It has been so long ago when I last posted a tag entry…wow, years actually. Let me thank Mai of Budget Biyahera and Herbert of I am Hashified for tagging me in this meme, My 7 Super Shots. The idea is to post seven photos that fit a theme. It took me longer to post not only since we’ve been always out…wandering, exploring and enjoying the city while it’s summer vacation but because it is not easy selecting from so many years of...
Warning: Image – heavy post. — It’s a second win for Musings on Meanderings! Congratulations for winning last week’s pool! Join us this week for a chance to win 5$ too! — As mentioned, there’s not a year that passes by that we do not visit the Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace). We used to live near the area so it’s inevitable but even though we’ve moved and it takes about an hour to travel there, we...
Congratulations to MommandMatt for winning 5$ from last week’s pool! Join us today to win 5$ too! — I’ve said so many times how Venice is not only the City of Bridges or the City of Waters, it can also be called the City of Windows. Palladian style of architecture can be easily seen as among the buildings in Venice and mostly in Italy. It is a style inspired by Venetian architect Andrea Palladio’s own work; that which is recognised...
We’ve got very little snow this season and we’re hoping for more. It was a usual school day, took the kids to school, went about my daily routines and picked them up again…I had to shoot and did very few but I’m glad I still did because I’m not so sure if we’re still having snow this season. *sigh* ...
A week into hubby’s vacation I received a lovely postcard of the Craigdarroch Castle, it was in pink and really cute. I haven’t received a letter from hubby for the longest time so I didn’t recognize his handwriting at all. He said the place was a bit creepy (contrasts the outside appearance). Maybe because the Victorian castle has had an awfully large number of deaths before its completion thus the atmosphere. According to wiki, it...
The weather is the same in Vienna, cold mornings and warm afternoons that will confuse you on deciding what to wear. The buildings are the same in Vienna, gothic and influenced by Roman architecture, for the city has been permanent seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus was also once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. – This perhaps explain why there are so many churches in the city – thus a hundred spires. As always, the stories...
April 14,2011 This is the road we take everyday when going to school. We wait every year for spring to be able to take photos of the cherry blossoms. This year is a bit sad for us having lost a loved one but the flowers keep our hopes up. Have a lovely weekend. Join! — Passion for photography? Check out great degrees at Guide to Online Schools Keep up with their scholarship opportunities and...
Frolicking around Europe and other cities.
Trying to see new places, trying to capture memories, one city at a time.
Retiree Dan Johnsan may be a grandfather, but he’s got the endurance and spirit for an adventurous vacation in Utah. After he arrives in this western state, he travels to the Zion National Park. He has come prepared with a backpack loaded with water, extra clothes, food and his map tools.
image via http://www.utah.com/
Dan’s first adventure is the Narrows located within the Zion National Park. After taking the shuttle to the trailhead, he embarks on the Riverside Walk Trail, which ends at the river’s edge. When he reaches the river, he must continue his hike in the water. Dan follows the Virgin River upstream and through the canyon. He is thankful for his hip waders and walking stick, which helps him balance as he fights the river’s current.
When he grows fatigued, he finds motivation by recalling his research about adventurer and world traveler William Matthews Brooks. As Dan continues his hike, he takes time out to enjoy the breathtaking view of the multicolored sandstone cliffs on either side of the deep canyon. At the end of the eight-hour hike, Dan feels exhausted but pleased with what he’s endured. He returns to the shuttle and heads to his lodging for the night.
The next day, Dan heads for eastern Utah to hike in the Arches National Park, known for preserving over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. His first stop is Landscape Arch, the oldest in the park and measuring roughly the size of a football field. Because some of the rock fell in the 90s, guests can no longer walk under the arch or even get close. Next, Dan seeks out the Delicate Arch, perhaps the most famous of all the park’s formations. This natural freestanding arch measuring 65 feet tall is depicted on Utah’s license plates. Moreover, the Olympic torch relay passed through the arch during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Next Dan visits a massive sandstone tower called the Tower of Babel, so named because it resembles the ancient Tower of Babel. After a great day of hiking using his map tools, Dan’s visit to the Arches National Park comes to a close. Although his adventures in Utah are over, Dan leaves with a sense of accomplishment after days of strenuous hiking in some of Utah’s most beautiful yet challenging regions.
image via http://images.nationalgeographic.com/
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Changi Airport
image vie http://www.femalefirst.co.uk
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People who would like to get away from routine tasks or very stressful jobs often go on a vacation to relax and recharge. Travelling is one of the best ways to enjoy a change of environment and escape from daily stressors even for just a short while. However, it can also be a source of stress when one fails to plan ahead and prepare for the trip. Here are some of the things you can do to plan a stress free vacation that can be enjoyed to the fullest.
1. Choose your season well. It is important for people to check weather conditions in their travel destinations before sailing off or flying out. This way they can anticipate the type of clothes or protection that they need to bring for their vacation. Equally important is to know the season that is best for scheduling a trip. Those who love the beach can book their vacation during the summer season where they can take advantage of the warm and sunny weather, while people who love chilly weathers, hot chocolates and the feel of powdery white snow are better off with a winter season vacation.
2. Get pointers from reliable sources. It can be difficult to plan accommodations, meals, and itineraries when one is unfamiliar with the vacation spot. Reading travel reviews and recommendations can give you an idea on the best places to stay-in, eat, and explore, including information on what to expect from the locals. Nowadays, one can find several travel review sites on the internet. You can check out the reviews in varied sites to get a more accurate gauge on the ratings.
Blue and white like the flag of Greece. – Santorini
3. Search for the best travel deals. Those who would like to make the most out of their vacation funds can benefit from a little fare comparison. One can save on airline ticket prices or vacation package deals by comparing prices from different service providers. However, one shouldn’t always go for the cheaper option all the time. One should also check for package inclusions and service reputation of the establishments and compare it against similar offers to be sure that they are getting the best deal around
4. Protect yourself through insurance. Buying insurance can be perceived as an extra and unnecessary cost, but it does have some security benefit that travelling people need. One can never predict what will happen during the trip, and being safe is always better than being sorry.
5. Bring only what you need. Don’t bring the whole closet to your vacation, plan your wardrobe for the trip and pack as light as you can. You wouldn’t want to spend your energy lugging around a suit case full of stuff that you don’t really need. Don’t forget to bring medicines including emergency ones to make sure that your health doesn’t suffer during the trip.
6. Learn about money matters. Check airport and international regulations on currencies being brought during travel. Bringing in a large volume of cash can get you in trouble with airport and immigration authorities. If you intend to shop or spend a lot, then an ATM card or credit card will be a good alternative to having loads of cash in your possession.
7. Photo memories. Try to capture every vacation moment with photos so you can always go back to them even if you’re old and grey. Take pictures of people, local scenery, unique features, and anything that catches your fancy during the trip. If you are up to it, you can create a theme for the photos and make a photo story out of them.
8. Shop for souvenirs smartly. Purchasing souvenirs for yourself or for your friends at home doesn’t mean whimsically picking out things on a souvenir shop. Try to go for things that have practical and long term use like shirts or caps, and try to avoid pens or trinkets.
Strike a pose beside one of London’s iconic red phone box!
(image via http://daves211.blogspot.com, copyright: PA)
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Most people would count a package deal to a Greek island or even a couple of weeks in Devon as their annual holiday, but there is a more extravagant side to travel if you have the funds to pay for it. If you have ever been curious about how the obscenely wealthy let their hair down, take a look at ten of the most luxurious trips available.
The exclusive resort
The island of Bedarra lies just off the coast of Queensland in Australia and is home to a series of ‘hidden’ villas. The perfect sands and jewel-like seas of the Great Barrier Reef are only a few steps away and you can enjoy the very best in hospitality and accommodation.
Bedarra island (image via www.flightcentre.co.nz)
The grand hotel
Las Vegas is famed for its opulent accommodation and the Mansion Hotel at MGM Grand is no exception; the facade alone is that of a stately home and there is access to both butler services and media suites.
The private jet
Many a person’s idea of ultimate luxury and notably one of John Travolta’s favourite pastimes a private jet can be hired for a taste of the high life. If you have a few million pounds or dollars to spare, you could even become the proud owner of such a craft.
The ultimate car
If riding around in a set of top-notch wheels is more your speed, check out the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Driving or riding in the world’s fastest, most powerful and expensive grand touring car would certainly complete the holiday experience.
The island package
Ever thought of renting an entire island? While Neckar in the British Virgin Islands is owned by none other than Richard Branson, you and 28 of your friends can pay to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourselves for the night.
The penthouse
New York’s Four Seasons Hotel dedicates an entire roof to its magnificent penthouse suite, which comes with a personal trainer, access to a Rolls-Royce (with a chauffeur of course) and even a Zen garden.
The luxury yacht
Once a chartered ship and now privately managed, the Annaleisse is home to such facilities as a marble-lined bathroom suite. At 85.3 metres in length, it even has space for its own helipad.
The first-class cabin
This is no ordinary first-class air ticket. In Emirates’ idea of luxury cabins, the seats give you a massage, then allow you to sleep in a flat-out position. Bedding and sleep suits are provided. There is no eating on trays, either, as a dining table is included.
The air-bed
Singapore Airlines has gone one better and provided a first-class suite on its super jumbo jet, which fully converts into a convincing bed chamber on what is the largest passenger plane that’s ever been made.
The space ride
The waiting list for just two hours of space travel is already 200-strong. When space tourism finally takes off, the six-seater Virgin Galactic Spaceship Two will be there to allow you to do it in style, in vehicles of truly futuristic design.
So, forget the average 5-star spa hotel and do it like the millionaires do, with lavish experiences and somewhat scandalous price tags. If you’re cruising for ideas for that special celebration or even just indulging in some wishful thinking, it’s worth knowing that there are luxury options out there for every kind of trip imaginable.
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This guest post has been written on behalf of Cruise. If you’re thinking of going on holiday then why not visit Cruise.co.uk for last minute cruise deals.
Speediest bug – The Bugatti Veyron Vitesse
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Walt Disney’s history of brilliant ideas and unrestricted creativity has catapulted the Disney Corporation into the consciousness of billions of people all over the world. Having made countless legendary motion pictures since its foundation in 1923, Disney has a pioneered animated films giving us such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio and of course Mickey Mouse. Many of the Disney stories and characters have since become household names thanks to the classic nature of Disney motion pictures and cartoons. Following the success of his films, Disney set out to become legendary in another field. Having made dreams come true on screen, Walt sought to create a world where Disney characters could come to life.
My daughter at Disneyland Paris
For years it has been every child’s dream to take a Disney holiday once in their lives. What child wouldn’t want to marvel at the magical characters, enjoy the gravity-defying shows, and jump on board the exhilarating amusement rides? And for years parents have dreaded the day their child would ask for Disney World tickets. Not because of the park itself, but because of the costs a trip to Disney would incur. For those of you postponing a trip to Disney for fear that it might break the bank, there are solutions to help you save some cash. The first place you can save is in the price of tickets themselves. No matter what park you visit, have a search online for Eurodisney tickets or Disney World tickets and you can find tickets available at fantastic prices. When you purchase tickets online in advance you can find several discounts and deals for visiting a Disney theme park. For example, a full price one-day pass at the door could get you a 14 day pass on online ticketing site for almost the same price.
From its inception, Disneyland was a place to make dreams come true, and because of the theme park’s success this can be said in several cities around the world. Disneyworld, Disneyland, Eurodisney and Hong Kong Disneyland all offer the ultimate family vacations to create lifetime memories. Children can enjoy the fun and familiarity of all of their favorite Disney characters, and parents can bask in the sun and culture of the beautiful location of the Disney resorts. With a few simple steps such as looking for tickets in advance your Disney Holiday dreams could become a reality.
Disney Village at Disneyland Paris
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With the weather extremely warm outside and the inconsistent streams of heat and rain, many people tend to spend the majority of their time indoors. Reason being simply, to escape the sun or the rain! That being said, we must be kept entertained inside. The variety of activities that are enjoyed inside are generally completely different from those outside. Of course this makes sense, however if you are more outdoorsy person, what would you possibly get up to if being restricted inside? Here’s a list of common indoor summer activities.
For many sports, summer time is the peak of the season, therefore displaying an abundance games from an array of different categories. Here, for the sports fan, lies the perfect opportunity to catch up or follow your preferred teams as you can thoroughly enjoy the heat in the air conditioning with a beer and a snack. Knowing that it is far too hot or wet outside (whatever the case may be), you should have no regrets while you watch live or replayed games.
Fancy Chess?
It may be a Saturday evening or simply a weekday where you may have the day off. Regardless of the situation, if you have some company at home, whether it is a partner, kids or a friend, social games are always interesting to help amuse yourself and pass the time. Social games can include cards, puzzles and board games from an array of genres. These are generally conducted in a social aspect, therefore requiring a minimum number of people. You can incorporate some drinks into the cmix, pending you’re all of legal age.
When admitted indoors due to poor weather, it is an opportunity to catch up on all the latest movies you haven’t had a chance to watch. It would be more exciting to watch movies with a partner of friends, however if you prefer to watch them by yourself, go right ahead. Head down to the local video store and pick up your favourite titles, or re-watch your own copies if you so prefer.
This one maybe relates more so for the ladies, however the guys can get involved to. With the abundance of cooking shows now on TV, you have the opportunity to try match these creations. Try cooking your favourite cuisine from scratch or a preferable recipe from a local recipe cook book.
With excess time on your hands and the ideas flowing in your head, perhaps you could try creating your own blog. Your blog could relate to favourable topics, such as sports or cooking, as this will interest you and provide the motivation to discuss your favourite topics. You don’t have to be an expert to write a blog, many people do it to enhance their writing capabilities, or just to have fun. You just may enjoy it once you gather followers.
We tried to leave the boring ones off this list, such as cleaning, however there are countless indoor activities that you could encounter when staying indoors from poor weather. Be sure to keep all the doors closed to keep either the rain or the heat out. Doors installed from Downunder Screens will ensure all the unwanted temperatures and pests remain outside.
grill at home
Tim H is based in Brisbane, Australia. He enjoys rainy days and has discovered that these are his most preferred indoor activities whislt prevented from going outside.
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