Posted in May 12, 2010 ¬ 11:57 pmh.Claire LascentoNo Comments »
Everybody loves Paris. It’s the most expensive city in the world. It’s definitely the destination of the riches and the elites. A few day vacation to Paris is merely not enough. There are plenty of side trips you need to do in order to really discover the place. Paris is one such ambiguous city you will need to visit and revisit, before you’ll even begin to like it. You’ll never run out of things to do even your itineraries for the day is not enough, the place is overwhelmingly charming and classic. It’s the home of the Mozart’s and the pride of Beethoven and the base of the ‘Eiffel’.
The city is literally expensive, everything here is costly. The coffee worth a hundred bucks. There are many perceptions of the city-that the French care for dogs more than the people, that people are snobbish, that they reject anyone who doesn’t speak the same language, there is nothing to see beyond the Eiffel Tower, the weather is unpredictable and all one does is walk and walk and walk. Perhaps to a certain extent true. But to understand the place better, it takes more than a leap of adventure.
The place is historically rich and versatile. There are plenty to do when in Paris nevertheless you have to take each to-do list one at a time. There’s plenty of room for adventure in the city of romance. Start your trip with a stroll in the Museum, there are plenty of museums in Paris to enjoy. It’s good to have a dandy-dandy travel map at your back pack. It’s not easy to understand Parisians especially when you’re thinking about something else. Bring your packed lunch and enjoy a lucn meal at the park and you’ll be surprise to see many of the French people packed salami there. They might be living in the land of luxury but their pleasures are quite simple.
A stroll in their beautiful garden parks is a quiet moment where you’ll see people solitary sitting on the benches reading newspapers , painters painting their masterpiece, Mom’s strolling their babies, little children eating the delicious ice cream cone of Berthilon. No fare expense, just your legs will bring you to this wonderful usual delight of common locales. Enjoy a cheap ride on board the river boat or rent a bike to roam around the city and you’ll surely enjoy the trip. Besides art is everywhere for free- in Metro Stations, walls are decorated with history in artistic paintings.
As you continue travelling along, you’ll pass by a fragrant bouquet of flowers and take note, you won’t need to buy them because it’s for free. It’s in the park, just don’t pick them-see the sign? French love their markets where they enjoy good food, and where you can also do the same.
Privacy is well valued by the people which sometimes mistaken as snobbery among tourists. But as you go along mingling with them you’ll find their uniqueness is pretty much acceptable. Paris is a habit that grows on you gradually until you wake up one day to find yourself totally and completely subdued and overwhelmed.
Posted in May 12, 2010 ¬ 11:52 pmh.Claire LascentoNo Comments »
Everybody loves enchanting paradise like Disney World of fun. Unfortunately the cost of joyrides and amazement activities is a little bit expensive. So why not go buy an ice cream and wait for Mickey to pass by, well that’s part of an and adventure you wouldn’t have to pay! It’s a lifetime dream to kiss and hug them and the reality is practically priceless. I know you’ve been dreaming to do that!
Florida has many lovely spots, only none compares to the thrill of the magical world of Disney. And the price is also quite magical too! So in practical sense you must have something to do if in case of a tight budget. The entrance and the rides is already expensive but the list of things you can freely do in Disney without the slash of fun and enjoyment is endless. No charge! It’ll save you buckets of cash. Here’s some of the tips.
1.Get a free Soda . Simply ask for a free sample of a drink.
2. Take endless photographs .
3. Look for some free rides in any of the theme parks.
4. Gaze at the wonderful fireworks.
5. Kiss and Hug Disney characters.
6. Take advantage of a free tour around Disney.
7. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant.
8. Enjoy strolling at the Boardwalk.
9. See the petting farm. It’s open from 7 am to midnight.
10. Ask for ice water, they’ll pour it into a cup.
Posted in May 12, 2010 ¬ 11:47 pmh.Claire LascentoNo Comments »
A trip to the Philippines yield wonderful showcase of nature including pristine tropical forests, islands blessed with lagoons, rich coral reefs, and quirky endemic mammals-plus a surprising herd of African animals. All you can imagine in the Calamian Islands of Palawan. There’s a lot more to enjoy when you’re travelling in one of the prettiest vacation holiday destination of everyone, nature lovers find their way in this beautiful, untouched sanctuary of the Calamian Island.
Giraffes, Gazelles and Zebras in the Philippines wild? Nope, we are not putting you on. Right here at the Calauit Nature Reserve, a 3,700-hectare free-ranging islands, is a haven for non-carnivorous animals such as giraffes, eland, waterbuck, zebra, impala and gazelle with no predators.
Established in 1976, Calauit Nature Reserve Holds the single distinction of being the first successful wildlife translocation experiment in Asia and the second in the World. Yet for serious Naturalist, the island is more than an accessible African Safari since the project has successfully bred the endangered Calamian deer, Philippine crocodile and Philippine Mouse deer in captivity.
The protected forests and grasslands of the area are also home to the Palawan bearcat, Palawan peacock pheasant, leopard cat, tarsier, scaly anteater, porcupine, monitor lizard, wild chicken and wild boar. For birdwatchers, the island reserve-located off the northwestern coast of Busuanga Island, the largest in the Calamian Group-hosts over 120 species, including the green pigeon, Palawan hornbill, knock pitta, pompadour green pigeon, serpent eagle, and the Philippine falconet.
An area of 200 square kilometers surrounding the island is also a marine preserve so visitors could expect to see spectacular reefs. Indeed, with all the animals both the African and local varieties and all the birds, Calauit is practically a protected tropical “ Garden of Eden” only without the forbidden fruit. The Natural Wildlife Sanctuary keepers see to it that no harm is done to any wild life and the environment as well.
To get there, you can ride a small airplane either from Manila or Puerto Princesa to Busuanga Island’s Yulo King Ranch makeshift airport. The flight from any of these two points is one hour. Upon landing, you take a 30-minute public utility jeepney to the Decalachao Wharf. From there, Calauit Island is just a three-hour ferry ride. Try booking with Club Paradise Resort on Dikmaya Island because they also offer Calauit safari tours and can save you the trouble of applying for a permit from the Conservation and Resources Management. The resort is also known as a good base to observe manatees or “sea cows” which are locally called dugong.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Calamian Island is to gear up for snorkeling. A plunge into the clear waters of the lake will unfold the rich marine life and the picturesque islet after another. Another way to explore is to hire a pump boat for you to discover the magnificent mangrove estuaries full of wild life, desolate white sand coves, and abundant marine creatures.
Prehistoric Past
With a vast tract of virgin rainforest and preserved marine wilderness, the 1,700-island province of Palawan is known as the Philippines last Frontier. Also in Palawan is the site of the Tabon Cave, now dubbed as “The Cradle of Philippine Civilization” because archeological findings revealed that man occupied the cave in different periods for 40,000 years. Fossils found of “The Tabon Man” are dated to be 22,000 to 23,000 years back and together with other prehistoric mammals, they were theorized to come to Palawan through the quaternary land bridges that connected Palawan to Borneo.
The Calamians- which include Busuanga, and Culion, plus 90 other small islands-once connected to Palawan nearby islands Mindoro and Luzon. The Tagbanuas, the semi-nomadic indigenous people who live mostly in Coron Islands, their protected ancestral domain at present, are said to be the descendants of the Tabon Man.
Today, you only need to see the wedge-shaped Coron Island’s 70-meter stretch of limestone spires, similar to those found in China’s Guilin and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, to believe that Palawan was part of the Eurasian Plate some 40 million years ago. Rock climbers may be tempted to scale these 30-to 50-meter Swiss cheese-like karsts but be warned; the rocks can be razor-sharp. It is also recommended to ask the permission of the Tagbanuas or the Nido’s bird nest collector’s, as the sight might be licensed by the Municipality to a particular individual.
Sea and Lake Wonders
Although there are no accommodations in Coron Island, visitors can always spend whole day swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving around it. For a truly enchanting experience, take a short hike over to steep rocky rise to find Cayangan Lake, framed in splendid rock walls adorned with hanging plants and Bonsai Trees. With crystal clear waters that reveals the bottom, Cayangan Lake is reputed to be the cleanest in the Country so don’t pass up the chance to Swim and snorkel. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or you can rent one ( starts from 250 pesos a day). Divers go to Coron for a dozen of reasons: There are 12 accessible shipwrecks of the Japanese Imperial Navy in Sheltered locations in the waters surrounding the numerous islands between Busuanga and lion Island. All the wreck are intact, extremely photogenic and overgrown with hard and soft corals. Several dive shops now operate out the town and provide you with expert guides.
The Olympia Maru has immense plate corals, rug sized anemones and clownfish. It is a favorite among photographers because of the better lighting since it’s portside is only 12 meters from the surface. They also enjoy inspecting the exterior of the 185 –meter long Taiei Maru. Sitting almost upright, divers can swim through walkways which are festooned with Orange Black Coral trees while the main deck is covered with soft and hard corals. You are sure to see shoals of yellow snappers throughout the dive.
In all of the wrecks, expect to find lion and scorpion fishes, fusiliers and batfishes. Lurking underneath in the ships’ twisted metal remains are large groupers. If you’re planning to have a dive adventure, then make sure you chose Barracuda Lake. It’s underwater topography mimics the pinnacles found above ground. Overlooked, but no less breathtaking, the reefs around the islands are lush with soft and hard corals-and sea fans that easily dwarf a diver.
Another wonder is the nearby Barracuda Lake, named after a strange solitary barracuda that seems to have taken the role of being the Lake’s guardian and greeter ( loves to swim across divers). You will be surprised to find crayfish, rabbitfish, garoupa swimming together with catfish since this freshwater lake has a halocline, a division between fresh water and salt water 14 meters beneath the surface. This is probably the cause farther south, be careful not to tread on the bigger Cabugao since the lake and the inner part of the island are off-limits to outsiders. There are very few parts in the world that still remain relatively untouched and offer so much natural beauty as Palawan.
Posted in April 27, 2010 ¬ 4:53 amh.Claire LascentoNo Comments »
There’s a curiously insular feel to the East coast. Until the Fens were drained and the forests of Essex cut down. East Anglia was cut off from the rest of the country and even today, its distance and inadequacies of the A12 keep it fairly empty. It’s almost like steeping back in time, the sand-dune fringed beaches are often deserted birdwatchers are in their element, the sun shines in a huge sky, and the coast is dotted with pleasure boats, windmills and superb pubs for night parties.
Orford is where the keep of Henry 11’s medieval castle stands guard over the River Alde and Orford Ness, the magnificently desolate ten-mile shingle bank that protects the river from the sea. The fleet of schooners, ketches and barges which sent wool to the continent until the 17th century have given way to mirrors, lasers and the like-Orford is dinghy heaven. The castle is worth a visit- as indeed are the Jolly Sailor which sails its own oyster beds, fishing boat and some house.
There is a lovely, lonely walk from the old malting at Snape-which now house Aldenburgh festival concerts-along the ‘Sailor’s Walk’ to Aldenburgh itself. On the way you pass the windmill which is one of the beautiful place to appreciate the sights and sounds which provided the inspiration for so much of Benjamin Britten’s classic music.
Aldenburgh is a typical English resort: fishing boat pulled up on the shingle beach, seashell-coloured houses, bracing breezes and an ideal fish-and-chip shop. The road from Aldenburgh delves inland to avoid the coastal marshes before emerging at the sea once more at Southwold. A Mecca for beer drinkers too.
There are plenty of other diversions: a prize-winningly clean beach, fine cliffs, and lovely Gregorian architectures and what must be the most magnificent seaside Church in the country.
Lowestoff and Great Yarmouth are East Anglia’s ‘pleasure beaches’. If you like the attractions of a big resort-amusements, deckchairs and, of course, crowds-then head for either. If you prefer to fend for yourselves amidst sun dunes, there are plenty of wild beaches further up the coast.
Cromer is a railway-age seaside resort with a wide sandy beaches, impressive cliffs topped by luxurious Victorian hotels and B&Bs, and one of the few remaining pier theatres-packed in summer. Next comes the flint-built fishing village of Sherigham. It’s a beautiful peaceful place. Cley-next-the-Sea is another delightful flint village whose Custom House and gabled houses give it a Dutch air. It is also the nerve centre for the nation’s birdwatchers. You can walk the three miles along the shingle bank to Blakeney point, which was Norfolk’s first National Trust nature reserve.
The Village of Blakeney itself is totally unspoilt. From Blakeney to Holme-next-the-sea, the road provides a wonderful view of the coast. Wells-next-the-sea, which has a proper working harbor where you can sit and watch the fishing boats bring in their catches of whelks, crabs and sprats. And the beach at Holkham is a real gem you don’t want to miss for blissful tour at the East Anglia.
Posted in April 27, 2010 ¬ 4:35 amh.Claire LascentoNo Comments »
If Tuscany has her Chianti, then Napa Valley has her Cabarnet Sauvignon. Bold with flavor, The California Cabernet Sauvignon is no longer the poor relative of the Cabs of Bordeaux. She can actually put up a pretty good competition, now that wine experts are veering away from tradition and welcoming change with open arms. Gone are the days of pretentious wine drinkers with pompous faces and names to match. Today, wine drinking is much more accessible and even enjoyable for young folks.
Napa is a popular honeymoon and anniversary destination so this makes their prices extra steep. It pays to Google first the ‘Napa Valley’ so you’ll find a bunch of places to stay an overnight or two with your love-one. Hotel and Villas in Napa Valley are all promising you the special Wine Country experience. Wine country is divided into several districts, each offering a slightly different flavor from the other.
It’s always a good idea to visit Napa because of the beautiful gardens, romantic lodging, superb wine, and lovely food that never do anyone harm. The ideal season to go is during fall when the colors are at their wonderful varied and vivid. And the best way is by cab; driving through the mellower route of the Marin headlands. Driving a rental is the best way to enjoy the place. Reputable companies offer budget transportation terminal fee, for only $30 a day you can snag a decent sedan.
If you would like to live out the fantasy, then you can choose for a convertible for only $90 a day. Another reason why the Wine Country is popular is because it is also Food Country! You will sure to enjoy dozens of award winning recipes in their restaurants. From a five star cuisine to a delicious home cook meal.
Robert Mondavi’s vineyard is a popular stop but if you want a little more privacy, head to Prestons of Dry Creek where a few Sauvignon Blancs and Zinfandels are on offer in a homey tasting room that also sells homemade bread, olive oil, and organic vegetables. Partake of your purchases at one of the picnic tables shaded by walnut and persimmon trees, overlooking the forested hills, and have a first-hand experience of la dolce vita. Tra Vigne is an elegant Italian restaurant known for their authentic pizzas and pastas. The romantic ambience will surely set the mood for you and your sweetheart.
If you like castles and monasteries, head to Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle, constructed from hand-carved chestnut beams, basalt, sandstone, and 200-year old brick. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, a play of the senses really. There are times when your nose will doubt your mouth but after a few swishes, they’re back in synch again.
Another interesting adventure in the Wine Country is to experience the wine and food of Napa Valley through the Napa Valley Wine Train. The wonderful train cars maintain the appeal of a by-gone era, with the Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions , brocade& Velveteen fabrics reflective of the finest in early 20th century Orient Express.
After enjoying all these winning and dining, there is not a better way to rest than at the Auberge Du Soleil. There are 52 rooms inspired by the Cote d’Azur-shades of terra cotta and orange, tiled floors, limestone countertops, and matelasse bedcovers. The restaurant still serves the wine-country cuisine that it helped invent. Sample the duck with wild mushrooms in one of the tables on the terrace, and feel your life slow down and your bruised spirit restore itself, completely.