Watching The Sunset in Sarimrakli, Turkey

It was a nice afternoon as arrived in our hotel in Sarimsakli, Turkey. The weather was friendly with a temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius. We stayed in Berk hotel and resorts which is some meters away from the beach. We took the chance to go a bit walking on the beach while watching the beauty of the sunset. It was so far a wonderful afternoon.

The sun setting in Sarimsakli. The beach in Sarimsakli, Turkey.

The beach in Sarimsakli, Turkey while watching the beauty of nature, the sunset.

Sarimsakli is a town in the Ayvalik District of Balikesir Province in Western Turkey, Turkey. The town's name means "land of garlic" in reference to the region's considerable production of the Alliaceae plant.

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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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My Euro Travel in San Remo, Italy

San Remo, also written as Sanremo, is a city which is best known as a tourist destination in Italy. It is located in the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy. The city center of San Remo is quite small that it is very easy to explore by foot. We had a memorable and enjoyable trip to this city especially when we took our lunch in one of its restaurants. The food were good and quite cheap.

Due to its location near the Mediterranean Sea, San Remo has a very nice warm weather almost all year round. It has warm days but always be prepared to wear a warmer or sweater during chilly nights. San Remo is also very famous for its production of the extra virgin grade olive oil.

It was a very nice trip we had in this city.

The San Remo casino, an architectural masterpiece right in the centre of town. It was built in 1905 and an example of liberty style building.

some of the old but historical and interesting buildings located near the church of San Siro in San Remo. These images were taken during our trip last April 2011.

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Rainy Summer Days in Paris, France

It was summer season last year, when we visited Paris, the capital and largest city in France. My shoes were wet as we walked down to some of the main sights in this global city. Paris known as the "The City of Lights" is truly one of the must to see when visiting Europe.

I was glad again to visit one of the world's leading business and cultural centres. Paris is always an interesting city for me.

The Eiffel Tower, the famous and most iconic symbol of Paris. You see how gray the sky was during our visit last August 2010. My first visit in this city was last March 2009.

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The Colosseum in Rome

Let's go back in time and history by visiting the iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Colosseum or Coliseum is considered to be one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. I can't imagine how the workers and builders built this magnificent architecture during those times when there were still no modern tools and machines like what we have now. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles during the Roman times. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourists attractions in Rome.

It was truly a wonderful and stunning trip we had in Rome last year especially seeing its historical ruins and architecture.

The Colosseum was built in ca. 70–80 AD. taken during our visit last August 2010.

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The Beautiful Beaches in Nice, France

The charm and beauty of this place is still very fresh and always playing in my mind. Nice, a city in France is truly nice and beautiful. I love especially its white sandy beach, its historical settings and simply the place. I never regret my trip to this part of France. It was truly a memorable and stunning vacation!

Just simply look at the images I took below and you will see how beautiful this place is. No wonder it is nicknamed as Nice la Belle (Nissa La Bella in Niçard), which means Nice the Beautiful.

striking a pose in Nice, France. I love this city!

the beautiful white sandy beaches in Nice. It reminds me of home.

The area of today’s Nice is believed to be among the oldest human settlements in Europe. One of the archaeological sites, Terra Amata, displays evidence of a very early usage of fire. Around 350 BCE, Greeks of Marseille founded a permanent settlement and called it Nikaia, after Nike, the goddess of victory. wikipedia.

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The Regensburg Cathedral in Bavaria, Germany

The Regensburger Dom or Regensburg Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture in southern Germany. It is dedicated to St. Peter and considered to be the famous landmark of the city Regensburg in the state of Bavaria, Germany.

view of Regensburg Cathedral in the foreground the Donau or Danube River. taken during our visit last August 2010.

The Cathedral is also the burial place of important bishops, including Johann Michael von Sailer (1829-1832, memorial built by Konrad Eberhard in the south chancel), Georg Michael Wittmann (1832-1833, memorial also by Konrad Eberhard in the north chancel), and Archbishop Michael Buchberger (1927-1961, likewise in the north chancel). In the western part of the central nave stands a bronze memorial for the Prince-Bishop Cardinal Philipp Wilhelm (d. 1598), the brother of Duke Maximilian I of Bavaria. wikipedia

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St. Peter's Square in Manchester, England

I had the chance to visit England in 2008. One of the cities I visited was Manchester. I can still remember our experience when visiting this city. I wish I can share it next time. Thanks to my friend, who brought me there and showed me the city.

I have here some images taken during my visit last November 2008.

The area around St Peter's Square was previously known as St Peter's Field , which went down in history as the location of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre. The name derives from St Peter's Church which was built where the gardens are today in the late 18th century and also gave its name to Peter Street. It was a building in Classical style (architect James Wyatt: built 1788-94) and once famous for its church music. It was demolished in 1907 and the Cenotaph replaced it in 1924. A stone cross (1908) commemorates the church. The square is the site for the city's Remembrance Day commemoration each year.

To the west of the square is Peter Street, on which is the Midland Hotel and to the east is Oxford Street.

Metrolink trams from Altrincham and Eccles serve two platforms in the west of the square which are located directly in front of Manchester Central Library. The square is located southeast of Manchester Town Hall and it is between Deansgate-Castlefield and Piccadilly Gardens.

To the west of the square is Peter Street, on which is the Midland Hotel and to the east is Oxford Street. more here

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Sightseeing in Kallmünz, Bavaria, Germany

Kallmünz is a municipality in the district of Regensburg in the state of Bavaria, Germany. It is a beautiful small medieval town situated at the Naab river. It is situated around 15 kilometers from Hohenfels, where the JMRC training of the U.S. Army is located.

The image below was taken as we were on our way to the castle ruins in Kallmünz. You can also see the tower of St. Michael's Church on the right side. River Naab is also visible on the background. The ruins of the Kallmünz Castle is the main attraction in this area.

this image was taken during our visit last May 2010.

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Beautiful Cities To Visit in the Baltic Region

When you are talking about Baltic regions, these might refer to the following;

*Its Baltic states like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania
*The countries that have shorelines along the Baltic Sea like Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Poland, Russia and the first three ones I mentioned above.

There are still a lot of places and countries to consider when talking about the Baltic Region. There are also a lot of interesting cities to see and to experience in this part of Europe. Whether you will spend a family vacation, a cruise in the Baltic islands, coach tours or a train journey, taking a trip to this beautiful region will be an enjoyable one.

Here are some of the beautiful cities on my travel wish-list in the Baltic region.

Copenhagen

I have a friend who made a trip to Copenhagen around two years ago. She told me that this city is one of the most beautiful cities she visited in Europe. She was truly impressed during their family trip in Denmark's capital. That is the reason why she recommended this city to be included in my travel wishlist.

Copenhagen is well-known for its historical architecture, its many parks, interesting museums, richness in water resources and the bicycle paths that line its streets. A must-see to visit include the Marble Church, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the City Hall, the former Church of St. Nikolaj and so many more. The museums in Copenhagen can compete internationally. Worthy to visit are the National museum, the National Gallery, The Danish Museum of Art & Design and another important one is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

Amalienborg, the royal couple's winter residence, is a major architectural work and probably the most outstanding piece of Rococo architecture in Denmark.credit

I would love to especially experience the Copenhagen carnival, the Copenhagen Fashion Week and the Copenhagen cooking. Any more suggestions?

Stockholm

This is the capital and largest city of Sweden. Stockholm is a cosmopolitan and global city. It is also a lively and lovely city with its modern Scandinavian architecture, a lot of green areas and fairytale towers. It is the home of the national Swedish government.

I can't imagine that city is made up of 14 islands. I believed visiting it for a day or two is not enough. The sites to visit include the City Hall, the Royal Palace, Gamla stan (the Old Town), the Stockholm Cathedral, the German Church,Stockholm Olympic Stadium and so many historical and modern architecture. Copenhagen has a lot of interesting museums to visit also. Since it is a green city, walking around its parks can be a relaxing and calming trip.

Helsinki

I always wanted to visit Finland especially its capital city, Helsinki. It is one of northern Europe's major cities. It is also the major political, cultural, financial, educational and research center of Finland.

The Helsinki Cathedral is considered to be one of the most prominent buildings and an iconic symbol of the city.credit

Interesting sight to visit is the Senate Square where you can find the Government Palace, University Building and the Helsinki Cathedral. Other sights include the South harbour of Helsinki, The Senaatintori square, Helsinki market square, its Olympic Stadium , The Esplanadi Park and a lot of museums like the The National Museum of Finland.

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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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My Euro Travel in Warwick Castle in England

What do you see when you are visiting Europe? I believed you are expecting a lot of old and historical sights, monuments, buildings, architecture and etcetera! Yes, that is true. Some might not like it but I do and will always love it. In fact, I would love to see and experience all of Europe. I keep trying and need to save a lot to do it.

I am sharing some snapshots I made during our visit to the medieval in Warwick. I am so happy seeing this castle last November 2008.

Warwick Castle a medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire, England. It sits on a bend on the River Avon. If I am not mistaken the castle's construction began in 1068.

The interior of Warwick Castle as viewed from Ethelfleda's Mound during our visit last November 2008.

The walls and towers of Warwick Castle. I was playing with my camera before and had this image. I guess this is a sepia color. I love visiting castles in Europe.
This image reminds me that I spent the Halloween in Warwick Castle last November 2008. I had a pose with the white lady in the castle.

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The Parthenon in Athens , Greece

The Parthenon is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their protector. It is a temple on Acropolis which dominates the city skyline of Athens, Greece. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and of Athenian democracy and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. Its construction began in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, although decorations of the Parthenon continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art.

Thanks to my friend Ritche for this image taken during her vacation in Athens, Greece.
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ORIGIN OF PARTHENON

The origin of the Parthenon's name is from the Greek word "παρθενών" (parthenon) referred to the "maiden's apartments" in a house and in the Parthenon's case seems to have used only to a particular room of the temple; it is debated which room this is and how the room acquired its name. LSJ states that this room was the western cella of the Parthenon. Jamauri D. Green holds that the parthenon was the room in which the peplos presented to Athena at the Panathenaic Festival was woven by the arrephoroi, a group of four young girls chosen to serve Athena each year. Christopher Pelling asserts that Athena Parthenos may have constituted a discrete cult of Athena, intimately connected with, but not identical to, that of Athena Polias. According to this theory, the name of Parthenon means the "temple of the virgin goddess" and refers to the cult of Athena Parthenos that was associated with the temple. The epithet parthénos (Greek: παρθένος), whose origin is also unclear, meant "maiden, girl", but also "virgin, unmarried woman" and was especially used for Artemis, the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, and vegetation, and for Athena, the goddess of strategy and tactics, handicraft, and practical reason. It has also been suggested that the name of the temple alludes to the virgins (parthenoi), whose supreme sacrifice guaranteed the safety of the city.
more details here

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My Euro Travel in Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg is a city located in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany. This city was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage last 1993. It is a historical city and was not destroyed by World War II. Bamberg also called a City of Creches, the Rome of Franconia and International Cultural Treasure. Another unique name given to Bamberg is Little Venice due to its location on the river Regnitz close to its confluence with the river Main.

Here are some images taken during our visit last October 2010.

the river Regnitz in Bamberg, Bavaria

The bridges connecting to the Old Town Hall. The building in front is the Rottmeisterhäuschen and at the back of this is the Old Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall, also known as the Island Town Hall, since it is located between the spans of two bridges...see that second image here.

Some of the main sights are:

* Cathedral (1237), with the tombs of emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II
* Alte Hofhaltung, residence of the bishops in the 16th and 17th centuries
* Neue Residenz, residence of the bishops after the 17th century
* Old Town Hall (1386), built in the middle of the Regnitz River, accessible by two bridges
* Klein-Venedig ("Little Venice"), a colony of picturesque fishermen's houses from the 19th century along one side of the river Regnitz.
* Michaelsberg Abbey, built in the 12th century on one of Bamberg's "Seven Hills"
* Altenburg, castle, former residence of the bishops

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The Famous Manneken- Pis in Brussels, Belgium

Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a wonderful first weekend of 2011. I had quite a nice one and I can't complain about it. It seems that I was also away for some days. This blog had a little holiday break and I guess, let's begin to travel again.

I had already seen some images of Manneken-Pis in the internet and honestly, I don't have an idea about it. During my visit to Brussels, Belgium last August 2010, I finally found the statue of this very famous little boy. There is a good story I read about this legendary Brussels figure.

A legend says that a rich bourgeois had lost his only son in the crowd during popular festivities. After five days, he found him in the corner of Etuve Street, doing what the little man is doing. You know what I mean folks?

Manneken-Pis whose known to be people's friend has received many military and civil honours and distinctions. The Elector of Bavaria, Germany named Maximilian Emmanuel, gave him his first costume. Ever since then, the lords and burgesses have offerred him the most beautiful clothes. His wardrobe is probably the most varied and complete that has ever existed. There is a museum of his clothes in Brussels.

taken during my visit with a friend, Nonna in Brussels last August 2010.

see what the little man is doing? that is Manneken -Pis..a very cute figure in Brussels.

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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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Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Italy

This is one of the favorite squares I love in Rome, Italy. Piazza del Popolo commonly known in English as People's Square is one of the largest square in Rome. Historically, it derives from the poplars (populus in Latin, pioppo in Italian) after which the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in the northeast corner of the piazza, takes its name.

I did remember we had a dinner in one of the cafe restaurants in this square. I ordered a coke that time. After around 15 minutes, the coke still did not arrived. I was done eating and felt very thirsty already. I was quite disappointed with the customer service of that restaurant besides being unfriendly.

I hope to find an image of that restaurant and want to share it here.

the monument from afar are the steps lead from the Piazza del Popolo to the Pincio to the east.

An Egyptian obelisk of Ramesses II from Heliopolis stands in the centre of the Piazza.

The Piazza lies inside the northern gate in the Aurelian Walls, once the Porta Flaminia of ancient Rome, and now called Porta del Popolo. This was the starting point of the Via Flaminia, the road to Ariminum (modern Rimini) and the most important route to the north. At the same time, before the age of railroads, it was the traveller's first view of Rome upon arrival. For centuries, the Piazza del Popolo was a place for public executions, the last of which took place in 1826. wikipedia

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My Euro Travel in Warwick Castle, England

Hello folks! let's go travel again! How you love to see and visit one of the most interesting castle in England? For me, this is a very beautiful castle. I don't know why but everytime I visit a castle, I am always enchanted by its architecture and history. Do I live in the castle in my previous life? I am just kidding folks!

Here is a picture of Warwick Castle in England. I am happy to visit and spend my Halloween in this castle with a friend from England last November 1, 2008.

The interior of Warwick Castle as viewed from Ethelfleda's MoundI am striking a pose in Warwick Castle. I don't remember now which part of the castle is this. I bought a book about this castle but I left it in my friend's house in Birmingham.

LOCATION

Warwick Castle is situated in the town of Warwick, on a sandstone bluff at a bend of the River Avon. The river, which runs below the castle on the east side, has eroded the rock the castle stands on, forming a cliff. The river and cliff form natural defences. When construction began in 1068, four houses belonging to the Abbot of Coventry were demolished to provide room. The castle's position made it strategically important in safeguarding the Midlands against rebellion. During the 12th century, King Henry I was suspicious of Roger de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Warwick. To counter the earl's influence, Henry bestowed Geoffrey de Clinton with a position of power rivalling that of the earl. The lands he was given included Kenilworth – a castle of comparative size, cost, and importance, founded by Clinton – which is about 8 kilometres (5 mi) to the north. Warwick Castle is about 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) from Warwick railway station and less than 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) from junction 15 of the M40 motorway; it is also close to Birmingham International Airport. source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle

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St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy

It was a dream come true visiting another beautiful city in Europe. Vatican City, a city within a city is where you can see the famous St. Peter's Basilica. I can't believed it myself when I see this historical place in person. I thought it was only in my dream but that dream came true. This is one of the cities in the world that I always wanted to visit. I am very grateful that I was finally there!

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, known in as the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano, has a Late Renaissance architecture. It is a famous place for pilgrimage. You can also see in this cathedral the famous work of art of Michelangelo.

Here are some images I took during our visit last August 2010.

Saint Peter's Square and the St. Peter's Basilica in the background in Vatican City in Rome, Italy.

the Cupola or the Dome of Saint Peter's Cathedral. taken during our trip to Rome from August 11-14, 2010. We climbed the top of the cupola. It has 551 steps to reach it.

The interior of St. Peter's Basilica.
An amazing architecture!

In Catholic tradition, the basilica is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession. Tradition and some historical evidence hold that Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes have been interred at St Peter's since the Early Christian period. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century. Construction of the present basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on November 18, 1626. more here

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The Marienplatz in Munich, Germany

The Marienplatz, commonly known in English as St. Mary's Square is a central square in the city of Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, Germany. You can see here the New City Hall ( Neues Rathaus in German) which dominates this area. It is also one of the major tourist attraction in this city.

Some of the images I took during our visit last August 2010. It is always nice to see this city from time to time.

View of the Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) and Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) looking westward. It was built between 1867 and 1908 by Georg von Hauberrisser in a Gothic Revival architecture style. It covers an area of 9159 m² having 400 rooms. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration.

The famous Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall. It is a major tourist attraction in Munich. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel, performed by an apparatus daily on 11am, 12pm and 5pm.

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