EuroAngel Graffiti

Our 8-days trip to Spain is over. It was so far one of the best trip I had this year. Everything was almost perfect during that trip. From hotels we stayed-in to the food being served during breakfast and dinner, the places we visited were simply amazing and most of all we had a tourist guide who is so knowledgeable in sharing most of everything about Spain. It was simply an awesome and wholesome trip!

For me the trip was worth the price and the places were truly worth to see. In fact, it was really a cheap trip. Among the cities we visited are Granada, Sevilla, Cordova, Toledo and Madrid. Every places was a highlight because each has its own beauty and truly has something to offer to its tourists and visitors like me.

I have been to the many different cities and countries in Europe this year but the trip to Spain is one of the most memorable and unique one I had this year. A part of me and my heart was left in this country. I just simply fall in love with it. I wish to visit it again in the future.

The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid) is the official residence of the King of Spain in the city of Madrid, but it is only used for state ceremonies. King Juan Carlos and the Royal Family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.

With the freezing cold winter in Europe, I believed most Europeans want to go for vacation to a place where the weather is warm and friendly. This is the best time of the year to go for a holiday somewhere in the tropics.

Some of you might still be thinking which is the best place to escape the cold winter in Europe. Thailand in Southeast Asia for example can be one of your choices. Be sure to find the best and the cheapest Thailand holiday packages online or in your travel agency nearby.

Here are some of the things you might want to see and experience when visiting the so-called “Land of Smiles”.

Beaches and Islands– I believed this is one of the main reasons why Thailand attracts millions of visitors from around the planet every year. It is very famous for its white sand beautiful beaches especially in Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket.

Historical and Cultural Attractions– Thailand is one of the countries in Southeast Asia which is rich in both cultural and historical attractions. Bangkok, its capital city is often the starting point of visit of most tourists from around the world. The Grand Palace which is home to Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand that houses the Emerald Buddha is a must- see when visiting Bangkok.

If you have interest in Thai history, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are the best place to visit. Interesting sights like Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet are also worth of stops. These sights are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Shopping– This is one thing you should not miss when visiting Thailand especially in Bangkok. There are a lot of markets and malls in this city which sells cheap goods like clothing, handicrafts, electronics and a lot more. Grab a Thai silk as a souvenir.

If you have the chance, go visit the night bazaar in Chiang Mai.

Outdoor Activities– One of the best experience when visiting Thailand is snorkeling or scuba diving. I remember a friend named Cathy who told me that these outdoor activities are such a great adventure under water. Rock-climbing in the limestone cliffs of Rai Leh are said to be among the best in the world. Longboarding and sea-canoeing are also among the good things to experience in this country.

Pamper Yourself with Thai massage and Spa– Once you visit Thailand, why not try a relaxing experience and pamper yourself with Thai massage. It is said that this massage has a history of over 2,500 years. Many Thais believe that these massages are beneficial for curing diseases and for general well-being.

Thailand is also one of the highest ranking spa destinations in the world. Swedish massage, aromatherapy and other form of massages are also offered in many spas and hotels in Thailand. Depending on your budget, you can have an extravagant wellness in the five star hotels or to the ubiquitous little massage shops found on many street corners.

It’s more that three months since had a cruise in Wachau, Austria. This Austrian valley has a picturesque landscape formed by the Danube river, the second longest river in Europe. Our cruise started in Spitz until Krems. It was a five-days trip were we also visited Budapest and other towns and cities in Hungary. Vienna, Austria was also included in that trip.

After that cruise we had in Wachau which was on the fifth day of our trip, we already proceeded home. It was so far a beautiful experience.

It’s TGIF again and it is almost ending in Europe. I guess you have a wonderful day today. Yes, I did! I am trying to remember how many times I was at Nuremberg’s Christmas Market. Once, twice, thrice…I believed five times already. There were times when I go with my friends and one time that I was alone. There are just people who can’t travel alone but I am happy to do it from time to time.

Our visit today in Nuremberg was another wonderful experience. This time I was with my friend’s parents who are from San Francisco, California, USA. Another two friends were also with me. It was fun going around and do some sightseeing. As usual, there are a lot of people at the Christmas market which is currently held at the Hauptmarkt or Main Square, located just in front of the famous Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady.

There are variety of goods and products from Christmas decors, arts and crafts, food and other souvenirs being sold in more that 180 wooden booths at Nuremberg’s Christmas Market. I believed it is again another success this year for this event.

I had a conversation last week with my sister. She was asking if I am going home to Cebu in March next year to celebrate with them the Fiesta in Ginatilan. This is my Mother’s home town and it is very famous for its annual patronal festival which is locally called Pista (came from the Spanish word fiesta).

I have here an image taken during my vacation last year. This is the St. Gregory the Great Parish Church. It has a baroque architecture and was built on February 2, 1829. The church is located at the heart of the town still stands lofty and dominates other structure. Ginatilan became a parish only in 1847, although the church was completed earlier.

Here is an image during my vacation last 2010. The answer to the question if I am going home next year? Probably if I will win in the lottery..lol!

The St. Gregory the Great Parish Church in Ginatilan, south of Cebu in the Philippines. Every March is annual festival in honor of the this Saint.