It is a German Christmas market and there you will find traditional German delicacies. On offer include gluhwein, snitzels, soups and goulash, stollen, gingerbread, bratwurst sausages, roasted nuts and many others.

This year's ‘Christkindelmarkt’ is held in Millennium Square from November 11 to December 18, 2011. I had a great time in Leeds during my trip. I booked a very cheap flight during my England holiday last 2008.

I am happy to be in Leeds last 2008.

Strasbourg, France

Since living in Europe, I was dreaming to visit Strasbourg. Finally that dream came true after our visit last December 2010. It was again another perfect time to experience one of the oldest Christmas markets in history.

Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik is held around its cathedral since 1570. Over the years, the cities’ reputation has grown throughout Europe. It attracts a large number of tourists not only from Europe but from other corners of the planet as well. The market takes place annually. This year's market started last November 26 until December 31.

I had a wonderful time in Strasbourg last year. I had only a short sightseeing there but I truly enjoyed it. Don't also miss to visit the markets in Place Kléber, Place Broglie and Place du Marché aux cochons de lait.

a market stall in front of Strasbourg Cathedral. I love this place.

Zurich, Switzerland

I had the chance to visit Switzerland's largest city last December 2010. It was a perfect time to witness the biggest indoor Christmas market in Europe. It is located inside the main train station of Zurich. There are over 160 decorated stalls in that covered Christmas market. You can also find inside a majestic Christmas tree which is decorated with over 5,000 crystals.

During our walk in the Old Town, stalls can also be found. Along the river Limmat, some stalls were also standing. They are selling goods of various kinds.

That visit in Zurich's Christmas markets was a delightful experience. This year's event will take place on December 3-21, 2011.

the imposing Zwarovski Christmas tree in the main station of Zurich. I was there!

Nuremberg, Germany

One of the world's most famous Christmas market is finally opened. This year's celebration started last November 25 and will last until the 24th of December. The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is held every year in the Hauptmarkt or main square. It is located just in front of Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady.

As usual you will find various goods on over 180 wooden booths in Nuremberg, Germany's "Number One Christmas City". Traditional Christmas goods such as spicy gingerbread, mulled wine, roast sausages, Zwetschgenmännle (little prune people), toys, Christmas decorations and arts and crafts are found there. Don't miss to taste the famous Nuremberg bratwurst.

One of Nuremberg's stalls that sells the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, a kind of sausage.
An image I took last 2008.

There are still other Christmas markets I visited in Europe especially in Germany. I was also in Salzburg, Gut Aiderbichl, Regensburg, Birmingham, Neumarkt i.d. Oberpfalz and a lot more. If you are planning to catch up with these special events in Europe, be sure to read first the airline reviews online. Sometimes you can also find related articles about Christmas markets in Europe.

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Thanksgiving is Almost Coming

The celebration of the Thanksgiving for the Americans is almost coming. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Some American friends told me that there will be a lot of sales and promotions in almost all of the stores especially in the U.S. I heard from a friend that computers, Televisions, External hard disk drives and other electronics and gadgets will be also on sale. In fact a lot of products and goods will be on sale especially during Black Friday shopping. I want to ask if they are selling this so-called Maxtor. I just need one for hubby's pc.

The Thanksgiving is the equivalent to the Erntedankfest or Harvest festival in Germany. It is usually celebrated every month of October. Other countries in the world are also celebrating its own harvest festival depending on the time where they are having their main harvest.

It is always nice to be thankful for all the blessings and good things we received. I hope that we will also not forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

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8 Years Anniversary in Europe

This year marks my 8 years of living as a Pinay expat in Europe. I can't imagine that time is really passing-by very quickly. Last month was also the celebration of our 8th years wedding anniversary. So far life has been good to us. I can't thank enough for having a simple but good life in Europe. Sometimes there are trials coming our way but we always find solutions to it.

I did not ask anything for our 8th wedding anniversary. I have everything what I need in life. I know some of you are giving gift baskets for your anniversary. Why not besides it is also a wonderful present. Probably in our 10th anniversary, I will already demand something from hubby. Just kidding folks. Have a lovely Monday!


For those couples who are celebrating their wedding anniversaries around the globe this month, have a blessed and wonderful one! Here are some tulips fro you.

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European Jazz Festivals- Where To Experience It

Many jazz aficionados do not know that there are many jazz festivals taking place each year, in various European countries and towns. They are well-organized events that attract some of the best talents in the business.

The following are some of the best and most popular European live jazz festivals showcased
across the region:

Konfrontationen Nickelsdorf, Austria

This jazz festival was started in 1980 in the town of Nickelsdorf which is located near the border of Hungary. Ever since this festival started it has attracted the top talents from America, Europe and Japan, making it a virtual Mecca for improvised jazz music. This place can be described as a small village and the festival takes place outdoors. It is organized by the Nickelsdorf Jazz Gallery.


Varna Jazz Festival, Bulgaria

This festival was started in 1992 and it happens in Varna, which is a small city located in Bulgaria near the Black Sea. It is the largest Jazz festival in Bulgaria and it attracts talent mostly from around Europe. It takes place for 3 days and it is held in the courtyard of the Archeological museum. The director of this festival is a gentleman by the name of Anatoly Vapirov, who is also an accomplished saxophonist.

Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon, Austria

This town is located in Austria, near the Czech border. This jazz festival started in 1986 and has managed to become a highly acclaimed European Jazz festival. The focus of this festival is improvisation, at the same time this festival is also known for so called hybrid music. This would be jazz fused with other forms of music. The primary concerts are done at the Jazzatelier Ulrichsberg building, however there are other venues showcasing special music projects.

Vilnius Jazz Festival, Lithuania

Vilnius is a town situated in Lithuania and it started a jazz festival back in 1988. The first reason for starting this festival was an act of rebellion against the former Soviet Union. It was a way for Lithuania to show its differences with the Soviet Union. Even though this festival has political roots, it has grown to become an astounding jazz festival, attracting talent from all over the world. It is known for its highly creative and ambitious talents, stretching musical improvisation to its limits. This festival is ultimately linked to the growth of a distinctive style of jazz known as Vilnius jazz.

Special thanks to the The Pen Company for gathering the list of interesting jazz festivals in Europe.

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Alternative Christmas Markets To Visit in Europe

Are you planning to make a holiday in Europe this coming holiday season? The month of June is almost ending which also means that you still have enough time to plan and to save for a Christmas holiday in Europe. Don't miss to visit any of the most interesting and captivating holiday celebrations in this continent.

the Christmas Market in Birmingham, England during my vacation last 2008.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair

Visitors will enjoy the small village atmosphere offered within the heart of the busy city center. Picturesque wooden chalets offer traditional hand crafted items ranging from jewelry to candles. The lights, sounds and smells of this imported market will delight all who take the time to stroll through the area. The market offers traditional German spice mulled wine, bratwursts and German beers, all to be enjoyed while meandering through the chalets of the hard working artisans.

Christkindelmarkt, Leeds

The Christmas Market in Leeds is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. The traditional wooden stalls, holiday greenery, Christmas carousel for the children and the colorful lights all create a beautiful and festive air in the city center. Christkindelmarkt offers over 40 wooden chalet stalls, housing some of the most wonderful artisans and traders of authentic German fare. From hand crafted toys, Christmas cards and traditional German food, among many UK gift fairs to visit this Christmas, Leeds is sure to leave you with a festive heart.

Basel Christmas Market

At the center of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas region is Basel. Each year the city of Rhine out does itself in the scope of its market. Old town is transformed into a winter wonderland, boasting the longest illuminated Christmas street in Europe. More than a hundred pine trees border the street and are strung with twinkling lights to guide visitors to the stalls and chalets of working craftsmen.

Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market offers 123 wooden chalets full of unique hand crafted items. The Market offers everything you could wish to make your Christmas a true delight, from wooden toys to Christmas crackers and gold jewelry. Festive food and drink are offered alongside decorations, jewelry, toys and crafts in such abundance that it could take the whole evening to see even half of the wonderful items offered in this truly original Christmas Market.

Canterbury's Traditional Christmas Market

While strolling through Canterbury’s Market you can enjoy a glass of German mulled wine and listen to the traditional Christmas music. Make sure to take a moment to enjoy the gingerbread hearts and roasted almonds as you are dazzled by the artisans offering hand crafted toys, glass ornaments and many other traditional Christmas gifts.

Special thanks to our event and festival pr experts from Taylor Herring for compiling this alternative Christmas markets for you to visit in Europe.

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Chinese Fasching in Dietfurt, Bavaria

Germany is still in its Fasching highlights. Fasching also means carnival. Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf are some of the cities in Germany that are very famous for its carnival. There will be Fasching events that will be going on next week especially in the nearby towns and cities.

One of the Fasching events I witnessed in Germany is in Dietfurt. This town is very famous for its Chinese Fasching or carnival. Here are some images I took from this town.



It seems like Halloween in here but Germans almost have the same and they call it Fasching or Fastnacht or simply carnival.

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Fasching in Velburg, Bavaria, Germany

It is Fasching time in Germany! Fasching is also called as Fastnacht, Fasnet or Karneval in German depending on the towns or cities where it is celebrated. It is simply called as Carnival or Carnaval in English. There are cities in Germany which are known for its famous Fasching or Carnival. These cities include Cologne (Köln), Mainz and Duesseldorf (Düsseldorf).

Fasching is also celebrated in small towns and municipalities.. I had witnessed some Fasching in Bavaria like in Velburg, Breitenbrunn and Dietfurt.

I have some images below taken during the Fasching parade in Velburg, Bavaria, Germany.

a tractor decorated with balloons and flowers during the Faschingszug (carnival parade) in Velburg. You can see the date embedded when these pictures were taken. I wish to watch this parade again next month.

colourful attires and costumes are worn by partipipants of the Fasching parade.

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Christmas Celebration Everywhere

How was your Christmas celebration? I hope that it turned out well just like ours. Some people especially the Europeans might spend their Christmas holiday somewhere for a trip in a warm country to avoid the freezing cold winter in Europe. Some might be stranded in any airport or train station because of the bad weather in Europe. That is quite sad. Happy for those who spent their Christmas with their family and friends. I am very thankful that we did had it! For us Filipinos, a karaoke machine is a part for a merrier celebration of any kind. Variety of foods are also prepared. Germans on the other way prepare only simple food. We did had a Schweinebraten (baked pork) with Knoedel (potato dumplings) and different kinds of cookies during Christmas Eve. Glasses of red wine were also served especially during the conversation time. It was again a memorable Christmas celebration!

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Christmas Market in Birmingham, England

It is still Christmas market fever in Europe. From the different towns and cities in Germany to countries like Switzerland, France, England, Austria, Czech Republic and other European cities that held it, all are worthy to visit.

If I am not mistaken the Christmas markets in Germany will last until the 23rd of December. So hurry up and take time to visit before it is over.

I am also sharing some images from the Christmas market in Birmingham, England. I am happy that I was there with a friend last November 2008. Most traders in Birmingham's Christmas market are from Frankfurt, Germany. It is considered to be one of the largest Christmas market in the United Kingdom. It attracts more than two millions of visitors every year.

the carousel ride at the Christmas Market.

One of the lighted stalls in Birmingham's Christmas Market.
taken during my vacation in England last 2008.

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Merry Christmas Everyone!

One evening as the lights on the Christmas tree were turned-on, somebody asked his wife what she would like to have as Christmas present. It seems that someone is still thinking of some romantic gifts for her beloved wife. It seems quite exciting. We will see the next episode guys!

One more week to go and Christmas will be here. Are you ready for your presents for you family, friends and loveones? You still have some days to find special gifts for them. One of the best way I can suggest is to browse online.

I told hubby that I really don't need anything for Christmas. Since he is really insisting to give anything what I want, I told him that we will go to the mall tomorrow to find something that I will like.

Have a wonderful and memorable celebration of Christmas! I hope that we will all remember the true essence of this Yuletide season!

p.s. The image here is our Christmas tree.

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Tillyfest In Breitenbrunn, Germany

Breitenbrunn is a municipality in Neumarkt in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany. You can witness the famous and historical event here called Tillyfest. It is held every year during the month of September. This year's celebration took place last September 11-12, 2010. Breitenbrunn is probably a friend of the gods of weather because during the celebration, the weather was friendly. There was no rain during our visit on the second day. The highlight of the celebration was the Festzug or the historical parade where you can see participants wearing colourful and attractive Medieval costumes.

Here are some of the images I took during this year's celebration.

young kids are bringing with them animals like goats during the parade.

The two days celebration was another success. Here you can witness a huge medieval army camp. Wherever you look around, tents, soldiers, both young and old are wearing beautiful Medieval costumes. Bavarian crusaders, Swedish dragon and other participants like minstrels and gypsies are enjoying this historical event.

Tillyfest has been a trademark of Breitenbrunn.

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Middle Age Spectacle in Velburg, Bavaria, Germany

That was a spectacular day last Sunday June 27, 2010 as we witnessed the Mittelalter Spektakel, German words for Middle Age Spectacle in Velburg, a municipality in Neumarkt Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, Germany. It is a three days program commemorating the 600th foundation anniversary of Velburg. The highlight of the program was the parade held last Sunday at 2:00PM. I will share more about this in my Travel and Explore Germany site hopefully this week. Here are some of the images I took during the festival.

One of the church model from Velburg.

Participants of the parade were wearing Middle Age Costumes. It was truly a successful event. Horses adorned with ornaments and carriages are also present during the parade.

The colourful Middle Age costumes are the highlights of the said Festzug or parade.

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Oldtimer Meeting in Neumarkt Upper Palatinate, Germany

Today was the second Oldtimer Treffen or Meeting of old and historical cars and other forms of vehicles in Neumarkt Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany. It was a very interesting event seeing those old but beautiful cars for the first time. I am just sharing some pictures here. Feel free to visit my other site Travel and Explore Germany for more images from the said event.

this is Volkswagen Beetle car, right?

I guess this one is the old Fiat model.

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Party in Ramstein-Miesenbach

We finally had the chance to visit our friends who live in Ramstein-Miesenbach in the state of Rhineland Palatinate in Germany. It's been more than a year since we did not visit them. We also want to see our friend who is pregnant now. I am so happy for her after all it is truly a great blessing. Here are the foods prepared during the birthday party of our friend. I believed we need good fat burners after eating a lot of food like the one you see in the picture here. We are also happy that we had the chance to mingle with other people and friends we met during the party. That was truly a memorable day especially for the birthday celebrant. Thanks a lot to our good friends for everything!

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Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Let's go travel Europe again! This time we are visiting Germany's famous celebration! Don't you know that Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the world's biggest fair? Yes, it is! It is also considered as one of the famous events in Germany and considered to be a part of the Bavarian Culture. I remember that we also have an Oktoberfest at the town where I grew -up in the Philippines. It is also modeled after Munich's Oktoberfest. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to Munich to take part and witness the said celebration.

Oktoberfest is a two-week festival or a 16 day festival to be exact and is held every year during the last week of September until first week of October. I had been to this festival twice already. Below are some of the photographs I took last 2008. The festival is held on an area named the Theresienwiese (field, or meadow, of Therese), often called d’ Wiesn for short.

the rides at the Oktoberfest in Munich

it seems that rain is coming here! yes, it did rained during our visit last September 2008.

"The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, on October 18, 1810: For the commemoration of their marriage, Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (namesake of the Theresienwiese festival grounds) organized a great horse race (the marriage took place on October 12; the horse race on October 17—therefore, there are different dates named as being the first Oktoberfest)."wikipedia

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Happy Mothers Day Europe!

Happy Mothers' Day!
God bless you all!

I am having a special post for today. I would like to dedicate it to all Mothers around the world especially to all Mothers from Europe. Another special mention is for my dearest Mother, Mama Rosa. Thanks a lot for everything Mama for all the things you had done for us especially for bearing us for nine months inside your womb. You are always blessed! You are always the great Mother of all! Don't forget to take your vitamins and medicines everyday. I always wish you good health always and more days and years in your life together with Papa. I miss you all. How I wish I can give you a hug and greet you personally but I am thousands of miles away from home. I love you all and I miss you all too! God bless and hope to see you all again next year.

Here are the beautiful flowers to all great Mothers around the world!

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