Most Splendid Place For Me

With its exceptional museums, spectacular architectures, grand royal parks, scrumptious foods, and lavish shopping spots, London is the most splendid place anyone could visit.  Because there are so many things to expect in London, travelers must really plan the visit to experience all of it—or at least most, if not all—in England’s capital.  Some of the top places to see are Central London, Victoria, Piccadilly, and City of London.

Central London is composed of the districts found in the center part of London, hence its name.  This place is mostly crowded by corporate offices, universities, department stores, libraries, theaters, and other major leisure facilities. Due to this, Central London cradles the most expensive housings in the world. Among the districts found in Central London is London City, which is also called as the Square Mile because of its short perimeters.  The famous attractions in the city include Bishopsgate Tower, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Temple Bar moment.  Just around the London City is another embellished city—the city of Westminster.  Merely like London City, Westminster has so much to offer.  Department stores, Victoria Palace Theater and Cardinal place development are situated in the area of Victoria, while St. James Park could be found in Piccadilly.
 
  

Bishopsgate Tower along with the rest of the structures in London City.

  
St. Paul’s Cathedral  

 Visiting these place maybe very costly. However, there are some Central London Hotels, Victoria Hotels, London Piccadilly Hotels, London City Hotels, which could not be as much expensive as people thought it would be; so travelers can spend their money on other things such as souvenirs or London delicacies!

Postcard Collector

 For 25 years now, I have been a postcard collector.  Most of the cards were sent to me by my niece, Raquel, and her husband, Matt, who are globe-trotters.  I appreciate their thoughtfulness and love with each card I received, because  all of those exhibits places they had visited.  The ones that I love looking over and over are the New Zealand postcards.

New Zealand is no doubt a vacation paradise.  Its capital city, Wellington is a fine combination of heritage, buildings, museums and galleries, excellent food, and dynamic entertainment.  Truly, a perfect place to visit. Just like Wellington, another interesting city in the country is Auckland, the city of Sails.  It has perfect beaches and vitalizing walks.  One can also find here superb food and wine, great shopping, and exciting nightlife.  It is in that city where you can find New Zealand’s famous landmark, which is Sky Tower.  Another place in the country that is interesting is Christchurch.  Though it is known as the garden city, Christchurch offers more than natural environment.  Lots of thrilling and active sports await the tourists such as hand gliding, bungee jumping, rafting, paragliding, kayaking, whale watching, and many, many more.  Also, tourists could try the Gondola ride (picture at the right), the  which gives a spectacular 360 degree view of the city as it lifts up to the summit of a famous extinct volcano.  I am pretty sure New Zealand gave Matt and Raquel a memorable thrilling experience. 

Most hotels in Wellington, hotels in Auckland, hotels in Christchurch and other hotels in New Zealand could be a little pricey.  Tourists could always use a little help by canvassing through the internet.  Cheaperthanhotels.com has last minute and year round discounts that mus be taken advantage of.

I wanna be happy

Years ago, I read in an issue of Reader’s Digest magazine that Denmark is recognized as the happiest country on earth.  Since then, that country has been so intriguing to me.  I started on searching for its location on map and, eventually, learned some things about Scandinavian and Nordic countries.

Denmark is a place where you can find best of both worlds.  City life and rural life are in harmony, which offer fascinating old castles, grand churches, scenic lanscapes, and music festivals. Its capital, Copenhagen, somehow puts its tourists in a trance of past ages through the ancient buildings juxtaposed in blocks.  Although rich in historic landmarks, tourists could find some Denmark hotels and Copenhagen hotels that are modern and stylish.

Another country that caught my attention is Iceland.  Despite its cool and chilly name, I’ve learned that Iceland is far from what I imagined.  It is not like the aspects of Antartica.  Iceland is rich in panoramic nature and amusing wildlife.  Aside from those, the country has night life as well, and for that matter, the city of Reykjavík could be the best place.  Downtown bars are usually so lively and fun that some serve its customers until six in the morning on weekends.  In Iceland hotels and Reykjavík hotels, there are also bars that tourists could hang out in.

Although those countries are known to have high cost of living, I am still longing to experience how it is like to be in happy countries like those.  I need not settle there, just a visit in Denmark and Iceland would surely make me the happiest!

Romantic Places in Europe

 The grandest dream I ever had is to travel to Europe.  This includes setting foot on Italy specifically in the cities of Milan, Rome and Venice. However, realization of this fantacy seems to be remote. But for those of you who are planning to go to Europe, I would suggest that you see the historic Italy, this place of unequalled Pizza and Pasta. Go to  Milan too, the one city of Italy renowned for high fashion. The acclaimed designers of the world are here. Be dazzled and catch some of  their creations. From here, you can proceed to Venice. If you are with your loved one, this is one perfect place for you. Hop on to one of the ever famous Gondolas, snug each other, and savor the magnificent view while cruising the Grand Canal. Of course, the timeless city of Rome can never be and shouldn’t be forgotten. This city that was built thousands of years ago by Saints and Emperors alike boasts countless museums that is house to some of the most  famous works of art. Likewise, you’ve got to prepare yourself to view the world famous Colesseum.  Embed yourself to its historic structure and journey back in time.  

Colosseum (Rome)

 

Gondola (Venice)

 
Versace Fashion Show (Milan) 

 So plan your Italian tour now. I bet you won’t have a difficult time on acquiring the best accomodation that would suit your budget. You can find  a cheap place to a luxury resorts in Italy through Cheaper Than Hotels site. Get more value for your money on their last minute and year round discount prices with  unbelievable free inclusioins. Just click on Hotels in Italy, Hotels in Milan, Hotels in Venice and Hotels in Rome for your easy access to these homes away from home. Have a wonderful time and a safe travel!

Weekend Happiness

I have always loved weekends. It is the day that my family is whole.  It’s the time when we are all at home. The early Saturday morning starts with a coffee with hubby together with our lap tops. After grabbing some blogging tasks I would proceed to my chores and he to his car washing. My son would be taking charge of  bathing the dogs and cleaning their cages. He also makes sure that all the water containers are filled to the brim since our Maynilad supply lasts only until mid day. My daughter takes care of house cleaning and alternates in doing the dishes with her kuya. And me, I attend to my weekly marketing and food preparations. Clothes washing is done on weekdays so as to keep weekends a little more relax day for me. Meal time is usually fun time with hubby’s corny jokes.

 When things around are already spic and span, we would rather be watching movies on dvd, go to the mall, visit relatives, go out of town or simply eat out. Whatever our activities are, I feel contented just being with my family.

Get yourself prepared

Things are fleetingly changing right in front of your eyes, and the sad part is, there are such things that you just have no control over.  That is the sad reality that life makes us swallow, every single day.  But at least you can get yourself prepared for whatever happens.  Just like getting insurance quotes and choosing the one that suits you and your needs.

My husband’s job deals with insurances for the company he is working for, that is why he knows the importance of it very well.  He believes everyone should save money on insurance; it could really be painstaking but it pays off, it sure does.  We have life, car, and fire insurances and I am thinking of getting another.  I still have to check some quoting insurance services though. 

I am a housewife and I don’t think I am that susceptible to any danger, but it is always good to be sure, right?

More of Spain’s Sand and Sun

I can’t help but be elated whenever I travel with my family and relatives.  I am wishing that all four of us in the family could go together somewhere abroad.  But since there are still budget and time constraints, I am keeping myself satisfied by just surfing the internet and probing possible places that we could go to someday.  Today I found other places in Spain that are tourists’ favorites.  Of course, being a nature lover that I am, these places that I will share in this entry are offering resorts, beach, sand, and sun! 

Gran Canaria is known as the miniature continent as it lies in between large continents such as Africa, Europe and Americas, and also because of the climate variety that the island has. Usually, the southern part of it is sunnier than its northern part, hence, more tourists could be found in the south, specifically in the largest resort that is Playa Del Ingles.  It is an 8km beach that caters to a wide variety of beach-lover groups, like family, middle-aged friends, nudists, and gay people.  Due to this, tourists can expect a very lively and exciting atmosphere from sun up to sun down.
 
Unlike Gran Canaria that has climate differences, Tenerife is an island where sun shines everywhere almost all-year round.  Aside from sand and sun, there are lots of hotels and establishments in Tenerife that tourists could enjoy, making it an island of paradise.  The place to visit in Tenerife is Playa de las Americas, which has three natural beaches and three other man-made ones.  What’s good in this place is that there are scheduled trains and free buses that run within the island, making spot and facilities more convenient to visit.

For short or long vacations, there are lots of Gran Canaria hotels, Playa Del Ingles hotels, Tenerife Hotels, and Playa de las Americas hotels that could be found on the internet.  I am hoping I could someday book my family for a weeks’ stay in these places.

An SM Patron

I remember when I was a little kid, my mother (God bless her soul) used to tag me along wherever she went.. The one place that has stayed in my mind she loved going to was Shoe Mart.  It was then the little store of shoes along Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila. I supposed it was her favorite at the time. The practice had been picked by me as I grew up. Eventually, I realized that patronizing Shoe Mart happened to be a legacy to me. From a little shoe store to a giant conglomerate of SM Super Malls that it is now, Shoe Mart has been part of my shopping life. (If there is such.)   

Few years ago, the said mall launched a promotional card named Advantage Card. The card would earn points for every peso spent on shopping at SM.  Since I know I am a regular customer, I purchased one. Over a year ago, they replaced mine by a new one called Prestige Card. The latter is given to those who have reached a certain amount of purchases and is said to carry various privileges that include checking out on a Priority Lane of its Supermart. Meaning, the Prestige Card holder will always be given priority over other customers on the designated Priority Lane .However, I was dismayed one shopping weekend. I queued up for a very long time just to pay only to find out later that many of those who queued up ahead of me were also given priority despite them holding only an Advantage Card. It made my blood pressure rise a little higher. I felt deceived. After paying the cashier, I went straight to the customer service assistance counter and poured my disappointment out. I was assured by the Store Manager that it won’t happen again.  I am at SM Supermart every so often, and once in a while, there would be a lopsided cashier who disregards the so called Prestige Priority Lane.. I hope the admin people of SM Mall could look into this. Where is the supposedly privilege service the Prestige Card offer?

My Dream Holiday

Over and over again, my mind keeps on going back to Australia.  It is one beautiful country that has captured my heart.  Few years ago, we were there through the invitation of my in-laws particularly my husband’s mom and her sis. They toured us to the different places in Sydney and Canberra. We wanted to see other Australian cities like Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Adelaide and Perth but didn’t have time because we stayed there for only two weeks.

I have heard so much of the theme park that is Sea World in Gold Coast, my sis-in-law said they’ve been there and it’s all a lot of fun.   Pristine water beaches in Surfers Paradise is a holiday haven,  the Cabaret Festival of Adelaide and  the active nightlife in Perth, having various nightclubs, bars and cafes is also inviting. I’ve searched and seen them only  in the internet. I am dreaming to see and experience them personally. We plan to go back and see them all. However, due to its geographical locations, it may be difficult for us to reach all due to the usual limited time  Still, we will try our very best to realize this dream holiday.  We will probably be on our own. We won’t bother my in-laws for free accommodations anymore. I have searched for hotels in Adelaide, hotels in Gold Coast, hotels in Surfers Paradise, and Perth hotels in http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/.  I have learned that hotels here vary from dormitory type to five star hotels.  Most likely, we would avail of the simple affordable ones to maximize our holiday budget. Hopefully, it would be soon.

Shopping Galore At Subic

We were at Subic Freeport Zone last Saturday. We reached the place quite late than expected. It’s due to one bothersome moment that my daughter went through. It made me worry that we had to bring her to the ER of a hospital  in Pampanga. She recovered soon anyway. Then we were on the road again.  It was a fine sunny day that made us enjoy shopping at stores after another. I didn’t actually plan to go shopping, but when I saw the unbelievable low prices, I can’t help but indulge myself on those beautiful yet low priced commodities. My best find I would say, is the Standard Flat Iron which I got for only Two hundred forty-five pesos after the conversion from dollar to peso. And the others are towels (my weakness)  shirts, chocolates and a lot more. After the very tiring shop hopping, we got to eat at Teriyaki Boy. We enjoyed our meals there. Superb! Our lunch in Aristocrat was also great. But not quite as much as what we had at Teriyaki Boy. What a nice day it was. We got to bond with my sis and niece. We were home at around 10pm.

Discover Spain beaches

Like most people, hearing the word Spain instantaneously makes me think about its famous culture and tradition, particularly bullfights and flamenco dance.  Lately, I have learned that there are other things Spain is known for; and these are captivating beaches and festive coasts.  Among the places in the country that can offer both the best of nature and the best of entertainment are Costa Brava, Costa Del Sol, Alicante, and Benidorm.  In these four places, beaches are known captivating because aside from having white sand, waters are crystalline and turquoise-colored.  Meanwhile, coasts are defined as festive because of the numerous establishments’ parties and shows that take place almost every night. Aside from picturesque body of water and ecstatic nightlife, visitors frequent the aforementioned places to explore more distinctive attractions surrounding it; like its awesome architectures, museums, plateaus, alpines, and historic towns. 

Costa Brava

Costa Del Sol  

Benidorm 

Alicante 

If the entire sights and happenings mentioned spell like a grand vacation to you, then, a trip to Espana must be planned right away!  Costa Brava hotels, Costa Del Sol hotels, Alicante hotels, and Benidorm hotels await you, and will definitely be pleased to accommodate you!

I Made It

You see guys, yesterday, I signed up for affiliation to Blogsvertise.  I anxiously waited if it will be approved.  Until I opened up my mail today and found their confirmaton of approval to my application.  Yes! I made it.  Maybe, for most of the long time bloggers,  this is nothing.  But for a stay home wife whose attention has only been on home chores and things around her family, and for one who’s just starting to learn the abc’s of computer, this is much fun.  This is perhaps the boost I’m waiting for. Something to perk me up.  I’m all agog to receive and work on my first task.

Ready. . . get set. . . . Hmmn. .

Just watch out for my first journey! 

Trying My Luck On Paid Blogging

I learned about blogging through my husband.  I saw him always glued to his laptop; although, initially, I was annoyed for such incessant concentration on the computer.  However, when he revealed to me that he is earning so much on what he’s doing, I was really surprised.  I can’t believe that by just blogging, one can earn a lot.  So when he found out that I want to try it too, he introduced me to the world of blogging.

I have created my blogsite more than two months ago.  I am yearning to one day have my own blog being paid.  It looks so interesting to enjoy blogging and being paid as well. So again, through my ever supportive husband’s suggestion, I signed up today to  Blogsvertise. According to him, Blogsvertise pays good.  I should believe him, because he’s already Blogvertising for quite a time now and he is truly happy with it.  Obviously!  Because he won’t recommend Blogsvertise if he isn’t.  I have yet to see though, if they will approve my application.  Let’s wait and see!

Carens Is Beautiful

          Yeah, no more skepticism this time.  Carens is beautiful!  I got to know her fully well last Saturday.  Yes, I had driven her a couple of times before but 'twas only within a short distance. On those two occasions, I didn't have  time to  know her as much as I had last Saturday. Honestly, I thought, I had totally lost my passion for car driving.  I couldn't find a spark to kick off the ebbing spirit.  Not until Tom, my husband, urged me to drive all the way to Pasig and Cainta from our place in Novaliches.  What a pleasant surprise it was for me!  I love to drive again! With a car like Carens, I regained  my  fascination for  driving.  Why not?! She's smooth, she's light and she's easy.  In short,  shes girlish! I've fallen for her.  She has lots of built-in drawers, pockets and "what have you's " which makes her like a very organized lady.  She's indeed lovely and she's  mine.

( FYI: Tom acquired it  few days before our wedding anniversary. Allegedly, it was his gift for me.  I have yet to see if he's telling the truth.  I do believe tho'  that he would always be willing to let me use it  whenever I want to. He's that unselfish. I should know.  He's my husband for a very loooooooong time!)  

Family’s Baguio Holiday

          It has been days since the family came back from the three day  Baguio Holiday.  That's in celebration of our wedding anniversary  last Thursday, the 22nd of November. Yet, the joy of the trip lingers on.                                                  

          Baguio is still captivating despite the booming population. The chilly breeze of the city reminded me of the cold spring season of Sydney. The striking, colorful flowers that abound every street, park and nook brought me back to Canberra, the beckoning capital of Australia. The panoramic view outside our rented house was so enchanting.  More of its beauty showed off when darkness covered the night and city lights glitter the mountain slopes. It was awesome, but one had to endure the unbearable coldness of the evening mist outside the house to completely appreciate the view.                                     

        We visited some of the famous landmarks in the city including the Philippine Military Academy. It was the place we enjoyed the most. As it was a weekday, the cadets were everywhere. They saluted each and every car that passed their way, ours included. Of course they weren’t ignored! We absolutely enjoyed saluting them back. We had another companion that took pleasure in the PMA visit. It was our Shih Tzu dog, Potpot. He freely roamed around the campus but was always on the lookout for our presence. When he’d realize he was left behind, he’d run our way as fast as he can with his long ears and his silky long hair swaying to and fro.

           The two bedroom house we rented was fully furnished. It was clean and cozy. We definitely liked the place. However, we only used the stove and cook wares once. We ate out all the time.  It was our anniversary celebration after all. I kept my hands free from  pots and pans.  All we did was enjoy and savor our favorite foods of Chinese and Australian steaks from well known restaurants. That included eating the exotic Adobong palaka and Ginataang kuhol from the much advertised restaurant of Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac on our way home.                           

           Summing it all up, It was indeed a wonderful holiday. Kudos to my beloved husband.  He made it possible for us, his family, experience  the simple  joys of life.   We are truly  blessed to have  him  in our  lives. I only pray he won't change and that we'll stay together as long as God allows us to. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!

Of old and new cars

I don’t know if I should be happy that my husband has acquired a new car. Yesterday, he drove home a black Kia Carens, a smaller car than our present Toyota Innova. I liked it at first glance because it is smaller.  It looks easier to drive.  I haven’t driven the latter yet - not even once. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. Maybe, I just I got tired of driving or I am simply scared to drive an SUV.  Previously, I had a hard time opposing the Kia proposal. There was a long deliberation on pros and cons only to be informed later that I got no choice.  We have to settle for Carens.  For a while, I was upset.  I have loved our old car, its handsome built and reliability. I have yet to inspect and try the new car. Perhaps, I will learn to love it too. It might be difficult for me though. Because no matter what he says on the much improved quality of Kia, I have had my mind set on the superiority of the Japanese car technology over the Korean. For the meantime, our Innova, will not be disposed  yet; as I appealed for reconsideration. The newly arrived car may turn out truly unreliable. Hence, our agreement that if it  happens, we will let the new car go and the old one stay.

My husband is an addict

Every morning at around four in the morning, I would open my eyes and find my husband gone from my side. He’d be up and working with his laptop on our dining cum working table. In the evening, after arriving from office and after having his dinner, he pulls out his laptop again from the car and does his stuff.  Sometimes there would be a little discussion from the kids who don’t want to let go of the internet. Initially, I feel annoyed. I thought he’s only gaming or viewing sexy girls on the net. The precious time for us, his family is diminished. However, that feeling is not for long. I found out he is blogging and being paid for it. He discloses that he has earned a hefty sum in U.S. dollars. I figured out, not bad! He earns it while he’s around us. Obviously now,  I'm into blogging. And I'm enjoying. Eventually, I would do paid blogging too. Just like what my husband is doing. Looks like he's addicted to it. Addicted to earning U.S dollars. Definitely, I don’t mind at all, if my husband is an addict.

My brand new exploration

           Whew! I can’t believe myself getting techie. Am so excited having opened this blog site. This is my very first time  to do this, ever! Thanks to my  helpful hubby who keeps on prodding me to blog. Only, I’m confused what to write down. Since when did I make my brain work? Oh, that’s many, many, maaany years ago. I’ve settled myself for a lengthy  time of keeping home for my husband and two children  Didn’t busy myself for anything but my home and family. My younger child was still in my tummy when I stopped working. I mean, stopped going to the office to work. And by that, I felt my brain  slowly deteriorate. But now, I feel great! Having means to express myself and to stretch my brain a little bit is big enough for me. So to you people out there, I hereby open up myself to this brand new exploration of mine, blogging! Yahoo!