Visit to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

We are finally backed from our trip in Spain. It was a long and tiring trip we had but it was all worth-it. It was again another dream came true when I visited Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia region. This city is also the second largest in Spain after Madrid. This is another interesting city I visited in Europe. A day trip in this city is not enough to see everything. This is also the reason why I would love to visit it again in the future.

One of the sights we visited was the Sagrada Familia. This famous architecture  commissioned by Antonio Gaudi is now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2010. This architecture is truly amazing. Called as Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family or Basílica y Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia in Spanish, this is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona.

I am still quite tired from our Spain trip. For now, I would just like to share some images taken from Barcelona. More travel stories and updates to come in my other travel blogs below;

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View of the Nativity façade during our day trip to Barcelona last July 14, 2012.

a detail of the  Nativity part of Sagrada Familia. 

The style of la Sagrada Familia is variously likened to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism and to Art Nouveau or Catalan Noucentisme. While the Sagrada Família falls within the Art Nouveau period, Nikolaus Pevsner points out that, along with Charles Rennie Macintosh in Glasgow, Gaudí carried the Art Nouveau style far beyond its usual application as a surface decoration. wikipedia.

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Travel Snapshots from SEgovia, Spain

It was quite and adventure when I visited Segovia, a city in Spain located on the north of Madrid.  I travelled to this city alone and I boarded the fast train  of Spain called  AV. It only took over 30 minutes and I was already in Spain.  I would say, it was an adventure travel because there were a lot of experiences I had  when I went there. Besides  it was my first trip to this city and I still don't speak Spanish.  I wish  to share more  about my trip to Segovia in my future post.

For now, just enjoy watching some of the images I took from this city. It was only a day trip and I guess, I only spent almost 4 hours there. At least I was able to see some of  its tier sights.

The Cathedral in Segovia, Spain during our trip last March 2012.

A monument located in front of Alcazar of  Segovia.

View of the surroundings of Segovia from the Alcazar.

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My Second Visit in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Fourth of July 2012, I know that day was a very memorable one for our American friends. It was the same with me because during that day, I also visited for the second time Karlovy Vary. I was actually invited by some friends to go with them and I am so thankful about it. We had a wonderful time in this city and I was happy because I saw them enjoying the place. They love this city.

Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad in English or Karlsbad in German is a city in Bohemia, Czech Republic. It is very famous for its spa and hot springs. Its whimsical architecture also made this city very well-known. Some famous people like Emperor Franz Josef I, Beethoven, Wagner, Tsar Peter the Great Tolstoy, and Marx visited this city for these reasons.

Karlovy Vary which also means Charles Bad was named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the city in 1370. Some famous people

There were quite a lot of people during our visit because  the Karlovy Vary  International Film Festival  is still going on. It started last June 29 and will last until July 7, 2012.  I guess it is the  highlight of our visit  there.

The Mill Colonnade. There were a lot of activities going on that day. Live bands, street performers and other  outdoor activities for children and persons  with disabilities  also took place.

Some colorful and nice buildings  in Karlovy Vary and the Tepla River that runs in this city.

We did not really saw everything in this city but at least  I am happy that I visited it again. Some of our time was spent shopping for Bohemian crystal. Our friends from the United States of America who were with us that day, also the reason why we went there, were so  happy about their experience in Karlovy Vary.

I believed, I will be visiting the city again in the future.

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Spring Trip To Cannes, France

It was indeed a memorable trip we had to Cannes, France last spring 2011. Together with some friends, I truly enjoyed our trip there. I love this city which is very famous for its International Film Festival held in May annually. Sad to say, I haven't witness it  because it was April when we went there.

From our hotel in Pietra Ligure, Italy, our bus needed over two hours to reach Cannes including some stop-overs on the road. I did not get bored while in the bus because the views along the seaside were really amazing.

Cannes has always been a dream travel  destination of many. I believed I am very lucky to be there once in my life. I  always wanted to go back there again in the future. Here are some images I took from Cannes during our trip last April 2011.

The view of the Old Town with the castle on top of the hill.

The Port of Cannes. I was there!

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My 4th Visit in Salzburg, Austria

I should be in Andorra and France  this coming July 1-7, 2012 but it did not  materialized. This is the problem if you are travelling alone sometimes. I called the travel agency last week  that I am willing to pay the  extra charge for single room occupancy but they said  that  there no available  single  rooms anymore. I thought you  will be paying the extra room charge  if you are alone in a double-room. This is quite confusing. But anyway, that trip might not really for me. There are might be other destinations destined for me next month or in August.  I will just wait and see!

For now, I just want to share some images taken during my 4th visit in  Salzburg, Austria. And yes, last  month was my fourth visit to this lovely city of Austria.

Salzburg, the birthplace of the famous composer and musician named Mozart  is also famous for  the setting of the movie, The Sound of Music.  How about climbing to the top of Hohensalzburg fortress?  I did not really climb its top due to time constraint but I was able to go up to the top of the castle by riding the furnicular. If you love shopping, the Getreidegasse is the perfect place for you. This is the famous shopping street in this city.

There are just a lot of things to do and experience in this city. Even I was there for the fourth  time already, I still did not see everything in it. Still hoping for another come back huh?

The St. Stephen's Cathedral in Salzburg.

The Mirabell Garden and from afar, the Hohensalzburg fortress on top of the hill.

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Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

It was not really a bad idea cruising on the Canals of Amsterdam. This is one of the best way to see the largest and capital city of Netherlands. That is also the reason why we did it and it was truly great. We also had fun.

Due to its more than one hundred kilometers of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam has been called the "Venice of the North". I can see the similarity of Amsterdam and Venice because I was also in Venice thrice.

 A boat  cruising the canals of Amsterdam. I took this image during our cruise there last August 2010.

boats on the side of the canals.

The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

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Visiting Siofok, Hungary

This is one of the places we visited during our trip to Hungary last summer. This was a trip full of fun and laughter together with a friend. Siofok is a popular destination in Hungary for both locals and tourists due to its location near Lake Balaton. It is well-known for its nightlife and beaches.

That trip we had in this Hungarian city was quite a memorable one especially the chilling in Lake Balaton. Sorry, we were not ready for swimming that time.

You can see a lot of shops and restaurants in Siofok especially on your way to Lake Balaton.

Siofok's tourist information board. I and a friend, Jean visited this city last August 2011.

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It Was Raining in Birmingham, England

I am traveling back in time again.It is almost four years now since I visited England. One of the places which my friend showed me was Birmingham, a city in the West Midlands of England. It is quite an interesting city full of sights and other things that a tourist can expect.

One of the sights we visited was the Council House. It is the home of Birmingham City Council and is located in Victoria Square.

The Council House in Birmingham taken during my visit last Oct.-Nov. 2008.

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Europe Travel in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

You love pampering yourself in a spa massage? I believed Karlovy Vary is a perfect place for you to go. Called as Carlsbad in English and Karlsbad in German, this spa city is located in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. We had a short sightseeing in this city after our trip and pottery shopping at Boleslawiec, Poland.

Since it was autumn season when we visited Carlsbad, the weather was quite cold that time. We have to wear winter clothes or else we will be frozen.

The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1370 and that is how it got its name. Karlovy Vary is historically famous for its hot springs. This is one of the main reasons why this city is visited by international celebrities, for spa treatment. Another reason is to attend the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. I miss to taste the popular Czech liqueur, Karlovarská Becherovka.

The Sadova colonnade. Karlovy Vary. Czech republic. I was glad to visit this city even just for some hours. We were there last October 2011.

It is historically famous for its hot springs (13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River).

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Visit to Strasbourg Cathedral, France

I chose randomly again the place that I will be featuring in this Europe travel blog. This time I want to introduce Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region of France. Some hours sightseeing is not enough to see everything in this city but I am glad that I was there and was able to experience some of its sights. One of it is the famous Strasbourg Cathedral.

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg and called in French as Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, in German as Liebfrauenmünster zu Straßburg, is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in this city. It is considered to be one of the finest example of late Gothic architecture. Some of its parts are in Romanesque architecture. It's construction started in 1015 and was completed in 1439.

Don't miss to go inside once you are there and take a look of its 18-metre astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world.

The Strasbourg Cathedral during our visit last December 2010.

the interior of the Cathedral.

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I'm Going Back to Spain!

I did not expect that I can go back to Spain soon. Yes, I already had a confirmation of my plane ticket. Thanks to a friend's connection who gave me the chance to be there. I did not believed that within a span of three months I can go back there again. My first trip to Spain was last December 2011 and next month I will be there again. This time it will be a work and travel adventure. With my one and a half months stay there, I wish to explore more of Spain. I am very happy when my friend told me that my trip was confirmed already. I am quite excited about it. I am more excited because I will be staying in Spain's capital city of Madrid. Imagine that? God always finds a way in making all my dreams and wishes slowly coming true. Thank you dear Lord for all your goodness to me. Thank you so much for everything!

the Almudena Cathedral during our visit last December 10, 2011.

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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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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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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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Sigthseeing in Cordova, Spain

In so many places and countries I visited in Europe and other parts of the world, I would say, Spain is different and simply unique for me. I really can’t get that place out of my head! It’s really stunning!

One of the places we visited there is Cordoba. It is a city in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. Since our hotel was located in Granada that time, we need to ride a bus in going to Cordoba. If I am not mistaken, it is around 200 km away from Granada.

The Gate located near the historic Roman bridge in Cordoba City. I was happy and contented to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site like Cordoba. We were there last Dec. 6, 2011.

The highlight of our visit to this city was the tour we had inside the Mezquita, the Cathedral and former Great Mosque of Córdoba. A day of visit in a lovely city like Cordoba is not enough to see everything. At least, I had the chance to visit and experience it. Who knows I will be there again someday.

walking along the shopping street of Cordoba looking for souvenirs.

It has been estimated that in the 10th century and beginning of the 11th century, Córdoba was the most populous city in the world, and during these centuries became the intellectual center of Europe. Today it is a moderately-sized modern city; its population in 2008 was 325,453.

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Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy

A friend of mine was asking me last time to mention to her if I can find a cheap trip to Rome, Italy. I found one but at the time I called the travel agency, it was already fully booked. Around two weeks ago she told me that she finally booked a trip to Rome. I am very glad for her because she can finally visit the so-called "Eternal City".

I had been to Rome last August 2010. It was only a 4-days visit including the flights and the sightseeing and I still find it too short to see everything. At least, I finally visited and experience the capital city of Italy.

One of the sights we visited was the Trajan's Forum, called in Italian as Foro di Traiano. It is an ancient structure in Rome, Italy and known as the last of the Imperial fora. It was constructed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus.

Trajan's Column on the far left of the photo..I took it during our visit last Aug. 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.

To build this monumental complex, extensive excavations were required: workers eliminated the sides of the Quirinal and Capitoline (Campidoglio) Hills, which closed the valley occupied by the Imperial forums toward the Campus Martius.

the plan of Trajan's Forum.

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Autumn in Buckingham Palace, London, England

It's almost three years now since my three weeks trip in England. One of the sights that my friend showed me is Buckingham Palace. At this time, the palace is closed to public visitors. Another friend also mentioned that it is good to visit Buckingham Palace in August because you can go inside it.

Buckingham Palace is located in the city of Westminster and the London home and primary residence of the British monarch.

taken during our visit last October 29, 2008.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building which forms the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705 on a site which had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was subsequently acquired by George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, and known as "The Queen's House". During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, forming three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official royal palace of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

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The Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary

I remembered one of the tourists who was with us during our trip to Budapest last August. She said that she was fascinated about this part of Budapest which is the Heroes' Square. Hősök tere, as it is called in Hungarian is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hungary, rich with historic and political connotations. It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of an extensive World Heritage site), next to City Park.

the Millennium Monument, in front of it is a large stone cenotaph surrounded by an ornamental iron chain.

taken during our visit last August.

Hősök tere is surrounded by two important buildings, Museum of Fine Arts on the left and Palace of Art (or more accurately Hall of Art) on the right. On the other side it faces Andrassy Avenue which has two buildings looking at the square — one is residential and the other one is the embassy of Serbia (former Yugoslavian embassy where Imre Nagy secured sanctuary in 1956).

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